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THE National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) on Tuesday condemned the remarks of a lawmaker who vehemently disagreed with a survey conducted by the official publication of the Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC).
On Feb. 8, Camarines Sur 2nd District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte lashed out on a staffer of the CSPC publication, The Spark, over a survey favoring a rival of the lawmaker who is running for governor in the province.
"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.
The journalists' group also called the attention of the CSPC administration, who attempted to censor their own publication, calling it a "failure to respect the campus press and the students."
"Furthermore, academic institutions must uphold freedom of speech and expression. Capitulating to political pressure undermines their core mission of cultivating independent thought, critical analysis, and social responsibility in students," the NUJP said.
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"We also challenge all candidates to publicly disclose their platforms to guarantee journalist safety and freedom from censorship and intimidation."
Villafuerte is running for governor in Camarines Sur. His son, Luigi, the incumbent governor, is running for a seat in Congress.
