The student publication of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC), The SPARK, is standing by its poll that showed Bong Rodriguez as preferred candidate over Camarines Sur Second District Rep. Luis Raymund Villafuerte in the gubernatorial race for the midterm elections.
Villafuerte has questioned the legitimacy of the poll and described it as fake and inconsistent. He also shared the results of a separate survey conducted by Pulse Asia Research, Inc. that showed him with a significant lead against Rodriguez.
The SPARK released a statement refuting the accusations and explaining its methodology.
According to the publication, only CSPC students with verified student numbers were allowed to participate, and the poll was conducted through Google Forms, restricted to CSPC email holders to prevent external interference.
The survey, conducted from December 1-7, 2024, had a 95 percent confidence level and a margin of error of ±4 percent.
The results, which were initially taken down, have since been put back online.
"Results were presented as it is without manipulation. The mock election was done without bias and intervention from any external persona," The SPARK editorial said.
Beyond the allegations of rigging, The SPARK condemned strongly the personal attacks against its Associate Editor, Fernan Matthew Enimedez.
A photo of Enimedez and his family was circulated online along with accusations of partisanship.
"The SPARK vehemently condemns this shameful attack on our staff and his family. This attempt to discredit and tarnish the name of our staff is not only unethical but a direct violation of his rights as a Filipino," the statement read.
The publication also denied allegations of bias or being paid to favor any candidate.
"We are in no business of getting paid, nor do we plan to do so. Truth knows no limits," it said.
CEGP SLAMS VILLAFUERTE'S RESPONSE
The College Editors Guild of the Philippines (CEGP), the longest-running alliance of student publications in the country, also denounced Villafuerte’s reaction, calling his remarks an attack on press freedom.
"His expletives, an affront to campus press freedom, has no place in a democratic society," CEGP stated.
The group criticized the lawmaker’s response to the poll results, especially his targeting of a student journalist.
They labeled his actions as a form of harassment and an attempt to suppress dissent.
"His irresponsible blurbs against Enimedez sets a dangerous precedent for self-serving political figures who violently disperse free speech and tolerate a culture of impunity," the statement read.
CEGP further called on the CSPC administration to take a stand in protecting student journalists from political harassment.
It urged the school to investigate the case and implement measures to safeguard campus press freedom.
“The attacks against The SPARK and its members are threats to our line of duty that we cannot dismiss. It involves us all,” the guild said.
CSPC FACULTY CALLS FOR OVERSIGHT
The Faculty Association of CSPC has expressed solidarity with The SPARK.
The faculty body condemned the attack on campus journalists and emphasized the importance of academic and press freedom.
They said educational institutions should remain neutral spaces free from political influence, intimidation, and censorship.
"As faculty members, we serve as second parents to our students, ensuring their safety and holistic development," the statement read.
"We remain committed to fostering an environment where they can express themselves without fear," it added.
The faculty association called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Center for Human Rights Education (CHRE) to provide independent oversight and mediation.
They believe external intervention will ensure transparency and reinforce the institution’s commitment to student welfare.
ADMIN AFFIRMS SUPPORT
In an official statement, the CSPC administration has reiterated its commitment to press freedom and student welfare.
They said a free, independent, and responsible press is essential in fostering transparency, accountability, and democratic engagement within the academic community.
“We firmly stand against any form of suppression, harassment, or retaliation directed at student journalists who responsibly exercise their rights,” the statement read.
The administration assured that it is actively coordinating with relevant authorities to address concerns surrounding the issue.
In an earlier statement, the CSPC administration distanced itself from the poll. They said the institution had no involvement in the survey’s conduct or dissemination.
“The Administration of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges (CSPC) wishes to clarify that the recently released 2025 Midterm Elections Preference Polls, conducted by The SPARK, the official student publication of CSPC, was carried out as part of its independent journalistic activities,” it stated.
They said the results were not reflective of the entire student body due to the limited number of respondents.
