DAVAO CITY— Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) President Fr. Karel San Juan has issued a statement that supported student press freedom and their editorial independence after a statement was released by the Ateneo Publication Alliance commenting on the March 11 arrest of former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte for crimes against humanity.
The Ateneo Publication Alliance statement drew harsh negative reactions among Duterte supporters.
“We uphold student press freedom as a fundamental pillar of academic discourse and democratic engagement. However, with this freedom comes the responsibility to engage in respectful and ethical dialogue. While we encourage critical thinking and fearless journalism, we do not condone bullying, harassment, or red-tagging—especially when directed at our students, “ the ADDU president said in a statement released on March 12.
Fr. San Juan said that Ateneo de Davao will always defend the school paper’s press freedom, while acknowledging their editorial independence.
“Student journalism shapes informed discourse and challenges injustices, and we will always defend the right to a free and safe press. At the same time, student publications operate with editorial independence, and the views they express are their own, not necessarily those of the university,” his statement read.
The Ateneo Publication Alliance is composed of college presses; Atenews (Ateneo de Davao), The Beacon (Ateneo de Zamboanga), The Guidon (Ateneo de Manila), The Crusader (Xavier University), and ThePillars (Ateneo de Naga).
The Ateneo Publication Alliance in their March 11 statement declared their collective support to the arrest of Former President Duterte calling it as an important step towards the pursuit of justice.
“Duterte’s arrest is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative to ensure the victims’ deaths were not in vain nor is the rule of law an extension of tyrannical power,” read a portion of the Ateneo Publication Alliance statement.
The statement would reap mixed reactions from netizens, particularly negative comments and bashing from Duterte supporters. It also elicited heated exchanges among the Ateneo community.
Fr. San Juan in the statement urged the community to “approach discourse with wisdom, courage, and above all, kindness.”
“Difficult conversations unsettle us, but they ignite growth, sharpen understanding, and demand that we confront today’s complex realities. Yet, we remain steadfast in our mission—to form leaders who think critically, question boldly, and serve with compassion,” the Ateneo official said in the statement. (PIA/RGA)
