Rappler should remain open despite offenses

THE news website Rappler deserves to be sanctioned for violating the 1987 Constitution, but the penalty should not be fatal. To be clear, we are not fans of that embattled firm. Much of its content seems biased. Also, Maria Ressa, its co-founder and chief executive officer, never misses an opportunity to make self-serving statements, especially when caught doing something wrong. Still, shutting down that website will likely do more harm to the democratic principle of free speech. As Beatrice Evelyn Hall famously said, "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it."