Collegian Under Assault

I spent a substantial portion of my college life writing and editing for the Philippine Collegian. If only for sentimental reasons, being in Kule yielded experiences that I wouldn’t have traded for anything else in the world: having late-night meaning-of-life conversations, interviewing all sorts of people, documenting events in Diliman and beyond, negotiating a libel case, and engaging in confrontations of all types and intensities. Colleagues who I worked with until the crack of dawn became my closest friends or comrades—Mykel, Raffy, Boom, Iris, Faj, Jordan, Charlie, and all. And it was in the course of doing research for articles and finding speakers for the Kule’s weekly EDs (educational discussions) where I met my husband.

I had my share of political awakenings through Kule. It was here, in Solidaridad and in CEGP where we worked with other student papers struggling against repression, harassment, technical deficiencies, and financial difficulties. Through Kule, we met activists such as Donato Continente, now free after being unjustly jailed on false charges for over fifteen years.

For all the locking of horns that being committed entails, being in Kule eventually made me realize how sweet and precious it was to be able to freely fight for the right principles. And how imperative it was to protect that freedom at all costs.

Which is why I was flabbergasted, if only for a few seconds, to hear from a staffer during the September 21 rally how that the UP administration has blocked Kule from printing its issues for over a month already. Unbelievable. Never in recent history has the Kule been ever subjected to such outright and actual financial hostaging by the administration.The fact that the Kule’s funds are now being witheld against the will of this year’s editorial board only speaks of the blunt and blatant coercion being employed by University officials.

Up to this writing, the administration reportedly refuses to disburse the Kule’s printing funds. From being among the three weekly student papers circulated throughout the Philippines, this year’s Kule has been confined to merely uploading updates on its website and e-group. A few days back, its writers began reading aloud their articles in the AS Lobby, in the absence of an actual printed issue. I’m not sure if Kule has resorted to DIY publishing as a peryodikit, but wouldn’t be surprised if it does so soon. For all the trouble they’ve been through for the past few weeks, it’s admirable for the present Kule staff to be fighting for their right to remain free.

Never would I consent to the Collegian being manacled like a slave. And, I hope, neither do you. Fight for freedom and autonomy, support the campaign at www.philippinecollegian.net.