JSAP condemns harassment of Camarines Sur Polytechnic College Campus Journalists

The Journalism Studies Association of the Philippines, Inc. (JSAP) strongly condemns the harassment and intimidation of student journalists at Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC) by Rep. L-Ray Villafuerte. This blatant assault on campus press freedom is a violation of the constitutional right to free speech, freedom of the press, and the protections afforded to student journalists under the Campus Journalism Act of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7079).

Student journalists from CSPC’s “The Spark” have faced cyber harassment from Villafuerte, a Camarines Sur gubernatorial candidate, after the student paper published the results of a mock provincial gubernatorial poll where Villafuerte trailed behind his opponent. Instead of engaging in democratic discourse, Villafuerte has chosen to attack these young journalists, in blatant disregard of academic and press freedoms. Such actions set a dangerous precedent and undermine press freedom at the campus level, where aspiring journalists develop and exercise their commitment to truth and accountability.

JSAP reminds all public officials, including Villafuerte, that the 1987 Philippine Constitution guarantees — freedom of speech, of expression, and of the press — under Article III, Section 4. The Campus Journalism Act of 1991 explicitly protects the rights of student journalists and their publications from censorship and intimidation. Any attempt to suppress these freedoms constitutes an affront to democratic principles and the role of the press in a freedom-loving society. Mock polls, it should be pointed out, are time-honored traditions on college campuses. These exercises reflect the voice of students, whose futures will be determined by the results of the local and national elections.

We call on the administration of Camarines Sur Polytechnic College to uphold the rights of their student journalists and ensure their safety. We also urge the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Commission on Human Rights, the Commission on Higher Education, and the National Youth Commission to investigate incidents of harassment of campus journalists and hold accountable those responsible.

The JSAP supports the State in undertaking various programs and projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students and promoting responsible and free journalism.

We stand in unwavering solidarity with the student journalists of CSPC and all members of the campus press facing similar threats. We reaffirm our commitment to defending press freedom at all levels and will continue to advocate for the protection of journalists, whether student or professional, against all forms of harassment and intimidation.

The student journalists of CSPC can be assured that they have an ally in JSAP. We will closely monitor this issue.