By Genalyn Kabiling No one is above the law, Malacañang said in rallying behind the decision of Department of Justice (DOJ) to charge online news outfit Rappler with tax evasion. Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo
(OPS / MANILA BULLETIN) Presidential Spokesman Salvador Panelo maintained that those who violate the law must held accountable regardless of power, status or influence. "The issue simply is: Has Rappler violated the law? The Department of Justice (DOJ) has found probable cause hence a case was filed against the media outlet,” Panelo said in a statement. "In the Duterte administration, obedience to the law is not, and cannot be an option. No one is above the law. Everyone or every entity is accountable for every transgression of the law. No one is exempted, rich or poor, powerful or weak," he said. Panelo said friendship, fraternal and political ties as well as blood relationship do not matter to President Duterte. "If you violate the law, then you cannot escape the wrath of its punishment. Dura lex sed lex, the law may be harsh but it is the law," he said. The justice department earlier found probable cause to indict Rappler Holdings Corporation on charges of tax evasion in connection with the sale of its Philippine Depositary Receipts to firms in 2015. Also indicted are Rappler president Maria Ressa and accountant Noel Baladiang. The latest indictment came several months after the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) revoked the registration papers of Rappler due to alleged foreign ownership. President Duterte previously slammed Rappler for being a “fake news outlet” that allegedly operates using foreign money. He claimed that Rappler’s articles were filled “with innuendos and pregnant with falsity.” Since the SEC decision was handed down in January, Malacañang has banned Rappler from covering the President’s activities in Malacañang and other places.