Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon Ci

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
Regular Session

3328

HOUSE BILL No. _?'

Introduced by Reps. TEDDY A. CASINO and RAYMOND V. PALATINO

EXPLANATORY NOTE.

‘The campus press has long been known for its historic role and contribution to press freedom in the
country.

‘The 25" of July is a momentous day for the campus press. The College Editors Guild of the
Philippines (CGP), 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 25" of July
coincides with the birthday of Emesto Rodriguez Jr.,a former editor in chief of The National
(National University) and the founder of the CEGP.

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

ists and alumni who have served with CEGP continue to pursue the organization’s

ies even after their years in college. Alumni, such as government officials, public se

civil society leaders and activists, media practitioners, business and indusuy leaders, and personal
the CEGP history'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.

Ic is in this light that this legislation aims to declare the 25" of July of every year as the “National
Campus Press Freedom Day.”

It is for these reasons that the passage of this proposed measure is earnestly sought.

Approved,

AG pod
TEDDY A. CASINO RAY! V. PALATINO

Bayan Muna Paty. staan Party-list



Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL No. _3 328

Introduced by Reps. TEDDY A. CASINO and RAYMOND V. PALATINO

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 im Comgress assembled

SECTION 1. Short Title. - This act shall be known as the “National Campus Press Freedom Day
Act of 2010.”

SECTION 2. The freedom of the press is a constitutionally afforded right. The campus press, as
part of media, is an important institution in society that promotes and protects the said right.
Enough proof is its historical role as part of the alternative press during the dark days of martial law.
Ic continues 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 to be 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 thercof shall not be affected thereby.

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

Approved,