MANDALUYONG CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Mandaluyong Bureau) – Maria Ressa’s online new portal, Rappler, is being touted as the beacon of light, the advocate for truth, and journalism independent of influence and vested interests.

But the least-trusted news brand in the Philippines is finally coming clean, admitting for the first time that their “news” reports are nothing but paid advertisements.

Case in point: Rappler’s report on 2018 Miss Universe Catriona Gray’s wax figure being unveiled at Madam Tussauds in Hong Kong came with a hefty price — a sponsorship by the HK wax museum.

For Rappler, it’s really all about the money, money, money!