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 Progressive
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 410
80/100
Factual
76/100
Objective
526
Articles
514
reports
Factual: How accurately its articles report the facts, judged against primary sources and the cross-outlet consensus. Only articles that cite their sources are counted.
Objective: How neutral the writing is — whether reporting keeps the writer’s own preferences and opinions out of the article.
![[Walang Pasok] Class suspensions, Monday, August 17, 2026](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.rappler.com%2Ftachyon%2F2026%2F08%2Fpagasa-satellite-august-16-2026-3pm.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
Recent coverage
Saudel now a typhoon, LPA becomes tropical depression outside PAR
On August 22, 2026, Typhoon Saudel intensified into a typhoon outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR), located 2,710 kilometers east of Northern Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 130 km/h. A separate low pressure area (LPA) developed into a tropical depression 1,195 kilometers east of northeastern Mindanao, moving westward at 10 km/h. Both systems are outside PAR but could potentially impact the region. PAGASA forecasts that Saudel may enter PAR by August 24, possibly enhancing the southwest monsoon and causing significant rainfall in Luzon. The tropical depression is currently moving west but could change direction later. PAGASA also monitors a remnant low from Tropical Depression Neneng, which has a medium chance of redevelopment within 24 hours.
The week in photos: August 8-14, 2026
During the week of August 8–14, 2026, severe weather caused by the southwest monsoon (habagat) affected regions in the Philippines, including Luzon and Western Visayas. On August 9, a deadly landslide in Baguio City killed five students and buried 13 people, damaging several homes. Heavy rainfall led to school closures for approximately 6.7 million students and delayed the Senate's impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte. On August 11, a broken trash trap in the Baclaran-Redemptorist Water Channel caused significant flooding and waste accumulation, requiring the removal of over 700 metric tons of debris. State auditor Xylene Mae del Campo testified that the Office of the Vice President used confidential funds for holiday activities. Legal disputes emerged on August 12 between prosecutors and defense lawyers during the impeachment trial, involving disagreements over document usage and questioning tactics.
![[Be The Good] Sara Duterte rants vs media, a community journalist faces an unjust vexation case](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.rappler.com%2Ftachyon%2F2026%2F08%2Fsara-duterte-impeaachment-trial-august-4-2026-002-scaled.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
Kieffer Alas stars as Ateneo storms back to beat Benilde
In the Sweet 16 of the Pinoyliga Cup, the Ateneo Blue Eagles came from behind to defeat the St. Benilde Blazers 81-78. Kieffer Alas was instrumental in the comeback, scoring 26 points and hitting a crucial three-pointer and layup in the final moments. The Blazers led for much of the game but were overtaken by Ateneo's strong second-half performance. Travis Roberts and others contributed to the Blue Eagles' victory, setting them up for their next challenge in the Elite Eight.
Canada to retaliate for US tariffs, worsening ties after talks fail
Canada announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods worth billions, in direct response to President Trump's 50% tariffs on Canadian products. The decision came after failed trade talks where both sides blamed each other for the breakdown. Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that the tariffs would be 'dollar for dollar' and aimed at protecting Canadian workers and businesses. The move worsens U.S.-Canada relations and threatens the stability of the USMCA trade agreement. The U.S. Trade Representative suggested that Canada had the best deal but refused to accept it, while the Canadian government promised to release more details on its response.
Who is Kristine Ferrer, among Sara Duterte’s lawyers in her trial?
Kristine Ferrer, a lawyer and certified public accountant (CPA), is representing Vice President Sara Duterte during her impeachment trial at the Senate. As one of Duterte’s 16 defense attorneys, Ferrer is part of the FNS law firm, which also includes other lawyers defending Duterte. During the trial, Ferrer opposed the prosecution’s requests to use certain Commission on Audit (COA) documents and to take judicial notice of impeachment-related hearings. Her arguments focused on ensuring that all evidence, including transcripts and witness statements, must be verified through testimony. While the impeachment court partially accepted the prosecution’s motion, it emphasized that judicial notice does not override the defendant’s right to cross-examine witnesses. Ferrer, with 15 years of legal experience, faced off against veteran prosecutor Lorna Kapunan during the questioning of a COA witness.
Encounters with Joy and sadness in ‘Edjop’ film release
The article discusses the release of the film 'Edjop,' which chronicles the life of activist Edgar Jopson and his partnership with Joy Asuncion. Joy, who was instrumental in Jopson's activism during the Marcos dictatorship, is now suffering from declining health and may not live to see the film's premiere on September 16, 2026. The piece reflects on the couple's shared history of resistance, including Jopson's assassination in 1982 and Joy's loss of her second husband, Rolly Kintanar, in 2003. The author recounts their collaboration on documenting Jopson's legacy, emphasizing Joy's vital role in providing historical insights and supporting the research process despite the risks involved.
A typewriter poet writes on the spot for strangers in Dumaguete
Jecho Adrian Ponce, a 23-year-old poet in Dumaguete City, offers custom poems written on a typewriter to passersby, capturing their personal stories and emotions. His journey began in middle school and has since evolved into a full-time pursuit, focusing on themes like grief and childhood innocence rather than just romantic topics. Despite his growing success and community support, Jecho is considering whether poetry can sustain him as a full-time career while also preparing for a teaching licensure exam as a backup. He uses his typewriter as a tool to connect with people, emphasizing the exchange of personal experiences through poetry.
It’s never too late for Night School
Rappler reports on 'Night School,' an alternative educational initiative by Somewhere Else, which provides after-hours workshops for creatives in the Philippines. The article describes a recent indie game development workshop led by animator Agu Crisostomo, focusing on creating games without coding using Construct 3. Participants included adults who engaged in collaborative learning, leaving with completed games and certificates. The piece highlights the value of lifelong learning through adult education and creative exploration.
Last hurrah? Revisiting June Mar Fajardo’s best Gilas Pilipinas performances
The article highlights June Mar Fajardo's significant contributions to Gilas Pilipinas throughout his international basketball career. Fajardo, a towering figure in Philippine basketball, has participated in multiple international tournaments including the FIBA World Cup, FIBA Asia Cup, and Asian Games. His consistent performance and leadership have made him a key player for the national team. The piece reflects on his recent decision to potentially retire from national team duties, with his last appearance possibly being in the 2027 World Cup qualifiers. It revisits some of his standout performances, such as his crucial role in the Philippines' historic 81-79 overtime victory over Senegal in the 2014 FIBA World Cup, marking the nation's first World Cup win in 40 years. Another notable performance was against Chinese Taipei in the 2018 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers where he scored 22 points efficiently.
![[OPINION] ‘Violence’ in video games is not the problem, their social features are](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.rappler.com%2Ftachyon%2F2026%2F08%2FVIOLENCE-IN-VIDEOGAMES-AUG-21-2026.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
[OPINION] ‘Violence’ in video games is not the problem, their social features are
An opinion piece argues that the real issue with video games is not their violent content but the unregulated social features within gaming platforms, particularly those aimed at children. Following a school shooting in Zamboanga City, Philippine authorities and lawmakers have blamed video games like Roblox and first-person shooters, citing concerns over chat groups and other social interactions. However, the article notes that there is no strong scientific evidence linking violent video games to criminal behavior. Researchers from the Oxford Internet Institute and the American Psychological Association highlight the lack of conclusive data connecting such games to aggression or real-world violence. The author suggests that while the immediate reaction from officials is understandable, the focus should shift toward moderating the social aspects of these platforms and improving parental controls to ensure safer online experiences for children.
Why social media algorithms send you posts you don’t like
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences reveals that social media algorithms, including X's feed algorithm, often prioritize content that conflicts with users' core values. Researchers found that platforms like X use engagement metrics, such as likes and comments, to determine which posts to show, leading to increased polarization. The study notes that Democratic users are more frequently exposed to content that contradicts their values compared to Republican users, due to higher engagement with opposing viewpoints. This dynamic creates a feedback loop where users see more content they disagree with, reinforcing existing beliefs. The research advocates for user-driven content curation to reduce polarization and promote more balanced discourse.
Disenfranchised queer grief at the heart of David Corpuz’s Cinemalaya return
David Corpuz, a Filipino filmmaker from San Jose del Monte, Bulacan, has returned to the Cinemalaya Philippine Independent Film Festival with his new film 'Tayo Lang Ang Nakakaalam.' The film explores themes of grief and the queer experience, particularly in relation to HIV, aiming to challenge societal perceptions of disenfranchised grief. Corpuz, who began his cinematic journey in the early 2000s, has been influenced by works such as Ang Lee’s 'Brokeback Mountain' and Maryo J. de los Reyes’s 'Magnifico,' both of which deal with queer experiences and emotional loss. His previous work includes the 2014 short 'The Ordinary Things We Do' and the 2022 short 'Read-Only Memory.' Despite a hiatus from filmmaking due to the pandemic, Corpuz is now making a significant return to the festival with a film that reflects his ongoing commitment to socially relevant storytelling.
TikTok agrees to $400 million US children’s privacy settlement
TikTok and its parent company ByteDance have reached a $400 million settlement with U.S. authorities over alleged violations of children's online privacy laws. The deal resolves claims that the platform failed to obtain parental consent for users under 13, a requirement under U.S. law. The settlement includes an immediate payment of $300 million and an additional $100 million if a previous consent decree with the FTC is vacated. Since the lawsuit began, TikTok has implemented measures such as age verification systems and requiring users to input their date of birth. The DOJ emphasized that the settlement ensures stronger protections for children without prolonged legal battles.