23/09/2026
𝐉𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐓 𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐃𝐀𝐑𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓 𝐈𝐍 𝐃𝐄𝐅𝐄𝐍𝐒𝐄 𝐎𝐅 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐃𝐎𝐌 𝐎𝐅 𝐄𝐗𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒𝐈𝐎𝐍
Freedom of the press and freedom of expression are fundamental rights guaranteed by the 1987 Philippine Constitution. These liberties are the lifeblood of the nation's democracy, sustaining the free exchange of ideas and empowering citizens to speak on matters that affect society and its institutions.
Recent events at the University of Eastern Philippines (UEP) in Catarman, Northern Samar, have drawn serious concern over these liberties. The PILLAR, the university's student publication, crafted and displayed a banner voicing the sentiments of the student body regarding House Bills No. 9414 and 9861, concerning the university's future status as a National University for Sustainability Studies. The banner was subsequently taken down by the university, reportedly without a clear explanation to the student journalists involved.
Student publications are vital spaces for student voices. They provide avenues for students to raise their concerns, present diverse perspectives, and engage in meaningful discourse on matters affecting their university and society. They should not merely serve as extensions or wings of their respective institutions, but as responsible platforms for expressing the voices of the student body.
As aspiring legal professionals, principled leaders, and catalysts for change, the student organizations joining this statement stand in solidarity with The PILLAR, the UEP University Student Council, and student journalists in upholding press freedom and freedom of expression. No student journalist should be silenced for responsibly voicing legitimate concerns on matters relevant to their community.
Universities should remain spaces where ideas may be challenged, opinions may be expressed, and grievances may find a voice-freely, responsibly, and without undue restraint. Protecting student journalism is essential to cultivating critical thought, accountability, and meaningful participation within the academic community.
“𝑷𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒓𝒆𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕 - 𝒊𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒕𝒐 𝒒𝒖𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏, 𝒕𝒐 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒅.”