PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte has signed a law declaring July 25 of every year as National Campus Press Freedom Day, in an effort to acknowledge campus press as "an important institution in promoting and protecting the freedom of the press and the freedom of expression."

Under Republic Act (RA) 11440, all educational institutions are mandated to observe the National Campus Press Freedom Day.

“As a testament to its remarkable contribution in the continued advancement of these freedoms, the State shall, as a matter of policy, promote the observance of July 25 of every year as national; Campus Press Freedom Day,” the law read.

“All educational institutions are mandated to provide full support and assistance to the preparation of the annual program of activities and events to be conducted by students in observance of the National Campus Press Freedom Day,” it added.

The 1987 Philippine Constitution states that is the policy of the State to promote, protect, and safeguard the constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression, speech and of the press.

Duterte signed RA 11440 on August 28, but Palace released a copy of the law just on Tuesday, September 10. (Ruth Abbey Gita/SunStar Philippines)