FEAR OF TRUTH: Why a Powerful Politician Wants This Student Survey Silenced

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A simple student survey.

A powerful political figure.

A desperate attempt to erase the truth.

What happened at Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) is both infuriating and eye-opening. The Spark, CSPC’s official student publication, conducted a pre-election survey among 498 students to gauge their electoral preferences. But instead of welcoming the insights of the youth, an influential politician—threatened by the results—did everything to suppress it.

498 students dared to speak.

ONE powerful figure was afraid enough to silence them.

And a school administration chose to protect power instead of its students.

Let that sink in.

The Controversy

On February 7, 2025, The Spark published a legitimate survey revealing unfavorable results for a prominent political candidate—Camarines Sur 2nd District Representative Luis Raymund “LRay” Villafuerte, who is running for governor. Instead of leading the poll, Villafuerte lagged behind his opponent, Bong Rodriguez.

This triggered immediate backlash. The school administration, reportedly under pressure, ordered The Spark to take down the post. Soon after, Villafuerte himself publicly questioned the credibility of the survey, dismissing its legitimacy.

If the survey was insignificant, why go to such lengths to erase it?

If The Spark is truly independent, why silence it?

If the results didn’t matter, why is a powerful politician so afraid?

Would the same censorship have happened if Villafuerte had topped the survey?

Student Press Under Attack

Despite mounting pressure, The Spark stood firm. The editorial board defended their right to publish, emphasizing the role of campus journalism in uncovering the truth. But this incident exposes a much larger issue—the suppression of press freedom in educational institutions.

Republic Act No. 7079, also known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, was meant to protect student publications from administrative interference. But in reality, cases of censorship, intimidation, and funding threats remain rampant. The government even declared July 25 as National Campus Press Freedom Day, yet campus journalists continue to face suppression when their reports threaten those in power.

This is not just about one school or one publication. It’s about a system that fears accountability.

A Pattern of Suppression

What happened to The Spark isn’t an isolated case. Across the country, student journalists have repeatedly been silenced for exposing uncomfortable truths:

In 2023, the University of the Philippines’ Philippine Collegian reported on state-led red-tagging. The response? Surveillance and harassment.

In 2024, the Polytechnic University of the Philippines’ The Catalyst exposed irregularities in school funding. The result? Funding cuts and administrative intervention.

Now in 2025, The Spark is under fire for a simple electoral poll. Their crime? Revealing public sentiment.

The pattern is clear: when truth challenges power, power fights back.

Why This Matters

This isn’t just about a survey—it’s about democracy itself.

Silencing student journalists doesn’t just affect campus press—it sends a chilling message to young Filipinos:

That truth must be filtered to protect the powerful.

That speaking out comes at a cost.

That democracy is conditional—only tolerated when it benefits those in control.

And yet, by attempting to suppress this survey, the politician in question has done the opposite. He has only amplified the very truth he tried to bury.

If a simple student poll can shake a political giant, what does that say about their legitimacy?

Our Stand

To the school administration: Your students are watching. The decision to protect a politician’s ego over press freedom reflects the kind of values you choose to uphold. Is this really the lesson you want to teach?

To The Spark: Your courage in the face of censorship reminds us why student journalism matters. The truth you stand for is stronger than any intimidation tactic.

To the powerful figures trying to silence dissent: Your fear is showing. And by attempting to erase the truth, you’ve only made it louder.

If you truly believe you have the people’s support, then let them speak.

Because in a real democracy, the truth doesn’t need protection—only the liars do.

Celebrating Partnerships: From Connections to Collaborations: How This Game-Changing Event is Redefining Networking in Cavite

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A Historic Gathering of Business and Community Leaders in Imus, Cavite

On February 8, 2025, YES! Hotel in Anabu, Imus, Cavite, became the epicenter of business collaboration and community leadership as BNI Inspire Cavite One hosted “Celebrating Partnerships: From Connections to Collaborations.” The event brought together some of the most influential business networks and community organizations in the region, creating an unprecedented platform for networking, learning, and forming strategic alliances.

Uniting Powerhouses: BNI, JCI, Lions, Inner Wheel and Kiwanis, Join Forces

The event was spearheaded by BNI Cavite One in collaboration with JCI, Kiwanis, Inner Wheel and Lions Club underscoring the importance of unity in fostering business growth and community impact. This rare convergence of organizations provided attendees with valuable opportunities to expand their networks, exchange ideas, and explore potential collaborations that could drive both economic and social development.

The significance of this gathering was further amplified by the presence of distinguished speakers and guests, including:

Featured Speakers and Guests:

Antonio Luis Mercado – Regional Director, Cavite One, BNI

Earl Joseph Estrera – Regional Director, Cavite One, BNI

Jhon Dexter Tañedo – President, Inspire Chapter, Cavite One, BNI

Joy Jabile-Ejercito – South Luzon District Director, BNI

Angie Ng Ying Ping – Global Connector, Director, BNI Malaysia

Ace Peng – BNI North Taiwan

Emoy Francisco – Imus Dambalasik Lions Club

Rian Zibrid Cabildo – Executive VP, JCI Imus Wagayway

Rose Baguio – Kiwanis Vermosa Imus East

Val Baguio – Kiwanis Bahayang Pag-Asa

Leah Ordoñez – Inner Wheel Mutya ng Imus

Each speaker brought valuable insights on business networking, leadership, and collaboration, sharing real-world strategies to maximize partnerships across industries and organizations.

Signing of a Game-Changing Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)

One of the most groundbreaking moments of the event was the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) among key organizations. This agreement solidifies a year-long commitment to working together on training, development, and community projects that benefit entrepreneurs and social enterprises.

The MOU was signed by:

✔ JCI Imus Wagayway, Inc. – Represented by EVP Mark Rhian Cabildo

✔ Imus Dambalasik Lions Club – Represented by Charter President Jose Elmer "Emoy" Francisco

✔ BNI Cavite One – Represented by President John Dexter Tañedo

✔ Inner Wheel Club of Mutya ng Imus – Represented by its Leah Ordonez

✔ Kiwanis Club Bahayang Pag-Asa – Represented by District Treasurer Val Baguio

✔ Kiwanis Club Vermosa Imus – Represented by President Rose Baguio

The MOU establishes the following commitments:

Sharing training and project lists to maximize opportunities for collaboration

Providing financial or in-kind support to ensure successful implementation of initiatives

Incorporating each other's logos in marketing and promotional materials

Ensuring transparency and accountability through post-event reports

This agreement, effective for one year, supersedes all prior informal agreements, ensuring that participating organizations stay aligned in their vision and mission.

A Milestone for International Networking and Collaboration

As part of International Networking Week (INW), the event also highlighted the role of BNI platforms in global business expansion. International BNI leaders, such as Angie Ng Ying Ping from Malaysia and Ace Peng from Taiwan, emphasized how local entrepreneurs could leverage BNI’s global network to access new markets, build international partnerships, and enhance their competitive edge.

The event’s success was a testament to the hard work and dedication of BNI Cavite One, with special recognition given to:

Regional Director Antonio Luis Mercado for his visionary leadership

BNI Inspire Chapter President Jhon Dexter Tañedo for his unwavering commitment to uniting business leaders

Regional Director Earl Joseph Estrera for helping bridge connections across multiple organizations

A New Era of Business Collaboration in Cavite

As the event concluded, the atmosphere was filled with excitement and optimism. Attendees left not just with new contacts but with genuine partnerships, shared visions, and a renewed drive to make a lasting impact.

This gathering was not just another networking event—it was a turning point in how organizations in Imus, Cavite, and beyond will connect, collaborate, and create meaningful change together.

For those who couldn’t attend, stay tuned for future events and opportunities to be part of this growing movement of collaborative success!

Bato Dela Rosa’s Disgraceful Attack on a PWD Legislator: A Moment of Power or a Lack of Decency?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

In a shocking display of arrogance and insensitivity, Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has once again found himself at the center of controversy—this time for making offensive and derogatory remarks toward Akbayan Party-list Representative Perci Cendaña, a known stroke survivor. The incident has ignited a wave of public outrage, with advocates, netizens, and organizations calling for his immediate apology and accountability.

The Incident That Sparked a Firestorm

During a discussion on the impeachment proceedings against Vice President Sara Duterte, Senator Dela Rosa threatened to slap Representative Cendaña. But it didn’t stop there—his comments allegedly mocked Cendaña’s physical condition, a result of a previous stroke. Instead of engaging in a meaningful debate, Dela Rosa resorted to an aggressive and highly inappropriate outburst that targeted not just Cendaña but also the entire community of persons with disabilities (PWDs).

This blatant display of disrespect did not go unnoticed. Almost immediately, the public erupted in condemnation, with many questioning how a senator of the Republic could behave in such an unprofessional and disgraceful manner.

An Outpouring of Condemnation

Calls for an apology and accountability have since dominated social media, with health advocates, disability rights organizations, and ordinary citizens denouncing Bato’s behavior. Akbayan Party has formally demanded an “immediate and unequivocal public apology” from Dela Rosa, not only to Representative Cendaña but also to the broader disability community.

"The words and actions of Senator Bato are not just offensive; they reinforce harmful discrimination against individuals with disabilities," Akbayan stated in a public statement.

Medical and disability rights advocates also joined the call, emphasizing that mocking a person’s medical condition is unacceptable in any setting, let alone within the Senate. Critics insist that Dela Rosa must not only apologize but also be reprimanded by the Senate’s Ethics Committee.

Public Outrage: "Not Fit for Public Office"

Social media platforms have been flooded with criticisms, with many users expressing their disgust over Dela Rosa’s words and actions.

“Disgusting boorish behavior. A disgrace to both the Senate and the Philippine military.”

“Tapos na ang political career ni Bato. He should never have been elected in the first place.”

“Bato’s remarks are proof that incompetence and arrogance can lead to utterly useless senators.”

“The Philippine Military Academy (PMA) should reprimand him. This is not the conduct of a true officer.”

Many netizens have vowed not to vote for Bato in any future elections, calling him “unbecoming of a senator” and a “bad example to the younger generation.” Some even pointed out his previous interview with journalist Karen Davila, where he was widely criticized for his incoherent and defensive responses.

A Pattern of Arrogance and Disrespect

This is not the first time Senator Dela Rosa has been called out for his problematic statements and actions. His tenure in the Senate has been marked by moments of questionable leadership, with many Filipinos questioning what he has actually contributed in terms of meaningful legislation.

Instead of focusing on policies that would benefit the Filipino people, he has been embroiled in controversies—often using his position to attack critics rather than engaging in productive discourse. His latest outburst only adds to the growing list of reasons why many believe he should not have been elected in the first place.

The Bigger Issue: Leadership Built on Respect, Not Bullying

At its core, this incident highlights a much larger issue: the kind of leadership we allow to thrive in the Philippines. Public officials are supposed to be role models, embodying respect, professionalism, and integrity. Instead, what we are seeing is a pattern of unchecked arrogance and a blatant disregard for basic human decency.

Leadership should be built on integrity and respect, not insults and threats. A senator, particularly one with a military background, should hold himself to a higher standard of conduct. But Dela Rosa’s behavior raises an important question—if this is how he conducts himself in public, how much worse is it behind closed doors?

Will the Senate Take Action?

The responsibility now falls on Senate President Miguel Zubiri and the Senate leadership. Will they simply let this pass, or will they take action and set an example that such behavior will not be tolerated?

The call for a public apology is not just about Perci Cendaña—it is about holding elected officials accountable for their words and actions. A reprimand from the Senate Ethics Committee would send a strong message that disrespect and discrimination have no place in public service.

Conclusion: The People Will Remember

Senator Bato Dela Rosa may believe he is untouchable, but the Filipino people have long memories. With every misstep, he erodes what little credibility he has left. His arrogance and lack of decency are now on full display, and the backlash is proof that Filipinos are no longer willing to tolerate his antics.

As the 2025 elections draw near, one thing is clear: the public will remember who stood for respect and dignity—and who did not. And for Senator Bato, the road to reelection just became significantly harder.