Manila, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation
(NBI) has summoned Rappler’s chief executive officer, Maria Ressa and two
others in line with a cybercrime case filed by a Filipino-Chinese businessman
in 2012.
Ressa and former Rappler reporter Reynaldo Santos Jr. and
Benjamin Bitanga, a businessman were invited to appear before the Office of the
Cybercrime Division at the NBI on January 22.
Bitanga owns Dolphin Fire, a company which reportedly a
major shareholder of Rappler Holding Corp.
The mentioned individuals were summoned to shed light on the
complaint filed by Wilfredo Keng over violation of the Cybercrime Law because
of the article “CJ using SUVs of 'controversial' businessmen" that Rappler’s
reporter, Santos, wrote. Rappler published the said article on May 29, 2012.
Rappler reported that late Chief Justice Renato Corona, who
was then under impeachment trial, had been using a black SUV, with plates allegedly
belongs to Keng.
Also, the said website reported that Keng was supposedly
involved in human trafficking and smuggling.
The NBI is also set to probe about possible criminal charges
against Rappler’s executive for possibly violating the constitutional
prohibition on foreign ownership of mass media companies.
Earlier, the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked
the operating license of the online or digital media company, questioning its
corporate deal with its foreign investor, the Omidyar Network.
NBI Director Dante Gierran was directed through Department
Order (DO) No. 17, issued by Justice Secretary Vitaliano Aguirre II to conduct
an investigation and case build up over Rappler’s possible violation of the
Constitution and of Cybercrime Law.
Aguirre said that the investigation is within the mandate of
the department.
"When the Constitution or any law has been violated by
Rappler, necessarily the DOJ will be involved in its investigation, otherwise
the DOJ will be remiss in its duties. We acted after receiving an official
communication from the SEC which included a copy of their decision on the
Rappler case," he added.
According to Aguirre, DOJ launched the investigation after
receiving the communication from SEC which includes a copy of its decision
about Rappler’s license.
He added that Rappler should instead welcome the probe as it
would give a chance to them to prove their innocence.
Source: PNA
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