Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session, \e

HOUSE BILL No, 1474 Xve

Introduced by Reps. CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE, NERI J. COLMENARES,
ANTONIO L. TINIO and TERRY RIDON

AN ACT
RECOGNIZING THE OBSERVANCE OF JULY 25 OF EVERY YEAR
AS THE NATIONAL CAMPUS FREEDOM DAY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

‘The campus press has long been known for its historic role and contribution to press fteedom
in the country. The 25" of July is a momentous day for the campus press. The College Editors
Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), an alliance of tertiary student publications nationwide - the
largest and oldest organization of its kind in the Asia Pacific Region, was founded on July 25,
1931, The date also coincides with the birthday of Emesto Rodriguez Jr., founder of the CEGP
and former editor in chief of Tbe National (the campus publication of the National University).

The Guild, a patriotic and democratic organization, is the center for the advancement of
campus press freedom in the Philippines. It aims to uphold and defend the interest and welfare
of student journalists, its student-publishers, and the Filipino people.

Campus joumalists who have served with CEGP continue to pursue the or
advocacies even after their years in college. Alumni, such as government officials, public
servants, civil society leaders and activists, media practitioners, business and industry leaders,
and personalities grace the CEGP hiscory’s list of student leaders.

As part of the alternative press during the dark days of martial law, campus media helped
expose the real state of the country during the dictatorship. Today, the campus press continues
to defend the interest and welfare of the Filipino people by tackling both national and sectoral
issues — providing a free and adequate venue for the discussion of student concerns

It's in this light thac this legislacion aims to declare the 25" of July of every year as che
“National Campus Press Freedom Day.”

Approved on third reading during the 15th Congress, immediate approval of this bill is
earnestly sought.


Approved

Rep. NI KOLMENA)
Bayd Partylst

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< FERRY RIDON
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Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

SIXTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

1474

HOUSE BILL No.

Introduced by Reps. CARLOS ISAGANI T. ZARATE, NERI J. COLMENARES,
ANTONIO L. TINIO and TERRY RIDON

AN ACT
RECOGNIZING THE OBSERVANCE OF JULY 25 OF EVERY YEAR
AS THE NATIONAL CAMPUS FREEDOM DAY, AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “National Campus Press Freedom
Day Act of 2013.”

SECTION 2. ‘The freedom of the press is a constitutionally afforded right. The campus press,
as part of media, is an important instination in society chat promotes and protects the freedom
of the press and the freedom of expression. Enough proof is its historical role as part of the
alternative media during the dark days of martial law. It continucs its legacy by upholding the
interests and rights of students, As a testament to its remarkable contribution in the continued
advancement of freedom of the press, the 25" of July of every year is hereby declared National
Campus Press Freedom Day.

SECTION 3. All educational institutions, in elementary, secondary and tertiary levels, are
hereby mandated to provide their full support and assistance to events and activities to be
conducted by students in recognition of the National Campus Press Freedom Day.

SECTION 4, Statutory Construction, — Any doubt in the interpretation of this Act shall be
resolved in favor of freedom of the press and the recognition of the National Campus Press
Freedom Day.

SECTION 5. Separability Clause, - If any provision of this Act is declared unconstitutional,
the other provisions thereof shall not be affected thereby.

SECTION 6. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its complete
publication in the Offiial Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the
Philippines.

Approved,