PHOwnership & classification
Founded: 2012
Ownership
Rappler is an independent Philippine digital news company founded in 2011-2012 by journalist Maria Ressa (2021 Nobel Peace Prize laureate) and co-founders from the Newsbreak investigative team. It is operated by Rappler, Inc. under Rappler Holdings Corporation; ownership is split among its founders and early Filipino backers, with the Bitanga family (via Dolphin Fire Group) holding the largest single stake and Ressa a substantial share. Foreign investors Omidyar Network and North Base Media took depositary-receipt stakes in 2015 (Omidyar later donated its stake to Filipino managers amid regulatory pressure).
Funding
Rappler is financed through a mix of digital advertising, technology/data services, reader contributions and grants from press-freedom and philanthropic funders, alongside the earlier foreign social-impact investments. It is not funded by any party or the government.
Affiliation & stance
Rappler is a privately owned, journalist-led outlet known for adversarial, watchdog reporting and was repeatedly targeted by the Duterte administration, underscoring its independence from state and party control. Its private, founder- and investor-owned structure makes it INDEPENDENT, with a centre-left/liberal editorial leaning.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 172
84/100
Factual
81/100
Objective
314
Articles
314
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Hope for coral reefs destroyed by climate change.
Remulla maintains he didn’t initiate Marcoleta probe
Massive air attack on Kiev, Poland has intercepted fighter jets, Russia is talking about retaliation.
Iranian cyberattacks on Israel have surged since war, Israeli cyber chief says
![[Tambay] Dapat bang maglaro sa UAAP 89 ang Ateneo Blue Eagles? Kumustahin muna ang players.](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.rappler.com%2Ftachyon%2F2026%2F06%2Frene-baterbonia-divine-adili-tab-baldwin.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
[Tambay] Dapat bang maglaro sa UAAP 89 ang Ateneo Blue Eagles? Kumustahin muna ang players.
Rebuilding from scratch: Soccsksargen’s road to recovery in quake’s aftermath
Sandro Marcos welcomes ‘level-headed’ Gatchalian as Senate president
Phivolcs warns of unstable ground in 38% of General Santos barangays
Marcos calls Congress to hold special session
Recent coverage
PNP finalizing security preps for Sara Duterte impeachment trial
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is finalizing security arrangements for the Senate impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. The PNP chief stated that multiple units would be involved to ensure adequate security during the trial, which is set to begin on July 6. Security measures have already included deploying NCRPO personnel to the Senate since May 11, following the return of Senator Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa, who faces an ICC arrest warrant related to alleged involvement in former President Rodrigo Duterte's drug war.
Typhoon outside PH may enter PAR by Wednesday — Pagasa
A typhoon currently located outside the Philippines is expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Wednesday, according to the state weather bureau Pagasa. The typhoon, named Bavi, is projected to strengthen as it approaches, potentially reaching Northern Luzon and prompting the issuance of tropical cyclone wind signals. As of the latest report, Bavi was positioned 3,190 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas with maximum sustained winds of 150 km/h and gusts up to 185 km/h. The weather bureau noted that while the storm remains distant, there is potential for significant changes in its path. Additionally, an enhanced southwest monsoon (habagat) is expected to bring widespread rainfall across much of the country next week. Weather forecasts indicate generally improved conditions over Luzon with partly cloudy to cloudy skies and thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening, while Visayas and Mindanao will also experience similar weather patterns.
Iran’s slain leader Khamenei laid in state in Tehran for week of mass funeral events
Iran is holding a week-long series of mass funeral events for Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in February by U.S. and Israeli airstrikes during a four-month conflict. His body lies in state in Tehran, followed by planned processions to religious sites in Iran and Iraq before burial in Mashhad. The funeral coincides with internal challenges within the Islamic Republic, including economic hardship, sanctions, and widespread protests. Despite these issues, authorities are emphasizing unity and state power through large-scale displays of mourning. Security measures are heightened, with military and police presence visible throughout the city.
Comelec disqualifies MILF candidate in Maguindanao del Sur ahead of BARMM elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) in the Philippines has disqualified Anwar Salipada Alamada's candidacy for the 5th District of Maguindanao del Sur in the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections. Alamada, representing the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), was accused by rival candidate Rafsanjani Pendatun Ali of false residency claims, leading to the revocation of his certificate of candidacy. The ruling by the Comelec 2nd Division states that Alamada committed 'false material representation.' His legal team, led by Badrodin Mangindra, plans to appeal the decision through a motion for reconsideration with the Comelec en banc and potentially the Supreme Court. Despite the disqualification, Alamada remains on the ballot as number 1, and his team urges vigilance against misinformation ahead of the September 14 elections.
What you need to know about newlyweds Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s romance
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, a globally recognized pop star and an NFL player respectively, married in a highly anticipated union dubbed 'America's royal wedding.' Their relationship, which began publicly in 2023, evolved from a friendship into a romantic partnership marked by mutual support and public displays of affection. The couple's engagement was announced in August 2025, leading to widespread media coverage and speculation about their wedding details. Their union has sparked discussions about modern relationships and celebrity partnerships, with analysts examining how their dynamic challenges traditional notions of fame and intimacy. Swift's recent music has also reflected aspects of her relationship with Kelce, adding another layer to their public narrative.
Iglesia ni Cristo mounts surprise rally to protest possible Marcoleta arrest
Members of the Iglesia ni Cristo held a rally in Quezon City on June 30, 2026, protesting the potential arrest of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who faces plunder charges under Republic Act No. 7080. The rally, which caused traffic disruptions on EDSA, was organized in support of Marcoleta, an INC member under investigation for alleged misuse of public funds. INC spokesperson Edwil Zabala criticized the charges, arguing that Marcoleta was instrumental in exposing corruption and questioned why he was being targeted instead of those implicated in the alleged plunder. Marcoleta, who spent P112 million on his 2025 senatorial campaign despite declaring no contributions and having a net worth of P51 million, claimed he received P75 million in pre-campaign donations. While the Commission on Elections ruled no rules were broken, the justice department noted that Marcoleta received the funds while serving as a congressman. The Ombudsman announced plans to file plunder charges against Marcoleta before the Sandiganbayan.
INC Edsa-White Plains rally enters 2nd day
The Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) led a large rally on Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (Edsa)-White Plains Avenue in Quezon City on July 1, 2026, entering its second day. At least 4,000 participants were present, with some camping overnight in vehicles, tents, and on mats. The rally, which began on Tuesday, caused significant traffic disruptions on Edsa during the morning rush hour, leaving only one northbound lane passable. Despite these issues, the Quezon City local government approved a permit for the second day of the rally, with conditions requiring the event to occur only on White Plains Avenue between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and ensuring no road blockages during the protest. The rally is in support of Senator Rodante Marcoleta, who faces a plunder case linked to a P75-million donation prior to his 2025 senatorial campaign.
Why DOT tapped BINI to be a tourism ambassador for the Philippines
In July 2026, the Philippine girl group BINI met with Tourism Secretary Dita Angara-Mathay during a courtesy visit at the Department of Tourism (DOT) Central Office in Makati City. This meeting marked the beginning of a potential collaboration between BINI and the DOT, with the group being considered as tourism ambassadors for the Philippines. Each member of BINI comes from a different province and possesses detailed knowledge of their hometowns, which the DOT sees as an asset for promoting the country's diverse regions and cultural heritage. The DOT expressed interest in engaging BINI in various regional and provincial events, particularly emphasizing the importance of distributing resources equitably amid ongoing challenges such as the oil crisis. The collaboration aims to leverage BINI's global influence to promote both Original Pilipino Music (OPM) and Filipino culture.
Why exactly did BPI make transfers free?
Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) has eliminated transfer fees for its customers, allowing free InstaPay transfers between bank accounts and e-wallets. This decision follows guidance from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which issued Circular No. 1238 to regulate electronic fund transfer fees. The central bank aims to prevent one type of transfer from subsidizing another, requiring banks to justify their pricing structures. Under the new rules, banks must either offer free same-bank transfers while charging around P1.50 for interbank transfers or continue charging higher fees for interbank transfers and explain why same-bank transfers shouldn’t be free. BPI chose the former approach, citing customer satisfaction and the minimal additional cost of P1.50 for interbank transfers compared to the overall infrastructure expenses incurred regardless of transfer type.
Strong El Niño will develop rapidly over coming months, says UN weather agency
The United Nations weather agency, specifically the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), has upgraded its forecast to predict the development of a strong El Niño event in the coming months. This phenomenon, characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is expected to contribute to higher global temperatures and increase the risk of extreme weather events worldwide. Scientists note that the current El Niño conditions show significant agreement among forecast models, indicating a stronger impact than previously anticipated. The potential effects include drier-than-normal conditions in various regions such as Central America, the Caribbean, parts of Asia, and Europe, where a severe heatwave recently caused widespread disruptions. These impacts are projected to persist through the end of the year and into 2027.
Inside the Romualdez-linked P425-M Connecticut property
This article from Rappler investigates a P425-million property in Connecticut, USA, linked to former House Speaker Martin Romualdez through his associate and fraternity brother, Andrew Casiño. The report highlights a recurring pattern of real estate transactions involving Romualdez's associates, suggesting potential connections to his wealth accumulation. It references previous investigations into similar properties in Spain and Malaysia, as well as other assets tied to Romualdez, including a high-value home in Forbes Park. The article calls for further scrutiny and invites tipsters to provide additional information to support ongoing investigations.
![[In This Economy] The Philippines is upper-middle income at last. But what does it mean?](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.rappler.com%2Ftachyon%2F2026%2F07%2FMIDDLECLASS-ECONOMY.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
[In This Economy] The Philippines is upper-middle income at last. But what does it mean?
On July 1, the World Bank classified the Philippines as an upper-middle-income country (UMIC), marking the first time since 1987 that the nation has moved beyond the lower-middle-income bracket. This status follows years of economic growth, particularly between the 2000s and 2010s, and was achieved through a rise in gross national income (GNI) per capita to $4,850 in 2025, surpassing the UMIC threshold of $4,636. While the government celebrated the milestone, emphasizing sustained reforms and attracting investment, the report highlights that the classification is based on averages and does not reflect disparities in income distribution. Additionally, the achievement occurred amid ongoing challenges such as slow growth, high inflation, and reduced investor confidence in 2026.
OpenAI proposes handing Trump administration a 5% stake – report
OpenAI is reportedly considering offering the U.S. government a 5% equity stake in exchange for regulatory clarity, according to a Financial Times report citing unnamed sources. This comes amid increased scrutiny of AI firms by the Trump administration, which has raised concerns about the potential misuse of advanced AI models and the benefits of the industry to American workers. The proposal follows delays in releasing OpenAI's GPT-5.6 model and Anthropic's suspension of access to its advanced models due to government restrictions aimed at preventing foreign access. The idea aligns with broader discussions around government involvement in AI, including proposals by Senator Bernie Sanders for a 50% stake in major AI companies. Analysts suggest such moves could influence global regulatory expectations and data sovereignty considerations.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
Nothing flagged as overlooked yet.