30/08/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐
Can we truly say that the press is free today?
Many journalists continue to face threats, intimidation, and discrimination, especially here in the Philippines. The credibility of the press is constantly questioned, while vloggers and online personalities are increasingly regarded as supposedly unbiased and credible sourcesโdespite not being bound by the same journalistic standards expected of the press.
The struggle is not limited to professional journalists. Many school publications remain undersupported by their administrations, particularly when they speak critically about their own institutions. Some are left unfunded, yet when their work brings recognition and pride to their schools, those same institutions are quick to celebrate their achievements.
Too often, student publications are treated merely as photographers, documenters, or editors for school events. The real essence of journalismโto inform, to question, to hold power accountable, and to give a voice to the communityโis gradually being forgotten.
How can we say that the press is truly free when journalists continue to face disinformation, censorship, intimidation, and relentless attempts to undermine their credibility?
Press freedom is not simply the freedom to publish. It is the freedom to seek the truth, ask difficult questions, scrutinize those in power, and serve the public without fear.
As we celebrate National Press Freedom Day, The Scroll stands with every journalist and student journalist who continues to uphold truth and justice despite the obstacles they face every day. May we never forget that journalism is not merely about documenting what happensโit is about making sure that the truth is heard.
๐จ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐. ๐ฐ๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐
๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐.
For a press that is free and fearless,
The Scroll