Appendix D - 2014 USG Constitution (With Proposed Amendments)

Operation REFOCUS University Student Government Constitution with Proposed Amendments De La Salle University AY 2013-2014

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De La Salle University

University Student Government

Constitution

CONTENT

Preamble

Article I Name and Seat

Article II Membership

Article III Declaration of Principles,

Purposes and Policies

Article IV Declaration of Rights, Duties and

Responsibilities of Students

Article V The Legislative Branch

Article VI The Executive Branch

Article VII The Judiciary Branch

Article VIII Constitutional Commissions

Article IX The College Student Government

Article X Accountability of USG Elected and

Appointed Officers

Article XI The USG Assembly

Article XII The Convention of Leaders

Article XIII Elections

Article XIV Vacancies

Article XV General Provisions

Article XVI Amendments

Article XVII Transitory Provisions

PREAMBLE

We, the undergraduate students of De La Salle University, imploring the aid of the Almighty

God and invoking the patronage of St. John Baptist De La Salle, assert our inherent democratic

right to pursue an autonomous and genuine student government that shall inspire us to become

true Lasallian achievers for God and country, reinvigorate our formation as Lasallians who

secure the common good, harmony, unity and cooperation among ourselves and with those who,

together with us, make up the Lasallian community of persons, scholars, learners and citizens,

and embody our libertarian ideals, nationalist aspirations and noble vision of a humane and

sovereign society, do solemnly ordain and promulgate this Constitution.


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Article I

NAME AND SEAT

Section 1 The name of this student government, established under this Constitution, shall

be known as the University Student Government of De La Salle University, which

shall hereinafter be referred to as the USG.

Section 2 The seat of the USG shall be in the De La Salle University with campuses in 2401

Taft Avenue, Manila and Science and Technology Complex, Barrio Malamig,

Biñan, Laguna, which shall both hereinafter be referred to as the University. The

Science and Technology Complex campus shall hereinafter be referred to as the

STC.

Article II

MEMBERSHIP

The members of the USG shall be all undergraduate students of the University, which shall

hereinafter be referred to as the students.

Article III

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, PURPOSES AND POLICIES

PRINCIPLES

Section 1 The USG shall have the power of which emanates from the student body. It shall

be the sole, unified, autonomous and democratic representative body of the

students.

Section 2 The USG shall recognize the importance of the University’s Vision-Mission

Statement which shall serve as a guide of the USG in achieving its own Vision,

goals and objectives.

Section 3 The USG is founded on the principles of representation, participative democracy,

collaboration, equitability, common good, integrity, transparency, accountability

and efficiency in the delivery of services and discharge of duties and

responsibilities.

Section 4 The USG shall uphold the principle of unity and cooperation with all sectors of

the Lasallian community.

PURPOSES

Section 5 The USG shall be the university-level model government, upon which its

structure and selected processes are patterned after the Philippine government.


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Section 6 The USG shall be at the forefront of the students’ struggle for their rights and

welfare, as embodied in Article IV of this Constitution, the Student Handbook,

the Student Charter and the laws of the land.

Section 7 The USG shall provide mechanisms in fostering the physical, intellectual, moral,

cultural, civic, spiritual and political interests of the students, as long as these are

not contrary to the University’s Vision-Mission Statement.

Section 8 The USG shall provide mechanisms in developing critical thinking among the

students and encourage the use of knowledge, skills and resources in fulfilling

their roles as the youth of this country by contributing to nation-building.

Section 9 The USG shall endeavor to maintain a progressive and innovative academic

institution that offers holistic, scientific, liberating and world-class education.

Section 10 The USG shall continuously encourage student organizations to promote and

safeguard the rights and welfare of their members.

POLICIES

Section 11 The USG shall pursue an independent stand, not dictated by any other sector,

other than the students.

Section 12 The USG shall value academic freedom, spirit of the law and the equality of

gender, religion, race and political inclination.

Section 13 The USG shall provide avenues for different political views to support proposals

in the legislative process and struggle against all forms of exploitation,

oppression and corruption.

Section 14 The USG shall establish and maintain relevant linkages with various offices,

sectors and cause-oriented groups within and outside the University to create

venues for resource sharing and maximization, and development.

Section 15 The USG shall pursue a policy of dialogue with other student governments,

movements and the marginalized sectors of society, consonant with its principles

and purposes.


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Section 16 The USG shall renounce instruments of policy, programs and undertakings which

are in contrary to the rules and regulations of the University and the laws of the

land.

Section 17 The USG shall maintain open lines of communication among its branches and

with its constituents through effective and efficient means, recognizing English

and Filipino as its official languages for oral and written exchanges.

Section 18 The USG shall adopt and implement a policy of public disclosure of all its

transactions involving the interest of its members.


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Article IV

DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS

Section 1 The rights of every student shall be based on the provisions of the Student

Handbook and the Student Charter which shall be observed and upheld by all

sectors in the University.

Section 2 The rights of every student as a human being stipulated in the Universal

Declaration of Human Rights shall be recognized and upheld by all sectors in the

University.

Section 3 Every student shall observe and uphold the laws of the land, the rules and

regulations of the University as stipulated in the Student Handbook and this

Constitution.

Section 4 Every student shall exercise his or her rights responsibly and in good faith.

Section 5 Every student shall uphold the academic integrity of the University, endeavor to

achieve academic excellence and abide by the rules and regulations governing his

or her academic responsibilities.

Section 6 Every student shall promote and maintain the peace and tranquility of the

University by exerting efforts and initiatives to attain harmonious relationships

with members of the Lasallian community.

Section 7 Every student shall uphold, preserve and maintain the integrity of his or her

Alma Mater.

Section 8 Every student shall be encouraged to participate actively in extra-curricular and

civic affairs and in the promotion of the common good, particularly in the social,

economic and cultural development of his or her community


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Article V

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Legislative Assembly

Section 1 The Legislative Assembly, which shall hereinafter be referred to as LA, shall be

the highest policy-making body of the USG. The legislative power shall be vested

in the LA, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provisions on

initiative and referendum.

Section 2 The LA shall be composed of the following:

2.1. Chief Legislator;

2.2. All Legislators; and

2.3. Legislative Assembly Secretariat.

Section 3 The LA shall endeavor to discuss and decide on the following matters:

3.1. Resolutions on University-wide issues, curricular and extra-curricular;

3.2. Resolutions on national and sectoral issues;

3.3. Integral policies, existing operations, pending and existing projects and

programs;

3.4. Budget allocation proposal of the USG as proposed by the Executive

Treasurer;

3.5. Approval of Replacement Officers for resigning or impeached elected

officers; and

3.6. File an appeal to the Judiciary for any disagreement with the Presidential

Veto or Executive Order.

Section 4 The Chief Legislator shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

4.1 Be elected by the Legislators during the first session of term in office

presided by the President;

4.2 Call and preside over the sessions of the LA and appoint from its

members, except for the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders and LA

Secretariat, a replacement upon his or her incapacity or absence;

4.3 Call and preside over the meetings of the LA Inner Circle and appoint

from its members, except for the LA Secretariat, a replacement upon his

or her incapacity or absence;

4.4 Call special LA sessions;

4.5 Preserve order and proper decorum during sessions and, in case of any

disturbance or disorderly conduct within the premises where the session

is being held, take such measures as he or she may deem advisable or as

the LA may direct;


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4.6 Rule on all questions of order, subject to the appeal by any member of the

LA, which appeal shall not be debatable, but the member appealing may

explain his or her for not more than five minutes;

4.7 Sign and affix the seal of the USG on all resolutions, memorials, writs,

warrants and subpoenas issued by the order of the LA;

4.8 Enforce all rules, policies and procedures governing the LA, acting as its

supervisor, and ensure that parliamentary procedure is followed

accordingly;

4.9 Receive periodic reports from all units and members of the LA whose

frequency of submission shall be at his or her discretion;

4.10 Appoint Legislators to LA Committees;

4.11 Be an ex-officio member of all LA Committees and multi-sectoral

committees inside the University;

4.12 Be the official representative and spokesperson of the LA in functions that

require its presence; and

4.13 Submit to the President and Chief Magistrate trimestral reports that shall

present and evaluate the state of the administrative and operational

affairs of the Legislative branch and recommend further actions.

Section 5 The Legislators shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

5.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator;

5.2. Participate actively in every session;

5.3. Conduct regular consultations with his or her constituents regarding

curricular and extra-curricular issues and concerns;

5.4. Be assigned to only one (1) LA Committee and to only one (1) multi-

sectoral committee inside the University objectively;

5.5. Be a member of the College Legislative Board;

5.6. Create, with the other College Legislative Board members, the Rules of

Internal Governance of their respective College Student Governments;

5.7. Review pending and existing policies, programs and resolutions;

5.8. Pass resolutions that uphold Article III of this Constitution;

5.9. Be entitled to a copy of all minutes, resolutions and similar documents

that concern the legislative proceedings; and

5.10. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator.

Section 6 The Legislators shall, during the first session of the term in office, elect among

themselves the Majority Floor Leader and the Minority Floor Leader.

6.1 The Majority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions

in a specific issue or resolution of the members of the Majority Floor. He

or she shall serve as the spokesperson of the majority side. In case of


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conflict of interest, he or she may appoint anyone from the Majority Floor

to assume the position but may not vacate his or her position as part of it,

except for meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He or

she may call separate meetings outside the LA sessions to convene the

Majority Floor.

6.2 The Minority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions

in a specific issue or resolution of the members of the Minority Floor. He

or she shall serve as the spokesperson of the majority side. In case of

conflict of interest, he or she may appoint anyone from the Minority Floor

to assume the position but may not vacate his or her position as part of it,

except for meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He or

she may call separate meetings outside the LA sessions to convene the

Minority Floor.

6.3 Legislators under independent electoral parties shall be members of the

Minority Floor.

Section 7 The Legislative Assembly Secretariat, which we shall refer to hereinafter as LA

Secretariat, shall be composed of a head and officers appointed and approved by

the LA Inner Circle.

Section 8 The LA Secretariat shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

8.1 Report directly to the Chief Legislator;

8.2 Record the minutes of each LA session, each LA Inner Circle meeting, and

each LA Committee meeting;

8.3 Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the Chief Legislator, the

LA Inner Circle, and the LA Committees;

8.4 Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA, the LA Inner Circle, and the

LA Committees;

8.5 Call the roll of the members of the LA before the opening of the session;

8.6 Note all questions in order with the decisions thereon;

8.7 Complete within five (5) working days after the adjournment of the

session the printing and distribution of the minutes for the said session to

the members of the LA;

8.8 Take charge of the counting and recounting of votes and ballots;

8.9 Enforce orders of the LA when such duty devolves upon them; and

8.10 Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the members of the LA

Inner Circle.


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Section 9 LA Sessions

9.1 The members of the LA shall have their sessions every Friday from 1430-

1630H unless specified otherwise by the members regarding the

frequency and time of the LA Sessions.

9.2 The members of the LA shall convene for sessions upon the start of term

in office and before the start of the academic year.

9.2.1. The first LA Session, to be presided by the President, shall be

reserved for the election of the Chief Legislator, the Majority Floor

Leader and the Minority Floor Leader and for the administration

of the LA Exam, drafted by the President and approved by the

Chief Legislator.

9.2.2. The LA shall convene for several sessions, determined by the Chief

Legislator, after the first LA Session to approve and confirm all

appointments in the USG.

9.3 The LA shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of its

members to do official business.

9.3.1. The Legislators in the STC shall be required to attend the LA

Sessions at least once a month, unless otherwise specified by the

Chief Legislator.

9.3.2. The Legislators in the STC shall regularly coordinate with the

Chief Legislator and LA Secretariat Head on STC matters that

concern the LA and its functions.

9.4 Decisions made in the absence of the quorum shall not be binding unless

such are made in the context of an implied quorum.

9.4.1. Implied quorum shall only be decided through a 100% vote of the

members present, which is composed of at least majority (50%+1)

of the members of the LA, including at least one (1) representative

per floor

9.4.2. Decision made during an implied quorum can be reached through

a majority (50%+1) vote and shall remain final unless no member

of the body challenges the decision in the succeeding sessions.

9.4.3. Decisions, which were reached through a 100% vote, made during

an implied quorum shall be considered final.

Section 10 Resolutions

10.1. Resolutions shall be passed by a majority (50% + 1) vote of the

Legislators present in the session, with the exception of resolutions

which seek to amend this Constitution which requires a two-thirds (2/3)

vote of the members of the LA.


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10.2. A resolution passed by the LA shall be final and binding after the

President has signed the resolution. However, if the Executive Committee

does not concur through a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members, the

Executive Committee may ask for reconsideration and return the same

with objections to the LA immediately on its next session. In the event

that the LA retains the original decision by a majority (50%+1) vote of

Legislators present, the resolution is final and executory.

Legislative Assembly Committees

Section 11 The LA Committees shall be formed to address specific tasks and functions and

ensure that specialized issues and concerns are adequately addressed by the LA.

11.1. Students’ Rights and Welfare, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

STRAW, shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

11.1.1. Discuss students’ rights and welfare issues, whether in or outside

the University, and present recommendations on such to the LA;

11.1.2. Review the existing positions of the University on students’ rights

and welfare issues, whether national or local in scope, and present

recommendations to the LA whenever necessary;

11.1.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the USG on

matters relating to addressing students’ rights and welfare issues,

whether national or local in scope;

11.1.4. Report to the LA Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the

introduction of such;

11.1.5. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions and

inquiries in aid of legislation; and

11.1.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief

Legislator or the LA.

11.2. National Affairs, which shall hereinafter be referred to as NatAff, shall

have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

11.2.1. Discuss national and sectoral issues and present

recommendations on such to the LA;

11.2.2. Review the existing positions of the University on national and

sectoral issues and present recommendations to the LA whenever

necessary;

11.2.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the USG on

matters relating to addressing national and sectoral issues;






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11.3. Rules and Policies, which shall hereinafter be referred to as RnP, shall

have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

11.3.1. Initiate the review of the rules, policies and procedures of the LA,

the USG, and the University, in coordination with the concerned

offices and/or units and present recommendations to the LA,

Executive Committee and offices concerned;

11.3.2. Monitor the implementation of rules, policies and procedures

approved by the LA;







Section 12 The Legislators shall be appointed to LA Committees and shall be limited to

membership to only one LA Committee. The Chief Legislator shall appoint and

approve the Legislators to the LA Committees in reference to, but not entirely

based upon the preference rankings of each Legislator, and in a manner that he

or she deems necessary.

Section 13 Each LA Committee shall have a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary

whom shall be elected from among and by the members of the committee. The

members shall determine the manner of election thereof.

Section 14 The LA Committee Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and

responsibilities:

14.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator;

14.2. Preside over the meetings of their respective LA Committees;

14.3. Participate in the meetings of the LA Inner Circle;

14.4. Administer the overall operations of their respective committees;

14.5. Report to the LA Inner Circle actions on resolutions referred to their

committees;

14.6. Appoint committee members to sub-committees as well as delegate

committee tasks to committee members, whenever necessary;

14.7. Consolidate the committee members on matters pertinent to the LA and

in their attendance to LA sessions; and


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14.8. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator and

the LA.

Section 15 The LA Committee Vice Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and

responsibilities:

15.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson;

15.2. Assume the powers and responsibilities of the LA Committee Chairperson

in his or her incapacity or absence;

15.3. Supervise the LA Committee research efforts and initiatives;

15.4. Submit a Committee report to the LA Inner Circle once a month, unless

otherwise specified by the Chief Legislator;

15.5. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two (2) working days

prior to the scheduled date of the meeting;

15.6. Assist the LA Committee Chairperson in supervising the operation of the

LA Committee; and

15.7. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Chairperson or as

prescribed within the rules of their respective committees.

Section 16 The LA Committee Secretary shall have the following powers, duties and

responsibilities:


16.2. Record the minutes of the LA Committee meetings and provide copies to

committee members;

16.3. Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the LA Committee;

16.4. Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA Committee;

16.5. Be responsible for drafting and submission of periodic reports to the Chief

Legislator;

16.6. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two (2) days prior to the

scheduled date of the meeting; and

16.7. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee

Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective

committees.

Section 17 The members of the LA Committees shall have the following powers, duties and

responsibilities, other than those stated in Article V Section 5:


17.2. Be present and participate actively in all LA Committee meetings;

17.3. Aid the LA Committee Vice Chairperson in committee researches; and


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17.4. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee

Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective

committees.

Section 18 LA Committee Meetings

18.1. The members of the LA Committees shall determine the frequency and

the time of their meetings.

18.1.1. The Legislators in the STC shall be required to attend their

respective LA Committee meetings at least once a month, unless

otherwise specified by their respective LA Committee Chairperson.

18.1.2. The Legislators in the STC shall regularly coordinate with their

respective LA Committee Chairperson on STC matters that

concern the committee and its functions.

18.2. Any member of the LA Committees may call special meetings if he or she

deemed it necessary.

18.3. The LA Committees shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds

(2/3) of its members.

Section 19 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of those present.

Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until

majority (50%+1) of the LA Committee members are informed and have

agreed.

Legislative Assembly Inner Circle

Section 20 The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

LA-IC, shall be the highest representative body, vested with administrative

power, of the LA.

Section 21 The LA-IC shall be composed of the:

21.1. Chief Legislator;

21.2. Majority Floor Leader;

21.3. Minority Floor Leader; and

21.4. All LA Committee Chairpersons.

Section 22 The LA-IC shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

22.1. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the administration of the LA;

22.2. Receive reports from LA Committees on resolutions referred to it and on

the performance of the committee and its members;

22.3. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the rules and procedures to be

used in the consideration on the floor of resolutions reported to it, such as


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time limit for the debates, rules on germaneness and amendments and the

like;

22.4. Calendar resolutions reported by the LA Committees for consideration;

22.5. Outline the agenda of all LA sessions;

22.6. Appoint and approve members of the LA Secretariat;

22.7. Review and adopt the Legislative Manual; and

22.8. Create ad-hoc committees in the LA as may be necessary to discharge its

functions.

Section 23 All rulings by the LA-IC on matters pertaining to the administration of the LA

may be overturned by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Legislators.

Section 24 LA-IC Meetings

24.1. The members of the LA-IC shall determine the frequency and the time of

their meetings.

24.2. Any member of the LA-IC may call special meetings if he or she deems it

necessary.

24.3. The LA-IC shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of its

members.

Section 25 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of those present.

Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until

majority of the LA-IC members are informed and have agreed.


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Article VI

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Executive Board and Cabinet

Section 1 The Executive Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the EB, shall be the

highest governing body and representative authority of the USG.

Section 2 The EB shall be composed of the following:

2.1 President;

2.2 Executive Vice President ; and

2.3 Executive Treasurer.

Section 3 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the EB:

3.1. Implement and enforce the provisions stipulated in this Constitution and

its by-laws;

3.2. Outline and enforce basic policies that shall facilitate the performance of

its duties and responsibilities;

3.3. Determine the vision, goals and objectives for the USG for the academic

year and ensure that resources be made available towards their

attainment;

3.4. Discuss on national, sectoral and university-wide issues and academic-

related matters, projects, programs and campaigns to be presented to the

College Presidents;

3.5. Ensure fair, efficient and effective representation in all University

committees which services and decisions affect the welfare of the

students;

3.6. Handle scholarship programs initiated by the USG in coordination with

the administration and other sectors;

3.7. Issue Executive Proclamations to confirm all appointments in the USG;

3.8. Review and adopt the Executive Manual; and

3.9. Create ad hoc committees in the Cabinet as may be necessary to discharge

its functions.

Section 4 The Cabinet shall serve as the shared office of the members of the EB which shall

exercise functions that concern its administrative, operational and financial

affairs.

Section 5 The Cabinet shall be composed of the following officials:

5.1 Chief of Staff, recommended by the President upon consultation with the

Executive Vice President and Executive Treasurer;


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5.2 Documentations Head, appointed by the EB;

5.3 Marketing and Communications Head, appointed by the EB;

5.4 External Relations Head, appointed by the EB;

5.5 Special Projects Head, appointed by the EB;

5.6 Finance Head, recommended by the Executive Treasurer upon

consultation with the President and the Executive Vice President; and

5.7 Executive Department Chairpersons, who shall be Batch Representatives

or College Representatives in the STC appointed by the EB.

Section 6 The Executive Departments, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the

EXEDEP, shall serve as the operational arm of the Cabinet.

6.1. The EXEDEP shall be composed of the Batch Representatives and the

College Representatives in the STC.

6.2. The membership of each Batch Representative and each College

Representative in STC to the EXEDEP shall be appointed by the EB as

recommended by the Executive Vice President.

6.3. The members of the each EXEDEP shall elect a chairperson, a vice

chairperson and a secretary for their respective department.

6.4. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the respective EXEDEP are the

following:

6.4.1. Department of Students Services

6.4.1.1. Ensure proper coordination with the University

administration as well as other sectors of the Lasallian

community regarding the various student services

offered.

6.4.1.2. Refer to the proposals of the LA and enhance student

services based on the current needs and concerns of the

students.

6.4.1.3. Develop research outputs and programs in order for

the service inside the University to be utilized and

maximized by the students.

6.4.2. Department of Advocacy



community regarding various advocacies for the

academic year.

6.4.2.2. Streamline the efforts and initiatives on advocacies of

the students inside and outside the University.

6.4.2.3. Determine the advocacies to be promoted and

supported by the students for the academic year.


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6.4.3. Department of Community Development



community regarding community development efforts.

6.4.3.2. Streamline the efforts and initiatives on community

development of the students inside and outside the

University.

6.4.3.3. Determine the adopted and supervised communities to

be promoted and supported by the students.

6.5. The frequency of the meeting of each EXEDEP shall be determined via a

majority (50%+1) decision of the members of their department and shall

constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of their members.

6.5.1. The College Representatives in the STC shall be required to attend

their respective EXEDEP meetings at least once a month, unless

otherwise specified by the Chairperson of the EXEDEP.

6.5.2. The College Representatives in the STC shall regularly coordinate

with their respective EXEDEP Chairperson on STC matters that

concern the department and its functions.

Section 7 Cabinet Meetings

7.1. The members of the EB shall determine the frequency and time of the

Cabinet meetings.

7.2. Any member of the EB may call special meetings if he or she deemed it

necessary

7.3. The Cabinet shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of

its members.

Section 8 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of the EB.

Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until majority

of the EB members are informed and have agreed.

Powers, Duties Responsibilities of the Executive Board Members and Cabinet

Officials

Section 9 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the President:

9.1 Be the Chief Executive Officer of the USG;

9.2 Be the official representative and spokesperson of the USG at any meeting

or gathering within and outside of the University;


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9.2.1. Represent the students in policy-making bodies and multi-sectoral

committees in the University as stipulated in the Student

Handbook.

9.2.2. Appoint the representatives to external alliances, seminars, sector

organizations, University-wide multi-sectoral committees and

other functions requiring student representation in his or her

absence The order for the appointment is as follows:

9.2.2.1. Executive Vice President;

9.2.2.2. Executive Treasurer;

9.2.2.3. Chief of Staff;

9.2.2.4. College President/s;

9.2.2.5. Batch Representative/s; and

9.2.2.6. Other USG appointed officer/s.

9.3 Preside over the meetings of the Cabinet, Executive Committee, USG

Assembly and Executive Assembly and other meetings that he or she

called for;

9.4 Have no voting powers, unless in cases of ties in votes, but shall have the

power to veto policies, resolutions, programs and projects approved by

the EB, Executive Committee and the LA;

9.4.1. The presidential veto must be communicated in writing to the

Chief of Staff within three (3) working days of the approval of the

policy, resolution, program or project and received by the Chief

Legislator and Chief Magistrate. Otherwise, the policy, resolution,

program or project may be released or implemented.

9.4.2. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the LA is required to override a

presidential veto within ten (10) working days after the veto was

communicated. Otherwise, the veto shall take effect.

9.4.3. If the President vetoes a resolution passed by the LA. The validity

of the veto is to be decided on by the Magistrates via a majority

(50%+1) vote within ten (10) working days after the veto was

communicated in writing.

9.5 Oversee the administrative, operational and financial affairs of the USG;

9.6 Approve and initiate the implementation of all the resolutions passed by

the LA;

9.7 Issue Executive Orders which shall contain general directives and stands

for the Executive branch not stated in the Constitution, upon consultation

with the Executive Committee;

9.8 Establish and maintain relevant linkages with external entities that are

deemed important and necessary in the discharge of duties and

responsibilities of the USG;


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9.9 Be an ex-officio member of all the departments and committees under the

executive arm of the USG;

9.10 Submit to the Chief Legislator and the Chief Magistrate trimestral reports

that shall present and evaluate the state of the administrative, operational

and financial affairs of the Executive branch and recommend further

actions;

9.11 Receive and review trimestral reports from the Executive Vice President,

Executive Treasurer, Chief of Staff, College Presidents, Chief Legislator,

Chief Magistrate, COA Chairperson, Ombdusman, and CAP Chairperson;

9.12 Perform other functions to facilitate the discharge of his or her

responsibilities or acts prescribed herein and be answerable to the LA for

the consequences of such; and

9.13 Be vested with the power to grant presidential pardon to any USG officer

found guilty of violation of this constitution and its by-laws by the courts

of justice, provided that the pardon is with just cause.

9.13.1. A presidential pardon shall render the offender free from the

sanction/s imposed by the courts of justice and may no longer be

revoked once granted;

9.13.2. A presidential pardon must be of just cause which is a reason

deemed rationale by the discretion of the officer granting the

pardon;

9.13.3. A presidential pardon may either be conditional or

unconditional:

9.13.3.1. A conditional pardon imposes a condition which can

be fulfilled at the moment of imposition on the

offender before the pardon takes effect (i.e.

commutation of a sanction).

9.13.3.2. An unconditional pardon restores the state of

innocence of the offender as though he/she had never

committed the crime upon declaration of the pardon.

Section 10 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Executive Vice

President:

10.1. Report directly to the President;

10.2. Be the Chief Operating Officer of the USG;

10.3. Be the supervisor and coordinator of the EXEDEP;

10.4. Supervise the planning and implementation of special projects during

celebrations of University-wide weeks and other occasions warranting the

participation of the USG under the direction of the President and upon

consultation with the Executive Committee;


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10.5. Conduct research undertakings on University policies and structures and

present results and recommendations to the Executive Committee, LA

and/or the University administration;

10.6. Be an ex-officio member of each EXEDEP;

10.7. Assume the responsibilities of the President if the President is absent or

incapacitated or if so directed by the EB;

10.8. Assume automatically the Presidency in the event that the position of the

President is permanently vacated; and

10.9. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB.

Section 11 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Executive

Treasurer:

11.1. Report directly to the President;

11.2. Be the Chief Finance Officer of the USG;

11.3. Act as custodian of the funds of the USG and enforce standard operating

procedures within the USG with regards to the financial system;

11.4. Formulate and implement policies and procedures governing the financial

resources of the USG upon consultation with the EB;

11.5. Be in charge of the appropriation of funds released by the administration

for the USG, to be approved by the Legislative Assembly;

11.6. Review and monitor all fund-raising activities and disbursement of funds

initiated by the USG;

11.7. Review, monitor, and advance proposals to ensure justified student fees

in the University;

11.8. Require financial documents necessary for the maintenance of an

effective monitoring system and preparation of trimestral and academic

year financial reports to be examined by the Executive Committee, the LA

and the Magistrates as well as audited by the Commission on Audit;

11.9. Assume automatically the Presidency in the event that both the positions

of the President and the Executive Vice President are permanently

vacated; and

11.10. Perform other such functions as deemed necessary by the Executive

Board.

Section 12 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Cabinet officials:

12.1. Chief of Staff

12.1.1. Report directly to the President;

12.1.2. Be the administrative officer of the Cabinet;


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12.1.3. Prepare the agenda of meetings of the Cabinet, Executive

Committee, Executive Assembly, USG Assembly and Convention

of Leaders after due consultation with its members;

12.1.4. Oversee the training and development and other concerns and

needs of USG officers in the discharge of their duties;

12.1.5. Advise the EB on matters of general administration; and

12.1.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB.

12.2. Documentations Head

12.2.1. Report directly to the Chief of Staff;

12.2.2. Record all minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet, Executive

Committee, Executive Departments, Executive Assembly, USG

Assembly and Convention of Leaders;

12.2.3. Act as custodian of all the records and paper works of the USG and

enforce standard operating procedures within the USG with

regards to efficient office management and filing system under the

direction of the President;

12.2.4. Advise the EB on matters of documentation; and


12.3. Marketing and Communications Head


12.3.2. Handle the marketing and publicity concerns of the EB, Cabinet

and EXEDEP;

12.3.3. Approve, implement and supervise the information dissemination

of the University-wide activities, programs and campaigns of the

USG through publicity materials, publications and the like;

12.3.4. Advise the EB on matters of public relations; and


12.4. External Relations Head


12.4.2. Gather feedback from the students and other sectors of the

Lasallian community regarding the performance of the USG;

12.4.3. Assist the President in establishing and maintaining relevant

linkages with external entities that are deemed important and

necessary in the discharge of duties and responsibilities of the

USG;

12.4.4. Advise the EB on matters of external relations; and


12.5. Special Projects Head



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12.5.2. Handle the logistics and operational concerns of the EB, Cabinet

and EXEDEP;

12.5.3. Assist the Executive Vice President in the planning and

implementation of special projects during celebrations of USG

University-wide weeks and other occasions warranting the

participation of the USG;

12.5.4. Advise the EB on matters of program development and

implementation; and


12.6. Finance Head

12.6.1. Report directly to the Executive Treasurer;

12.6.2. Assist the EB in handling scholarship programs initiated by the

USG;

12.6.3. Assist the Executive Treasurer in performing his or her duties and

responsibilities;

12.6.4. Advise the EB on financial matters; and


12.7. Executive Department Chairpersons

12.7.1. Report directly to the Executive Vice President;

12.7.2. Preside over the meetings of their department;

12.7.3. Administer the overall operations of their department;

12.7.4. Report to the Executive Committee actions on programs and

projects referred by the EB to his or her respective department;

12.7.5. Delegate department tasks to members, whenever necessary; and


Executive Committee

Section 13 The Executive Committee, which shall hereinafter be referred to as EXECOM,

shall serve as the implementing body of the USG and shall be composed of the

following:

13.1. Executive Board; and

13.2. All College Presidents.

Section 14 The EXECOM shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

14.1. Discuss and decide on measures and initiatives on national, sectoral,

university-wide issues and academic-related matters, projects, programs

and campaigns for endorsement and final approval of the LA, whenever

necessary;

14.2. Ensure that national, sectoral and University-wide issues be adequately

addressed by the USG;


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14.3. Identify, determine and streamline relevant measures to address

university-wide and college-wide issues and concerns of the students;

14.4. Implement all resolutions approved by the LA and signed by the

President; and

14.5. Appeal for reconsideration to the LA any approved motion or resolution

upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of the members of the EXECOM.

Section 15 EXECOM Meetings

15.1. The members of the EXECOM shall determine the frequency and time of

their meetings.

15.1.1. The Campus President in STC shall be required to attend the

EXECOM meetings at least once a month, unless otherwise

specified by the President.

15.1.2. The Campus President in STC shall regularly coordinate with the

President on STC matters that concern the EXECOM and its

functions.

15.1.3. Any member of the EXECOM may call special meetings if he or

she deemed it necessary

15.1.4. The EXECOM shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds


Section 16 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of the EXECOM.


(50%+1) of the EXECOM members are informed and have agreed.

Executive Assembly

Section 17 The Executive Assembly shall serve as an advisory and coordinating body of the

USG-EB which shall be chaired by the President and be composed by at least one

(1) representative from each organizational group in the student sector namely:

17.1. Council of Student Organizations (CSO);

17.2. Culture and Arts Office (CAO);

17.3. Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA);

17.4. Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO);

17.5. Student Media Office (SMO;

17.6. Office of Career and Counseling Services (OCCS);

17.7. Office of Sports Development (OSD);

17.8. Student Discipline Formation Office (SDFO) and;

17.9. Representative/s from other student organizations, determined by the

members of the Executive Assembly.


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Section 18 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Executive

Assembly:

18.1. Gather feedback from the students regarding the efforts and initiatives of

the University;

18.2. Assess the performance of the USG and recommend necessary steps to

further attain its objectives; and

18.3. Streamline and support efforts and initiatives of all organizational groups

in the student sector.

Section 19 Executive Assembly Meetings

19.1. The Executive Assembly shall meet at least once a month. The frequency

and time of their meeting shall be determined by the President upon

consultation with the members of the Executive Assembly.

19.1.1. The schedule of the meeting must be communicated by the Chief

of Staff to the members of the Executive Assembly at least five (5)

working days before the scheduled meeting.

19.1.2. In cases of absence, members of the Executive Assembly may

assign a representative in his or her behalf provided that it is

coordinated with the Chief of Staff at least three (3) working days

before the scheduled meeting.

19.2. Any member of the Executive Assembly may call special meetings if he or

she deemed it necessary.

19.3. The Executive Assembly shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-

thirds (2/3) of its members.

Section 20 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of the Executive

Assembly. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial

until majority (50%+1) of the Executive Assembly members are informed and

have agreed.


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Article VII

THE JUDICIARY BRANCH

Section 1 The Judiciary shall be composed of courts of justice, one Supreme Court and

Collegiate Courts/Campus Court. These courts of justice shall be vested with

judicial power which includes the duty of the Judiciary to settle actual

controversies involving rights, which are legally demandable and enforceable

upon a petition for judicial review, and to determine whether or not there has

been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the

part of any branch or instrumentality of the USG.

1.1. Judicial review shall be the authority of the courts of justice to examine an

executive or legislative act and to invalidate that act if it is contrary to this

Constitution and its by-laws and shall be subject to limitations stipulated

in the Rules of Court

1.1.1. Any member of the Lasallian community may submit a petition for

judicial review of any executive or legislative act regarding its

constitutionality as long as it meets the requisites for Judicial

Review stipulated in the Rules of Court.

1.1.2. The USG shall render a response from the Office of the

Ombudsman for the petitioner within six (6) working days upon

submission of petition.

1.1.3. The proceedings for the judicial review and appeals on decisions

shall be stipulated in the Rules of Court.

1.2. All hearings concerning violations of any USG officer of this Constitution

and its by-laws shall be heard and decided upon by the lower courts. In

cases of appeals and special considerations, petitions shall be heard and

decided upon by the Supreme Court.

Section 2 The Supreme Court shall be highest body in the USG vested with judicial power.

It shall be composed of representatives, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

the College Magistrates, one from each College including the School of

Economics , and one Campus Magistrate in the STC.

Section 3 The Collegiate Courts and Campus Court in STC shall be the lower courts of

justice in the USG vested with judicial power and shall be chaired by the

respective College Magistrates and Campus Magistrate.

Section 4 The courts of justice shall be aided by committees in the discharge of its

operational and administrative functions. These committees are the following:


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4.1 Counsel Officers Committee, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

COC, shall assist the courts of justice in handling cases in the USG and

shall be composed of Counsel Officers who are trained in the USG

Constitution and its by-laws.

4.2 Judicial Administrative Affairs Office, which shall hereinafter be referred

to as JAAO, shall concern itself in the performance of administrative

affairs for the Judiciary and shall be composed of JAAO Officers.

4.3 Student Advisers Committee, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

SAC, shall assist the courts of justice in handling grievance cases and shall

be composed Student Advisers who are trained in the Student Handbook

and its by-laws.

Section 5 The appointment process for the Magistrates is as follows:

5.1 The Judiciary shall be appointed and approved by the outgoing members

of the EXECOM, LA-IC, and Supreme Court.

5.2 The completion of appointment of all Magistrates shall be at most ten (10)

working days after the release of the official results of the General

Elections. The term in office of the Magistrates shall commence right after

the completion of appointment.

5.3 A Magistrate may hold office for more than one academic year provided

that he or she still meets the qualifications of a Magistrate for the

succeeding academic year and undergoes a special interview, determined

by the President.

Section 6 The Magistrates shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

6.1 Sit en banc, hear, try and resolve, by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the

members present, within eighteen (18) working days any request for

judicial review or any complaint involving the constitutionality, legality or

jurisdiction of the acts, policies and resolutions of USG officers;

6.2 Summon, order the investigation of suspension and impeach or recall

USG officers;

6.3 Conduct impeachment trials for any USG officer who is subject of an

impeachment complaint;

6.4 Reprimand or cite in contempt any USG officer or office;

6.5 Review the constitutionality of activities, projects and programs of the

units in the USG during activity approval meetings and deliberations of

the units in the USG such as the GOSM defense, SCRAP, and the like;

6.6 Review and approve appointments by the officers of the USG;

6.7 Review and approve the budget allocation of the USG, as presented by the

Executive Treasurer;


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6.8 Review and adopt its Rules of Internal Governance and the Rules of

Court; and

6.9 Be ex-officio members of the JAAO, and SAC.

Section 7 The Supreme Court shall have a Chief Magistrate, elected during a joint session of

the Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches to be chaired by the President

It shall convene within six (6) working days after the completion of appointment

of the Magistrates. Only the elected officers in the USG shall be eligible to vote for

the Chief Magistrate.

Section 8 The Chief Magistrate shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities

8.1. Be the official representative and spokesperson of the Supreme Court and

the Judiciary;

8.2. Preside over all the proceedings of the Supreme Court;

8.3. Appoint a replacement among the members of the Supreme Court in his

or her absence or incapacity;

8.4. Preside over college-based cases in the event where there is a vacancy in

the position of Magistrate for that particular college;

8.5. Preserve order and proper decorum during proceedings in the Supreme

Court and, in case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct within the

premises where the proceedings are being held, take such measures as he

or she may deem advisable or as the Judiciary may direct; and

8.6. Submit to the President and Chief Legislator trimestral reports that shall

present and evaluate the state of the administrative and operational

affairs of the Judiciary branch and recommend further actions.

Section 9 Judiciary Meetings

9.1. The Magistrates shall determine the frequency and the time of the

meetings of the Judiciary.

9.2. Any Magistrate may call special meetings if he or she deemed it necessary.

9.3. The Judiciary shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of

its members.

Section 10 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of the Magistrates.


(50%+1) of the Magistrates are informed and have agreed.


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Article VIII

CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS

Section 1 The Constitutional Commissions shall be independent which shall consist of the

following:

1.1 Commission on Elections;

1.2 Commission on Audit;

1.3 Office of the Ombudsman; and

1.4 Commission on Activity Processing.

Section 2 The appointment, approval and confirmation of all Commissioners and

Ombudsman shall be conducted before the start of the academic year.

Section 3 The Commissioners and Ombudsman shall begin their term in office on the day

of their appointment and end on the day of the appointment of their successors.

Section 4 All Commissioners and Ombudsman shall be prohibited to be appointed in the

Executive, Legislative and Judiciary branches for the duration of term in office.

Commission on Elections

Section 5 The Commission on Elections, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the

COMELEC, shall be composed of eighteen (18) commissioners, with two (2)

coming from each College, two (2) coming from the School of Economics and two

(4) coming from each college in the STC.

Section 6 COMELEC Commissioners shall be appointed and approved by their respective

College President, College Legislative Board and College Magistrate. A

Chairperson, elected by the Commissioners, shall be the official spokesperson

and representative of the COMELEC.

Section 7 The COMELEC Commissioners shall have the following powers, duties and

responsibilities:

7.1 Elect among themselves a Chairperson of COMELEC;

7.2 Adopt and uphold the Election Code passed by the LA;

7.3 Serve as the steering committee for USG Elections;

7.4 Certify the qualifications of the candidates;

7.5 Penalize or disqualify candidates and/or political parties who violate the

Election Code;

7.6 Educate voters on the voting process to be used in the USG Elections;

7.7 Encourage students to vote;


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7.8 Enforce and administer all rules and regulations relative to the conduct of

an election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum and recall; and

7.9 Review the Election Code and propose amendments to the LA.

Section 8 Amendments to the Election Code shall be approved upon two-thirds (2/3) vote

of the members of the LA.

Section 9 Decisions by the COMELEC on all practices shall be considered final unless

appealed to the Supreme Court.

Section 10 The Commissioners shall be aided by a staff of student volunteers and shall assist

in the discharge of administrative and operational functions of COMELEC.

Commission on Audit

Section 11 The Commission on Audit, which shall hereinafter be referred to as COA, shall be

composed of three (3) Commissioners, one of which shall be the COA

Commissioner for STC. A Chairperson, who shall be the official representative

and spokesperson of COA, shall be appointed from the Commissioners by the

Chief Magistrate upon the approval from the President and the Chief Legislator.

Section 12 The COA Commissioners shall have the following power, duties and

responsibilities:

12.1. Adopt and uphold the COA Manual passed by the LA;

12.2. Examine and audit all accounts pertaining to the receipts, expenses and

disbursements of funds of the USG;

12.3. File a complaint to the Magistrates against any USG officer accused of

misappropriating fund;

12.4. Submit trimestral reports to the President, Chief Legislator and Chief

Magistrate;

12.5. Create departments and ad-hoc committees to discharge its functions;

and

12.6. Review the COA Manual and propose amendments to the LA.

Section 13 Amendments to the COA Manual shall be approved upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of

the members of the LA.

Section 14 Decisions by the COA on all practices shall be considered final unless appealed to

the Supreme Court.


30

Section 15 The COA Commissioners shall be aided by a staff of student volunteers and shall

assist in the discharge of administrative and operational functions of COA.

Office of the Ombudsman

Section 16 The Office of Ombudsman shall be the monitoring and evaluating body of the

USG and shall be composed of the following:

16.1. Ombudsman;

16.2. Two (2) Deputy Ombudsmen, one of which shall be the Deputy

Ombudsman for STC, to be appointed by the Ombudsman, and;

16.3. The USG Monitoring Board.

Section 17 The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the Chief Magistrate upon the approval of

the President and the Chief Legislator.

Section 18 The Ombudsman shall have the following power, duties and responsibilities:

18.1. Adopt and uphold the Ombudsman Code passed by the LA;

18.2. Be in charge of the monitoring and evaluation on the performance of USG

officers according to the provisions of the Constitution and its by-laws;

18.3. File cases to the Judiciary for USG officers who have violated any

provision in Article X Section 5;

18.4. Report any misconduct of any USG officer to the Judiciary;

18.5. Chair the USG Monitoring Board;

18.6. Submit mid-year and year-end reports to the President, Chief Legislator

and the Chief Magistrate; and

18.7. Review the Ombudsman Code and propose amendments to the LA, and;

Section 19 The USG Monitoring Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the USG-

MB, shall assist the Ombudsman in the monitoring and evaluating the officers

and activities of the USG and in the discharge of administrative and operational

functions of the Office of the Ombudsman.

Section 20 The composition of the USG-MB shall be determined by the Ombudsman and the

deputy Ombudsmen as stipulated in the Ombudsman Code.

Section 21 Amendments to the Ombudsman Code shall be approved upon two-thirds (2/3)

vote of the members of the LA.

Section 22 Decisions by the Ombudsman on all practices shall be considered final unless

appealed to the Supreme Court.


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Commission on Activity Processing

Section 23 The Commission on Activity Processing, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

CAP, shall serve as the coordinating body of the USG in approving and

monitoring programs, activities and projects of the USG under the direction of

the Student Activities Manual.

Section 24 The CAP shall be composed of three (3) Commissioners, one of which shall be the

CAP Commissioner for STC. A Chairperson, who shall be the official

representative and spokesperson of CAP, shall be appointed from the

Commissioners and approved by the EXECOM, the Chief Legislator and the Chief

Magistrate.

Section 25 The CAP Commissioners shall have the following power, duties and

responsibilities:

25.1. Adopt and uphold the CAP Manual passed by the LA;

25.2. Sit en banc in activity approval meetings and deliberations of the units in

the USG such as the GOSM defense, SCRAP, and the like;

25.3. Approve, reject and pend proposals for activities, projects and programs

of units in the USG;

25.4. Ensure that activities and projects of the USG abide by the provisions

stipulated in the Student Activities Manual;

25.5. Submit trimestral reports to the President, Chief Legislator and Chief

Magistrate;

25.6. Create departments and ad-hoc committees to discharge its functions;

and

25.7. Review the CAP Manual and propose amendments to the LA.

Section 26 Amendments to the CAP Manual shall be approved upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of

the members of the LA.

Section 27 Decisions by the CAP on all practices shall be considered final unless appealed to

the Supreme Court.

Section 28 The CAP Commissioners shall be aided by a staff of student volunteers and shall

assist in the discharge of administrative and operational functions of CAP.


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Article IX

THE COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Section 1 The College Student Government shall be composed of all undergraduate

students of each respective college or school. The name of the College Student

Government of the respective college and school shall be the following:

1.1. Arts College Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the

ACG, for the College of Liberal Arts;

1.2. College Government of Business, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

the CGB, for the Ramon V. del Rosario College of Business;

1.3. College Government of Education, which shall hereinafter be referred to

as the CGE, for the Br. Andrew Gonzales FSC College of Education;

1.4. College Government of Science, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

the CGS, for the College of Science;

1.5. Computer Studies Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

the CSG, for the College of Computer Studies;

1.6. Engineering College Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to as

the ECG, for the Gokongwei College of Engineering; and

1.7. School of Economics Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to

as the SEG, for the School of Economics;

Section 2 With the integration of De La Salle Canlubang and De La Salle University-Manila,

this Constitution do hereby recognizes the integration of the Student Council of

De La Salle Canlubang, which shall hereinafter be known as the Science and

Technology Complex Campus Student Government, with the USG of the

University. The Science and Technology Complex Campus Student Government,

which shall hereinafter be referred to as the STCG, shall also be considered as a

College Student Government in this Constitution.

LEGISLATIVE

Section 3 The College Legislative Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the CLB,

shall be the highest policy-making body of the College Student Government. In

the case of STCG, its CLB shall be known as the Campus Legislative Board.

Section 4 The CLB shall be composed of all the Legislators of the college, school or campus.

Section 5 The CLB shall concern itself with discussing and deciding on the following

matters:

5.1. Integral policies, existing operations, projects and programs of the

college;


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5.2. Resolutions of curricular and extra-curricular matters which are college-

wide or batch-wide, as may be necessary, in scope;

5.3. Representation of administrative and non-administrative units and

committees requiring such within the college;

5.4. Creation of standing and ad hoc committees for the college whose

functions shall be determined by the body;

5.5. Approval of budget allocation proposal at the college level, as presented

by the College President;

5.6. Approval of College Commissioners for the Commission on Elections and

Magistrate for the college;

5.7. Distribution of the budget allocation in the College Student Government;

and

5.8. Approve the Rules of Internal Governance and Organizational Chart of

the College Student Government Management Committee.

Section 6 Any resolution approved by the CLB must be presented to the LA in the next LA

session upon its approval. The resolution shall take effect immediately unless any

of the remaining Legislators calls for the LA to discuss and decide on the

resolution within three (3) days after the approval of the resolution by the CLB.

Section 7 CLB Meetings

7.1. The members of the CLB shall determine the frequency and the time of

their meetings.

7.2. Any member of the CLB may call special meetings if he or she deemed it

necessary.

7.3. The CLB shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of its

members.

Section 8 A final decision must be reached via a unanimous vote of all the members of the

CLB. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until all

of the CLB members are informed and have agreed.

EXECUTIVE

Section 9 The College Student Government Executive Board, which shall hereinafter be

referred to as the CSG-EB, shall be the highest governing body and representative

authority of the respective college, school or campus.

Section 10 The CSG-EB shall be composed of the following:

10.1. College President or Campus President in STC; and


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10.2. All Batch Representatives under the college or school or all College

Representatives in STC.

Section 11 The Campus President in the STC shall also be considered as a College President

in this Constitution.

Section 12 The College Representatives in the STC shall also be considered as Batch

Representatives in this Constitution.

Section 13 The powers, duties, and responsibilities of the CSG-EB are the following:

13.1. Discuss and decide on matters which are pertinent to their respective

college, school or campus;

13.2. Determine the vision, goals and objectives of the College Student

Government and ensure that resources be made available towards their

attainment;

13.3. Outline and enforce basic policies that shall facilitate the performance of

their duties and responsibilities;

13.4. Execute all policies and directives issued by the LA and their respective

CLB;

13.5. Handle college, school or campus affairs and the needs of students

majoring in academic programs of the college, school or campus;

13.6. Organize and implement programs for their particular college, school or

campus;

13.7. Create ad hoc committees as may be necessary to discharge its functions;

and

13.8. Draft and adopt a Rules of Internal Governance and Organizational Chart

of the College Student Government Management Committee within the

framework of this Constitution upon the approval of the CLB.

Section 14 The powers, duties and responsibilities of the College President are the following:

14.1 Report directly to the President;

14.2 Be the official representative and spokesperson of the College Student

Government at any function, meeting or assembly of his or her college,

school or campus;

14.3 Discuss and update the EXECOM on college-wide, school-wide or

campus-wide programs and concerns;

14.4 Implement and enforce programs of the Cabinet to his or her college,

school or campus;


35

14.5 Spearhead the execution of all policies and directives issued by the LA

and/or the CLB which are pertinent to his or her college, school or

campus;

14.6 Coordinate with the EXECOM regarding University-wide issues and

programs;

14.7 Chair the CSG-EB and appoint from its members a replacement in case of

their incapacity or absence.; and

14.8 Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB.

Section 15 The powers, duties and responsibilities of the Batch Representative are the

following:

15.1 Report directly to the College President and Executive Vice President;

15.2 Be a member of the CSG-EB and an EXEDEP;

15.3 Discuss and update the College Student Government on batch-wide issues

and concerns;

15.4 Enforce programs of the College Student Government and spearhead the

execution of all policies and directives issued by the LA and CLB which

are pertinent to his or her batch;

15.5 Coordinate with the College President regarding University-wide and

college-wide issues and concerns; and

15.6 Perform other functions as defined in the Rules of Internal Governance of

the College Student Government and as deemed necessary by the College

President and Executive Vice President.

Section 16 The College Student Government shall have a Management Committee, which

shall hereinafter be referred to as CSG-MANCOM, and shall be concerned with its

administrative, operational, and financial affairs.

Section 17 The CSG-MANCOM shall be composed of the following:

17.1. CSG-EB;

17.2. Chief of Staff;

17.3. Documentations Head;

17.4. Marketing and Communications Head;

17.5. External Relations Head;

17.6. Academic Affairs Head;

17.7. Activities Head;

17.8. Finance Head; and

17.9. Ad-hoc Positions as deemed necessary by the CSG-EB.


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Section 18 The Batch Representative shall be aided by a Batch Council, the composition of

which shall be determined by him or her upon consultation with the College

President. The Batch Council shall serve as the advisory body of the Batch

Representative in determining the specific needs and concerns of the batch. In

the case of the STCG, the Batch Council shall hereinafter be known as the College

Council.

Section 19 The powers, duties and responsibilities of the CSG-MANCOM and its members

shall be stipulated in its own Rules of Internal Governance which shall be drafted

by the CSG-EB and approved by the CLB.

Section 20 CSG-MANCOM Meetings

20.1. The members of the CSG-EB shall determine the frequency and time of

the CSG-MANCOM meetings.

20.2. Any member of the CSG-EB may call special meetings if he or she deemed

it necessary

20.3. The CSG-MANCOM shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds


Section 21 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of the CSG-EB.


(50%+1) of the CSG-EB members are informed and have agreed.

JUDICIARY

Section 22 The Collegiate Courts and Campus Court in STC shall be the lower courts of

justice vested with judicial power and shall be chaired by the respective College or

Campus Magistrate.

Section 23 The power, duties and responsibilities of the College Magistrate and Campus

Magistrate shall be the same as stipulated in the provisions in Article VII Section

6 of this Constitution. He or she shall also be in-charge of the following:

23.1. Be the official representative and spokesperson of the Collegiate Court;

23.2. Preside over all the proceedings of the Collegiate Court;

23.3. Preserve order and proper decorum during proceedings in the Collegiate

Court and, in case of any disturbance or disorderly conduct within the

premises where the proceedings are being held, take such measures as he

or she may deem advisable or as the Judiciary may direct; and

23.4. Submit periodic reports to the Supreme Court, whose frequency of

submission shall be determined by the Chief Magistrate.


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Section 24 The College or Campus Magistrate shall be assisted by representatives from the

COC, JAAO, and SAC in the discharge of his or her functions in the Collegiate or

Campus Court.

Section 25 Decisions made by the College Magistrate or Campus Magistrate can be subject to

appeal provided that new evidences and/or points supporting the case of the

accused are found. Such appeal process shall be provided for in the Rules of

Court and will be decided upon by the Supreme Court.


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Article X

ACCOUNTABILITY OF USG ELECTED AND APPOINTED OFFFICERS

Section 1 All USG elected officers, appointed officers and must be accountable to the

students at all times.

1.1. Elected officers are those mandated by the plurality of all votes casted by

the students during the elections.

1.2. Appointed officers are non-elected officers placed into an office, unit or

committee in the USG by appointment.

Section 2 All USG elected and appointed officers must fully serve his or her term in office

except for cases of vacancies as stipulated in Article XV of this Constitution.

2.1. For elected officers, their term in office shall begin on the last day of the

preceding academic year and end on the last day of the same academic

year, except for Freshmen elected officers.

2.2. For appointed officers, their term in office shall begin on the day of their

appointment and end on the last day of the academic year, unless

specified otherwise by provisions in this Constitution and/or their

respective Rules of Internal Governance.

Section 3 All USG elected and appointed officers must serve the students with utmost

responsibility, integrity, loyalty, efficiency and professionalism.

IMPEACHMENT

Section 4 All USG elected officers and appointed officers may be removed from office, on

impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violations of this Constitution and

betrayal of public trust.

Section 5 The following may be grounds for impeachment:

5.1 Any willful violation of this Constitution and its by-laws.

5.2 Gross negligence of duty.

5.3 Illegal disbursement of funds.

5.4 Any behavior which undermines the integrity of the USG.

5.5 Any other forms of gross misconduct as provided by the USG policies.

Section 6 Any member of the Lasallian community may file a case of impeachment against

any USG elected officer and/or appointed officer. The case must be

communicated in writing to the Chief Magistrate. In cases of impeachment

against any appointed officer in the Judiciary branch, the case must be

communicated in writing to the President.


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Section 7 The policies on cases of impeachment shall be as follows:

7.1. All hearings concerning violations of an Executive Board USG officer of

this Constitution and its by-laws shall be heard and decided upon by the

Collegiate/Campus Court of the USG Officer concerned. Violations of a

Non-Executive Board USG officer shall be heard and decided upon by

their respective collegiate/campus court.

7.2. The magistrate(s) shall order investigations of cases of impeachment and

recall at its own discretion or on the basis of written complaints from any

student or officer of the USG within six (6) working days. The

magistrate(s) shall then decide whether to initiate impeachment or recall

proceedings or neither. Should the magistrate(s) fail to meet this

deadline, the complaint shall automatically be dismissed.

7.3. The presiding magistrate shall serve notice of impeachment or recall to

the officer/s concerned at least three (3) working days before the set

hearing date. Any USG officer must take a leave of absence once notice of

impeachment or recall is served to him or her.

7.4. In an impeachment hearing of an Executive Board USG Officer, the

decision on impeachment shall be made upon two-thirds (2/3) vote of the

Magistrates. In an impeachment hearing of a non-Executive Board USG

Officer, the decision shall be made by the Collegiate/Campus Magistrate

of the officers concerned.

7.5. The Magistrate(s) shall impose the necessary sanctions. All decisions of

the Magistrate(s) on matters of impeachment and recall are final and

executory, except for meritorious cases.

7.6. Should any Magistrate in the Judiciary branch be the subjected to an

impeachment complaint, he or she must take a leave of absence filed to

the Legislative Assembly Secretariat before any investigation on the

complaint is conducted. An appointed officer shall be selected by the

remaining Magistrates to temporarily replace the Magistrate concerned

within twenty-four (24) hours. A special body in full attendance, guided

by any of the remaining Magistrates and chaired by the President, with

five (5) randomly selected students by the President according to the

qualifications determined by the Legislative Assembly, shall initiate

impeachment proceedings on the Magistrate in the Judiciary branch

concerned.

7.7. All cases impeachment shall be resolved and decided upon by the

concerned body within eighteen (18) working days after the start of the

hearing, unless specified otherwise by the body.


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7.8. An appeal may be made to the Supreme Court regarding the rulings of the

courts of justice, provided that new evidences are found. Such appeal may

only be made within three (3) school days after the ruling by the courts of

justice has been made.


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Article XI

THE USG ASSEMBLY

Section 1 The USG Assembly shall be the coordinating body within the USG which shall be

chaired by the President. It shall be composed of the following:

1.1. All members of the EXECOM;

1.2. All members of the LA-IC;

1.3. All Magistrates;

1.4. All Constitutional Commission Chairpersons; and

1.5. The Ombudsman.

Section 2 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the USG Assembly:

2.1. Discuss issues and concerns relevant to the performance of the USG;

2.2. Gather feedback regarding the efforts and initiatives of each USG unit;

2.3. Assess the performance of each USG unit and recommend necessary steps

to further attain its respective objectives;

2.4. Identify and determine relevant USG-initiated measures to address issues

and concerns of the students; and

2.5. Streamline and support efforts and initiatives of all USG units.

Section 3 USG Assembly Meetings

3.1. The USG Assembly shall meet at least once a month. The frequency and

time of their meeting shall be determined by the President upon

consultation with the members of the USG Assembly.

3.2. Any member of the USG Assembly may call special meetings if he or she

deemed it necessary.

3.3. The USG Assembly shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds


Section 4 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50+1) vote of the USG Assembly.


(50%+1) of the USG Assembly members are informed and have agreed.


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Article XII

THE CONVENTION OF LEADERS

Section 1 The Convention of Leaders, which shall hereinafter be referred to as COLE, shall

serve as a general assembly of student leaders in the University and be the venue

for the President to deliver the his or her report on the general updates and

progress of the undergraduate students of the University.

Section 2 The COLE shall be composed of the following:

2.1 All members of the USG Executive Committee;

2.2 All members of the LA Inner Circle;

2.3 All Magistrates;

2.4 All Commissioners of the Constitutional Commissions;

2.5 The Ombdusman;

2.6 All Legislators;

2.7 All Batch Representatives;

2.8 All members of the Council of Student Organizations Executive Board;

2.9 At least one (1) representative from each Executive Team in the Council of

Student Organization;

2.10 At least one (1) representative from each student organization, group,

varsity team and/or club under the following:

2.9.1. Council of Student Organization (CSO)

2.9.2. Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA)

2.9.3. Culture and Arts Office (CAO)

2.9.4. Lasallian Pastoral Office (LSPO)

2.9.5. Student Discipline Formation Office (SDFO)

2.9.6. Student Media Office (SMO)

2.9.7. Office of Career and Counseling Services (OCCS)

2.9.8. Office of Sports Development (OSD)

2.9.9. University Administration units

2.10. At least one (1) representative from each student organization or unit not

listed, determined by the USG EB; and

2.11. Immediate past members of the USG EB.

Section 3. The COLE shall convene at least twice during the academic year, preferably mid-

year and year-end, during the time that the President finds most convenient for

most of the members. It shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds



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Article XIII

ELECTIONS

Section 1 The election of the USG officers shall be held not later than the 10th week of the

third trimester of the preceding academic year, which shall be known as the

General Election. With the exception of the election of incoming freshmen

officers, which shall be known as the Freshmen Election, it shall be held not later

than the 10th week of the first trimester of the academic year.

Section 2 The USG officers shall be elected by the plurality of all votes cast. Protest of a

majority (50% + 1) against any officer by his or her constituent population shall

render the election of such an officer invalid.

Section 3 The qualifications to be a candidate for the USG elections shall be provided in the

Election Code.

Section 4 The members of the EB shall be voted into office by the members of the entire

student body.

Section 5 The College Presidents shall be voted into office by the members of their

respective college, school and campus.

Section 6 The Batch Representatives and the Legislators shall be voted into office by the

members of their respective batches in their respective college, school and

campus.

Section 7 The validity of the election shall be determined by a majority (50% + 1) turnout of

votes of eligible students per elected position. Any turnout below the required

number of votes shall result to a failure of election.

Section 8 The COMELEC shall call for a special election within the succeeding four weeks

after the election for any failure of election and/or vacancies arising from the

disqualification of candidates.


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Article XIV

VACANCIES

Section 1 The LA shall decide on actions required for vacancies in the USG following a

special session.

Section 2 In case of incapacity in the discharge of duties, removal from office or resignation

of the President, the Executive Vice President shall take the position of the

President while maintaining his or her powers, duties and responsibilities as the

Executive Vice President until the necessary appointment is made.


of the President and the Executive Vice President, the Executive Treasurer shall

take the position of the President while maintaining his or her powers, duties and

responsibilities as the Executive Treasurer until the necessary appointment is

made.


of the President, the Executive Vice President and the Executive Treasurer, the

Chief Legislator shall take the position of the President while maintaining his or

her powers, duties and responsibilities as the Chief Legislator until the necessary

appointment is made.


of any member of the Executive Committee excluding the President, the

President shall endorse a USG officer, excluding the Judiciary department, which

shall be approved by the LA.


of the Batch Representative or Legislator, his or her College President shall

endorse a USG officer, excluding from the Judiciary department, which shall be

approved by the LA.

Section 6 Resignation shall only be valid if it concerns health and academics, among others,

subject to the approval of the LA. There shall be no leave of absence from the

duties and responsibilities, except for the case of incumbent USG officers seeking

to run for office in the next general elections. Such officers are, however, required

to resume their original posts and complete the term of their original office after

the elections.


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Article XV

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1 The official logo of the USG shall be the slanted five-pointed Lasallian signum-

fidei green and white star with the acronym USG.

Section 2 The official office hours of the USG shall be from 0800-2130H on weekdays and

0800-1700H on Saturdays. All days specified with official office hours are

considered working days except in cases of holidays and suspension of classes.

Section 3 The official documents of the USG shall be made available to all students and

sectors of the Lasalian community at all times. These documents shall include but

not limited to the following:

3.1. Constitution

3.2. Code of Conduct

3.3. Legislative Manual

3.4. Executive Manual

3.5. Judiciary Manual

3.6. Rules of Court

3.7. Election Code

3.8. Commission on Audit (COA) Manual

3.9. Ombusdman Code

3.10. Commission on Activity Processing (CAP) Manual

3.11. House Rules

3.12. All organizational deliverables of the units in the USG for the academic

year which include but not limited to the following:

3.12.1. Goals, Objectives, Strategies and Measures or the GOSM

3.12.2. Rules of Internal Governance

3.12.3. Organizational Chart

3.12.4. Directory of Elected and Appointed Officers

Section 4 The USG shall maintain and keep an archive of all documents such as

resolutions, minutes of the meetings and the like that concern the history and

present achievements of the USG. These documents shall be made available to

students and all sectors of the Lasallian community.

Section 5 The USG shall maintain a set of qualifications for all elected and appointed

officers, including special qualifications for specific positions. The qualifications

shall be the following:


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5.1. Must have completed at least three (3) academic terms in the University

upon start of academic year of the term in office, except for Freshmen

elected and appointed officers.

5.1.1. In the case of members of the Executive Board, they must have

completed at least six (6) academic terms in the University upon

start of academic year of the term in office.

5.1.2. In the case of the Campus President in STC, he or she must have

completed at least six (6) academic terms in the STC upon start of

academic year of the term in office.

5.1.3. In the case of the College President, he or she must have complete

at least three (3) academic terms in his or her College of the

University upon start of academic year of the term in office.

5.2. Must have at least three (3) academic terms remaining upon start of term

in office.

5.3. Must be enrolled in the University for the duration of term in office;

5.4. Must have no more than eighteen (18) units of failure for a single degree

and twenty-one (21) of failure for double degree holders for the duration

of term in office.

5.5. Must not be an elected or appointed Executive Board officer or its

equivalent in any De La Salle University duly recognized student

organization for the duration of term in office.

5.6. Must not have been a USG officer who was impeached during his or her

stay in the University unless given a Presidential pardon.

5.7. For the Chief Legislator, he or she must have been a Legislator for at least

one (1) academic year upon start of term in office, except in special cases

determined by the President.

5.8. For all appointed officers and members of the Judiciary branch and in the

Constitutional Commissions, they must not have been actively involved in

any political party as certified by the political party presidents during his

or her stay in the University.

5.9. For all Magistrates, they must have gone under the Magistrate Training

Program provided by the outgoing Magistrates during the application

period.

5.10. For all COMELEC Commissioners, they must have been a Commissioner

or Volunteer of COMELEC for at least one (1) academic year upon start of

term in office, except in special cases determined by the President.

5.11. For COA Commissioners, they must be taking up academic degree

programs in Accountancy, Finance and/or Economics, except in special

cases determined by the President.


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5.12. For the Ombudsman, he or she must have been an appointed officer or

member of the Judiciary branch for at least one (1) academic year upon

start of term in office, except in special cases determined by the President.

5.13. For CAP Commissioners, they must have been a Commissioner or

appointed member of the Commission for at least one (1) academic year

upon start of term in office, except in special cases determined by the

President.

Section 6 All confirmation of USG appointed officers shall be done via an Executive

Proclamation released within six (6) working days by the EB after the approval of

the appointments. Otherwise, the appointment and approval of USG appointed

officers shall take effect.

Section 7 The results of all referenda and plebiscites not provided herein shall be valid

upon a majority (50%+1) turnout of voters.


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Article XVI

AMENDMENTS

Section 1 Any amendment or revision of this Constitution may be proposed by the students

through an initiative upon a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of

the LA and after complying with the prescribed period indicated in Section 4 of

this article.

Section 2 A Constitutional Convention, the composition of which shall be determined by

the LA, may be called by the President upon a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of

the members of the LA which shall propose amendments or revisions to this

Constitution after complying with the prescribed period indicated in Section 4 of

this article.

Section 3 Any amendment or revision of this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be

valid only when ratified by a majority (50% + 1) of all votes cast in a plebiscite.

Section 4 No amendment or revision of this Constitution shall be authorized within five

years following the ratification of this Constitution.

Article XVII

TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 1 A Transitory Commission, the composition of which shall be determined by the

LA, shall convene after complying with the provision indicated in Section 4 of this

article. It shall draft and adopt a transition process to guide the succeeding USG

officers in upholding this Constitution and its by-laws.

Section 2 All existing manuals, codes, deliverables and guiding documents of the USG must

be amended in consonance with the provisions of this Constitution.

Section 3 If any provision of this Constitution is declared invalid, the remainder thereof not

affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect.

Section 4 This Constitution shall take effect the academic year following the ratification by

a majority (50% + 1) vote cast by the members of the USG at a plebiscite called

for by this purpose and shall supersede all previous constitutions.

Documents

Appendix D - 2014 USG Constitution (With Proposed Amendments)