College Editors Guild of the Philippines

24/01/2025

Report from The Pillar: EV Pubs, CEGP, press freedom advocates hold roundtable discussion on Frenchie's 26th birthday

An online roundtable discussion titled “Tayong lahat si Ate Frenchie” celebrated the 26th birthday of the journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, January 23, 2025.

The session covered topics from updates on Tacloban 5, issues faced by Eastern Visayas (EV) publications, and situation of UP Tacloban amidst militarization.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of their unlawful arrest, along with Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna, to allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of fi****ms and explosives.

Led by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) in partnership with Free Tacloban 5 Network, The Pillar, and UP Vista, the event was held virtually via Google meet. ¶

Words by Greg Antonnie Poldo

𝐋𝐎𝐎𝐊 || 𝐄𝐕 𝐏𝐮𝐛𝐬, 𝐂𝐄𝐆𝐏, 𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐨𝐦 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐢𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐨𝐧 𝐅𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐞'𝐬 𝟐𝟔𝐭𝐡 𝐛𝐢𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐝𝐚𝐲

An online roundtable discussion titled “Tayong lahat si Ate Frenchie” celebrated the 26th birthday of the journalist Frenchie Mae Cumpio, January 23, 2025.

The session covered topics from updates on Tacloban 5, issues faced by Eastern Visayas (EV) publications, and situation of UP Tacloban amidst militarization.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of their unlawful arrest, along with Marielle Domequil and Alexander Abinguna, to allegations of terrorism financing and illegal possession of fi****ms and explosives.

Led by the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) in partnership with Free Tacloban 5 Network, The Pillar, and UP Vista, the event was held virtually via Google meet. ¶

Words by Greg Antonnie Poldo

24/01/2025

Report from The Pillar: Si Frenchie Mae Cumpio ay kilala ng nakararami bilang parte ng mga mamamahayag at tagapagtanggol ng karapatan pantao, na inaresto noong ika-7 ng Pebrero 2020 dahil sa mga hindi makatotohanang akusasyon. Ang grupong ito na kinabibilangan ni Frenchie ay mas kilala sa tawag na Tacloban 5.

Ngunit sa kabila ng kanyang katapangan, si Frenchie Mae ay katulad din natin—isang kaibigan, katrabaho, at simpleng mamamayan na may payak na pangarap para sa kaniyang sarili at bayan.

Ngayong araw, sa kanyang ika-26 na kaarawan at ika-limang taon na pagkakakulong, atin siyang mas kilalanin mula sa mga taong kaniyang nakasama at lubos na nakakaalam ng kaniyang buhay. Atin ding samahan ang mga taong ito sa pakikipaglaban sa paglaya ng Tacloban 5 at sa karapatan sa malayang pamamahayag.

Mula sa The Pillar, maligayang kaarawan sa iyo Ate Frenchie! ¶




Verbo: Trisha Mae Docil
Lapat nina Greg Antonnie Poldo at John Paul Egana

23/01/2025

Read our Press Release here: The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Cebu expresses its strong support for the resolution, as it emphasizes the critical need to assist Today’s Carolinian in recovering its office and operational funds while securing its official recognition as USC’s publication. CEGP Cebu also reaffirms its support of the resolution as a commitment to defending press freedom and ending repression of student publications.

The resolution’s support aligns with the broader campaigns of countering bureaucratic and oppressive systems imposed by universities that restrict students' rights in favor of commercialized and fascist interests. It not only addresses the issues of Today’s Carolinian but the broader interest of student publications nationwide, many of which continue to face different forms of repression both within and beyond their respective universities.

If adopted, the resolution will signal the House’s firm stance against these practices and its commitment to exploring legislative measures, such as the Campus Press Freedom Bill, to institutionalize stronger safeguards for campus journalists and publications nationwide. #





PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2025

Reference:
09423320844
Chrisly Aday
CEGP Cebu Chairperson

Campus Press Under Siege: Lawmakers urges action against USC admin’s suppression of Today’s Carolinian

Lawmakers from the House of Representatives have filed a resolution condemning the University of San Carlos (USC) administration for suppressing student press freedom and academic rights. The resolution, introduced by Representatives Raoul Danniel A. Manuel of Kabataan Party-list, Arlene D. Brosas of Gabriela Women’s Party, and France L. Castro of ACT Teachers Party-list, highlights the eviction of the student publication Today’s Carolinian (TC) from its office as part of a broader pattern of repression.

On January 15, 2025, Today’s Carolinian was evicted from its office without prior notice, with the space reassigned to the Alumni Office. This marked the latest in a series of repressive actions against the publication, which has faced defunding, restrictions on media coverage, and bureaucratic hurdles since 2019, following its critical reports on the university’s proposed Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI). In August 2024, Today’s Carolinian experienced a similar displacement when its Talamban Campus office was replaced by the Campus Ministry.

On June 10, 2024, the University of San Carlos (USC) administration pledged to restore the publication’s funding and office space, but only if it registered under the Office of Student Formation and Activities (OSFA). The OSFA is widely criticized for its excessive red tape and arbitrary restrictions that suppress free expression and autonomy. As a result, Today’s Carolinian, along with other USC student organizations and institutions, have been subjected to undue pressure to comply with OSFA’s traditional and bureaucratic accreditation process, threatening independence and operational integrity.

The resolution emphasizes that such actions violate constitutional protections for free speech, academic freedom, and press rights. It calls on the USC administration to cease all forms of intimidation and punitive actions against student institutions and to reaffirm its commitment to the protection of academic and press freedoms.

Moreover, the resolution urges the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to investigate these incidents and take steps to safeguard student rights in higher education institutions.

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Cebu expresses its strong support for the resolution, as it emphasizes the critical need to assist Today’s Carolinian in recovering its office and operational funds while securing its official recognition as USC’s publication. CEGP Cebu also reaffirms its support of the resolution as a commitment to defending press freedom and ending repression of student publications.

The resolution’s support aligns with the broader campaigns of countering bureaucratic and oppressive systems imposed by universities that restrict students' rights in favor of commercialized and fascist interests. It not only addresses the issues of Today’s Carolinian but the broader interest of student publications nationwide, many of which continue to face different forms of repression both within and beyond their respective universities.

If adopted, the resolution will signal the House’s firm stance against these practices and its commitment to exploring legislative measures, such as the Campus Press Freedom Bill, to institutionalize stronger safeguards for campus journalists and publications nationwide. #





PRESS RELEASE
January 23, 2025

Reference:
09423320844
Chrisly Aday
CEGP Cebu Chairperson

23/01/2025

On Frenchie's 26th birthday, she, along with Tacloban 5, has been a symbol of resistance and fight against oppression and freedom of expression. Their unlawful detention and the challenges they faced symbolize the critical issues surrounding press and human rights in the Philippines.

This event is dedicated to illuminating and facilitating meaningful discourse on the case of Tacloban 5, a group of human rights defenders and journalists who challenged adversity with extraordinary courage. Moreover, to enlighten and empathize student journalists in their struggle for press freedom in the university. This is organized in partnership with the Free Tacloban 5 Network, University of Eastern Philippines’ The Pillar, and UP Vista. One of the guests is Kyle Domequil, sister of Marielle Domequil of Tacloban 5.

23/01/2025

Join us as we assess the Philippine economy’s trajectory as the country prepares for the 2025 midterm elections, amidst intensified political turmoil and changing geopolitical landscape.
is a biannual forum where IBON Foundation presents its analysis of the country's most urgent socioeconomic and political issues.

23/01/2025

Join us as we assess the Philippine economy’s trajectory as the country prepares for the 2025 midterm elections, amidst intensified political turmoil and changing geopolitical landscape.

is a biannual forum where IBON Foundation presents its analysis of the country's most urgent socioeconomic and political issues.

We thank our partners for helping us bring IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 to a larger audience.

23/01/2025

January 23, 2025: LAYAS Duterte Network Grand Launching

22/01/2025

Report from RedWire: WARRIORS, LET US SHOW THE STRENGTH OF OUR UNITY! ✊🏼

The student councils of the University of the East (UE) Caloocan Campus, led by the Central Student Council (CSC), are organizing a candle lighting protest against the administration’s proposed tuition hike for the next school year.

The candle lighting protest will take place on Friday, January 24, at 6 pm at the UE-Caloocan Open Field.

This comes after UE issued a memorandum stating its intention to increase tuition and other school fees for the academic year 2025-2026.

Students are encouraged to participate in the lighting event and bring their own candles.

“It’s a stand for accessible and affordable education, student rights, and a brighter future for all. Each candle lit represents our collective call for equity, fairness, and a voice in the decisions that affect us,” the CSC said in a Facebook post.

“Warriors, let’s shine a light on these pressing issues and show the strength of our unity. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s fight for what’s right,” the council added.

The administration is set to hold a “consultation” meeting with the UE-Caloocan student councils on January 27, Monday, at the Briefing Room, Ground Floor Engineering Building.

WARRIORS, LET US SHOW THE STRENGTH OF OUR UNITY! ✊🏼

The student councils of the University of the East (UE) Caloocan Campus, led by the Central Student Council (CSC), are organizing a candle lighting protest against the administration’s proposed tuition hike for the next school year.

The candle lighting protest will take place on Friday, January 24, at 6 pm at the UE-Caloocan Open Field.

This comes after UE issued a memorandum stating its intention to increase tuition and other school fees for the academic year 2025-2026.

Students are encouraged to participate in the lighting event and bring their own candles.

“It’s a stand for accessible and affordable education, student rights, and a brighter future for all. Each candle lit represents our collective call for equity, fairness, and a voice in the decisions that affect us,” the CSC said in a Facebook post.

“Warriors, let’s shine a light on these pressing issues and show the strength of our unity. Let’s make our voices heard. Let’s fight for what’s right,” the council added.

The administration is set to hold a “consultation” meeting with the UE-Caloocan student councils on January 27, Monday, at the Briefing Room, Ground Floor Engineering Building.

22/01/2025

CEBU: Students from the University of San Carlos (USC), joined by various student organizations and media institutions, held a protest rally in front of the USC Talamban Campus yesterday, January 21, 2025.

Organized by Rise for Education - USC, the rally expressed solidarity with Today’s Carolinian (TC) with support from the National Union of Journalists of the Philippines (NUJP) Cebu, the College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Cebu, and Kabataan Partylist (KPL).

The protest was triggered by an eviction notice from the USC administration, directing TC to vacate its office to make way for the Alumni Office.

Althea Tumulak of Today’s Carolinian highlighted the publication’s struggles, saying, “Gi kuhaan nami sa amoang funds and wala na pud mi gi-recognize as the official progressive and the only university-wide student publication. Ug karong buntaga lamang, the only response nga among nakuha sa USC Admin kay ang pagpahawa sa amo sa among opisina is ‘but a prudent use of limited campus spaces, nothing more.”

(We’ve already been stripped of our funds and are no longer recognized as the official, progressive, and university-wide student publication. And just this morning, the only response we received from the USC administration regarding our eviction was that it’s ‘a prudent use of limited campus spaces, nothing more.’)

Hans Balila, President of the USC Supreme Student Council (SSC), and Maui Cruz of Rise for Education - USC criticized the administration’s interference in student organizations. They emphasized the importance of supporting student publications and protecting academic freedom on campus.

“For years, student organizations have faced bureaucracy and arbitrary rules through the OSFA registration requirement,” Balila explained. “This system has delayed student initiatives and been used to silence dissent.”

CEGP Cebu Chairperson Chrisly Aday framed the eviction of TC as part of a broader attack on campus press freedom, stating, “Ang nahitabo sa Today’s Carolinian dili usa ka isolated case, apan usa ka mas lapad nga atake sa campus press freedom and suppression of dissent.”

(What happened to Today's Carolinian is not an isolated case, but a broader attack on campus press freedom and the suppression of dissent.)

Aday underscored the urgent need for the passage of the Campus Press Freedom Bill, highlighting its role in providing legal safeguards for campus publications against escalating attacks.

Other speakers, such as NUJP Cebu’s John Sitchon, Kabataan Partylist Secretary-General Jolo Lambio, and Kabataan Partylist second nominee Paolo Echavez, called on the youth and the Carolinian student body to resist administrative oppression.

They urged collective action to safeguard academic freedom, uphold genuine student representation, and protect autonomous spaces for campus publications and student voices.

Protesters demanded that the USC administration reconsider its decision and respect the significance of Today’s Carolinian, emphasizing its crucial role in amplifying student concerns and fostering discourse within the university.

22/01/2025

IN THE NEWS: College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), the oldest alliance of student publications in the Asia Pacific, condemned the action of the USC administration.

Brell Lacerna, CEGP spokesperson said that the USC’s removal of Today’s Carolinian’s office amid students’ fearless inquiry on the tuition fee and other school fees increase is a clear violation of the democratic rights of the students and its communities.

Read: https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/01/21/cebu-based-student-publication-kicked-out-of-its-campus-office/

Known for its critical coverage of tuition and other fee increases (TOFI) and administrative policies affecting students, the Cebu-based student publication Today’s Carolinian was removed from its office without prior notice.

Read: https://www.bulatlat.com/2025/01/21/cebu-based-student-publication-kicked-out-of-its-campus-office/

22/01/2025

Report from FORWARD Publications: Students from the University of San Carlos (USC) raised their voices against the removal of Today’s Carolinian Downtown Campus Office on Tuesday, January 21, at the USC-Talamban Campus.

The protest was led by The Rise for Education Alliance-USC and speakers from various organizations to advocate for the need for press freedom and protection of student spaces.

via Ashleah Villono | FORWARD Staff Writer

Photos Courtesy: Narvie Klaryzze Borja | FORWARD Staff Artist

22/01/2025

On Frenchie's 26th birthday, she, along with Tacloban 5, has been a symbol of resistance and fight against oppression and freedom of expression. Their unlawful detention and the challenges they faced symbolize the critical issues surrounding press and human rights in the Philippines.

We invite all student publications to attend the Tayong Lahat si Ate Frenchie: Roundtable discussion on the Tacloban 5 on January 23, 2025, 4:00 PM. We will be joined with esteemed student journalists and human rights defenders in Eastern Visayas.

Kindly register here: https://bit.ly/Tacloban5Discussion

In partnership with
Free Tacloban 5 Network
The Pillar
UP Vista Online

22/01/2025

IS TOMORROW!

Join us as we take a closer look at the Marcos Jr administration’s claims of economic progress amid the Filipino's persistent problems.

The IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 will be held on January 23 1PM at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. Registration fee is at Php120.

You may register at bit.ly/IBONBirdtalk25YSRegistration

College Editors Guild of the Philippines is a partner of IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025.

IS TOMORROW!

Join us as we take a closer look at the Marcos Jr administration’s claims of economic progress amid the Filipinos' persistent problems.

The IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 will be held on January 23 1PM at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. Registration starts at 12NN and the fee is just Php120.

We thank our co-presentors and partners for helping us bring Birdtalk to a larger audience.

22/01/2025

Join us as we take a closer look at the Marcos Jr administration’s claims of economic progress amid the Filipino's persistent problems.

The IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 will be held on January 23 1PM at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. Registration fee is at Php120.

You may register at bit.ly/IBONBirdtalk25YSRegistration

College Editors Guild of the Philippines is a partner of IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025.

22/01/2025

is a biannual forum where IBON Foundation presents its analysis of the country's most urgent socioeconomic and political issues.

The IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 will be on January 23 1PM, at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. Registration fee is at Php120.

REGISTRATION FORM: bit.ly/IBONBirdtalk25YSRegistration

College Editors Guild of the Philippines is a partner of IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025.

‼️ 1 WEEK UNTIL ‼️

REGISTRATION FORM: bit.ly/IBONBirdtalk25YSRegistration

is a biannual forum where IBON Foundation presents its analysis of the country's most urgent socioeconomic and political issues.

The IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 will be on January 23 1PM, at the Institute of Biology Auditorium, National Science Complex, UP Diliman. Registration fee is at Php120.

We thank our partners for helping us bring IBON Birdtalk Yearstarter 2025 to a larger audience.

21/01/2025

PANOORIN: Nagtipon ang TAMA NA (Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance) para ihayag ang 'Kilos, Bayan!' protest rally sa January 31, 2024.

20/01/2025

CEBU: HANDS OFF TODAY’S CAROLINIAN! DEFEND PRESS FREEDOM!

On January 17, 2025, Today’s Carolinian (TC), the official student publication of the University of San Carlos (USC), was issued a notice to vacate its premises without prior warning. This action follows years of administrative defunding since 2019, which stemmed from TC’s critical coverage of the Tuition and Other Fees Increase (TOFI).

The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP) Cebu, alongside its member publications, strongly condemns the USC administration's unjust actions against Today’s Carolinian. Displacing the publication from its office and withdrawing its funding represent outright violations of the democratic rights of students and the campus community at large.

A free and independent student press is vital to the pursuit of truth and the safeguarding of accountability. Silencing Today’s Carolinian undermines not only the principles of campus journalism but also the fundamental values of freedom of expression and student empowerment.

We urge everyone to stand in solidarity with Today’s Carolinian in defending press freedom and resisting all attempts to suppress the voice of the students. Together, let us uphold the integrity of campus journalism and fight for genuine freedom of the press.