LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

DIVING DEEP INTO THE LEGAL FOUNDATION

Background Information for Learners

The Republic Act 7079 otherwise known as the Campus Journalism Act of 1991
strengthened the nation’s ability to express freedom through its promising forerunners- the
youth. Through this, journalism was given a chance to extend more opportunities to students like
you in practicing your freedom of speech. This is particularly important since the school is like a
laboratory for you to practice certain provisions and look at both sides of a concept. Hence in
school, after the quality experience, you will make an informed decision if you will be adherent
to these concepts and theories or not. Moreover, the act is also in support to Article III section 4
of the 1987 Constitution which states that, “No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of
speech or expression, or the press, or the right of the people to peacefully assemble and petition
the government for redress of grievances.” Practicing journalism inside the campus does not only
help you express your voice but also enhances your skills and personalities. Consequently, one of
the responsibilities of education to provide you with relevant experiences that give you life skills
was definitely furthered by the act, making you better functioning citizens in the society.

Learning Competency

Discuss specific provisions of RA 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act (SPJ7MDL-Ib-4)

REPUBLIC ACT No. 7079

July 5, 1991

AN ACT PROVIDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROMOTION OF CAMPUS

JOURNALISM AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress

assembled:

Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known and referred to as the "Campus Journalism Act of
1991."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and protect the
freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development and growth of
campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging critical and creative
thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the Filipino youth.In
furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and projects aimed at
improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting responsible and free
journalism.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. –

(a) School. – An institution for learning in the elementary, secondary or tertiary level comprised
of the studentry, administration, faculty and non-faculty personnel;

46
(b) Student Publication. – The issue of any printed material that is independently published by,
and which meets the needs and interests of, the studentry.
(c) Student Journalist. – Any bona fide student enrolled for the current semester or term, who
was passed or met the qualification and standards of the editorial board.He must likewise
maintain a satisfactory academic standing.
(d) Editorial Board. – In the tertiary level, the editorial board shall be composed of student
journalists who have qualified in placement examinations.In the case of elementary and high
school levels, the editorial board shall be composed of a duly appointed faculty adviser, the
editor who qualified and a representative of the Parents-Teachers' Association, who will
determine the editorial policies to be implemented by the editor and staff members of the student
publication concerned.
At the tertiary level, the editorial board may include a publication adviser at the option of its
members.
(e) Editorial Policies. – A set of guidelines by which a student publication is operated and
managed, taking into account pertinent laws as well as the school administration's policies.Said
guidelines shall determine the frequency of the publication, the manner of selecting articles and
features and other similar matters.

Section 4. Student Publication. – A student publication is published by the student body through
an editorial board and publication staff composed of students selected but fair and competitive
examinations.
Once the publication is established, its editorial board shall freely determine its editorial policies
and manage the publication's funds.

Section 5. Funding of Student Publication. – Funding for the student publication may include the
savings of the respective school's appropriations, student subscriptions, donations, and other
sources of funds.
In no instance shall the Department of Education, Culture and Sports or the school
administration concerned withhold the release of funds sourced from the savings of the
appropriations of the respective schools and other sources intended for the student publication.
Subscription fees collected by the school administration shall be released automatically to the
student publication concerned.

Section 6. Publication Adviser. – The publication adviser shall be selected by the school
administration from a list of recommendees submitted by the publication staff.The function of
the adviser shall be limited to one of technical guidance.

Section 7. Security of Tenure. – A member of the publication staff must maintain his or her
status as student in order to retain membership in the publication staff.A student shall not be
expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she has written, or on the basis of the
performance of his or her duties in the student publication.

Section 8. Press Conferences and Training Seminar. – The Department of Education, Culture and
Sports shall sponsor periodic competitions, press conferences and training seminars in which
student-editors/writers and teacher-adviser of student publications in the elementary, secondary
and tertiary levels shall participate. Such competitions, conferences and seminars shall be held at

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the institutional, divisional, and regional levels, culminating with the holding of the annual
national elementary, secondary or tertiary School Press Conferences in places of historical and/or
cultural interest in the country.

Section 9. Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Education, Culture and Sports, in
coordination with the officers of the national elementary, secondary or tertiary organizations or
official advisers of student publications, together with student journalists at the tertiary level and
existing organizations of student journalists, shall promulgate the rules and regulations necessary
for the effective implementation of this Act.

Section 10. Tax Exemption. – Pursuant to paragraph 4, Section 4, Article XIV of the
Constitution, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly and
exclusively for the promotion of campus journalism as provided for in this Act shall be exempt
from donor's or gift tax.

Section 11. Appropriations. – For the initial year of implementation, the sum of Five million
pesos (P5,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be charged against the savings from the current
appropriations of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports. Thereafter, such amount as
may be necessary shall be included in the General Appropriations Act.

Section 12. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved: July 5, 1991.

Source: The LAWPHiL Project. REPUBLIC ACT No. 7079. Retrieved June 10, 2020 from
https://lawphil.net/statutes/repacts/ra1991/ra_7079_1991.html

Exercise 1. Get to Know Me!

Directions: Using your observation skills, look for the answers to the information asked inside
the chart. This will help you describe campus journalism in four ways and have an idea with the
kind of journalism going on in your school.

Function/
Role

Effectivity of Campus Level of

Purpose Journalism freedom of
expression

Student
Involvement
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 Function/ Role
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Effectivity of Purpose
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Level of freedom of expression

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Student Involvement
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Exercise 2. Spot the Reason
Directions: In the first column, list 4 reasons why you think RA 7079 was enacted as a law.
Then, for the next column, mention the specific section which will prove that it is really one of
the reasons why the act was created. Lastly, for the third column, state why you think the
enactment is important in nation building.

Specific section from where

Importance in nation
Reason for the enactment the answer in first column
building
was culled

Exercise 3. Where was it stated?

Directions: Below are statements based on the different sections found in RA 7079. Analyze
each statement carefully and identify the section it was culled/ based from. Write your answer on
the space provided.

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 1. Campus Journalism is a reaction of the nation to craft programs and projects for the
enhancement of students’ journalistic skills. __________________
2. RA 7079 encourages the promotion of free journalism which recognizes responsibility.
__________________
3. This part states how independent the School Publication is. __________________
4. It provides the right for the editorial board to have the liberty in determining its editorial
policies and managing the publication's funds. __________________
5. The part where the extent of the work of a school paper adviser is mentioned.
__________________
6. This talks about convergences which aim to develop the campus journalists’ writing,
reporting skills and other abilities relevant to journalism. __________________
7. Mentions that a teacher with the editor who qualified, and a representative of the Parents-
Teachers' Association will be in charge of the crafting of policies for the campus paper
organization. __________________
8. It mentions the by- product and the over- all output of the whole publication staff for the
school year. __________________
9. Talks about how at the tertiary level, the editorial board may include a publication
adviser at the option of its members. __________________
10. School was mentioned as an institution for learning comprised of the studentry,
administration, faculty and non-faculty personnel. __________________
11. Specifically mentions the start of the affectivity of the republic act.
__________________
12. Student journalist’s qualification as a genuine student of the school.
__________________
13. Section which talks about expulsion of student journalists. __________________
14. This part states what this act shall be known for. __________________
15. The school administration selects from a recommended list submitted by the publication
staff the organization’s publication adviser. __________________

Exercise 4. The Missing Part of Me

Directions: Below are exact statements from the RA 7079 itself. However, there are parts of the
statements which were left blank. Prove your knowledge of the law by filling in the blanks with
the exact words from the law.
1. Pursuant to paragraph 4, ___________, Article XIV of the Constitution, all grants,
endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly and exclusively for the
promotion of campus journalism as provided for in this Act shall be exempt from donor's
or gift tax.
2. In furtherance of this policy, the ___________ shall undertake various programs and
projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting
responsible and free journalism.
3. ______________ – An institution for learning in the elementary, secondary or tertiary
level comprised of the studentry, administration, faculty and non-faculty personnel;
4. The issue of any printed material that is ____________ published by, and which meets
the needs and interests of the studentry.

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 5. Any bona fide student enrolled for the current semester or term, who has passed or met
the ______________ and standards of the editorial board.
6. Editorial Board. – In the tertiary level, the editorial board shall be composed of
______________ who have qualified in placement examinations.In the case of
elementary and high school levels, the editorial board shall be composed of a duly
appointed faculty _________, the editor who qualified and a representative of the
Parents-Teachers' Association, who will determine the editorial policies to be
implemented by the editor and staff members of the student publication concerned.
7. At the tertiary level, the editorial board may include a publication adviser at the
_________ of its members.
8. _____________- A set of guidelines by which a student publication is operated and
managed, taking into account pertinent laws as well as the school administration's
policies.Said guidelines shall determine the frequency of the publication, the manner of
selecting articles and features and other similar matters.
9. Student Publication. – A student publication is published by the student body through an
editorial board and publication staff composed of students selected by ________and
competitive examinations.
10. Section 6. Publication Adviser. – The publication adviser shall be selected by the school
____________ from a list of recommendees submitted by the publication staff.

Exercise 5. Picturing a Thousand Words

Directions: Write an essay of not less than 200 words justifying the events in the picture if they
express the ideals stipulated in the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. You will be graded
according to the given rubric.

Photo credit: Mendiola, Ace (2012). Militant activist protesting at the Freedom Plaza
[photograph]. en.wikipedia.org. Retrieved June 14, 2020 from

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polytechnic_University_of_the_Philippines#/media/
File:Student_activists_on_PUP.jpg

The essay clearly states a position, provides support for the position,
raises a counter argument or objection and refutes it. The evidence, both
in support of the position and in refutation of counter positions, is
Excellent writer persuasive and original (that is, drawn from the student’s own
20 observations, not borrowed.) The essay tackles a significant objection or
counterargument, not a trivial one. The relationships between position,
evidence, counterargument and refutation are clear and the essay does
not contain extraneous or irrelevant information.
The essay states a position, supports it, raises an objection or
counterargument and refutes it. The essay may, however, contain one or
Good Writer more of the following ragged edges: evidence is not uniformly
18 persuasive or original; the counterargument is not a very serious threat
to the position; one has to read between the lines to see relationships
between ideas and some ideas seem out of place or irrelevant.
The essay states a position and releases a counterargument. The
objection or counterargument considered may lean toward the trivial.
Average Writer The essay may also seem disorganized. Nonetheless, the essay should
16 receive a 4 in acknowledgement of the cognitive complexity of the task.
It is more difficult to address arguments and counterarguments than it is
simply to support one line of argument.
The essay states a position, provides strong and original evidence
supporting the position, and is well organized. However, the essay does
Fair Writer not address possible objections or counterarguments. Thus, even though
14 the support seems stronger and the essay maybe more well organized
than the 4 essay, it should not receive more than 3.
The essay states a position and provides some support, but it doesn’t do
it very well. Evidence is scanty, general, trivial or not original. The
Weak Writer essay achieves its length largely through repetition of ideas and
12 inclusion of irrelevant information. The overall impression is that the
essay has been dashed off at the last minute.
The essay does not state the student’s position on the issue. Instead, it
restates the position presented in the assignment and summarizes the
evidence discussed in the text or in class. The essay may include an
Very Weak Writer
occasional I agree with, but it provides nothing beyond what was said in
10
class or in the readings. The essay receives a 1 rather than a 0 because
there may be some merit to being able to summarize what the author of
the text said.

Source: Diannova, Reyza. (2012). A sample of holistic scoring rubric [PowerPoint slide].
Retrieved from https://www.slideshare.net/missreynova/a-sample-of-holistic-scoring-rubric

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 _________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________

Reflection

Directions: Craft your own quotation which would describe your over- all opinion of the
Republic Act 7079 or the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. Your quotation will be graded
according to the following criteria:
Clarity of Idea - 7 points
Relevance of Opinion - 4 points
Composition and Mechanics - 4 points
_________________________________________
Total - 15 points

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

PRINCIPLES OF JOURNALISM

Background Information for Learners

DepEd starts monthlong ‘remote enrollment’ on June 1 amid COVID-19 pandemic

Having read this headline of a current newspaper article, watched the news on television,
or heard it broadcast on the radio, you are actually dealing with the forms of journalism.

53
 You also have learned in your previous lesson that journalism is the act of gathering and
presenting news and information. This term also refers to the news and information itself. It's
important to notice the variety of information media today. The news and information can be
presented in many different ways, including articles, reports, broadcasts, or even tweets.
Behind this act are five core principles that must be followed accordingly among the
hundreds of codes of conduct, charters and statements made by media and professional groups.

1. Truth and Accuracy

Journalists cannot always guarantee ‘truth’, but getting the facts right is the cardinal
principle of journalism.
Independence
Journalists must be independent voices; they should not act, formally or informally, on
behalf of special interests whether political, corporate or cultural.
3. Fairness and Impartiality
Most stories have at least two sides. While there is no obligation to present every side in
every piece, stories should be balanced and add context.
4. Humanity
Journalists should do no harm.
5. Accountability
A sure sign of professionalism and responsible journalism is the ability to be accountable.

Learn more about them by doing all the exercises below.

Learning Competency

Share views about the principles of journalism (SPJ7PTJ-Ib-5)

Exercise 1. WHAT DO YOU MEAN?

Directions: Complete the crossword by filling in a word defined or described by each clue.
4

3
5
1

7
6

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Across:
1. freedom from outside control or support
3. treating or affecting all equally
6. answerability, blameworthiness, and liability

Down:
2. compassionate, sympathetic, or generous behavior
4. proposition or value that is a guide for behavior
5. free from errors
7. the basic and most important part of something

Exercise 2. FACT OR FAKE

Directions: Read each statement carefully. Tell whether the statement is fact or fake. Draw a
happy emoticon for a factual statement and a sad emoticon for a fake one on the blank
provided before the number. Copy and answer the exercise in your notebook.
_________1. Journalists should only have the five core principles to obey and disregard the rest
of the codes of conduct.
_________2. Journalism’s first obligation is to the truth.
_________3. Stories should be balanced and free from incorrect data.
_________4. Readiness to correct committed mistakes means accountability.
_________5. If a journalist is aware of what depth of impact the published words and
photographs will have on the people’s lives, humanity is there.
_________6. Journalism is in support of anyone’s side and involved in different parties.
_________7. Journalism is always confined to the news media and/or to news itself.
_________8. Independence of spirit and mind, rather than neutrality, is the principle journalists
must keep in focus.

Exercise 3. PROBE IT
Directions: The following are excerpts from the two different news publications in the
Philippines. Read and study the news articles about the case of the Rappler CEO and executive
editor. After reading, answer the questions that follow.
Palace says Ressa’s conviction due to ‘bad journalism’
Published June 17, 2020, 12:57 PM
By Genalyn Kabiling

Journalists should observe due diligence and fact check their stories after the cyber libel
conviction of Rappler head Maria Ressa indicated a case of “bad journalism,” Malacañang
said on Wednesday.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque appealed for responsible journalism after a Manila court
found Ressa guilty of violating the country’s law on cyber libel.

The court ruling on Ressa and former writer Reynaldo Santos Jr. was in connection with a

55
 complaint filed by businessman Wilfredo Keng over an alleged defamatory article.

“You have to be careful with what you report. You have to observe professionalism, at most,
diligence, in reporting only the truth. You have to fact check,” Roque said over ANC’s
Headstart program when asked about the implication of the 12-year prescriptive period of
cyber libel on journalists and other people posting online.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/06/17/palace-says-ressas-conviction-due-to-bad-journalism/

Media law experts: SC can clarify ‘online republication’

By: HYPERLINK "https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/byline/mariejo-s-ramos" Mariejo S. Ramos -
HYPERLINK "https://www.twitter.com/@inquirerdotnet" @inquirerdotnet
HYPERLINK "https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/source/philippine-daily-inquirer" Philippine
Daily Inquirer / 04:56 AM June 17, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — As the cyberlibel conviction of Rappler CEO and executive editor
Maria Ressa and former researcher Reynaldo Santos Jr. raised questions about the nuances of
the cybercrime law, media law pundits said the principles of prescription and republication
online remained a legal gray area that could be taken up by a higher court.

“The legal issue will be what is republication in the online sense, because the article was
published in 2012 and it’s been there since 2012, but when the article was edited in 2014, was
that already republication? ” said Sandra Olaso-Coronel, who teaches at the University of the
Philippines (UP) College of Law.
“That’s another issue that will be determined by the Supreme Court,” she said.
Olaso-Coronel said Ressa’s case could be an opportunity for the Supreme Court to finally
address the provisions of cyberlibel that had remained vague.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1292754/media-law-experts-sc-can-clarify-online-
republication

1. Who are convicted of cyberlibel case?

______________________________________________________________________________
2. How did they commit the said violation?
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
3. What core principle/s do you think was/were not considered by the Rappler CEO and
researcher in writing the article? Explain your answer.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________
4. Are the writers of these June 17, 2020 issues published by the two leading news publications
in the Philippines bias? If yes, in what way?
______________________________________________________________________________
__________________________________________________________
5. Do they have similar presentation of data? How do they differ?

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_________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________

Exercise 4. WHAT IS NOT RIGHT?

Directions: Here is another to check. Below are the frontpage images of the Philippine
broadsheets which are the Philippine Daily Inquirer (PDI), Manila Bulletin and The Philippine
Star. Read and observe the banner headlines and answer the questions that follow.

Image from: https://coconuts.co/manila/news/look-headlines-three-leading-newspapers/

1. Those three banner headlines are referring to only one person named Mary Jane Veloso,
30 years old - a condemned Filipina maid whose plight has captivated the nation. Which of the
three do you think has a forthright assumption of Veloso’s scheduled execution? Explain your
answer.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
2. Which two were more careful in writing their headlines? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________
3. Among the three newspapers, which had the safest headline? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

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4. Do you think the newspaper which had the forthright assumption of Jane Veloso’s
execution did not follow the core principles of Journalism? If yes, name them and explain why.
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________

Exercise 5. JOURN CORE PRINCIPLES DETECTIVES

Directions: Clip three news articles from the old newspapers or search for three online published
articles. Using the table below, evaluate the clipped or searched articles by checking the column
of principles present in each of them.

News Truth and Independence Fairness and Humanity Accountabilit

Articles Accuracy Impartiality y
1
2
3

Exercise 6. SHARE IT!

Directions: Having learned the five core principles, read and evaluated news articles, it’s high
time to share your view or opinion about them in your own words. Write a one-paragraph
opinion on each of the principles. Emphasize their importance in the world of journalism. Then
after writing, get ready to share it by posting on your facebook account as a campaign promoting
responsible journalism. Have a catchy caption or title of your post following the format below.

1. Truth and Accuracy

________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

2. Independence
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

3. Fairness and Impartiality

________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

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______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

4. Humanity
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________

5. Accountability
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
____________________________

Performance Task Rubric

Component 4 3 2 1

Content Shows a full Shows a good Shows a good Does not

understanding of understanding of understanding of seem to
the topic the topic parts of the topic understand
the topic very
well
Vocabulary Uses vocabulary Uses vocabulary Uses vocabulary Uses several
appropriate for appropriate for appropriate for the (5 or more)
the audience. the audience. audience. Does words or
Extends audience Includes 1-2 not include any phrases that
vocabulary by words that might vocabulary that are not
defining words be new to most of might be new to understood
that might be new the audience but the audience. by the
to most of the does not define audience.
audience. them.
Grammar Language Language Language There is a
structures are structures are structures are used very high
used correctly used correctly correctly proportion of
most of the time. three quarters of approximately grammatical
the time. half of the time. errors.
Quality Made in an Made in an Had little style. Had no style.
extraordinary style. interesting style.

Very informative Somewhat Gives some new Gives no new

and well organized. informative and information but information
well organized. poorly organized. and very
poorly
organized.

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Reflection:

In these activities I have learned that

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

MEDIA LAWS AND ETHICS

Background Information for Learners

What if a person convicted of a legal case defends himself by saying that he is not aware
that he has violated a law or that it exists, can you imagine the problem that this mindset or alibi
will bring to our legal system?

This possible conflict has been prevented through the Article 3 of the Civil Code. It states
that:

Ignorance of the law excuses no one from compliance therewith.

Thus, every person in the Philippines is expected to know all laws since ignorance of
their existence is not a valid legal defense in normal circumstances.

As a young journalist, it is imperative for you to understand the governing media laws
and ethical standards in journalism. Also, you are expected to find out and value legal matters.

Take note of the following sections in the Article III, Bill of Rights of the 1987
Philippine Constitution.

Section 4: No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the
press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress
of grievances.

Section 7: The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be
recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to official acts,

60
transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data used as basis for policy
development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to such limitations as may be provided by law.

Basically, the constitution provides two rights that are thoroughly beneficial to you as a
journalist; these are the rights to inform (express) and be informed. These give you the ability to
express yourself in any form of media and to gather information that you need as you exercise
your rights as a journalist.

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 However, bear also in mind that access to information also has limits as stated by the
Section 3. (1) of the Bill of Rights that says, “The privacy of communication and correspondence
shall be inviolable except upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires
otherwise, as prescribed by law.”

Also, the Republic Act No. 10173, or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 aims to “safeguard
the fundamental human right of every individual to privacy while ensuring free flow of
information for innovation, growth, and national development.”

Therefore, in your quest for information, a journalist cannot force anyone to participate
particularly if the information needed is private, confidential or involves a matter of safety or
order. In the event that an information is obtained, the source of information should be properly
acknowledged or cited.

Learning Competency

Gather relevant information about media laws (SPJ7MDL-Ic-6)

Exercise 1. Data Driven

Directions: This will help you identify and follow rules in securing data as you do the work of
a journalist. Cross-out all types of data/information that you can find from the puzzle below
which are covered by the Data Privacy Law. These data can not be obtained without the consent
of the owner. The words may go horizontal, vertical, diagonal or downward. The letter X in
between words may mean space. List them on the spaces below the puzzle. Apply spaces
between words.

F R T A Q H Y U I K L O P S X Y S S A B V D
E M R C Y U G A A K D Z M S Y O P E R A V E
P E R S O N A L X L E T T E R D W E A N O P
W D E P A T F S A B R I C Y M R I H E K I D
H I N U L P A D D R E S S A R E A E R X Y E
A C G P O L I C E X R E P O R T S T S I N T
T A P N Y A E C T M A N O C K C M Y A N O Y
I L W D P A S S W O R D S O A H Y U W F I Q
W X X A O P R O R A D O N A N Q O W I O D S
E R E L T A N B I R R E S N U E U T N R Y E
N E W A I A L O N Q N E T C T L T S R M E A
R C O S N D A G M I L I T A R Y X P L A N T
O O N E A O I O A U S L T H I N R V T T N O
O R T A K S D N S E H L A E H L S C O I N P
D D T H U I O N B Z I E N T O B S U M O M P
O E R E M S C E A F Z F T A N O Y Q E N E Y
___________________ __________________ __________________ _____________________

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___________________ __________________ __________________ _____________________
Exercise 2. To Do or Not To Do
Directions: Read and understand the Philippine Journalist’s Code of Ethics below. Then
categorize each underlined statement whether it belongs to the To Do or Not To Do lists of a
journalist as mandated by existing laws. Use the chart below for your listings.

I. I shall scrupulously report and interpret the news, taking care not to suppress essential
facts nor to distort the truth by omission or improper emphasis. I recognize the duty to air
the other side and the duty to correct substantive errors promptly.
II. I shall not violate confidential information on material given me in the exercise of my
calling.
III. I shall resort only to fair and honest methods in my effort to obtain news, photographs
and/or documents, and shall properly identify myself as a representative of the press
when obtaining any personal interview intended for publication.
IV. I shall refrain from writing reports which will adversely affect a private reputation unless
the public interests justifies it. At the same time, I shall write vigorously for public access
to information, as provided for in the constitution.
V. I shall not let personal motives or interests influence me in the performance of my duties;
nor shall I accept or offer any present, gift or other consideration of a nature which may
cast doubt on my professional integrity.
VI. I shall not commit any act of plagiarism.
VII. I shall not in any manner ridicule, cast aspersions on or degrade any person by reason of
sex, creed, religious belief, political conviction, cultural and ethnic origin.
VIII. I shall presume persons accused of crime of being innocent until proven otherwise. I
shall exercise caution in publishing names of minors, and women involved in criminal
cases so that they may not unjustly lose their standing in society.
IX. I shall not take unfair advantage of a fellow journalist.
X. I shall accept only such tasks as are compatible with the integrity and dignity of my
profession, invoking the "conscience clause" when duties imposed on me conflict with
the voice of my conscience.
XI. I shall comport myself in public or while performing my duties as journalist in such
manner as to maintain the dignity of my profession. When in doubt, decency should be
my watchword.

To Do Not to Do

63
Exercise 3. Held Accountable
Directions: Every journalist is expected to faithfully observe the principles of his/her
profession in accordance to the existing laws of the land and journalist’s Code of Ethics. Any act
against those rules will hold a journalist accountable. Discover the legal cases that a journalist
may face if he fails to observe and be guided by the existing laws and codes. Find the letter
equivalent of each given number based on the alphabet (1 is for A) to reveal the legal cases.
Also, be guided by the given definition. Write the letters below the numbers.

A kind of defamation which is a false

accusations against or statements about
another and “publishes” those statements
by transmitting them to a third party by 12 9 2 5 12
written word and those statements
damage the reputation, character or
integrity of that person, the target of the
statements may recover damages from
the person who uttered the false
statements.
("False Accusations - Falsely Accused Of A A kind of defamation which is a false
Crime - Find An Attorney", 2020) accusations against or statements about
another and “publishes” those statements
(by transmitting them to a third party by
word of mouth), and those statements
damage the reputation, character or
19 12 1 14 4 5 18
integrity of that person, the target of the
statements may recover damages from
the person who uttered the false
statements.
("False Accusations - Falsely Accused Of A
In the Philippines, it is the same as Crime - Find An Attorney", 2020)
copyright and could be consider under
the cybercrime law of the Republic Act
10175, and according to the Department
of Justice, plagiarism is not a crime but it
is the same in copyright violation. 16 12 1 7 9 1 18 9 19 13

(Steemit. Steemit.com.., 2020)

64
Exercise 4. An Observation in the Campus
Directions: Now that you already have encountered and gathered information about the media
laws and ethics, you also need to know the specific provisions of the law in the
campus level and understand why students have the means to exercise their
potentials as young journalist. Read the Campus Journalism Act of 1991. Then
complete the statements just after the article.

Section 1. Title. – This Act shall be known and referred to as the "Campus Journalism Act
of 1991."

Section 2. Declaration of Policy. – It is the declared policy of the State to uphold and
protect the freedom of the press even at the campus level and to promote the development
and growth of campus journalism as a means of strengthening ethical values, encouraging
critical and creative thinking, and developing moral character and personal discipline of the
Filipino youth. In furtherance of this policy, the State shall undertake various programs and
projects aimed at improving the journalistic skills of students concerned and promoting
responsible and free journalism.

Section 3. Definition of Terms. –

(a) School. – An institution for learning in the elementary, secondary or tertiary level
comprised of the studentry, administration, faculty and non-faculty personnel;

(b) Student Publication. – The issue of any printed material that is independently published
by, and which meets the needs and interests of, the studentry;

(c) Student Journalist. – Any bona fide student enrolled for the current semester or term,
who was passed or met the qualification and standards of the editorial board.He must
likewise maintain a satisfactory academic standing.

(d) Editorial Board. – In the tertiary level, the editorial board shall be composed of student
journalists who have qualified in placement examinations.In the case of elementary and high
school levels, the editorial board shall be composed of a duly appointed faculty adviser, the
editor who qualified and a representative of the Parents-Teachers' Association, who will
determine the editorial policies to be implemented by the editor and staff members of the
student publication concerned.

At the tertiary level, the editorial board may include a publication adviser at the option of its
members.

(e) Editorial Policies. – A set of guidelines by which a student publication is operated and
managed, taking into account pertinent laws as well as the school administration's
policies.Said guidelines shall determine the frequency of the publication, the manner of
selecting articles and features and other similar matters.

65
Section 4. Student Publication. – A student publication is published by the student body
through an editorial board and publication staff composed of students selected but fair and
competitive examinations.

Once the publication is established, its editorial board shall freely determine its editorial
policies and manage the publication's funds.

Section 5. Funding of Student Publication. – Funding for the student publication may
include the savings of the respective school's appropriations, student subscriptions,
donations, and other sources of funds.

In no instance shall the Department of Education, Culture and Sports or the school
administration concerned withhold he release of funds sourced from the savings of the
appropriations of the respective schools and other sources intended for the student
publication. Subscription fees collected by the school administration shall be released
automatically to the student publication concerned.

Section 6. Publication Adviser. – The publication adviser shall be selected by the school
administration from a list of recommendees submitted by the publication staff. The function
of the adviser shall be limited to one of technical guidance.

Section 7. Security of Tenure. – A member of the publication staff must maintain his or her
status as student in order to retain membership in the publication staff. A student shall not be
expelled or suspended solely on the basis of articles he or she has written, or on the basis of
the performance of his or her duties in the student publication.

Section 8. Press Conferences and Training Seminar. – The Department of Education,

Culture and Sports shall sponsor periodic competitions, press conferences and training
seminars in which student-editors/writers and teacher-adviser of student publications in the
elementary, secondary and tertiary levels shall participate. Such competitions, conferences
and seminars shall be held at the institutional, divisional, and regional levels, culminating
with the holding of the annual national elementary, secondary or tertiary School Press
Conferences in places of historical and/or cultural interest in the country.

Section 9. Rules and Regulations. – The Department of Education, Culture and Sports,
(now Department of Education) in coordination with the officers of the national elementary,
secondary or tertiary organizations or official advisers of student publications, together with
student journalists at the tertiary level and existing organizations of student journalists, shall
promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the effective implementation of this Act.

Section 10. Tax Exemption. – Pursuant to paragraph 4, Section 4, Article XIV of the
Constitution, all grants, endowments, donations, or contributions used actually, directly and
exclusively for the promotion of campus journalism as provided for in this Act shall be
exempt from donor's or gift tax.

66
 Section 11. Appropriations. – For the initial year of implementation, the sum of Five
million pesos (P5,000,000.00) is hereby authorized to be charged against the savings from
the current appropriations of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports (now
Department of Education). Thereafter, such amount as may be necessary shall be included in
the General Appropriations Act.

Section 12. Effectivity. – This Act shall take effect after fifteen (15) days following the
completion of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of
general circulation.

After reading RA 7079, talk about your observations in the school where you are
currently enrolled or you last attended. Use the statement prompt as your guide. Use a separate
sheet if necessary and be guided by the given rubric for grading.

Rubric for Grading

CRITERIA 4 3 2 1
Quality of The statements The statements are The statements The statements
Writing are well presented somewhat well are poorly are very poorly
and organized presented and presented and presented and
and written in an organized and organized and organized and
extra ordinary written in an written with written with no
style and voice interesting style little style and style and voice
and voice voice
Adherence to No spelling There are few There are a There are a
Grammar punctuation, spelling number of number of
Rules capitalization, punctuation, spelling spelling
spelling and capitalization, punctuation, punctuation,
language rules spelling and capitalization, capitalization,
errors language rules spelling and spelling and
errors language rules language rules
errors errors
Adapted from Cox, J. (2020). A Simple Way to Grade an Essay. ThoughtCo. Retrieved 21 June
2020, from https://www.thoughtco.com/essay-rubric-2081367.

After reading the Campus Journalism Act of 1991, I can say that we practice the
following in our school. (State all the things that are in RA 7079 which are present in your
school) _______________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

67
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________

As I am now aware of this act, I would like to suggest that (state all the things that
the school should also practice based on RA 7079)____________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________

Exercise 5. Rights and Restrictions

Directions: Again, remember that ignorance of the law excuses no one. Review the notes and
exercises before this. Look at the given provisions of the Philippine laws. Identify whether they
belong to your list of rights as a Filipino citizen and journalist or to the restrictions of the
exercise of such rights. List them in the boxes provided below the icons and provide a short
explanation about each. Examples are given as your guide.

68
Reflection:

Complete this statement:

69
In these activities I have learned that
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
___________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

CHARACTERISTICS OF A NEWS STORY

Background Information for Learners

News is said to be the spinal cord of journalism. In a human body, spinal cord works a bit
like a telephone switchboard operator, helping the brain communicate with different parts of the
body, and vice versa from which three major roles are to relay messages from the brain to
different parts of the body (usually a muscle) in order to perform an action, pass along messages
from sensory receptors (found all over the body) to the brain, and coordinate reflexes (quick
responses to outside stimuli) that don't go through the brain and are managed by the spinal cord
alone.
With the spinal cord directly compared to the news in journalism, you will realize the
importance of it. The basic assumption of journalism is the collection, presentation and
interpretation of news which is meant to inform the people about what is new and novel. Thus,
good characteristics of a news must not be taken for granted in writing. For you to be guided and
stay on the right track, familiarize yourself with these five characteristics of a news.

1. Accuracy
It means correctness not merely in general impression but also in details, hastily
accuracy is to a newspaper what virtue is to a lady.
2. Balance
News is to be balanced though it is not an easy task to write news which is
balanced in every aspect, a severe effort must be made by a reporter to render the account
of any event in the best possible manners.
3. Objectivity
It means that the news covers to the consumer intimated without any personal bias
or any outside influence that would make it appear anything but what it is.
4. Concise and clear
It must be united, concise, clear and simple.
5. Current
The definition of news remains incomplete if element of time is not given major
consideration. Time is the essence of the news.

Learning Competency

Explain the characteristics of news story (SPJ7NEW-Id-9)

70
Exercise 1. FOLLOW AND UNFOLLOW
Directions: Below pool of synonyms and antonyms of the five characteristics of a news and an
organizer where you will write your answers. At the center part of it, each characteristic is
written. Pick from the word pool its two synonyms and write them on the top and bottom
circles while on the left and right circles have its two antonyms. Knowing their similar and
opposite words will help you understand them better and give you some points on what to follow
and unfollow in writing news report.

short evenness validity present justice

incorrectness past subjectivity wordy inequality
precision fairness equality brief latest
Imbalance old falseness circuitous bias

1 2

accuracy balance

3 4

objectivity concise

current

71
 5
Exercise 2. CERTIFYING NEWS
Directions: Read and observe the characteristics of the news article below. Then answer the
questions that follow.

PH’s COVID-19 cases soar to 28,459 as DOH logs 661 additional patients

By: Katrina Hallare - Reporter / @KHallareINQ

INQUIRER.net / 04:40 PM June 19, 2020

MANILA, Philippines — There are now 28,459 cases of COVID-19 in the country as 661
additional patients have been recorded, the Department of Health (DOH) reported Friday.

Of the new cases, 460 were labeled as “fresh” and 201 were tagged as “late.”

Fresh cases refer to those that were validated in the past three days.

As for late cases, DOH spokesperson and Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire
explained about this during the online press briefing.

“Para naman po sa mga late cases, nakapagtala po tayo ng 201 cases na ang mga resulta
ay lumabas mahigit tatlong araw na ang nakalipas, ngunit ngayon lang na-validate dahil
ngayon lamang din naisumite ng mga laboratoryo sa Epidemiology Bureau,” she said.

(As for late cases, we have recorded 201 cases, which results were released more than
three days ago but were only validated now because it was only now that they were
submitted by laboratories to the Epidemiology Bureau.)

Meanwhile, 288 more patients were able to recover from the contagious respiratory
illness, this raised the country’s total recoveries to 7,378.

On the other hand, DOH reported that the Philippines’ COVID-19 fatality count increased
to 1,130 with the death of 14.

In the same online press briefing, Vergeire announced that the Philippines already has 62
licensed laboratories for COVID-19 testing as of June 18. Of which, she added, were 46
laboratories that use real-time RT-PCR while 16 use GeneXpert.

Worldwide, COVID-19 has infected over 8.5 million people and killed at least 456,650.

COVID-19 is a respiratory ailment caused by the novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2,

which outbreak started in China’s Wuhan City in Hubei province in late 2019.

https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1294373/phs-covid-19-cases-soar-to-28459-as-doh-
logs-661-additional-patients

72
1. What is the news all about?

2. When was it published? Is it considered current?

______________________________________________________________________
3. Are the name/s or term/s correctly spelled? How about the figures?
______________________________________________________________________
4. Is the article concisely written? What made you say so?

5. Are the data or information objectively presented? Explain.

______________________________________________________________________

6. Is the purpose to inform the public by the data presented served? Explain.
______________________________________________________________________

Exercise 3. SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Directions: Using the Venn diagram, identify the similarities and differences of the given
excerpts of articles from two different publications. Label the type of each based on your
findings.
A.
Bohol tourist influx to hit 1.2-M in 2019
Updated November 6, 2016, 10:19 AM
By Philippines News Agency

TAGBILARAN CITY— Tourist arrivals in Bohol is expected to hit a mark at 1.2 million
by 2019 based on the 32 percent average increase, regional director Efren Carreon of the
National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) region seven said.
The forecast of tourist influx may not be far-fetched considering that the New Bohol
Airport in Panglao island is expected to be finished or operational by early of 2018, Capitol
officials said.
Carreon, who was the guest speaker of the 120th birth anniversary of President Carlos
Polestico Garcia on Nov. 4, said that Bohol’s tourist arrivals are on the upward trend.
The trend showed that from 389,000 tourists visited Bohol in 2013, it progress to 455,000
and 602,000 in 2014 and 2015, respectively.
Despite the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that shook the province on Oct. 15, 2013, the
tremendous upturn (32 percent) is higher than the regional surge at 14 percent or more than
double, Carreon said
https://news.mb.com.ph/2016/11/06/bohol-tourist-influx-to-hit-1-2-m-in
2019/#:~:text=TAGBILARAN%20CITY%E2%80%94%20Tourist%20arrivals%20in,
73
(NEDA)%20region%20seven%20said.
B.
Key voices vs terror bill
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:08 AM June 18, 2020

Mention the word “terrorist” and what comes to mind is the devastation of Marawi, a city in ruins
after the Maute insurgents affiliated with the Islamic State laid siege to it in May 2017.

Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, and other parts of Mindanao have similarly been terrorized by the Abu
Sayyaf group. Having lived with the chaos, violence, and instability that terrorists bring in their
wake, Mindanao lawmakers should have been the first to support the anti-terrorism bill that now
awaits the President’s signature to become law.

Instead, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman, Lanao del Sur (2nd District) Rep. Yasser Alonto
Balindong, and Anak Mindanao Rep. Amihilda Sangcopan voted against the bill and eloquently
expressed their opposition to it.

Hataman, who comes from Basilan where the Abu Sayyaf mainly operates, expressed alarm over
the bill’s expanded definition of “terrorist,” noting how Muslims have always been “the usual
suspects.”

This law is meant to give the state the power to tag whomever (it) pleases as a terrorist,” he
warned.

And police have been known to abuse their authority, he added, citing the June 12 raid on a
Muslim household in San Andres where agents of the Manila Police District allegedly stormed
the house without identifying themselves and without any search warrant, and subsequently
arrested two businessmen, also without a warrant.

Hataman lamented that the anti-terrorism bill had been prioritized over the much-delayed
rehabilitation of Marawi, a dire situation that ironically could breed more radicalism and
recruitment by extremist groups.

Balindong, for his part, protested that their “many proposals to fine-tune the bill to make it
constitutional… were turned down.”

These Mindanao leaders are not the only ones opposing the draconian measure. In several open
letters to the President after holding various fora last week, Mindanawons from different sectors
appealed to Mr. Duterte to veto the bill and come up with a “version that is respectful of
people’s rights and freedoms.”

“The best antidote to terrorism is building a humane Philippine society,” said the unity
statement signed last June 12 by several groups mostly active in the peace process in Mindanao.
In fact, they pointed out, the government has not bared any accounting of the martial law that
was imposed on the whole of Mindanao for 31 months, and “what the gaps were that would 74
warrant another anti-terrorism initiative.”

https://opinion.inquirer.net/130899/key-voices-vs-terror-bill
 A B

Exercise 4. CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING

Directions: Read and study the following items. Identify what is asked or described by writing
only the letter of your choice.
_________1. Which of the following must be carefully checked in a news article to ensure
accuracy?
a. names c. figures
b. statements d. all of the above
_________2. What characteristic of the news is present if the writer relays the message in the
simplest way to the masses?
a. accuracy c. objectivity
b. concise and clear d. current
_________3. Which of the following is the main purpose of a writer in writing the news?
a. to convince people
b. to criticize the government system
c. to inform the public on the current issues
d. to impress people with his extraordinary journalistic way of writing
_________4. The inclusion of comments/suggestions is not allowed in news writing because of
this characteristic.
a. accuracy c. objectivity
b. concise and clear d. current
_________5. Fresh and new are the most commonly known words that describe “news” which
also mean
a. accuracy c. objectivity
b. balance d. current
_________6. As a reporter he must constantly strive to give each fact its proper emphasis and to
put it in proper relation to every other fact and to give those facts the relative importance to the
meaning of the story as a whole. In this way this characteristic of news is observed.

75
 a. accuracy c. objectivity
b. balance d. current

Exercise 5. WRITER-DEFENDER FOR A DAY

Directions: Act as if you are a defender now after you have learned the characteristics of news.
Emphasizing the salient points about them, be ready to re-write and explain the meaning of each
in your own words in one paragraph. You can list as many reasons as you can just to prove your
point. Using the table below, write your answer in one short bond paper.
Characteristics of News Explanation (I believe that)
Accuracy

Balance

Objectivity

Concise and clear

Current

Rubrics for Writing

4 3 2 1
Content and Writer Writer Writer Writer
Explanation demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates demonstrates
deep some minimal no
understanding of understanding of understanding of understanding
the topic. the topic. the topic. of the topic.
Effective Writer Writer Writer Writer did not
Written communicates communicates communicates in use any
Communication thoughts in a thoughts in an a somewhat organization in
clear and understandable organized communicating
organized manner, but manner, but ideas.
manner. organization ideas were not
could have been very clear.
better.
Capitalization Writer makes no Writer makes 1- Writer makes 3- Writer makes
and mistakes. 2 mistakes. 4 mistakes. more than four
Punctuation mistakes.

Reflection

It made me realized that

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
76
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

LEARNING ACTIVITY SHEET

DIFFERENT TYPES OF LEAD

Background Information for Learners

The Lead
✔ (also known as a lede) is the first paragraph or several paragraphs of a story, be it a blog
entry or a long article. Its mission is to catch readers’ attention and draw them in. Getting
them truly involved is the duty of the rest of the story; getting them to that point is the job
of the lead. (Kille, 2009)
✔ “A lead should be like a miniskirt, short enough to be attractive, but not long enough to
cover the essentials.”
✔ American researches suggest that for an average reader, one sentence or paragraph should
contain 17-35 words for him/her to comprehend at once the message of the sentence. The
lesser words in a sentence, the higher its comprehensibility.

Major Classifications of Lead

1. Conventional Lead or Summary Lead
- answers the five W’s and one H (what, who, where, when, why, and how); where the
story is presented in an inverted triangle form where the most important data are in
the first and the second paragraphs.
- summarizes only the MOST important five W’s and one H.
- the position of the W’s and H is determined by their degree of importance
- used to write straight news.

Kinds of Summary Lead

a. What lead – this is applied if the most important angle of the news is the event per
se.
Example:
The news grading system in Batanes State College will be imposed next semester
after the Board of Trustees approved the resolution at the Commission on Higher
Education Central Office yesterday.
b. Who lead – this type of lead is used if the most important angle of the news is the
person involved, thus more significant that the event.
Example:

77
 The members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State College approved
yesterday the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education Central
Office.
c. Where lead – if the location where the event takes place is more significant than the
other aspects of the news, then this kind of lead is best applied.
Example:
At the Commission on Higher Education Central Office yesterday, Board of
Trustees of the Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will
take effect next year.
d. When lead – this type of lead is seldom used since this is only applicable when the
time element is more important than the other angles of the story. Nonetheless, it
suggests urgency and immediacy.
Example:
Yesterday at the Commission on Higher Education Central Office, Board of
Trustees of the Batanes State College approved the new grading system which will
take effect next year.
e. Why lead – if the cause of the event is the most effective angle of the story, this type
of lead is best suited.
Example:
To cope with the standards of ASEAN integration, the Board of Trustees of the
Batanes State College approved yesterday the new grading system which will take
effect next year.
f. How lead – if the process or the manner of how the event happened is the most
important among the other angles of the news, the how lead is used.
Example:
Through a 7-5 vote, the members of the Board of Trustees of the Batanes State
College approved the new grading system at the Commission on Higher Education
Central Office yesterday.

2. Unorthodox Lead or Novelty Lead

- best used to attract the reader’s attention, to arouse his/her curiosity and to sustain
his/her interest.
- used to write news feature or a feature article.
In writing news features, a writer should remember that the article should still
have a soft touch of feature writing; thus, the use of the novelty lead.

Kinds of Novelty Lead

a. Narrative lead – it draws the reader into the story by allowing him/her to relate
himself/herself with the character of the story.
Example:
The fifth of June 2015, Herodes Barabas, 34, experienced the longest one hour in
his life as he sat on a swivel chair in front of his eight interviewers at Aklan State

78
 University. It was an entrance interview of the long queue of applicants mustering
their patience in waiting for Instructor I position.
b. Descriptive lead – effective in writing personality sketches, travelogues, and the like;
this lead illustrates a mental picture of the subject to the reader. A writer must be
adept in creating mental images through the play of the language to satisfy the readers
in using this technique.
Example:
If Palawan were a class record, it must have received a nearly perfect grade
weighted average for the unending praises of tourists coming in to experience its
breathtaking grandeur. Who would not drop his jaw when he sees the evidence of
God’s dexterous hand that crafted the seascapes and landscapes of Palawan? Add on
the list the cerulean waves that unendingly race towards the stony foot of the island.
And if hoarding is legal, one must have put in a tank the cool and pristine breeze.
Indeed, when God said in Genesis “it is good,” He must be looking at the
northernmost island in the Philippines – Palawan.
c. Quoted statement lead – it is a statement uttered by well-known personality or
celebrity. Usually, in school setting, when student journalists want to highlight the
message of the guest speaker, they use this type of lead.
Example:
“You have to spread your wings to fly!”
This was emphasized by Dr. Malou H. Wang, the guest of honor and
commencement speaker of Mindanao State College last April 5 at the auditorium.
d. Question lead – it is a thought-provoking question to capture the interest of the
reader and lead them to find the answer provided by the succeeding details of the
article.
Example:
When was the last time you told your mother you loved her?
Maria Mantis, 35, wishes she could tell her a thousand times how much she loves
her now, but her mother is already heedless inside her coffin.
e. Teaser – generally short, crisp, and witty, this is a device to deceive the reader in a
jesting manner as it arouses his curiosity and gently leads him into the story. Often,
riddles are used, and they do not give the readers any clue of the nature of the story.
They are mostly suggestive and humorous.
Example:
Which comes first, the hen or the egg? Well, egg could not be made possible
without the hen. But where does the hen come from?
f. Punch lead – it is short, striking one-sentence lead.
Example:
Hungry farmers in Kidapawan were asking for food, but the enforcers of the law
fed them with bullets.

79
g. Astonisher lead – aims to give the reader a strong sense of emotional value. Thus, it
primarily uses an exclamatory sentence.
Example:
Unbeatable, indeed!
After grabbing the Intramural crown from the Green Aggies team three years
ago, the Blue Titans (team) has sustained its supremacy as it sent all its foes kneeling
before the royalty throne.
The awarding ceremonies happened at the Cagayan State University – Lal-lo
Gymnasium on August 12, 2015, the last day of the three-day clash.
h. One-word lead – uses a very significant word to capture or arouse the interest of the
reader.
Example:
Boom!
Residents in Basco, Batanes seemingly ran to nowhere when a restaurant situated
in Kayhuvokan exploded on April 1, 2016 around 9:15 in the morning.
i. Parody lead – consists of a parody of a well-known quotation, song, poem, book, or
movie film title.
Example:
“There was never an us!”
This familiar line from a movie of Sarah Geronimo was the exact statement of
Ms. Sug Poe to Mr. Cheap Ezcuderow yesterday when asked if there was a time when
both agreed to share stocks in the top performing Paquino Airline Company.
j. Background lead – describes an event in which the background overshadows the
individuals who participate in it; often it uses stories about carnivals, festivals,
dances, and others.
Example:
With the glittering and shimmering bantings along the skimpy roads, as if throng
of rainbows came to visit the town of Gattaran, Cagayan to celebrate with its 30 th
Agsalukag Festival on April 13, 2016.
k. Freak lead –to enhance its appeal and to easily catch the attention of the reader, this
kind of unique lead uses typographical effects.
Example:
Wanted: Loyal Filipino Teachers
This is the appeal of the Commission on Higher Education yesterday, amidst the
exodus of many Filipino teachers abroad.
l. Contrast lead – used to point out opposites and extremes.
Example:
Last year, she campaigned for Maygun Yang as the president of the student body.
Today, Maria Malou Wang, the head of Students Performing Arts, takes the lead in
calling for Yang’s resignation.

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 m. Staccato lead – primarily rooted from musical parlance, this term suggests a lead that
consists of a series of words and phrases, punctuated by periods, commas, or dashes.
Example:
Neglected. Denuded. Abused. Abandoned. This is the real picture of our forest
today.

Learning Competency
● SPJ7NEW-Ie-13: Differentiate the different types of lead.
o SPJ7NEW-Ie-14: Write a summary lead with the 5Ws and 1H.
o SPJ7NEW-Ie-15: Write a novelty lead appropriate to the news story.

Exercise 1. Criss Cross

Directions: Based on the different types of leads answer the crossword puzzle.

Across
1. illustrates a mental picture of the subject to the reader
2. the most important angle of the news is the event
3. used if the most important angle of the news is the person or organization involved
4. the cause of the event is the most effective angle of the story
5. aims to give the reader a strong sense of emotional value

Down
1. answers the 5Ws and 1H
2. attracts the reader’s attention
3. a thought – provoking question to capture the interest of the reader

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Exercise 2. Lead Shopping
Directions: Given are two shopping carts. Choose from among the given shapes of the different
types of Lead that falls under the category of either Conventional or Novelty Lead. Then, for
every type of lead, draw an arrow to the corresponding shopping cart where it should belong.

Punch Cartridge
Summary Staccato Quotation

CONVENTIONAL LEADS NOVELTY LEADS

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Exercise 3. ILead
Directions: Given are sample lead paragraphs from Philippine Daily Inquirer and Manila
Bulletin. Identify if the given lead is a Conventional or Novelty type of lead.

________________1. Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said
the police’s war on drugs could be the motive behind the assassination
plot against him by the Maute terrorist group.
________________2. Despite being very vocal with his misgivings, President Rodrigo
Duterte has signed the Paris Agreement on Climate Change
Instrument of Accession Tuesday night.
________________3. Detained Senator Leila de Lima on Wednesday said it would be the
“height of arrogance” if the Duterte administration resumes its
“murderous” war on drugs, particularly its Oplan Tokhang or “Double
Barrel Project”.
________________4. U.S. officials say President Donald Trump’s new immigration order
will remove Iraq from the list of countries whose citizens face a
temporary U.S. travel ban.
________________5. The government intends to acquire additional helicopters to boost the
military’s capability to combat terrorism and other security threats.
“We plan to purchase more helicopters,” President Rodrigo Duterte
announced in a Palace press conference on Tuesday, February 28,
amid the government operations against the Abu Sayyaf group
responsible for a string of atrocities in the south.

Process Questions:

1. Why are the above-mentioned paragraphs considered to be the lead paragraphs?

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2. What details/information are contained in the lead paragraphs?
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3. What made you decide some leads are conventional while some are novelty?
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Exercise 4. Unbox the Leads
Directions: Using the leads provided in Exercise 3: iLead, identify the 5 W’s and 1H found in
every lead and write them in the corresponding column. (Take note, not all elements may be
present in every lead.)

Lead Details Lead No. 1 Lead No. 2 Lead No. 3 Lead No. 4 Lead No. 5

Who

What

When

Where

Why

How

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Exercise 5. LEAD Wall
Directions: Identify the type of lead of the following:

________________1. Badly fragmented after the May national elections last year, the Liberal
Party (LP) is regrouping in response to recent political developments,
some of which party members think reason enough to abandon
Congress’ so-called supermajority.
By: DJ Yap, Nikko Dizon - @inquirerdotnet
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:15 AM March 02, 2017
________________2. CAMALIG, Albay – School teacher Agnes Nebres, 60, never paid
attention to the architectural details of the St. John the Baptist parish
church here.
By: Michael B. Jaucian – Correspondent / @mbjaucianINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 01:50 AM March 02, 2017
________________3. Former President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday urged his fellow
Liberal Party (LP) members to “speak up” and make the party’s “voice
heard again,” after four members were ousted from the majority in the
Senate.
By: Nikko Dizon – Reporter / @NikkoDizonINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 01:57 AM March 01, 2017
________________4. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the
Bureau of Fire Protection have agreed to impose a P6,500 fine for
illegally parking vehicles on roads that will be designated as fire lanes.
By: Jovic Yee
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 01:30 AM March 02, 2017
________________5. President Duterte signed Tuesday night the Paris Agreement on
Climate Change Instrument of Accession that would restrict
greenhouse gas emissions and adaption starting 2020.
By: Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos and Ellalyn De Vera
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 12:10 AM March 02, 2017
Exercise 6: Post-It Notes

Directions: Determine what most appropriate type of lead is to be used on the given facts; then
write the lead.

1. Set A
Who: 7-year-old boy missing for three years
What: found
Where: in 2683 Juan Luna St., Gagalangin, Tondo
When: Monday night
How: A neighbor recognized the child’s picture when it was shown on TV
Patrol and called police.
Other information: Police arrested the boy’s mother, Elle

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 ___________________________________________________________________________
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2. Set B
Who: a rocket propelled grenade (RPG) a weight of 10.3-kg (22.7-lb)
What: detonated
Where: Plaza Rizal, Malinao, Pasig City, Metro Manila.
When: Tuesday
Why: threat of terror attack
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3. Set C
Who: 50 passengers
What: evacuated from the bus
Where: at the Bulaong bus terminal
When: Monday following a trip from Davao City
Why: the bus conductor spotted smoke on the rear wheels
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Exercise 7. Inside Story
Directions: Given are sets of photos. Create a novelty lead appropriate to the story reflected in
the photos.

1. Feeding program for school children

Source:https://images.gmanews.tv/webpics/
2018/10/640_ZZZ_102418_payatas_kids_2018_10_24_16_24_58.jpg

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2. Volunteers for Brigada Eskwela

Source:https://businessmirror.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Photo-4.jpg

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3. Filipino workers in times of the COVID-19 pandemic

Source: https://www.abc.net.au/cm/rimage/12284036-3x2-xlarge.jpg?v=2

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Rubrics for Writing the Lead

10 points 7 points 5 points 2 points
Lead Lead sentence Lead sentence Lead sentence is There is no clear
Paragraph grabs the tells most not clearly lead sentence in
reader's attention important connected to the the article.
and focuses the details. article.
reader on the
topic.

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Reflection: Punch It, Lead It!

Directions: Summing up your learning of news leads, write a one-liner Punchline stressing the
significance of lead paragraphs in the news story.

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