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 348
80/100
Factual
77/100
Objective
452
Articles
452
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.
Recent coverage
FACT CHECK: No, Malabon congressman Oreta did not slam Sara Duterte’s travels
A claim circulating online falsely attributes a statement to Malabon City Congressman Antolin 'Lenlen' Oreta III, suggesting he criticized Vice President Sara Duterte for traveling frequently to The Hague while President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. works on modernizing the Philippines. However, Oreta's office confirmed through an email to Rappler that he never made such a statement. The original post containing the quote was shared on Facebook by 'Malabon Standard,' but Oreta has not officially flagged it as false. The article notes that Oreta did vote for Sara Duterte's second impeachment and had prior conflicts with her family. Meanwhile, another lawmaker, Bienvenido Abante Jr., criticized Duterte's recent international travels during her ongoing impeachment trial.
Rainy season over for 2026 as southwest monsoon ends
The southwest monsoon, known as 'habagat,' has ended, concluding the 2026 rainy season in the western regions of Luzon and the Visayas. According to PAGASA, there has been a gradual shift in weather patterns, marked by weaker winds, reduced rainfall, and the strengthening of a high-pressure system over East Asia. The Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is now the dominant weather system, bringing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms to specific regions. The transition to the northeast monsoon or 'amihan' period begins, characterized by cooler and drier conditions. However, PAGASA warns that a strong El Niño event could intensify in the fourth quarter of 2026, leading to higher temperatures and lower rainfall, increasing drought risks. Despite these conditions, tropical cyclones may still impact the country. PAGASA provides monthly forecasts for the next six months, indicating varying chances of rainfall and other weather systems that might contribute to precipitation.
Gasoline, kerosene prices rise on October 6, diesel gets slight rollback
Fuel prices in the Philippines have seen changes as of October 6, with gasoline and kerosene increasing while diesel experiences a slight decrease. The Department of Energy reported these adjustments, noting that gasoline prices rose due to regional supply constraints, refinery operations, and strong demand in key markets like China and South Korea. Diesel prices dropped slightly due to prior international price declines, though ongoing factors such as China's suspension of refined fuel exports and shipping route disruptions are creating volatility. China's increased crude oil purchases and reduced refined product exports are likely to influence future fuel prices in Asia, including the Philippines.
![[Vantage Point] Inside the addictive architecture of the AI microdrama](https://images.weserv.nl/?url=www.rappler.com%2Ftachyon%2Fr3-assets%2FB48204F9C596432DB1B4D69435CC6D23%2Fimg%2FF0501BE4A11A47EC82BF3B0B0213288D%2Fstreaming.jpg&w=3840&q=75&output=webp&we)
[Vantage Point] Inside the addictive architecture of the AI microdrama
This article explores the rise of 'vertical microdramas,' short-form video content designed to capture attention through dramatic storytelling and addictive formats. These videos, typically lasting between 60 to 180 seconds, employ cliffhangers and emotionally charged narratives to keep viewers engaged and encourage repeated consumption. The piece highlights how platforms such as ReelShort and DramaBox in the Philippines use monetization strategies that require users to make frequent payments or watch advertisements to unlock additional content. Unlike traditional streaming services like Netflix, which charge a flat monthly fee, these apps create a continuous cycle of engagement and spending. Research indicates that these microdramas leverage psychological principles related to narrative immersion and algorithmic personalization to foster compulsive viewing behavior.
Is a second, stickier inflation wave taking shape?
Inflation in the Philippines has continued to rise, with the seasonally adjusted figure increasing to 1.1% in September from 0.5% in August. National Statistician Dennis Mapa indicated that while some of the inflationary pressures may ease with improved weather conditions, other factors like energy, transportation, and housing rents show more persistent upward trends. The headline inflation rate reached 7.2% in September, surpassing the government's target range of 2% to 4%. Food remains the largest contributor to inflation, with vegetable prices rising again after a decline in the previous month. Energy prices, including electricity, gasoline, and diesel, experienced significant increases, while rental costs also contributed to inflation. Core inflation, excluding volatile food and energy items, accelerated to 4.7%, indicating broader price pressures beyond just food and fuel.
MovePH welcomes new Movers for community action, local storytelling
MovePH, the civic engagement arm of Rappler, announced the addition of a new cohort of 'Movers' to its program, aiming to expand community-driven storytelling and activism. The group participated in a nationwide virtual orientation titled 'Community in Action,' which emphasized collaboration between journalists and local volunteers to address social issues. Rappler executives highlighted past successes, such as the online campaign supporting Mary Jane Veloso, to illustrate the power of grassroots efforts. They stressed the importance of combining local knowledge with journalistic documentation to drive meaningful change. Examples included improving public transportation accessibility for persons with disabilities and verifying infrastructure project data through community involvement.
US judge blocks Trump policy of fining migrants up to $1.8 million
A federal judge in Boston ruled that the Trump administration's policy of imposing fines up to $1.8 million on undocumented immigrants who fail to leave the U.S. after deportation orders is unlawful. The decision was made in a class-action lawsuit brought by affected migrants and the Immigrant Legal Resource Center. Judge George O'Toole, appointed by Democratic President Bill Clinton, found that the fines violated the Administrative Procedure Act due to inadequate notice and lack of public input during policy changes. The ruling halted the enforcement of these fines, which had been applied retroactively to over 103,000 individuals, totaling approximately $84 billion. Plaintiffs argued that the fines were excessive and that immigration authorities used standardized forms without properly determining if a person's non-compliance was intentional.
Food supply sufficient for Super El Niño, P45-B aid coming for farmers – DA
The Philippine Department of Agriculture (DA) has stated that the country's food supply is adequate to handle the impacts of Super El Niño, with sufficient stockpiles of rice, chicken, pork, and corn to last several months. DA Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel announced a P45 billion aid package for farmers and fisherfolk, including P6.2 billion allocated for fuel and fertilizer support, and plans for solar irrigation systems. Additional funding of P10 billion was approved for 2027 to address anticipated challenges from El Niño. While the government advises against food hoarding, progressive lawmakers are calling for investigations into preparedness efforts.
Inflation soars to 7.2% as food, fuel prices climb in September 2026
Inflation in the Philippines surged to 7.2% in September 2026, marking a three-year high, according to data released by the Philippine Statistics Authority. This increase follows a period of declining inflation and aligns with forecasts from the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP), which had warned of rising food prices due to adverse weather conditions, higher fuel costs, and a weakening peso. Economists like Emilio Neri Jr. of BPI anticipate further inflationary pressures, citing disruptions in food supply, ongoing fuel price hikes, and potential impacts from upcoming fare increases and Middle East tensions. While the BSP has raised interest rates to combat inflation, experts suggest maintaining stable inflation expectations is crucial, noting that currency fluctuations are largely influenced by global factors such as U.S. Treasury yields.
[OPINION] Questions Filipino accountants need to ask about AI
The article discusses concerns about the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on the profession of accounting, particularly focusing on the need for Filipino accountants to adapt and develop new skills. It references calls from AI leaders like Dario Amodei to slow the advancement of AI technologies to ensure safety and proper oversight. The piece highlights how AI is automating traditional accounting tasks, prompting questions about how future accountants can maintain relevance by cultivating judgment, critical thinking, and advisory skills. It cites a report by Oxford Economics predicting a shortage of 18,000 accountants in Australia by 2035 due to retirements, emphasizing the importance of training for Filipino professionals to leverage AI effectively. The author warns against over-reliance on AI, citing examples of AI-generated inaccuracies, and stresses the necessity of evaluating and challenging automated outputs.
Middle East war sharpens focus on ASEAN energy security plans
The article discusses how the ongoing Middle East war has heightened concerns about energy security within ASEAN countries, particularly regarding their reliance on imported oil from the Middle East. With global crude prices hovering around $100 per barrel and Chinese refiners suspending oil exports, ASEAN energy ministers are reviewing emergency measures and long-term strategies like the ASEAN Power Grid and renewable energy deployment. Philippine Energy Undersecretary Felix Fuentebella noted that the crisis has shifted energy security from a technical issue to a top priority. However, challenges such as insufficient storage capacity and inventories hinder implementation of the ASEAN Framework Agreement on Petroleum Security (APSA). Analysts caution that current measures are more about preparation for future crises rather than addressing immediate issues.
The secret to the Lopez family’s enduring control of ABS-CBN
ABS-CBN Corp., a major Philippine media company, is undergoing a significant ownership shift as part of a P6-billion equity rescue plan. While a new investor, I&C Holdings Corporation, will become the largest single shareholder with 37.7% of common shares, the founding Lopez family's influence remains intact through a complex share structure. The Lopez family's stake in common shares has been reduced to around 23%, but they maintain control via unlisted, low-par voting preferred shares. These preferred shares, valued at 20 centavos each, grant the family disproportionate voting power despite their smaller ownership percentage. This arrangement allows the Lopez family to retain decision-making authority over ABS-CBN, even though they hold less than 25% of the common stock.
Sara Duterte’s flagged transactions ‘linked’ to flood control, drugs – AMLC
The Anti-Money Laundering Council (AMLC) has flagged financial transactions linked to Vice President Sara Duterte, reportedly involving flood control projects and drug-related activities, according to testimony provided during a House prosecution hearing. AMLC Executive Director Ronel Buenaventura testified about Suspicious Transaction Reports (STRs) related to Duterte's financial dealings, including one citing 'graft and corrupt practices' tied to the Department of Public Works and Highways' flood control efforts and another alleging 'shabu (methamphetamine) importation.' The AMLC, which monitors financial transactions under Republic Act No. 9160, distinguishes between Covered Transaction Reports (CTRs), which trigger at specific monetary thresholds, and STRs, which are based on suspicious patterns or connections to unlawful activities. While the AMLC's reports are part of its monitoring mandate, they do not confirm criminality. Duterte and her husband have a combined total of 736 reports covering P4.4 billion in transactions. Some senators expressed concerns over the lack of contextual clarity regarding how STRs were generated, particularly when reports are sourced from financial