ThePILLARS Publication

24/11/2025

𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚 | Restless souls wander around roads—always looking for their unsaid justice. 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘂𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝘂𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗺𝘀, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘂𝗻𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗱 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲.

Remembrance does not end on anniversaries; it lingers everywhere. Let their stories be remembered and be kept in our collective memory. | via Christine Joy Espinosa/ThePILLARS Publication

Comic by Aaliyah Estares/ThePILLARS Publication

24/11/2025

#𝗕𝗨𝗖𝗔𝗟 | Golden Knights yield to Greyhounds in two-point elims thriller

The Greyhounds showed that no sword is too sharp to break against their bite.

What once looked like an insurmountable double‑digit advantage for the Ateneo Golden Knights crumbled under relentless pursuit as the UNC Greyhounds savored a come-from-behind victory, 83-81, in the second-round elimination of BUCAL Season 7 Seniors’ Division on 23 November 2025 at AdNU Gymnasium.

The Naga Clasico tipped off with Ateneo gaining momentum after registering an early 7-0 lead in the opening three minutes. Hungry for back-to-back wins, the Golden Knights flashed their scoring prowess courtesy of JB Basagre’s six of the team’s first 10 points.

Fueled by standout performances from Angelo Domingo, Rodney Fulgar, and the returning Mhon Aurellano, Ateneo’s lead ballooned to 16 by the end of the opening quarter, 28–12.

The second quarter unfolded at a slower rhythm, yet the men in gold tightened their grip on defense to keep control of the tempo. The Greyhounds found sparks through Christian Fernandez and Kenneth Macinas as they inched toward single digits; however, the Golden Knights held firm and marched into halftime carrying a commanding 47-33 advantage.

The second half ignited with the Greyhounds recovering from the gap, outscoring the Golden Knights 12–5 in the opening four minutes. Their surge translated into a 42% shooting percentage and 14 steals in the third, yet Ateneo’s gallantry and consistency helped them sustain a 66–57 lead entering the final quarter.

Macinas stimulated the Greyhounds’ rise earlier in the fourth with back‑to‑back baskets that trimmed the Golden Knights’ cushion to five, 66–61. With less than five minutes left, more prime movers from the grey area united, slicing the margin to just two at 72–70 before Macinas cut it down to a single point, 73–72.

Out of a timeout, Fulgar momentarily steadied the Golden Knights with a shot that pushed the lead back to three, 75–72. But the Greyhounds refused to relinquish as Fernandez buried a clutch three to knot the score at 81, and Macinas sealed the comeback at the line, sinking free throws that delivered UNC an 83–81 victory.

While the Greyhounds avenged their first-round defeat, the tough loss put the Golden Knights at 3-4 win-loss column. | via Anyanna Mariae Sabio/ThePILLARS

Photos by David Judah Conde & Juan Miguel Bordado/ThePILLARS

23/11/2025

𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚: Official Statement of ThePILLARS Publication on the 16th Anniversary of Ampatuan Massacre

On this day, we remember the 58 lives that were brutally taken in the Ampatuan Massacre, 32 of whom were journalists and media workers. The Maguindanao massacre in 2009 was not just a political dispute but a deliberate attack on press freedom. The convoy carrying the family, supporters and representatives of former Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu was accompanied by 32 members of the press. Toto believed their presence would ensure their safety, thinking that no political clan would dare spill the blood of innocent journalists. The convoy was intercepted by armed men, Ampatuan's private army. They were executed and buried hastily in mass graves dug by government-owned vehicles.

Along the roads of Sitio Masalay, Barangay Salman, the convoy was halted by a police checkpoint, after which they were surrounded by armed men under Andal Jr. 's command. What followed was an act of sheer brutality. Victims were taken out of their vehicles and beaten and tortured. They begged for their lives as they were mercilessly shot by a firing squad. Genalyn, Toto’s wife, was shot 17 times. A key witness stated that Andal Ampatuan Jr.himself shot and killed Genalyn. The 58 victims were then hastily buried in mass graves dug by government-owned machinery. Vehicles were crushed. Bodies were mutilated. The earth itself was forced to swallow the truth.

Thirty-two journalists and media workers—individuals whose only jobs were to report, to investigate, to inform, and to protect the public’s right to know—were slaughtered under the hands and orders of the Ampatuan patriarchs, the ruling clan of Maguindanao. The mastermind, Andal Ampatuan Sr., former governor of the province; his son, Andal “Unsay” Ampatuan Jr., then mayor of Datu Unsay and the intended successor to their dynasty; and Zaldy Ampatuan, former ARMM governor—conspired in a desperate, merciless attempt to protect their political reign. Their grip on power, built on fear and violence, culminated in one of the most horrifying political killings in world history.

On that exact day, then–Vice Mayor Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu prepared to file his candidacy for governor. This act was seen as an act of challenge that threatened the Ampatuans’ long-reigning, absolute political dominance. Knowing full well the danger he faced, he sent his pregnant wife Genalyn, his relatives, supporters, and a convoy of thirty-two journalists, lawyers, and media workers to file his Certificate of Candidacy on his behalf. They believed that the presence of the press would protect them—that no political clan, no matter how powerful, would dare spill blood in front of journalists.

They were wrong.

The decade that followed was a long and painful march toward justice. Andal Ampatuan Sr. died in the hospital at 75 on July 17, 2015. After ten agonizing years of trial, the Quezon City RTC finally convicted Andal Jr., Zaldy Ampatuan, and several accomplices on December 19, 2019. They were sentenced to reclusion perpetua without parole for 57 counts of murder. Yet many perpetrators remain at large—fugitives whose continued freedom is a chilling reminder of how impunity persists.

We, as fellow journalists and as ThePILLARS Publication, strongly condemn in the highest and fiercest terms possible the be***al killings that claimed the lives of 58 individuals—32 of whom were journalists. We denounce not only the massacre itself, but also the entrenched culture of violence, fear, and impunity that enabled such a barbaric act to happen. We are enraged that those who were merely fulfilling their duty—to report, to investigate, and to amplify voices—were slaughtered mercilessly for their courage. Their deaths present an undeniable truth: It is an assault on press freedom, a betrayal of democracy, and a grave injustice to every citizen who depends on truth.

The Ampatuan Massacre is not merely a historical footnote. It is a mirror held up to a system that still allows political dynasties to thrive, enables warlordism, and exposes journalists to danger for simply doing their job. It is a painful reminder that press freedom in the Philippines remains under threat, and that the fight for truth continues every day in newsrooms, campuses, and communities.

As a student publication advocating for transparency, accountability, and justice, we refuse to be silent. We refuse to move on and forget. Once again, we reaffirm our utmost commitment to responsible journalism, fact-based reporting, and the defense of press freedom. We honor the memory of the victims by continuing to uphold the values and principles they died protecting. Their courage strengthens our resolve to speak truth to power, to question abuses, and to resist against all forms of oppression.

Today, as we commemorate the Ampatuan Massacre, we do so with the same fury, grief, and clarity that we hold when remembering every chapter of our nation’s history stained by authoritarianism and political violence. We remember because forgetting is a luxury the oppressed cannot afford. We remember because truth is fragile—and because silence is the breeding ground of tyranny.

Never again must our nation allow a dynasty, a tyrant, or a political clan to decide who lives and who dies.

Never again must journalists be buried for doing their duty. Never again must fear rule over truth.

Never forget the 58.
Never forget the 32.
Never again to impunity.
Never again to silence.
Never again to political terror.

Sources:
International Federation of Journalists (IFJ). (2019, December 20). Philippines: Guilty verdict delivered on Ampatuan massacre. https://www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/article/philippines-guilty-verdict-delivered-on-ampatuan-massacre
IFEX. (2015, November 23). Justice still elusive six years after Ampatuan massacre. https://ifex.org/justice-still-elusive-six-years-after-ampatuan-massacre/
Rappler. (2018). Timeline: The long road to justice for Maguindanao massacre victims. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/iq/189266-timeline-maguindanao-massacre-case-trial-updates/
Al Jazeera. (2019, December 19). Philippines: Court finds powerful family guilty of killing 58. https://www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2019/12/19/philippines-court-finds-powerful-family-guilty-of-killing-58

23/11/2025

𝗘𝗫𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗥 | [IN THE KNOW] Flesh and Justice Beneath the Fill: on the 2009 Ampatuan Massacre

via Francine Irish Raña/ThePILLARS
Pubmat by Dane Dagcutan & Kish Bernardino/ThePILLARS

23/11/2025

𝗡𝗢𝗪 𝗛𝗔𝗣𝗣𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 | In commemoration of the 16th anniversary of the Maguindanao Massacre, the Bicol Organization of Neo-Journalists (BONjour) has organized an online event with the title "11.23 at 16: Never Again, Never Forget, Never Firewalled. Digital Muckracking: Investigative Journalism Against Impunity" today, 23 November, via Facebook Live.

The event highlights discussions, forums, and talks to give emphasis on the importance of investigative journalism in addressing issues such as impunity and safeguarding press freedom in the modern digital age. The said event also addresses the continuing need to defend the search for truth and justice. | via Carl Vincent Taguilid

Photos screencapped from The Official BONJour/Facebook

See Facebook Live here: https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1EpRcxmTh8/

23/11/2025

𝗟𝗜𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗔𝗥𝗬 | Red Inks and Gunpowder

via Theo Bordado
Photos from ThePILLARS Publication Archives
Post-Processing by Alyssa Ramos

23/11/2025

𝗢𝗙𝗙𝗜𝗖𝗜𝗔𝗟 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗠𝗘𝗡𝗧 𝗢𝗙 𝗖𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗚𝗘 𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗦 𝗚𝗨𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗛𝗜𝗟𝗜𝗣𝗣𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 – 𝗕𝗜𝗖𝗢𝗟 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗘𝗡𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣-𝗕𝗬-𝗗𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗔𝗟-𝗢𝗙-𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗚𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗙 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗦𝗨 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗧𝗘𝗦𝗠𝗔𝗡

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲 𝗘𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 – 𝗕𝗶𝗰𝗼𝗹 𝗲𝘅𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗦𝗨 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗼𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘂𝗮𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗶𝘁𝘆, 𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗮𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗦𝗨 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗱𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗻𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗴𝗻𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. The administration’s refusal to re-accredit The CatSU Statesman directly undermines the spirit and principles of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (Republic Act 7079), a law that institutions of learning are expected to uphold and internalize.

The CatSU administration has effectively barred the publication from operating by withholding its recognition over alleged delays in the submission of audited financial reports. However, the audit process depends entirely on the timeline and capacity of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants – CatSU Chapter. By tying a publication’s recognition to the work of another student organization, the administration has placed The CatSU Statesman in a dependent and vulnerable position. This denial of recognition has already halted the publication’s operations for nearly three months, blocking access to funds, interrupting campus coverage, and preventing its staff from fulfilling both editorial and community responsibilities.

Before establishing policies and systems, the administration must ensure that these are aligned with the Constitution and existing laws. As an educational institution, CatSU should acknowledge that a student publication is autonomous and must remain independent, with full editorial and fiscal discretion. Yet the administration’s actions reveal how little priority is given to safeguarding student rights and welfare. While accountability and transparency are necessary, no administrative office or student organization may interfere with, condition, or control a publication’s recognition, operations, or access to its own funds. Subscription fees collected from students must be released automatically; withholding them through bureaucratic requirements violates both the publication’s rights and its mandated independence.

It is equally concerning that the administration has failed to properly oversee the burdens created by its own bureaucratic processes. The imposition of arbitrary and excessive penalties such as the daily ₱100 fine for audit delays, without a cap and reportedly without authorization from OSADS, the VPAA, or the SUC President has already resulted in more than ₱30,000 in penalties for The CatSU Statesman. Such policies impose undue financial pressure and further obstruct the publication’s operations. These systems must be reviewed, corrected, and formulated in consultation with student stakeholders.

𝗕𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗹𝗮𝗽𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗱𝗺𝗶𝗻𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝗯𝗲 𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗲𝗱. Journalism cannot be postponed, and institutions must adjust their systems to ensure that student publications can operate efficiently without obstruction.The administration’s hollow assurance that the promissory letter, submitted as an ‘appeal’ last November 6 to secure recognition despite the pending financial statement, will merely be signed once the University President returns from travel does nothing to resolve the issue. Instead, it extends the delay that has already obstructed the publication’s operations and undermined its right to recognition. What is urgently needed from the administration is full accountability and structural reform.

Student publications should never be placed in the degrading position of requesting recognition from their own university. Recognition is an obligation—not a privilege. More importantly, student publications must never be treated as pawns that can be controlled or manipulated through administrative mechanisms. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘂𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗰 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗹𝗲𝗱, 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗲𝘁𝘂𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗺𝗽𝘂𝘀 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗯𝗼𝗱𝘆.

CEGP–Bicol stands firm in calling out the CatSU administration, and all institutions that weaponize bureaucracy to silence student publications through censorship-by-denial-of-recognition. We demand the immediate recognition of The CatSU Statesman and full accountability for the administrative failures that caused this crisis. We further call for a comprehensive review and correction of policies, including implementing penalties that are fair, authorized, and grounded in due process. Censorship of student publications is not new, yet each case reaffirms the systemic and growing pattern of attacks on campus press freedom—attacks that must never be normalized.

𝗪𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗿𝗺 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘂𝗻𝘆𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝘁𝗦𝗨 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝘀𝗺𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗶𝘁𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗯𝗮𝗿𝗿𝗶𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗶𝗿 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝗳𝘂𝗹 𝗿𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝘂𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗽𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻. Their struggle is shared by every campus journalist who upholds truth-telling in the face of repression. CEGP–Bicol commits to stand with them until their recognition is restored, their autonomy is protected, and their rights under RA 7079 are fully upheld.

In defending The CatSU Statesman, we defend the integrity of the campus press itself—because an attack on one publication is an attack on all, and ultimately, an attack on the truth.




𝗜𝗡 𝗦𝗢𝗟𝗜𝗗𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗧𝗬:

𝗔𝗟𝗕𝗔𝗬
Budyong, Bicol University College of Arts and Letters
The Mentor, Bicol University College of Education
The Wayfinder, Bicol University Tabaco
Krokis, Bicol University Institute of Design and Architecture
The Vital Signs, Bicol University College of Nursing
The Seedling, Bicol University Guinobatan
Aquinian Herald, University of Santo Tomas-Legazpi
The Polity, Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Political Science
CaSSiPi Online, Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Aletheia, Bicol University College of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Philosophy
Scientia, Bicol University College of Science
Lingkod, Bicol University Jesse M. Robredo Institute of Governance and Development
The Appraiser, Bicol University College of Business, Economics, and Management

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗨𝗥
ThePILLARS Publication, Ateneo de Naga University
The DEMOCRAT, University of Nueva Caceres
The Mariner, Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges, Inc.
TheSPARK, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges
The Stateans, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture - Pili
APSA Psyche Publication, Ateneo de Naga University
The College Artisans Bulletin, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture - Sipocot
The Seafarers’ Gazette, Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges Foundation of Canaman (Cam. Sur), Inc.
The Scanner, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture - Calabanga
Radiance, Partido State University
The Wisdom, Partido State University—College of Education

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗘𝗦 𝗡𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗘
Breakthrough Publication, Camarines Norte State College
Sublime Torch Publication, Mabini Colleges, Inc.
The Lourdenian, Our Lady of Lourdes College Foundation

𝗦𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗢𝗚𝗢𝗡
The Artificer, Sorsogon State University
The Probe, Bicol University Gubat Campus
The Generatrix, Sorsogon State University - College of Engineering and Architecture
The Synthesis, Sorsogon State University - College of Health and Science,
The Aqua Channel - Sorsogon State University-Magallanes Campus
The Bloom, Sorsogon State University - College of Agriculture Castilla Campus

22/11/2025

𝗧𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗔 𝗔𝗧 𝗧𝗔𝗣𝗔𝗡𝗚 | The bloody chains that shackle us

Sixteen years ago, a tragedy unfolded in the hands of those whose name the town now infamously bears. On 23 November 2009, in Ampatuan, Maguindanao—now part of Maguindanao del Sur—the powerful Ampatuan family orchestrated the killings of 58 people. With over a hundred defendants implicated, the victims—which included the female relatives of a rival political clan, at least 30 journalists, and several civilians—were shot multiple times, with some buried brutally in mass graves.

But along with those buried was the clear and steadfast promise of rightful justice. Despite being condemned as the “single deadliest” attack on media workers by both local and international watchdogs, full conviction of all perpetrators remains elusive; more than half of the suspects are still at large. The suffering of the victims’ families endures, inconsolable and uncompensated. Only in 2019—after a decade-long wait—did they receive a measure of closure when the principal suspects, led by three Ampatuan brothers, were finally sentenced.

While justice continues to be delayed and denied, attacks on the press persist in more ways than one. The Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) reports 184 cases of attacks and threats against media workers from July 2022 to April 2025 under the administration of President Bongbong Marcos Jr. Much like how the Ampatuans sought to preserve their rule by eliminating their opponents, Marcos Jr. preserves his father’s legacy by sustaining a society governed by fear and impunity.

According to BBC News, it was even Marcos Sr. who first empowered the Ampatuan patriarch. Seeking to quell the Islamic separatist movement, the dictator deemed Andal Ampatuan Sr. fit to govern the province—an appointment that catalyzed the clan’s political rise and entrenched their dynastic grip. It is far from an isolated case. Political dynasties across the Philippines have long treated elections as an inherited enterprise. Before the 2025 elections, PCIJ reported that 113 out of 149 cities were controlled by dynasties—counting only the mayoral seats.

These numbers tell a larger story. The Ampatuan Massacre is more than a heinous crime that stains our history; it is a mirror reflecting how we have failed to break free from the cycle of families dominating and determining the nation’s direction. To remember the massacre is to confront the bitter truth that some things refuse to change. Time passes, yet access to a better life remains reserved for those who have consolidated power and wealth, leaving the rest to fight for crumbs.

Corruption, poverty, and the suppression of rights have become so deeply ingrained in our national identity that it feels as though we are trapped in a cage with chains that cannot be broken. The keys lie locked in the vaults of those who share the same surnames—protected beneath layers of spectacle and deception designed to distract the masses. Truth can scarcely escape, for the journalists and media workers who seek to release it are hunted, threatened, and, in the worst cases, eliminated. Silencing the press tightens the chains further.

The people have endured this for far too long. Politics has devolved into a family reality show, where siblings stage theatrics and point fingers while ordinary citizens grapple with life-and-death consequences. At its core, the Ampatuan Massacre forces us to face the uncomfortable: we are pawns in the hands of dynasties that serve only themselves. The wounds may not always be visible, but they carry an indelible pain—one that should be more than enough to rattle us into breaking free from this recurring nightmare.

𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘀 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝘂𝘀 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲, 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗱𝗼𝗺, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀—𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗯𝗹𝘆 𝗼𝗯𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝘀𝗵𝗲𝗱, 𝗯𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝘀𝗼 𝗯𝗲𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗰𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗮𝗺𝗲 𝗯𝗹𝗼𝗼𝗱𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗶𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗮𝘀 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗿𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗱 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲.

Thus, we must remain firm in the truth that power is ours to reclaim, defend, and uphold. The struggle continues until we expose the whole truth, hold the guilty accountable, and finally escape this cycle of violence and impunity. With these realizations comes a clear assertion: the best time to pass an Anti-Political Dynasty Law was years ago, but the second-best time is now.

Never forget. Never again. | via Angeline Eneria/ThePILLARS Publication

Cartoon by Ellyzah Buenaventura/ThePILLARS Publication

Resources:
www.aljazeera.com/news/2019/12/19/timeline-the-maguindanao-killings-and-the-struggle-for-justice.
cpj.org/2009/11/maguindanao-death-toll-worst-for-press-in-recent-h/.
www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11139653.
rsf.org/en/philippines-15-years-after-ampatuan-massacre-rsf-urges-government-end-impunity-crimes-against.
www.ifj.org/media-centre/news/detail/article/philippines-full-justice-still-denied-14-years-on-from-ampatuan-journalist-massacre.
www.philstar.com/headlines/2019/12/19/1978271/maguindanao-massacre-verdict-zaldy-ampatuan-andal-jr-found-guilty-murder.

22/11/2025

[PARTNERSHIP]

𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞.

The silence of the hills of Maguindanao still echoes with the pleas of the 𝟓𝟖 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗. These are not just mere numbers. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. Journalists who once fought for truth.

We just not only remember but we also demand. We demand justice that has been delayed for far too long. Sixteen years and the attacks still persists to many journalists who just wanted to tell a story. 𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲, 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝. It reminds us of the chilling effect and the reality that journalists can be gunned down for simply performing their duties.

Sixteen years later and we honor not only the lives lost, but the courage of truth telling they embodied even in the face of terror.

As this year marks the 16th anniversary of Maguindanao Massacre, 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝟓:𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐦 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 as we stand in solidarity with those who continue to fight, with the journalists who continue to do their job despite the threats and terror, and with families who still seek justice. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆
Jhaeluis De Lumen
Presidential Committee, BONJour

Gewel Genesis Agase
Volunteer, AB Journalism 3B

𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆
Yoshue Bautista
Creative Content Committee, BONJour

𝐒𝐢𝐱𝐭𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐧 𝐛𝐢𝐠𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞.

The silence of the hills of Maguindanao still echoes with the pleas of the 𝟓𝟖 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟎𝟗. These are not just mere numbers. 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐲-𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐬𝐞 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐣𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐜𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐭𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐚 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐲𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞. Journalists who once fought for truth.

We just not only remember but we also demand. We demand justice that has been delayed for far too long. Sixteen years and the attacks still persists to many journalists who just wanted to tell a story. 𝐖𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧, 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐯𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐝 𝐛𝐲 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐚𝐝𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐯𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐮𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐫𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐡𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐧𝐚𝐨 𝐌𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐜𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞𝐝𝐲, 𝐚𝐧 𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐤, 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐥𝐬𝐨 𝐚 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐝. It reminds us of the chilling effect and the reality that journalists can be gunned down for simply performing their duties.

Sixteen years later and we honor not only the lives lost, but the courage of truth telling they embodied even in the face of terror.

As this year marks the 16th anniversary of Maguindanao Massacre, 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐨𝐧 𝐍𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟑, 𝟏:𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝟓:𝟎𝟎 𝐩𝐦 𝐯𝐢𝐚 𝐙𝐨𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐛𝐨𝐨𝐤 as we stand in solidarity with those who continue to fight, with the journalists who continue to do their job despite the threats and terror, and with families who still seek justice. 𝐋𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐚𝐫𝐲 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐟𝐞𝐧𝐝 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐞𝐧 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧.

𝙄𝙣 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙣𝙚𝙧𝙨𝙝𝙞𝙥 𝙬𝙞𝙩𝙝:
The Bicol Universitarian
The Vital Signs
Cassipi Online
The Mentor - BUCE
The Seedling
ThePILLARS Publication
The Aquinian Herald
Krokis
KBP Albay Chapter
Balangibog Organization
Society of English Language Majors
Bicol University - University Student Council
BU College of Arts and Letters Student Council

𝙎𝙥𝙚𝙘𝙞𝙖𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙖𝙣𝙠𝙨 𝙩𝙤:
Budyong Online
The Appraiser Online
RGCC - The ROVER Publication
NUJP Albay Chapter
College Editors Guild of the Philippines - Bicol
BicoldotPH
BU MADYA

𝙒𝙞𝙩𝙝 𝙨𝙪𝙥𝙥𝙤𝙧𝙩 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢:
The Gearcast
Communication Students' Association - CSA
The Probe Online

𝗖𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗯𝘆
Jhaeluis De Lumen
Presidential Committee, BONJour

Gewel Genesis Agase
Volunteer, AB Journalism 3B

𝗟𝗮𝘆𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗯𝘆
Yoshue Bautista
Creative Content Committee, BONJour

22/11/2025

[PARTNERSHIP]

𝐀 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝟏𝟔 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 — 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧.

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠. 𝐖𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥; 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

𝐀 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐝𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐲𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐦 𝟏𝟔 𝐲𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐠𝐨 — 𝐲𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐚𝐢𝐧.

𝐒𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥, 𝐰𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐠. 𝐖𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫. 𝐖𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐟𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐥𝐥; 𝐰𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐟𝐮𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐢𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞.

22/11/2025

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 | The CatSU Statesman Faces Censorship-by-Denial-of-Recognition

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines – Bicol strongly condemns the administration of Catanduanes State University for weaponizing bureaucratic processes to obstruct the operations of The CatSU Statesman, the university’s official tertiary student publication. This deliberate delay constitutes censorship-by-denial-of-recognition and directly violates the campus press freedom guaranteed under the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (Republic Act 7079).

According to reports, the publication was denied re-accreditation due to delays in the submission of its audited financial report. This requirement depends entirely on the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants–CatSU Chapter. Given that the audit process follows JPIA’s own timelines and capacity, the publication’s recognition has been made contingent on the operations of another student body, placing The CatSU Statesman in a dependent and vulnerable position that undermines its autonomy.

This delay has immobilized the publication for nearly three months. They have been deprived of access to their funds, which has severely restricted their ability to organize activities, conduct on-ground coverage, and respond to urgent editorial duties. Members also report that they are struggling to cover stories and check on their members who were heavily affected by Super Typhoon Uwan. The situation has created conditions that function as a form of administrative suppression of campus journalism.

The CatSU Student Handbook further worsens the problem by imposing requirements on student publications that contradict the provisions of RA 7079. The law states clearly that campus publications must remain independent, with full editorial and fiscal discretion. Administrative offices or student organizations may not interfere with, condition, or control a publication’s recognition, operations, or access to funds. Furthermore, subscription fees collected from students must be released automatically, and withholding them for bureaucratic compliance violates both the law and the publication’s rights.

In addition, the JPIA–CatSU Chapter has recently implemented arbitrary audit penalties. They have begun charging a daily penalty of 100 pesos for delayed audits, with no limit or cap, and without authorization from OSADS, the VPAA, or the SUC President. This has already resulted in more than 30,000 pesos in penalties for The CatSU Statesman, creating an undue financial burden and contributing further to the obstruction of their operations.

Despite the publication’s formal communication to the administration on October 29, addressed to the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the situation remains unresolved. Although a promissory arrangement was granted, progress was again stalled because the University President is on travel leave. This has delayed the publication’s operation even more and reflects the administration’s lack of urgency and accountability.

CEGP-Bicol asserts that these repeated bureaucratic obstacles are more than administrative lapses. They create a pattern of press freedom violations. By restricting the publication’s ability to operate, the administration infringes on students’ constitutional rights to free expression and access to information. These rights are especially vital at a time when the country faces issues such as corruption in flood control projects and the widespread impact of recent typhoons.

The Guild stands firmly with The CatSU Statesman in resisting censorship, bureaucratic repression, and all policies that hinder the rightful operation of student publications. The CatSU administration must be held accountable for the delays it has caused and for its failure to proactively address long-standing procedural issues.

We call on all student publications, campus journalists, member-publications, and the broader university community to unite in defending campus press freedom, insisting on strict adherence to RA 7079, and rejecting all forms of administrative censorship. An attack on one is an attack on all, and an attack on the truth.

Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/TheCSUStatesman/posts/pfbid02WNaiQrqnJ7FqUNx155sTduNxZ6GpFNSXn4HXDaq4sD4uqEZpCqfuEpMAmAMEF7ytl

𝗖𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗨𝗦 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗔𝗟𝗘𝗥𝗧 | The CatSU Statesman Faces Censorship-by-Denial-of-Recognition

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines – Bicol strongly condemns the administration of Catanduanes State University for weaponizing bureaucratic processes to obstruct the operations of The CatSU Statesman, the university’s official tertiary student publication. This deliberate delay constitutes censorship-by-denial-of-recognition and directly violates the campus press freedom guaranteed under the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (Republic Act 7079).

According to reports, the publication was denied re-accreditation due to delays in the submission of its audited financial report. This requirement depends entirely on the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants–CatSU Chapter. Given that the audit process follows JPIA’s own timelines and capacity, the publication’s recognition has been made contingent on the operations of another student body, placing The CatSU Statesman in a dependent and vulnerable position that undermines its autonomy.

This delay has immobilized the publication for nearly three months. They have been deprived of access to their funds, which has severely restricted their ability to organize activities, conduct on-ground coverage, and respond to urgent editorial duties. Members also report that they are struggling to cover stories and check on their members who were heavily affected by Super Typhoon Uwan. The situation has created conditions that function as a form of administrative suppression of campus journalism.

The CatSU Student Handbook further worsens the problem by imposing requirements on student publications that contradict the provisions of RA 7079. The law states clearly that campus publications must remain independent, with full editorial and fiscal discretion. Administrative offices or student organizations may not interfere with, condition, or control a publication’s recognition, operations, or access to funds. Furthermore, subscription fees collected from students must be released automatically, and withholding them for bureaucratic compliance violates both the law and the publication’s rights.

In addition, the JPIA–CatSU Chapter has recently implemented arbitrary audit penalties. They have begun charging a daily penalty of 100 pesos for delayed audits, with no limit or cap, and without authorization from OSADS, the VPAA, or the SUC President. This has already resulted in more than 30,000 pesos in penalties for The CatSU Statesman, creating an undue financial burden and contributing further to the obstruction of their operations.

Despite the publication’s formal communication to the administration on October 29, addressed to the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the situation remains unresolved. Although a promissory arrangement was granted, progress was again stalled because the University President is on travel leave. This has delayed the publication’s operation even more and reflects the administration’s lack of urgency and accountability.

CEGP-Bicol asserts that these repeated bureaucratic obstacles are more than administrative lapses. They create a pattern of press freedom violations. By restricting the publication’s ability to operate, the administration infringes on students’ constitutional rights to free expression and access to information. These rights are especially vital at a time when the country faces issues such as corruption in flood control projects and the widespread impact of recent typhoons.

The Guild stands firmly with The CatSU Statesman in resisting censorship, bureaucratic repression, and all policies that hinder the rightful operation of student publications. The CatSU administration must be held accountable for the delays it has caused and for its failure to proactively address long-standing procedural issues.

We call on all student publications, campus journalists, member-publications, and the broader university community to unite in defending campus press freedom, insisting on strict adherence to RA 7079, and rejecting all forms of administrative censorship. An attack on one is an attack on all, and an attack on the truth.

Read more here: https://www.facebook.com/TheCSUStatesman/posts/pfbid02WNaiQrqnJ7FqUNx155sTduNxZ6GpFNSXn4HXDaq4sD4uqEZpCqfuEpMAmAMEF7ytl