Rules for Implementing Campus Journalism Act

These rules are officially called the "Rules and Regulations for the Implementation of the Campus Journalism Act of 1991" (Rules).
Enforceable in public and private elementary, secondary, and tertiary schools.

The State protects freedom of the press at the campus level.
Campus journalism promotes ethical values, critical thinking, moral character, and personal discipline.
DECS officials, educational heads, advisers, and personnel must support and promote these policies.

"School": Elementary, secondary, or tertiary educational institution.
"Student Publication": Printed materials published independently by students for their peers.
"Student Journalist": Bona fide enrolled student meeting editorial board qualifications and maintaining good academic standing.
"Editorial Board": Composed of qualified student journalists at tertiary level; includes adviser optionally; elementary and high school boards include faculty adviser, editor, and Parent-Teacher Association representative.
"Editorial Policies": Guidelines managing content selection, publication frequency, and operations aligned with laws and school policies.

All schools are encouraged to have student publications.
Three types: elementary, secondary, tertiary.
Editorial boards have autonomy to determine policies and manage funds.
Tertiary editorial boards accountable to institutions and third parties for legal consequences.
Purposes include training in journalism, enhancing communication skills, promoting educational development, responsible leadership, social awareness, and advancing student rights.

Sources of funding: publication fees, school appropriations savings, donations, grants, advertisements.
Fees collected during enrollment; funds released promptly after enrollment.
Budgets prepared and published by editorial boards covering printing, transport, conferences, allowances, etc.
Collection mechanisms coordinated with school administrations.
Funds deposited in authorized bank accounts with at least two editorial signatories.
Printing conducted through canvassing or public bidding.
Financial reports are audited annually or per semester and published.
Funds strictly for publication-related expenses; misuse leads to administrative/criminal sanctions.

Adviser selected from list recommended by publication staff.
Provides technical guidance.
Elementary and secondary advisers, with Parent-Teacher Association, bear responsibility over publication content.
Advising duties count as workload in public schools.

Tertiary staff chosen via competitive examination by a committee including administration, faculty, media practitioner, and past editors.
Elementary and secondary staff must pass qualifying exams administered by a committee composed of advisers and former editors.

Staff must maintain satisfactory academic standing.
Cannot be expelled/suspended solely for published articles or journalistic duties.

Grants and donations used exclusively for campus journalism promotion are exempt from donor's/gift tax according to the Constitution.

DECS ensures enforcement and can act on appeals.
Regional offices have original jurisdiction over cases from editorial board decisions.
Investigations and hearings must conclude within 15 days.
Secretary of Education may amend rules upon consultation and in accordance with R.A. No. 7079.

Rules take effect immediately after publication and distribution to all schools.