To shed light
By Pioneer Publication Editorial Team | originally posted 17/10/23, edited 11/11/23
The pursuit of truth is not a walk in the park. All journalists would say the same, especially student journalists. We are subjected to criticism, bias, and sometimes even hatred. Some of us eat red tags for breakfast. Some go the extra mile to uncover the truth, to take on issues often hidden in the dark.
When interviewed, higher-ups would often raise their eyebrows and give us a side eye when we ask them questions. It’s as if they’re questioning why they are being questioned. After all, we are just students; journalists too, but a student nonetheless.
But come on, are they that high up to not know about the role of student journalists? We are authorized by Republic Act 7079. Yes, a law on the Philippine Constitution.
𝗥𝗔 𝟳𝟬𝟳𝟵, or the 𝑪𝒂𝒎𝒑𝒖𝒔 𝑱𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒏𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑨𝒄𝒕 of 1991, states that “it is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.” Additionally, Section 7 or the security of Tenure states that a student “shall not be expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she has written, or on the basis of the performance of his or her duties in the student publication.”
Through this act, we are legally allowed to investigate, scrutinize, and review whatever matters to the student body. We are not under the jurisdiction of the administration provided that we follow the rules and regulations of the institution.
We are not scared by mere conflicts of interest. We live by Max Lucado’s “conflict is inevitable, but combat is optional.” So trust us when we say we don’t want to stir up trouble.
Hindi po kami nagpunta rito para makipag-away.
Can you imagine student journalists writing fearlessly about pressing issues circulating the school? We would say we love the thrill of writing such controversial articles, but deep inside we would always worry about our safety.
While we sleep soundly knowing that we are safeguarded by RA 7079, we dream about not having to need its safety blanket anymore because authorities are more than willing to cooperate and help us in our role as student journalists. We would dream about not having to recite the law and our rights whenever interviewees would raise their voices at us. We would dream about not having to omit facts just to protect the image of someone.
But for as long as we are under the protection of RA 7079, we will continue to be the torchbearers of truth and freedom of expression. We will keep the fire ablaze despite blows from external forces. We will raise this torch high to ensure that not a single student is left in the dark.
