The tantamount suppression of people’s rights during the Martial Law period also took toll on the once outspoken club. UPJC then concentrated on its internal affairs, working for a stronger and a more unified body. Its tradition of criticism and analysis, nevertheless, continued.

By the ‘80s, UPJC found itself on the fore for campaigning for the restoration of the University Student Council, and for student representation in the Board of Regents. The first chairperson of the newly restored council was Malou Mangahas, who was a UPJC member then and who was Editor-in-Chief of the Manila Times.

Since its founding, UPJC continues the tradition of critical thought and action as more and more members and alumni are shining in their chosen careers in journalism. Widely-circulated newspapers carry the names of Cathy Cañares-Yamsuan, Martin Marfil, Lynda Jumilla (PDI), Sheila Oviedo, Claire Betita-Samson (Preview), Socorro Salcedo (Phil. Star, Chit Estella (Pinoy Times); newsmagazines like the Newsweek  carry Marites Vitug, and the broadcast media have the likes of Grace de la Peña, and  Ed Lingao.