JOURNALISTS and journalism educators called for stronger protections for the campus press ahead of the 2025 midterm elections, warning that the censorship of a Camarines Sur student paper over a mock poll set a “dangerous precedent.”
In early February, The Spark, the official student publication of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), faced intimidation from Rep. L-Ray Villafuerte after a mock election survey showed him trailing behind his lone opponent for provincial governor.
Student and journalist groups were quick to rally behind the student publication, with the Journalism Studies Association of the Philippines (JSAP), a group of school paper advisers and journalism teachers, describing the case as a “blatant assault on campus press freedom.”
“Instead of engaging in democratic discourse, Villafuerte has chosen to attack these young journalists, in blatant disregard of academic and press freedoms,” JSAP said in a statement on Feb. 10.
“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,” it continued.
The poll, participated by CSPC students, showed Bong Rodriguez leading with 43% of the 498 votes, while Villafuerte trailed with 30%. The lawmaker, part of the influential Villafuerte political dynasty, dismissed the result as “fake news.”
JSAP defended the survey, which it emphasized is a common practice in academic institutions.
“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,” it said.
Apart from casting doubt on the results, Villafuerte targeted The Spark’s associate editor, accusing him of being a “fake news peddler” working in the interest of his opponent, Rodriguez.
Days later, Villafuerte insisted he was an ally of the press, touting his support for a House Bill demanding protection for media workers.
Following backlash, the CSPC administration distanced itself from the survey, even questioning whether the result accurately reflected student sentiment.
The Spark stood by its methodology, asserting that the result was presented “as it is without manipulation” and “without bias or intervention from any external persona.”
In a statement, the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) denounced Villafuerte’s “official tantrum,” urging other candidates to commit to protecting journalists from censorship and intimidation.
“Villafuerte is free to disagree with the results of the mock elections conducted by Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges official student publication The SPARK but posting a staffer’s name and photo knowing this makes them a target for his supporters is beyond the pale,” the NUJP said.
“While the Villafuerte name may be on a CSPC building, the family does not own the school, much less its community.”
The Spark has since republished the results of its mock polls.
