25/07/2025
๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ | In many parts of our countryโs history, Filipinos have fought for their freedom. Yet, seemingly, we are once again losing that freedom.
Today, July 25, marks the long-awaited celebration of National Campus Press Freedom Day. This commemoration, instituted during the term of former President Rodrigo Duterte, recognizes the importance of campus press "in promoting and protecting the... freedom of expression." Unfortunately, this yearโs celebration of campus press freedom comes at a time of uncertainty. With the rise of fake news, the purging of free speech, and even AI-powered misinformation, the truth is gradually being shrouded in mystery. It is in this realization that we are slowly losing our grip on freedomโand that we must save it quickly.
Primarily, campus press freedom has been under attack from many sides, from political party supporters to leaders in power. Looking back through our countryโs history, press freedom has had its fair share of censorship, from the Spanish era all the way to the dictatorship of Ferdinand Marcos Sr. in the 1970s. In todayโs time, it is no longer a distant figure or a colonial power that threatens the existence of press freedom in this nation, but rather its own people and government. There are manyโyet rarely explicitly statedโreasons why Filipinos have criticized, attacked, or entirely canceled the existence of campus press. For some, it appears rooted in their political inclinations or their allegiances to certain parties, as seen in the 2022 national and 2025 midterm elections, where camps from opposing parties or candidates attacked one another through means that obscured the truth. For others, it is about maintaining power or protecting their image from information that might harm how society views them.
One specific and evident example of alleged censorship occurred during the 2025 national midterm elections, when a student publication from a state college released a survey indicating a lesser-known gubernatorial candidate severely outnumber the incumbent in terms of support. The ruling leader responded with staunch criticism, even spreading misinformation by claiming that his family had funded the state college, something immediately disproved by online netizens. This event is more than just an eye-opener; it reveals a harsh reality in which campus journalistsโdefenders of truth in our schoolsโare harassed by those in power and even by their peers. This only reinforces the fact that campus press freedom is under heavy attack and needs immediate defense.
Given the urgency of this situation, society must support the existence of the campus press and recognize their essential role in providing unbiased and transparent information to stakeholders and the public. Campus journalists should not be considered any less significant than the mainstream press, such as the Philippine Daily Inquirer or the Daily Tribune, since they share the same mission: to inform people. Considering the current state of campus press, society should view them not as just students in a club but as full-fledged warriors armed with paper and the mighty pen. The campus press performs the same role in the same mannerโor even at times betterโthan regular press. From providing updates on various issues to releasing commentaries and informing the public about the nationโs state, campus journalists are very much the equivalent of the regular press within the context of the school. Therefore, the practice of degrading their importance is unjust and must end.
The undeniable role of campus journalists is evident in their involvement in the fight against political dynasties and corrupt leadership. Their actions clearly show that they have been staunch critics of corruption and entrenched dynasties at all levels. Whether being critical of the policies of the current president, Ferdinand Marcos Jr., or consistently illustrating political situationsโsuch as Vice-President Sara Duterteโs impeachmentโthrough editorial cartoons, the campus press fulfills its duty, often outshining regular media channels that sometimes prioritize a specific agenda over the public interest. Given these facts, the belittling of campus journalism by society is inherently unfair and unacceptable. As Jose Rizal once said, โAng kabataan ay pag-asa ng bayanโ (โThe youth is the hope of the nationโ), and it is only by protecting campus press freedom that we can affirm this timeless truth. Therefore, campus journalists and their freedom deserve to be respected, especially by every civilized Filipino.
๐ฐ: Juan Francesco Esparagoza
๐จ: Christine Escalante
