Layout by: Kenneth Marquez
Published by: Kristine Caye Emono
Date Published: March, 27 2025
Time Published:
Public servants, especially politicians, are entrusted with the responsibility of serving the people and upholding the principles of democracy. As stated in Republic Act No. 6713, public servants are required to act with integrity, accountability, and transparency. This means that a true leader should not fear criticism but should view it as an opportunity for improvement and better service to the public. According to Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, press freedom is protected by law, ensuring that journalists can report truthfully without fear of censorship and judgement. Rather than attacking those who speak out, leaders should engage in open dialogue, listening to criticisms and using them to create positive change for the people they serve.
Press freedom is essential for a strong democracy, and it should be protected at all costs. Journalists and student reporters must be able to share the truth without fear of judgment. When powerful figures try to silence the truth, they harm the country’s progress. It is time to recognize the importance of press freedom and defend it, especially when the intention is to serve the public good.
Living in a country filled with false information, journalists, media organizations, reporters, editors, and publishers play a crucial role in spreading reliable information that benefits the public. If you're one of the sources of new information, you must have the freedom to express yourself. Every person who reads or hears your published work will form their opinions, especially if they hold different beliefs. Having the freedom to express yourself may lead to better outcomes for society, just like having the freedom to voice your opinions. Expressing your beliefs on important topics is a privilege, especially for those in the press. When you are free from fear and judgment, it significantly improves your work, because fear limits creativity and the ability to produce good work.
One of the long-standing issues in our country is press freedom. It gives journalists the right to report and speak the truth without fear. As Article III, Section 4 of the 1987 Constitution guarantees press freedom, it protects journalists and media organizations from censorship, allowing them to report the truth without interference. However, even with this law in place, there are still people and groups who stop others from revealing the truth. This is especially concerning because the truth can improve our country.
A current example is the issue at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC). Campus journalists from The Spark, the college publication, are being attacked by Luis Raymund “Lray” Villafuerte Jr., the current representative of the second district of Camarines Sur. He claims that the publication is biased and mocks the election results. He also accuses the publication of spreading fake news. But CSPC denies this, saying they only published the survey results as they were. This situation shows how important it is to keep watching and supporting press freedom. Young people, especially student journalists, play a vital role in telling the truth and holding leaders accountable.
Dr. Jose Rizal’s famous quote, “Ang kabataan ang pag-asa ng bayan” reminds us that young people are key to a better future. This means we need to guide and support each young person, especially those who are brave enough to speak the truth. But how can we continue to support them when some people attack them for their work? These fearless students have the potential to help shape our country’s future.
It is concerning that a powerful politician is being bothered by a simple student survey. Shouldn’t someone in his position just ignore this issue instead of making it a big deal? This shows that some people in power, the ones we trust to lead, are sometimes the reason our country doesn’t improve. It’s sad that the people we rely on to make good decisions are sometimes the ones preventing progress. We must make sure they are doing what is best for everyone.
Everyone must support journalists and help them continue their important work, regardless of being a student. Thus, everyone should fight for press freedom, because the preservation of our democracy depends on it. The truth will always be revealed, but it cannot thrive in the shadows of fear. As citizens, we all have the freedom to voice our opinions, and more importantly, we have the responsibility to support those who stand up against powerful figures seeking to suppress the truth. It is our duty to protect the rights of journalists and ensure they can continue their work without intimidation. The time to act is now—not tomorrow, next week, next month, or next year. We don't need to wait for the perfect moment; now is the time to take action.
Together, we can ensure a future where press freedom is protected, and the truth is never silenced.
REFERENCES:
The SPARK. (2025, February 8 ). Editor's note. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/19vMwg5mkz/?mibextid=wwXIfr
BRAVO CamSur. (2025, February 13). Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/share/p/159GT3gE6W/?mibextid=wwXIfr
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