7/11 'no comment' on UST photo fiasco

MANILA, Philippines — The company that runs the convenience store 7/11 declined to comment on the issue surrounding the University of Santo Tomas’ Office of Student Affairs (OSA) and media organization TomasinoWeb. 

This is according to a report by the Varsitarian, the official student publication of UST, quoting Philippine Seven Corporation, the firm that runs the convenience store.

“We have no comment on this matter. We remain focused on providing convenience to our customers,” the report of the Varsitarian read, quoting the firm.

Varsitarian’s report also highlighted the mixed opinions of 7/11 employees about the issue.

This follows days after OSA ordered a takedown of a photo by TomasinoWeb showing a student in a Type B uniform entering a 7/11 store.

READ: The official statement of TomasinoWeb regarding the Photograph of CICS students wearing their Type B uniform. pic.twitter.com/TjCxR0R7bx

In a statement, OSA said that it caused “public ridicule” as the picture allegedly shows a resemblance to the uniform of the 7/11 workers. 

This led to the resignation of Leo Laparan II, the adviser of TomasinoWeb, who considered the OSA order an insult to his journalistic integrity and a form of censorship. 

The incident also prompted TomasinoWeb to halt its operation, citing OSA guidelines that stipulated that the organization cannot operate without an adviser. 

Meanwhile, the National Union of Journalists in the Philippines (NUJP) and other progressive groups and individuals flagged this OSA order, calling it as an “elitist” act and a form of campus press censorship.

RELATED: Progressive groups, solon decry UST admin's photo takedown order

"We urge the same respect for and protection of press freedom for campus journalists, who face the same risks and pressures as those in the working press,” NUJP’s Tuesday statement read.

In response, UST Public Affairs said that  “collaborative efforts are being undertaken to resolve the matter."

On February 21, through a signature campaign, UST alumni called for the end of campus repression. As of writing, there are 939 signatories in the petition which comprise UST alumni, journalists and media practitioners.

RELATED: UST alumni