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

MANILA, Philippines — Progressive groups and a lawmaker denounced the University of Santo Tomas (UST) administration for the recent removal of a photo posted by a media organization, citing a violation of the right to freedom of expression.

On February 16, UST's Office of Student Affairs (OSA) issued a directive to remove a photo posted by the campus media entity TomasinoWeb. The image depicted students in red uniforms in front of a specific convenience store.

In a statement by TomasinoWeb, it said that the university administration instructed the organization to take down the photo as it allegedly caused “public ridicule” to students and the university due to a supposed “association of the Type B uniform with convenience store employee’s uniform.”

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

TomasinoWeb explained that the photo was taken without ill-intent. 

“TomasinoWeb never intended to cause any harm to anyone. While we believe being a convenience store worker is honest work, we acknowledge that the photograph still caused a stir online and for that, we sincerely apologize,” the campus media organization said in a statement on Friday. 

Rep. Raoul Manuel (Kabataan Partylist) on Friday condemned the the move of the UST administration.

I am reposting this photo that UST OSA made controversial, leading to censorship of student pub TomasinoWeb, resignation of its faculty adviser, and pause in its socmed ops. This is in solidarity with everyone in the UST community who stand vs campus repression.

(c) @lianbuan pic.twitter.com/qgGIgHtIvu

“Sumusobra na itong OSA ng UST. From censorship to repression of student orgs and activities. Parang nasa dark ages itong mga nasa OSA,” Manuel said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

(The UST Office for Student Affairs [OSA] is going too far. From censorship to repression of student organizations and activities. It's like those in OSA are in the dark ages.)

“We're watching. And we stand with UST students in their long battle for democratic rights,” he added. 

For her part, Anakbayan National Chairperson Jeann Miranda emphasized the