04/05/2026
UNITY STATEMENT OF NATIONAL UNIVERSITY'S PUBLICATIONS AND MEDIA ORGANIZATIONS ON PRESS FREEDOM
NO TO CENSORSHIP, DEFEND JOURNALISTIC FREEDOM!
As we honor World Press Freedom Day and reflect on the state of journalism during these times of strife, National University's publications and media organizations across its branches stand to denounce attempts to censor and discredit journalists and their freedom of speech.
Globally, press freedom has declined significantly since 2012โjournalists have lost their lives in the pursuit of the truth, and state mechanisms are increasingly being weaponized to silence them and obscure injustice. In the Philippines, journalists and media workers continue to face threats, violence, and documented press freedom violationsโrealities that erode the foundations of a democratic society and weaken the publicโs right to know.
Republic Act No. 7079, or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, was enacted to put into law the protection and promotion of press freedom and development in Philippine campuses. It mandates that educational institutions uphold the right to establish student publications and exercise this without intimidation. Yet these protections are often undermined, restricted, or inconsistently implemented in practice.
Journalism is not chained to any administration; it does not speak for anyone but the masses. It should not cozy up to the authority's preferences and mission, nor should it be a peacekeeper to pacify public reaction to injustices everywhere. As student reporters, we hold the power to disseminate information, challenge narratives, encourage societal awareness and action, and uphold the courage to scrutinize authority when necessary. Delegitimizing journalists, especially student journalists, insults their role and erases their importance in Philippine society as truth-seekers and as a force that inspires others to do the same.
Restricting the press reflects the state of our nationโit distances us from facts, accountability, and justice. We cannot remain stagnant in the face of suppression. Thus, we stand against the intimidation and stifling of our voices. As journalists and Filipinos representing our respective NU branches, we fight against the oppression of press freedom and strive to champion transparency. Facts are never neutral, and the truth will always prevail.
We call on those in authority to fully uphold Republic Act No. 7079 by ensuring the autonomy of student publications, protecting campus journalists from retaliation, and providing institutional support without editorial interference. Academic institutions must serve as defendersโnot restrictorsโof free expression within their communities.
We also call on students, educators, and the broader public to remain vigilant, support independent media, and actively resist the spread of disinformation. In defending press freedom, we reaffirm our commitment to ethical, responsible, and truth-based journalism that upholds accuracy, fairness, and accountability.
Question the narrative. Voice out against censorship. Defend the right to expose uncomfortable truths. Protect journalists.
BUHAYIN ANG KATOTOHANAN, HUWAG PATAYIN ANG KASAYSAYAN!
Hereby signed:
The Coral Way Street Journal - NU MOA , the Official Media Organization of NU MOA
NU The National , the Official School Publication of National University
NU Fairview - The Watchdog, the Official University Publication of NU Fairview
Buntal Multimedia, The Premier Media Organization of NU Baliwag
DasmarineNU TV, the Media Outlet of NU Dasmariรฑas AB Communication
Historia de National, the Official School Publication of NU Bacolod
The Eastside, the Official School Publication of NU East Ortigas
The Bull's Eye, The Official School Publication of NU Cebu
