Appendix B2 - 2009 USG Constitution (Ratified and With Supplementary Guidelines)

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De La Salle University Manila
University Student Government
Constitution

C ONT ENT

Preamble
Article I Name and Seat
Article I I Membership
Article I I I Declaration of Pri nciples, Purposes and Policies
Article I V Bill of Rights
Article V Duties and Responsi bilities of St udents
Article VI Accountability of USG Officers
Article VI I The Executive Board
Article VI I I The Executive Committee
Article I X Powers, Duties and Responsibilities of EB Members
Article X The Activities Assembly
Article XI The College Student Government
Article XI I The Batch Student Government
Article XI I I The Executive Departments
Article XI V The Legislative Assembly
Article X V The L A Committees
Article X VI The L A I nner Ci rcle
Article X VI I The College Legislative Board
Article X VI I I The Judiciary
Article XI X Constitutional Commissions
Article X X Articles of Impeachment
Article X XI The Council of St udent Organi zations
Article X XI I Convention of Leaders
Article X XI I I Elections
Article X XI V Vacancies
Article X X V General Provisions
Article X X VI Amendments
Article X X VI I Transitory Provisions
Article X X VI I I Separability Clause
Article X XI X Effectivity

Preamble

We, the undergraduate students of De La Salle University - Manila, 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 harmony, unity and cooperation among ourselves and with those who, together with
us, make up the Lasallian community of persons, scholars, learners and citizens, commit to the advancement and defense
of our rights and welfare, safeguard the academic freedom and integrity of the University, affirm the student-citizen`s
dignity and worth, promote the common good, actualize our roles as propagandists and catalysts for social change and
action, inculcate a social consciousness that will strike a balance between self and service to others, healthy competition
and cooperation, privilege and responsibility and embody our libertarian ideals, nationalist aspirations and noble vision
of a humane and sovereign society where truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace reign, do solemnly ordain and
promulgate this Constitution.

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Article I
NAME AND SE A T

Section 1. The name of this student government, established under this Constitution, shall be known as the De La
Salle University - Manila University Student Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the
USG.

Section 2. The seat of the USG shall be in the De La Salle University - Manila, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila, which
shall hereinafter be referred to as the University.

Article I I
ME MBERSHIP

The members of the USG shall be all undergraduate students of the University.

Article I I I
DE C L ARA TI ON OF PRI NCIPL ES, PURPOSES AND POLI CI ES

PRI NCIPL ES

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 oI the University`s Mission Statement oI 'building a
community of learners and scholars who value the pursuit of new knowledge within the perspective of
Christian ideals and values.

2.1. The Mission Statement shall serve as the guide of the USG in achieving the collective interest
of the students.
2.2. The USG believes that the true importance of the Mission Statement lies in putting these ideals
into action.

Section 3. The USG is founded on the principles of representation, participatory democracy, decentralization,
collaboration, equitability, accountability, unity and cooperation and efficiency and efficacy in the
delivery of services.

Section 4. The USG shall adhere to the policy of cooperation with other sectors of the Lasallian community.

PURPOSES

Section 4. The USG shall be at the forefront oI the students` struggle Ior their rights and welIare, as embodied in
Article IV oI this Constitution, the University`s Student Charter and the laws oI the land.

Section 5. The USG shall help foster 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 and mission.

Section 6. The USG shall develop critical thinking among the studentry and encourage all students to unite
themselves and utilize their knowledge, skills and resources to contribute to nation-building.

Section 7. The USG, recognizing the vital role of the youth in nation-building, shall encourage all students to be
aware and sensitive to the universal needs of their time;

Section 8. The USG shall foster a progressive and innovative academic institution.

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Section 9. The USG shall be in solidarity with the Filipino people by partaking in the efforts of working towards
genuine freedom and democracy.

POLI CI ES

Section 10. The USG shall pursue an independent stand, not dictated by any other sector, other than the students.

Section 11. The USG shall value academic freedom, peace based on justice and the equality of gender, religion, and
race.

Section 13. The USG shall encourage student and sectoral organizations to promote the welfare of the students.

Section 14. The USG shall establish and maintain relevant linkages with various offices, sectoral and cause-oriented
groups within and outside the University to create venues for resource-sharing.

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.

Section 16. The USG shall pursue a Lasallian education that is holistic, competitive and of high standards, ensuring
that it develops Lasallians for the nation. The USG shall also fight for a relevant, nationalistic,
scientific, liberating and mass-oriented system of education.

Section 17. The USG shall struggle against all forms of exploitation, oppression and corruption.

Section 18. The USG shall renounce instruments of policy, activities and undertakings which are violent in nature,
and/or are contrary to the rules and regulations of the University and/or the laws of the land.

Section 19. The USG shall adopt and implement a policy of public disclosure of all its transactions involving the
interest of its members.

Article I V
BI L L OF RI GHTS

Section 1. Every student has the right to be properly informed of the programs, rules and regulations and policies
of the academic community.

Section 2. Every student has the right to have access to his/her official records and other pertinent documents and
papers pertaining to official acts, transactions or decisions.

Section 3. Every student has the right to receive professional competence from the faculty and administration.

Section 4. Every student has the right to be academically evaluated based on objective criteria.

Section 5. Every student has the right to conduct scholarly research freely and to publish, discuss and exchange
findings and recommendations for the purpose of academic development.

Section 6. Every student has the right to suffrage.

6.1. Every student has the right to vote for representatives and officers of the USG.
6.2. Every student has the right to exercise other electoral practices.

Section 7. Every student has the right to actively participate in the USG.

Section 8. Every student has the right to recall their representatives from office.

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Section 9. Every student has the right to proper representation and participation in all policy-making bodies inside
the University.

Section 10. Every student has the right to regular student-faculty and student-administration dialogue.

Section 11. Every student has the right to assemble and to freely and responsibly express their views, opinions and
grievances.

Section 12. Every student has the right to objective presentation and independent operation of the student-controlled
publications, subject to the cannons of responsible journalism.

Section 13. Every student has the right to establish, organize, join and actively participate in clubs, organizations,
groups and other associations for purposes not contrary to existing policies.

Section 14. Every student has the right to due process.

Section 15. Every student has the right to legitimate and responsible use of adequate, safe, clean and efficient school
facilities.

Section 16. Every student has the right to apply for a USG position.

Section 17. All other rights as specified in the Student Handbook and the University`s Student Charter but are not
specified herein are included as rights of the students.

Article V
DUTI ES AND RESPONSI BI LI TI ES OF STUDENTS

Section 1. 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 2. Every student shall exercise his/her rights responsibly and in good faith.

Section 3. Every student shall uphold the academic integrity of the University, endeavor to achieve academic
excellence and abide by the rules and regulations governing his/her academic responsibilities.

Section 4. Every student shall promote and maintain the peace and tranquility of the University by observing the
rules of discipline and by exerting efforts to attain harmonious relationships with fellow students, the
administrators, the teaching academic staffs and other University personnel.

Section 5. Every student shall uphold, preserve and maintain the integrity of his/her Alma Mater.

Section 6. Every student shall participate actively in civic affairs and in the promotion of the general welfare,
particularly in the social, economic and cultural development of his/her community and in the
attainment of a just, compassionate and orderly society.

Article VI
A C C OUNT ABI LI T Y OF USG OF F FI CERS

All USG officers shall at all times be accountable to the studentry who they must serve with utmost responsibility,
integrity, loyalty, efficiency and professionalism.

Article VI I
T HE E X E CUTI VE BOARD

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Section 1. The Executive Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as EB, shall be the highest governing body
and representative authority of the USG.

Section 2. The EB shall be composed of the:

2.1. President.
2.2. Vice President for Internal Affairs.
2.3. Vice President for External Affairs.
2.4. Executive Secretary.
2.5. Executive Treasurer.

Section 3. The EB shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

3.1. To uphold and enforce the provisions stipulated in this Constitution and its bylaws.
3.2. To outline and enforce basic policies that shall facilitate the performance of its duties and
responsibilities.
3.3. To discuss national, sectoral and university-wide issues and academic-related matters, projects,
programs and campaigns to be presented to the College Presidents.
3.4. To ensure fair, efficient and effective representation in all University committees whose
services and decisions affect the welfare of the students.
3.5. To create departments and ad hoc as may be necessary to discharge its functions.

Section 4. The members of the EB shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 5. Any member of the EB may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 6. The EB shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

Section 7. A final decision must be reached via a majority (50% + 1) of those present. Decisions made outside this
provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the EB members are informed and have agreed.

Article VI I I
T HE E X E CUTI VE C OMMI T T E E

Section 1. The Executive Committee, which shall hereinafter be referred to as EXECOM, shall be vested with
executive powers.

Section 2. The EXECOM shall be composed of the:

2.1. All the members of the EB.
2.2. All College Presidents.

Section 3. The EXECOM shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

3.1. To discuss and decide on national, sectoral, university-wide issues and academic-related
matters, projects, programs and campaigns for endorsement and final approval of the
Legislative Assembly, whenever necessary.
3.2. To implement all resolutions approved by the Legislative Assembly.
3.3. To issue Executive Orders to the USG in case of a state of emergency and be answerable to the
Legislative Assembly for the consequences thereof.
3.4. To appeal for reconsideration to the Legislative Assembly any approved motion or resolution
upon two-thirds vote of the members of the EXECOM.
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3.5. To determine the vision and mission of the USG and ensure that resources be made available
towards their attainment.

Section 4. The members of the EXECOM shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 5. Any member of the EXECOM may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 6. The EXECOM shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

Section 7. A final decision can only be reached via a majority vote (50% + 1) of those present. Decisions made
outside this provision are binding and executory unless challenged by an EXECOM member.

Article I X
POWERS, DUTI ES AND RESPONSI BI LI TI ES OF E B ME MBERS

Section 1. The President shall:

1.1. Be the Chief Executive Officer of the USG.
1.2. Be the official spokesperson of the USG at any function, meeting or assembly.
1.3. Preside over the meetings of the EB, EXECOM, USG General Assemblies, Convention of
Leaders and committees under his/her office.
1.4. Have no voting powers but shall have the power to veto policies, resolutions, programs and
projects approved by the EB, EXECOM, the Activities Assembly and the Legislative
Assembly.
1.4.2. The presidential veto must be communicated to the Executive Secretary within three
days of the approval of the policy, resolution, program or project. Otherwise, the
policy, resolution, program or project may be released or implemented.
1.4.3. A two-thirds vote of the remaining EB, EXECOM, the Activities Assembly and the
Legislative Assembly, whichever is concerned, is required to override a presidential
veto.
1.5. Oversee the internal and external affairs of the USG.
1.6. Initiate the implementation of all the decisions of the Legislative Assembly.
1.7. Nominate and appoint the student representatives to external alliances, seminars, sector
organizations, University-wide committees and other functions requiring such representation
and appointment. The order for the nomination and appointment is as follows:
1.7.1. Member/s of the EB.
1.7.2. College President/s.
1.7.3. Legislative Assembly Representative/s.
1.7.4. Batch President/s.
1.7.5. Other USG officer/s.
1.8. Be an ex-officio member of all the committees under the executive arm of the USG.
1.9. Submit to the Legislative Assembly and the Judiciary trimestral reports that shall present and
evaluate the state of the organizational affairs and recommend further actions.
1.10. Monitor, directly or indirectly, the performance of all offices and committees with executive
functions.
1.11. Receive and review periodic reports from each of the EB members, all Executive units, the
Legislative Assembly and the Judiciary.
1.12. Ensure that national, sectoral and University-wide issues be adequately addressed by the USG.
1.13. Represent the USG in sectoral activities within and outside the University.
1.14. Convene the Council of University Representatives (CURE) which shall be composed of all
student representatives to University policy-making bodies.
1.15. Perform other functions to facilitate the discharge of his/her responsibilities or acts prescribed
herein and be answerable to the Legislative Assembly for the consequences of such.
1.15. Be vested with the power to grant presidential pardon to any USG officer found guilty of
violation of this constitution and its bylaws by the Judiciary, provided that the pardon is with
just cause.
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Section 2. The Vice President for Internal Affairs shall:

2.1. Report directly to the President.
2.2. Be the supervisor and coordinator of the internal affairs of the USG under the direction of the
President.
2.3. Assume the responsibilities of the President in matters concerning internal affairs if the
President is absent or incapacitated or if so directed by the EB.
2.4. Assume automatically the Presidency in the event that such office is permanently vacated.
2.5. Coordinate with the College and Batch Student Governments with regards to internal affairs of
the USG.
2.6. Monitor all internal activities and programs of the College and Batch Student Governments.
2.7. Chair the Activities Assembly.
2.8. Ensure that the USG University-wide activities are prioritized over other student activities.
2.9. Create departments and ad hoc as may be necessary to discharge specific functions of the
internal affairs.
2.10. Supervise the planning and implementation of special projects during celebrations of USG
University-wide weeks and other occasions warranting participation of the USG.
2.11. Address student concerns regarding the operational efficiency and development of physical
facilities in the University.
2.12. Conduct research undertakings on University policies and structures and present results and
recommendations to the EXECOM, Legislative Assembly and/or the University administration.
2.13. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EXECOM.

Section 3. The Vice President for External Affairs shall:

3.2. Be the supervisor and coordinator of the external affairs of the USG under the direction of the
President.
3.3. Assume the responsibilities of the President in matters concerning external affairs if the
President is absent or incapacitated or if so directed by the EB.
3.4. Assume automatically the Presidency in the event that both the Presidency and the Internal
Affairs Vice Presidency are permanently vacated.
3.5. Coordinate with the College and Batch Student Governments with regards to external affairs of
the USG.
3.6. Monitor all external activities and programs of the College and Batch Student Governments.
3.7. Co-chair the Activities Assembly and assume chairmanship if the Vice President for Internal
Affairs is absent or incapacitated or if so directed by the EB.
3.8. Create departments and ad hoc as may be necessary to discharge specific functions of the
external affairs
3.9. Establish liaisons with other student governments and other relevant entities.
3.10. Establish alliances with external entities on specific issues or campaigns as specified by the EB.

Section 4. The Executive Secretary shall:

4.2. Be the Chief Administrative Officer of the USG.
4.3. Take charge of the daily and administrative affairs of the USG.
4.4. Be the official custodian of all records and papers of USG.
4.5. Record all meetings of the EB, EXECOM, USG General Assemblies, Convention of Leaders,
Legislative Assembly and Inner Circle.
4.6. Be responsible for efficient USG office management.
4.7. Be responsible for the training and development and other concerns and needs of USG officers
in the discharge of their duties.
4.8. Handle all correspondences of the EB, both internally and externally.
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4.9. Coordinate with the other offices to facilitate the maintenance of a complete and effective filing
system of the USG.
4.10. Supervise the information dissemination of the University-wide activities, programs and
campaigns of the USG through publicity, publications and the like.
4.11. Establish programs or projects to obtain regular feedback from the student body.
4.12. Prepare the agenda of meetings of the EB and EXECOM after due consultation with its
members.
4.13. Advise the President on matters of general administration.

Section 5. The Executive Treasurer shall:

5.2. Act as custodian of the USG funds and enforce standard operating procedures within the USG
with regards to the financial system.
5.3. Design and implement a plan for the management of funds under the jurisdiction of the USG.
5.4. Be in charge of the preparation of the annual budget, of which allocation must be given to all
the offices under the structure of the USG, to be approved by the Legislative Assembly.
5.5. Formulate and implement policies and procedures governing the financial resources of the
USG.
5.6. Require financial documents necessary for the maintenance of an effective monitoring system.
5.7. Collect and summarize needed data in the preparation of financial reports dealing with all
phases of the financial, accounting and operating activities of the USG.
5.8. Prepare trimestral financial reports dealing with all phases of the financial activities of the
offices under the USG structure and present such reports to all offices concerned.
5.9. Safeguard cash temporarily on hand and maintain banking connection for the regular deposit
and savings accounts for the USG.
5.10. Monitor fund-raising activities initiated by the offices under the USG.
5.11. Make periodic reviews of the income and expenditure status of each budgetary unit for any
needed remedial action.
5.12. Review and monitor all receipts and disbursements of funds within the USG.
5.13. Prepare an annual financial report of the USG for examination by the EXECOM and
Legislative Assembly and also for audit by the Auditor duly appointed by the Judiciary.
5.14. Perform other such duties and responsibilities related to and/or implied from the above
enumeration of duties and responsibilities.
5.15. Perform other such functions as deemed necessary by the EXECOM.

Article X
T HE A C TI VI TI ES ASSE MBL Y

Section 1. The Activities Assembly, which shall hereinafter be referred to as AA, shall be the policy-making arm
concerning activities, projects and programs of the USG.

Section 2. The AA shall be composed of the:

2.1. Vice President for Internal Affairs.
2.2. Vice President for External Affairs.
2.3. All College Presidents.
2.4. All Batch Presidents.

Section 3. The AA shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

3.1. To outline and enforce basic policies and procedures for the efficient and effective
implementation of student activities, projects and programs and enforce these upon the
approval of the EXECOM.
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3.2. To plan University-wide student activities, projects and programs and assign departments or ad
hoc for the implementation of such upon the approval of the EXECOM.
3.3. To create departments and ad hoc as may be necessary to discharge specific functions of the
AA.
3.4. To discuss and deliberate matters pertaining to activities, projects and programs of the
departments and ad hoc.
3.5. To perform such other functions as deemed necessary by the EXECOM.

Section 4. The members of the AA shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 5. Any member of the AA may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 6. The AA shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

Section 7. A final decision must be reached via a majority (50% + 1) of those present, subject to the decision of the
EXECOM and the Legislative Assembly. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and
unofficial until majority of the AA members are informed and have agreed.

Article XI
T HE C OL L E GE STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The College Student Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to as CSG, shall be composed of
all undergraduate students of each respective college.

Section 2. The CSG Executive Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as CSG-EB, shall be the highest
governing body and representative authority of each respective college.

Section 3. The CSG-EB shall be composed of the:

3.1. College President.
3.2. All Batch Presidents from the college.
3.3. All Legislative Assembly Representatives from the college.

Section 4. The CSG-EB shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

4.1. To discuss and decide on matters which are pertinent to their respective college.
4.2. To determine the vision and mission of the CSG and ensure that resources be made available
towards their attainment.
4.3. To outline and enforce basic policies that shall facilitate the performance of their duties and
responsibilities.
4.4. To execute all policies and directives issued by the Legislative Assembly which are pertinent to
each respective college.
4.5. To handle college affairs and the needs of the different majors and batches.
4.6. To organize and implement programs for their particular college.
4.7. To create departments and ad hoc as may be necessary to discharge its functions.
4.8. Prepare a Rules of Internal Governance of the CSG within the framework of this Constitution.

Section 5. The College Presidents shall:

5.1. Report directly to the President
5.2. Discuss and update the EXECOM on college-wide programs and concerns.
5.3. Enforce programs of the EB, upon the approval of the EXECOM, to the college and its batches.
5.4. Spearhead the execution of all policies and directives issued by the Legislative Assembly
which are pertinent to their respective colleges.
5.5. Coordinate with the EXECOM regarding University-wide issues and activities.
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5.6. Chair the CSG-EB and appoint from its members a replacement i n case of their incapacity or
absence.
5.7. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EXECOM and the Legislative Assembly.

Section 6. The members of the CSG-EB shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 7. Any member of the CSG-EB may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 8. The CSG-EB shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the CSG-EB members are informed and have
agreed.

Article XI I
T HE BA T C H STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The Batch Student Government, which shall hereinafter be referred to as BSG, shall be composed of all
undergraduate students of each respective batch of each respective college.

Section 2. The BSG Executive Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as BSG-EB, shall be the highest
governing body and representative authority of each respective batch of each respective college.

Section 3. The BSG-EB shall be composed of the:

3.1. Batch President.
3.2. Batch Vice-President.
3.3 Legislative Assembly Representative.

Section 4. The BSG-EB shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

4.1. Create committees for the operations of the batch.
4.2. Execute all policies and directives issued by the Legislative Assembly which are pertinent to
the batch.
4.3. Organize and implement programs for the enhancement and development of the batch.
4.4. Participate in the execution of college and University-wide programs as directed by the College
President and AA.
4.5. Encourage batchmates to participate in batch, college and University-wide programs.
4.6. Prepare a Rules of Internal Governance of the BSG within the framework of this Constitution.
4.7. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB and the College President.

Section 5. The Batch Presidents shall:

5.1. Report directly to the College President and President as deemed necessary.
5.2. Represent the BSG in the CSG, AA and other such entities as necessary.
5.3. Discuss and update the CSG on batch-wide programs and concerns.
5.4. Enforce programs of the EB, upon the approval of the EXECOM, to the batch.
5.5. Spearhead the execution of all policies and directives issued by the Legislative Assembly
which are pertinent to their respective batches.
5.6. Coordinate with the College President and EB regarding college and University-wide issues
and activities, respectively.
5.7. Chair the BSG-EB.
5.8. Perform other functions as defined in the Rules of Internal Governance of the BSG and as
deemed necessary by the EB, College President and the Legislative Assembly.

Section 6. The Batch Vice-Presidents shall:
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6.1. Report directly to the Batch President and College President and President as deemed
necessary.
6.2. Represent the Batch President in other programs and activities and other such entities.
6.3. Discuss and update the CSG on batch-wide programs and concerns in the absence of the Batch
President.
6.4. Assume powers and responsibilities of the Batch President in his/her incapacity or absence.
6.5. Enforce programs of the EB, upon approval of the EXECOM, for the batch.
6.6. Assist the Batch President in the execution of all policies and directives issued by the
Legislative Assembly which are pertinent to their respective batches.
6.7. Chair the BSG-EB in the absence of the Batch President.
6.8. Perform other functions as defined in the Rules of Internal Governance of the BSG and as
deemed necessary by the EB, College President and the Legislative Assembly.

Section 7. The members of the BSG-EB shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 8. Any member of the BSG-EB may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 9. The BSG-EB shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the BSG-EB members are informed and have
agreed.

Article XI I I
T HE E X E CUTI VE DEPART MENTS

GENERA L PROVISI ONS

Section 1. The Executive Departments, which shall hereinafter be referred to as EXEDEP, shall be the standing
committees to aid the USG in addressing specific concerns, issues, projects and programs consonant
with its principles and purposes.

Section 2. The Batch Presidents shall be appointed to EXEDEP, except for the Department of Activity Approval
and Monitoring, and shall be limited to membership to only one EXEDEP. The EB shall assign the
Batch Presidents to the EXEDEP in reference to, but not entirely based upon, the top three choices of
each Batch President and in a manner that the EB deems necessary.

Section 3. Each EXEDEP shall have a Chairperson and a Vice Chairperson, all of whom shall be elected from
among and by the members of the EXEDEP. The members shall determine the manner of election
thereof.

Section 4. The EXEDEP Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

4.1. Report directly to the EB.
4.2. Preside over the meetings of their respective EXEDEP.
4.3. Administer the overall operations of their respective EXEDEP.
4.4. Report to the AA actions on programs and projects referred to their EXEDEP.
4.5. Appoint EXEDEP members to sub-committees as well as delegate EXEDEP tasks to members,
whenever necessary.
4.6. Consolidate the EXEDEP members on matters pertinent to the AA and in their attendance to
AA sessions.
4.7. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB and AA.

Section 5. The EXEDEP Vice Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

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5.1. Report directly to the EXEDEP Chairperson.
5.2. Assume the powers and responsibilities of the EXEDEP Chairperson in his/her incapacity or
absence.
5.3. Supervise the EXEDEP programs and projects.
5.4. Assist the EXEDEP Chairperson in supervising the operation of the EXEDEP.
5.5. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the EXEDEP Chairperson or as prescribed within
the rules of their respective EXEDEP.

Section 6. The members of the EXEDEP shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities, other than
those stated in Article XII Section 5 of this Constitution:

6.1. Report directly to the EXEDEP Chairperson.
6.2. Be present and participate actively in all EXEDEP meetings.
6.3. Aid the EXEDEP Vice Chairperson in all programs and projects.
6.4. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the EXEDEP Chairperson or as prescribed within
the rules of their respective EXEDEP.

Section 7. The members of the EXEDEP shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 8. Any member of the EXEDEP may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 9. The EXEDEP shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the EXEDEP members are informed and have
agreed.

E X E CUTI VE DEPART MENTS

Section 11. The EXEDEP prescribed by this Constitution shall be the following:

11.1 Department of Activity Approval and Monitoring.
11.2. Department on Community Development.
11.3. Department on Student Services.
11.4. Department on Advocacy.

DEPART MENT ON A C TI VI T Y APPROVA L AND MONI T ORI NG

Section 13. The Department of Activity Approval and Monitoring, which shall hereinafter be referred to as DAAM,
shall be the coordinating body of the USG in approving and monitoring student activities.

Section 14. The DAAM shall be chaired by a staff duly appointed by the Vice President for Internal Affairs.

Article XI V
T HE L E GISL A TI VE ASSE MBL Y

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:

2.1. Chief Legislator.
2.2. All LA Representatives.
2.3. Legislative Secretariat.

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Section 3. The LA shall concern itself with discussing and deciding on the following matters:

3.1. Integral policies, existing operations, projects and programs.
3.2. Resolutions of University-wide, curricular and extra-curricular matters.
3.3. Resolutions on national and sectoral issues.
3.4. Representation of administrative and non-administrative units and committees requiring such
inside the campus.
3.5. Budget allocation of the USG as presented by the Executive Treasurer.
3.6. Creation of standing and ad hoc committees whose functions shall be determined by the body.
3.7. Approval of the Election Code to be adopted by the Commission on Elections.
3.8. Approval of appointed USG officers for elected positions.

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

4.1. Call and preside over the sessions of the LA and appoint from its members, except the Majority
and Minority Floor Leaders and the Legislative Secretariat, a replacement upon his/her
incapacity or absence.
4.2. Call and preside over the meetings of the LA Inner Circle and appoint from its members,
except the Legislative Secretariat, a replacement upon his/her incapacity or absence.
4.3. Call special LA sessions.
4.4. Preserve order and decorum during sessions, and, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct
within the premises where the session is being held, take such measures as he/she may deem
advisable or as the LA may direct.
4.5. Rule on all questions of order, subject to appeal by any member of the LA, which appeal shall
not be debatable, but the member appealing may explain his/her appeal for not more than five
minutes.
4.6. Sign and affix the seal of the USG in all resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenas
issued by the order of the LA.
4.7. Enforce all rules, policies and procedures governing the LA.
4.8. Receive periodic reports from all units and members of the LA whose frequency of submission
shall be at his/her discretion.
4.9. Appoint LA Representatives to LA Committees.
4.10. Be an ex-officio member of all LA Committees.
4.11. Have administrative supervision over the LA and all its units.
4.12. Be the official representative of the LA in functions that require its presence.
4.13. Ensure that the LA follows properly the parliamentary procedure during sessions.

Section 5. The LA Representatives shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

5.1. Report directly to the Batch President, College President, Chief Legislator and President as
deemed necessary.
5.2. Participate actively in LA sessions.
5.3. Conduct regular consultations with his/her constituents regarding academic and non-academic
matters.
5.4. Hold position in other USG units and University-wide committees as appointed.
5.5. Handle the College Advisory Board together with the other LA Representatives of each
respective college.
5.6. Handle the Batch Advisory Board.
5.7. Review existing policies and resolutions.
5.8. Pass resolutions and legislations that are of relevance to the studentry.
5.9. Be entitled to a copy of all minutes, resolutions and the like that concerns the legislative
proceedings.
5.9. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB, College President, Batch President,
Chief Legislator and the LA.

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Section 6. The Legislative Secretariat shall be chaired by the Executive Secretary and composed of at least two
staffs from the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Section 7. The Legislative Secretariat shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

7.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator.
7.2. Enforce orders of the LA when such duty devolves upon them.
7.3. Record the minutes of each session of the LA and all meetings of the LA Inner Circle.
7.4. Call the roll of the members of the LA before the opening of the session.
7.5. Note all questions in order with the decisions thereon.
7.6. Complete, within five days after the close of the session, the printing and distribution of the
minutes for the said session to the members of the LA.
7.7. Provide each LA Committee a copy of the outline of the minutes for filing and reference.
7.8. Take charge in counting and recounting the votes or ballots.
7.9. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or the LA.

Section 8. The LA Representatives shall, during the first session, elect among themselves a Majority Floor Leader
and a Minority Floor Leader.

8.1. The Majority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions in a specific issue or
resolution of the majority of the body. He/She shall serve as the spokesperson of the majority
side. In case of conflict of interest, he/she may appoint anyone from the majority side to assume
the position but may not vacate his/her position as part of the majority, except for meritorious
cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He/She may call separate meetings outside the LA
sessions to convene the majority side.
8.2. The Minority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions in a specific issue or
resolution of the minority of the body. He/She shall serve as the spokesperson of the minority
side. In case of conflict of interest, he/she may appoint anyone from the minority side to
assume the position but may not vacate his/her position as part of the minority, except for
meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He/She may call separate meetings
outside the LA sessions to convene the minority side.

Section 9. The members of the LA shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 10. The LA shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

Section 11. Decisions made in the absence of the quorum shall not be binding, unless such are made in the context
of an implied quorum.

11.1. Implied quorum shall only be decided through a 100% vote of the members present, which is
composed of at least a majority (50% + 1) of the members of the LA.
11.2. Decision made during an implied quorum can be reached through a majority vote and shall
remain final unless no member of the body challenges the decision in the succeeding sessions
or meetings.
11.3. Decisions made during an implied quorum, which were reached through a 100% vote, shall be
considered final.

Section 12. Resolutions shall be passed by a majority vote (50% + 1) of the LA Representatives present in the
session, with the exception of resolutions which seek to amend this Constitution which requires a two-
thirds vote of the members of the LA.

Section 13. Resolutions passed by the LA shall be final and binding. However, if the EXECOM does not concur
though a two-thirds vote of its members, the EXECOM 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 vote of LA Representatives present, the resolution is executory.

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Section 14. All rulings announced by the Chief Legislator shall be final unless reversed through a motion to appeal
to the ChieI Legislator`s rulings by any member oI the LA. Such reversal shall require a two-thirds vote
of the members of the LA to be carried.

Article X V
T HE L A C OMMI T T E ES

Section 1. 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.

Section 2. The LA Representatives shall be appointed to LA Committees and shall be limited to membership to
only one LA Committee. The Chief Legislator shall assign the LA Representatives to the LA
Committees in reference to, but not entirely based upon, the top three choices of each LA
Representative and in a manner that he/she deems necessary.

Section 3. Each LA Committee shall have a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary, all of whom shall be
elected from among and by the members of the committee. The members shall determine the manner of
election thereof.

Section 4. The LA Committee Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

4.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator.
4.2. Preside over the meetings of their respective LA Committees.
4.3. Participate in the meetings of the LA Inner Circle.
4.4. Administer the overall operations of their respective committees.
4.5. Report to the LA Inner Circle actions on resolutions referred to their committees.
4.6. Appoint committee members to sub-committees as well as delegate committee tasks to
committee members, whenever necessary.
4.7. Consolidate the committee members on matters pertinent to the LA and in their attendance to
LA sessions.
4.8. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator and the LA.

Section 5. The LA Committee Vice Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

5.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson.
5.2. Assume the powers and responsibilities of the LA Committee Chairperson in his/her incapacity
or absence.
5.3. Supervise the LA Committee researches.
5.4. Assist the LA Committee Chairperson in supervising the operation of the LA Committee.
5.5. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Chairperson or as prescribed within the
rules of their respective committees.

Section 6. The LA Committee Secretary shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

6.2. Record the minutes of the LA Committee meetings and provide copies to committee members.
6.3. Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the LA Committee.
6.4. Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA Committee.
6.5. Be responsible for drafting and submission of periodic reports to the Chief Legislator.
6.6. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two days prior to the scheduled date of the
meeting.
6.7. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee Chairperson or as prescribed
within the rules of their respective committees.

Section 7. The members of the LA Committees shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities, other
than those stated in Article XIV Section 5 of this Constitution:
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7.2. Be present and participate actively in all LA Committee meetings.
7.3. Aid the LA Committee Vice Chairperson in committee researches.
7.4. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee Chairperson or as prescribed
within the rules of their respective committees.

Section 8. The members of the LA Committees shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 9. Any member of the LA Committees may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 10. The LA Committees shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the LA Committee members are informed and
have agreed.

Article X VI
T HE L A I NNER CI RC L E

Section 1. The LA Inner Circle, which shall hereinafter be referred to as LA-IC, shall be vested with the
administrative power of the LA.

Section 2. The LA-IC shall be composed of the:

2.2. Majority Floor Leader.
2.3. Minority Floor Leader.
2.4. All LA Committee Chairpersons.
2.5. Legislative Secretariat.

Section 3. The LA-IC shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

3.1. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the administration of the LA.
3.2. Receive reports from LA Committees on resolutions referred to it and on the performance of
the committee and its members.
3.3. 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 time limit for the debates, rules
on germaneness and amendments, etc.
3.4. Calendar resolutions reported by the LA Committees for consideration.
3.5. Outline the agenda of all LA sessions.

Section 4. All rulings by the LA-IC on matters pertaining to the administration of the LA may be overturned by a
two-thirds vote of the total membership of the LA.

Section 5. The members of the LA-IC shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 6. Any member of the LA-IC may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 7. The LA-IC shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the LA-IC members are informed and have
agreed.

Article X VI I
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T HE C OL L E GE L E GISL A TI VE BOARD

Section 1. The College Legislative Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the CLB, shall be an aid to the
CSG and shall act as the highest policy-making body of the CSG.

Section 2. The CLB shall be composed of:

2.1. All LA Representatives of the college.

Section 3. The CLB shall concern itself with discussing and deciding on the following matters:

3.1. Integral policies, existing operations, projects and programs of the college.
3.2. Resolutions of curricular and extra-curricular matters which are college-wide or batch-wide, as
may be necessary, in scope.
3.3. Representation of administrative and non-administrative units and committees requiring such
within the college.
3.4. Creation of standing and ad hoc committees for the college whose functions shall be
determined by the body.
3.5. Approval of College Commissioners for the Commission on Elections and the Commission on
Audit.

Section 4. Motions or resolutions approved by the CLB may be subject to the approval of the LA as deemed
necessary.

Section 5. The members of the CLB shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 6. Any member of the CLB may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 7. The CLB shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the CLB members are informed and have agreed.

Article X VI I I
T HE JUDI CI ARY

Section 1. The Judiciary shall be the sole body to be vested with judicial power. Judicial power includes the duty
of the Judiciary to settle actual controversies involving rights which are legally demandable and
enforceable 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. The Judiciary
shall enjoy fiscal autonomy.

Section 2. The Judiciary shall be composed of the:

2.1. Chief Magistrate.
2.2. Five Magistrates.

Section 3. The Judiciary shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

3.1. To sit en banc, hear, try and resolve, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, within three
weeks any complaint involving the constitutionality, legality or jurisdiction of the acts, policies
and resolutions of USG officers.
3.2. To summon, order the investigation of suspension and impeach or recall USG officers.
3.3. To reprimand or cite in contempt any USG officer or unit.
3.6. To review and approve appointments by the officers of the USG.
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3.7. To review and approve the budget allocation of the USG, as presented by the Executive
Treasurer.
3.8. To confirm all Commissioners of the Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit
approved by the College Legislative Board.
3.9. To appoint its Investigating Officers and Prosecuting Officers whose number shall be
determined by the Judiciary.
3.10. To draft and adopt a Complaint and Impeachment Code.
3.11. To draft and adopt its own Rules of Internal Governance including the Rules of Court.
3.12 To conduct impeachment trials for any USG officer who is subject of an impeachment
complaint.

Section 4. The LA shall prescribe the qualifications of the Magistrates, Auditor, Investigating Officers and
Prosecution Officers.

Section 5. The Magistrates shall be duly appointed by a group of representatives from both the outgoing members
of the EXECOM and the Judiciary. The number of representatives of the Judiciary shall be the number
of undergraduate colleges, such that each college is represented.

Section 6. The completion of appointment of all Magistrates shall be at most a month after the General Elections.
The term of the Magistrates shall commence right the completion of appointment.

Section 7. A magistrate may hold office for more than one school year given that he/she will undergo reapplication
provided that he/she has at least three terms remaining.

Section 8. A joint EXECOM, AA and LA session, to be chaired by the President, shall be devoted to elect a Chief
Magistrate. Such election shall be done at most one week after the completion of appointment of the
Magistrates.

Section 9. The Chief Magistrate shall preside over all proceedings and shall be the spokesperson of the Judiciary.
In his/her absence or incapacity, he/she may appoint a replacement among the members of the
Judiciary.

Section 10. Any Magistrate who has committed his/her third unexcused absence from its sessions shall
automatically be investigated for impeachment.

Section 11. The Magistrates shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 12. Any Magistrate may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 13. The Judiciary shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members, except on
impeachment proceedings which require complete attendance.

Section 14. Cases concerning violations of any USG officer of this constitution and its bylaws shall be heard and
decided upon by a magistrate from the college to which the accused belongs. Decisions made by a sole
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.

Article XI X
C ONSTI TUTI ONA L C OMMISSI ONS

C OMMON PROVISI ONS

Section 1. There shall be two independent Constitutional Commissions that shall report directly to the Judiciary:

1.1. Commission on Elections.
1.2. Commission on Audit.
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Section 2. The LA shall prescribe the qualifications of the Commissioners of the Commission on Elections and the
Commission on Audit.

Section 3. The Commissioners shall be appointed and approved by their respective College Legislative Board and
shall be presented to the Judiciary for confirmation.

Section 4. The completion of appointment, approval and confirmation of all Commissioners shall be at most a
month after the General Elections. The term of the Commissioners shall commence right the
confirmation of all the Commissioners of each Constitutional Commission.

Section 5. The Commissioners shall hold office for one complete school year, beginning in the first trimester and
ending in the third trimester.

Section 6. All Commissioners shall be prohibited from appointed position/s in any USG unit.

Section 7. The Commissioners of each Constitutional Commission shall elect among themselves a Chairperson, a
Vice Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer. They shall also be given the prerogative to recruit
members who shall help them in discharging their functions.

Section 8. The Chairperson of each Constitutional Commission shall preside over all proceedings and shall be the
spokesperson of his/her respective Constitutional Commission.

Section 9. The Commissioners of each Constitutional Commission shall determine the frequency and the time of
their meetings.

Section 10. Any Commissioner of each Constitutional Commission may call special meetings if he/she deemed it
necessary.

Section 11. Each Constitutional Commission shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the members of each Constitutional Commission
are informed and have agreed.

C OMMISSI ON ON E L E C TI ONS

Section 13. The Commission on Elections, which shall hereinafter be referred to as COMELEC, shall decide on all
electoral exercises within the University.

Section 14. The COMELEC shall be composed of two Commissioners from each college.

Section 15. The COMELEC shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:

15.1. To adopt and uphold the Election Code passed by the LA.
15.2. To serve as the steering committee for the USG elections.
15.3. To certify qualifications of candidates.
15.4. To penalize or disqualify candidates and/or political parties who violate the Election Code.
15.5. To educate voters on the voting process to be used in the USG elections.
15.6. To encourage students to vote.
15.7. To enforce and administer all rules and regulations relative to the conduct of an election,
plebiscite, initiative, referendum and recall.

Section 16. The decision of the COMELEC on all electoral practices shall be considered final unless appealed in the
Judicial department.

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C OMMISSI ON ON AUDI T

Section 20 The Commission on Audit, which shall hereinafter be referred to as COA, shall be composed of a
chairman and two commissioners, who shall be legitimate students of DLSU, and at the time of their
appointment, has at least one year of tenure in DLSU, and must not have been candidates for any
position in the election preceding their appointment.

Section 21 The Chairman and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the President with consent of the
EXECOM, Chief Legislator and Chief Magistrate, for three consecutive terms without reappointment.

Section 22 In cases of early vacancy, the President with consent of the EXECOM, Chief Legislator and Chief
Magistrate must appoint a new commissioner who will serve the unexpired term of the commissioner
preceding his appointment.

Section 23 The Commission on audit shall have the power, authority, and duty to examine and audit all accounts
pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, and to the expenses and disbursements of every USG unit

Section 24 The Commission on Audit shall create a COA Manual to be approved by the Legislative Assembly
Section 25 The COA Chairman shall have 1 year experience of being an auditor in the Office of the Treasurer.

Section 26 The Commission on audit has the responsibility of filing a complaint to the USG-SC or to lower courts,
whichever is deemed necessary, against any USG official accused to be misappropriating fund.

Section 27 The COA shall create their own structure relevant to their operations.

Section 27 The Commission on Audit shall submit trimestral COA reports to the President, Chief Legislator and
Chief Magistrate.

Article X X
ARTI CL ES OF I MPE A C HMENT

Section 1. All USG elected officers may be removed from office, on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable
violations of this Constitution and betrayal of public trust.

Section 2. The following may be grounds for impeachment:

2.1. Any willful violation of this Constitution and its bylaws.
2.2. Gross negligence of duty.
2.3. Illegal disbursement of funds.
2.4. Any behavior which undermines the integrity of the USG.
2.5. Any other forms of gross misconduct as provided by the USG policies.

Section 3. Any student or officer of the USG may file a resolution of impeachment against any USG officer. The
resolution must be addressed to the Chief Magistrate.

Section 4. The policies on impeachment shall be as follows:

4.1. The Judiciary 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
seven regular school days (not including Sundays and holidays). The Judiciary shall then
decide whether to initiate impeachment or recall proceedings or not. Should the Judiciary fail to
meet this deadline, complaints shall automatically be dismissed.
4.2. The Judiciary shall serve notice of impeachment or recall to the official/s concerned at least
four 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/her.
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4.3. All matters of impeachment and recall shall be heard and tried with all the Magistrates in
attendance. Decisions on impeachment shall be made upon two-thirds vote of the Judiciary.
4.4. The Judiciary shall impose the necessary sanctions. All decisions of the Judiciary on matters of
impeachment and recall are final and executory, except for meritorious cases.
4.5. Should any Magistrate be the subjected to an impeachment complaint, he/she must take a leave
of absence before any investigation on the complaint is conducted. He/She shall be temporarily
replaced within twenty-four hours by a prosecuting officer of his/her choice. A special body,
chaired by the President, with five unconfirmed impartial appointees from the students, shall
initiate impeachment proceedings on the Magistrate/s concerned. It shall resolve the matter
unanimously within three weeks.

Article X XI
T HE C OUNCI L OF STUDENT ORGANI Z A TI ONS

Section 1. The Council of Student Organizations, which shall hereinafter be referred to as CSO, shall be the union
of all the duly accredited organizations in the University. The CSO shall create and maintain conditions
and opportunities Ior the Iull realization oI the organizations` goals. It shall deliver quality services and
activities and develop proactive and dynamic leaders.

Section 2. The CSO shall be an autonomous body that may work closely in coordination, in the principle of
synergy, with the Vice President for Internal Affairs.

Section 3. The CSO shall:

3.1. Adhere to the policies of cooperation and harmonious relations with all the units of the USG.
3.2. Be responsible for its member organizations and be answerable to the student body, subject to
agreements entered into by the CSO and its member organizations.

Section 4. The CSO shall have the right to:

4.1. Operate on its own with regards to CSO-related matters.
4.2. Implement full decision-making capability on matters concerning its member organizations.
4.3. Draft its own by-laws to guide its operations and policies subject to the consultation and
approval of the Council Body and in reference to the policies of the USG.

Section 5. The policy-making body of the CSO shall be the Council Body composed of all the existing
organizations.

Section 6. A student organization shall be recognized for membership in CSO subject to the policies of the
Aspiring Organizations Accreditation Committee (AOAC).

Section 7. The CSO as a body shall not be empowered to make stands on national and University issues but
individual organizations may do so. CSO as a body, however, upon a unanimous decision, may take
stands on University issues affecting the interests of the member organizations upon the discretion of
the CSO Executive Board.

Section 8. The CSO and its member organizations are prohibited from endorsing any political party or candidate
for the USG Elections.

Article X XI I
C ONVENTI ON OF L E ADERS

Section 1. The Convention of Leaders, which shall hereinafter be referred to as COLE, shall serve as an advisory
body to the President, without any executive or legislative functions.

Section 2. The COLE shall be composed of the:
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2.1. All members of the EXECOM.
2.3. Chief Magistrate.
2.4. All Batch Presidents.
2.5. One representative from each recognized student organization.
2.6. One representative from each unrecognized student organization.
2.7. One representative from each major student publication.
2.8. One representative from each support group of administrative unit.
2.9. One representative from each cultural arts group.
2.10. One representative from each athletic and varsity team.
2.11. One representative from each other student organization or unit not listed.
2.12. Immediate past members of the USG EB.

Section 3. The COLE shall serve as a venue where:

3.1. The student leaders can suggest projects, programs and actions to the USG regarding national,
sectoral and University-wide and academic-related issues.
3.2. The USG leadership can gather feedback on the projects, programs and actions being
undertaken by the USG.
3.3. The student leaders can assess the performance of the USG and recommend necessary steps to
further attain its objectives
3.4. Information regarding USG affairs can be disseminated directly from the EB to the student
leaders.
3.5. Other functions as deemed necessary by the President.

Section 4. The COLE shall convene once a term. The President shall have the prerogative to call emergency
meetings at times which warrant the immediate advice of the COLE.

Article X XI I I
E L E C TI ONS

Section 1. The elections of the USG officers shall be held every third trimester of the preceding school year, with
the exception of the election of incoming freshmen officers, which shall be held during the first
trimester of the school year.

Section 2. USG officers shall be elected by the plurality of all votes cast. Protest of a majority (50% + 1) against
any officer by his/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 by 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 colleges.

Section 6. The Batch Presidents and the LA Representatives shall be voted into office by the members of their
respective batches of their respective colleges.

Section 7. The COMELEC shall call a special election within the first four weeks of the first trimester of the
school year for vacancies arising from the disqualification of candidates.

Section 8. The term of the USG officers shall begin on the last day of the preceding school year and end on the last
day of the same school year.

Article X XI V
VA C ANCI ES
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23

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
Vice President for Internal Affairs shall take the position of the President while maintaining his/her
functions and powers as Vice President for Internal Affairs until the necessary appointment is made.

Section 3. In case of incapacity in the discharge of duties, removal from office or resignation of any EB member
excluding the President, the President shall endorse a USG officer excluding the Judiciary department,
and the LA shall decide on the endorsement of the USG officer into position.

Section 4 In case of incapacity in the discharge of duties, removal from office or resignation of a Batch Vice-
President or LA Representative, the College President shall decide on what action/s to take in such
circumstance, upon confirmation of the LA.

Section 5. Resignation shall only be valid if it concerns health, academics, among others, subject to the approval of
the LA. There shall be no leave of absence from the USG duties, 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 election.

Article X X V
GENERA L PROVISI ONS

Section 1. The results of all referenda and plebiscites not provided herein shall be valid upon a majority turnout of
voters.

Section 2. All incumbent COMELEC Commissioners shall remain in office until after the newly appointed
Magistrates assume their office.

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24
Article X X VI
A MENDMENTS

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 of the members of the LA.

Section 2. Any amendment or revision of this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid only when ratified
by a majority of all votes cast in a plebiscite.

Section 3. No amendment or revision of this Constitution shall be authorized within three years following the
ratification of this Constitution.

Article X X VI I
TRANSI T ORY PROVISI ONS

Section 1. All existing resolutions, codes, Rules of Internal Governance and policies consistent with this
Constitution shall remain operative until amended, repealed or revoked.

Section 2. The term of incumbent officers shall be extended until such time that matters pertaining to their term of
office require representation of the studentry.

Article X X VI I I
SEPARABI LI T Y C LAUSE

If any provision of this Constitution is declared invalid, the remainder thereof not affected thereby shall continue in full
force and effect.

Article X XI X
E F F E C TI VI T Y

This Constitution shall take effect the school year following the ratification by a majority of fifty percent plus one votes
cast by the members of the USG at a plebiscite called for by this purpose and shall supercede all previous constitutions.
De La Salle University 1
Student Council P.L.A.R. No. 2009-01-15 2
Legislative Assembly Status: Approved 3
4
5
Resolution No. 2009-12 6
7
Sponsored by: Rules and Policies Committee 8
9
Carl Vincent Abaya, FAST 2007 Ma. Ana Patricia Mallari, BnE 2010 10
Michael Gutierrez, 63rd Eng Anna Villanueva, FAST 2008 11
Trisha Vanessa Liu, 63rd Eng 12
13
14
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF PRESIDENTIAL PARDON 15
GUIDELINES 16
17
Whereas, the Legislative Assembly is the highest policy making body of the Student 18
Council (Article VIII Section 1, Student Council Constitution); 19
20
Whereas, the Rules and Policies Committee shall initiate the review of the rules, 21
policies, and procedures of the Legislative Assembly, De La Salle University 22
Student Council, and De La Salle University, in coordination with the concerned 23
offices and/or units, and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly, 24
De La Salle University Student Council Executive Committee and offices 25
concerned. (LA Rules of Internal Governance, Article VIII, Section 5.1); 26
27
Whereas, the University Student Government has been ratified. (Mistades, V. (2009, 28
April 21). DLSU-Manila: Announcements: Results of the Student Council General 29
Elections 2009. Retrieved July 1, 2009, from De La Salle University: Manila 30
website: http://www.dlsu.ph/announcements/default.asp?id=604); 31
32
Whereas, the USG President shall be vested with the power to grant presidential 33
pardon to any USG officer found guilty of violation of this constitution and its 34
bylaws by the Judiciary, provided that the pardon is with just cause. (USG 35
Constitution, Article IX Section 1.15); 36
37
Whereas, a pardon is defined as an action of an executive official of the government 38
that mitigates or sets aside the punishment for a crime. (West's Encyclopedia of 39
American Law, edition 2. (2008). Farmington Hills, MI: The Gale Group Inc.); 40
41
Whereas, a pardon is divided into absolute and conditional. The former is that which 42
frees the criminal without any condition whatever; the latter is that to which a 43
condition is annexed, which must be performed before the pardon can have any 44
effect. (Bouvier, J. (1856). A Law Dictionary: Adapted to the Constitution and 45
Laws of the United States. Philadelphia.); 46
47
Whereas, an unconditional pardon fully restores an individual's civil rights forfeited upon 48
conviction of a crime and restores the person's innocence as though he or she 49
had never committed a crime. This means that a recipient of a pardon may 50
regain the right to vote and to hold various positions of public trust. (West's 51
Encyclopedia of American Law, edition 2. (2008). Farmington Hills, MI: The Gale 52
Group Inc.); 53
54
Whereas, a conditional pardon imposes a condition on the offender before it becomes 55
effective. Typically this means the commutation of a sentence. For example, the 56
president has the power under the Pardon Clause to commute a death sentence 57
on the condition that the accused serve the rest of his or her life in prison without 58
eligibility for Parole, even though a life sentence imposed directly by a court 59
would otherwise be subject to parole. (West's Encyclopedia of American Law, 60
edition 2. (2008). Farmington Hills, MI: The Gale Group Inc.); 61
62
Whereas, except in cases of impeachment, or as otherwise provided in the Philippine 63
Constitution, the Philippine President may grant reprieves, commutations, and 64
pardons, and remit fines and forfeitures, after conviction by final judgment. (1987 65
Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Article VII Section 19); 66
67
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Presidential Pardon Guidelines take into effect from 68
SY 2010-2011 to SY 2011-2012; 69
70
Wherefore, be it further resolved that any amendments to the Presidential Pardon 71
Guidelines after its approval shall be subject to a majority vote in the Legislative 72
Assembly; 73
74
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Presidential Pardon Guidelines attached (see 75
appendix) be approved. 76
77
78
Adopted, July 3, 2009 79
APPENDIX 1
2
PRESIDENTIAL PARDON GUIDELINES 3
4
I. Definition of Terms 5
6
A. Pardon is an action which mitigates or sets aside the punishment for a 7
crime; 8
B. A just cause is a reason deemed rationale by the discretion of the officer 9
granting the pardon; 10
C. Commutation is the replacement of a greater amount by a lesser amount; 11
12
II. The Presidential Pardon 13
14
A. Description of the Presidential Pardon 15
16
i. A presidential pardon shall render the offender free from the 17
sanction/s imposed by the Judiciary; 18
ii. A presidential pardon shall be granted upon the sole decision of the 19
President; 20
iii. A presidential pardon may either be conditional or unconditional: 21
22
1. A conditional pardon imposes a condition which can be 23
fulfilled at the moment of imposition on the offender before 24
the pardon takes effect (i.e. commutation of a sanction); 25
2. An unconditional pardon restores the state of innocence of 26
the offender as though he/she had never committed the 27
crime upon declaration of the pardon; 28
29
B. Requirements for a Presidential Pardon 30
31
i. A presidential pardon can only be granted upon the Judiciary's 32
declaration of the offender guilty; 33
ii. A presidential pardon shall be of just cause; 34
35
C. Restrictions on the Presidential Pardon 36
37
i. A presidential pardon, upon being granted, may or may not be 38
accepted by the offender; 39
ii. A presidential pardon can no longer be revoked once granted; 40
41
III. The President 42
43
A. The President shall make his/her formal intention, act, and cause of 44
pardon public to all USG units, student publications, and the studentry by 45
issuing an official statement from his/her office; 46
B. Upon granting an unconditional pardon, the President shall be responsible 47
for answering to any legal repercussions caused by the pardoned act of 48
the offender; 49
C. Upon granting a conditional pardon, the President shall make his/her 50
condition for pardon public to all USG units and student publications; 51
52
IV. Other Provisions 53
54
A. All parties directly concerned by the violation and pardon reserve the 55
option to consult with the President and express his/her opinion publicly 56
regarding the pardon; 57
B. The Officers Monitoring Board reserves the option to monitor the 58
performance of the pardoned USG officer for the remainder of his/her term 59
of office by requiring him/her to report to the Officers Monitoring Board or 60
any USG unit as stated by the Officers Monitoring Board whenever 61
deemed necessary; 62
C. The Office of the President shall be responsible for properly documenting 63
all presidential pardons granted within the term of office of the President. 64
4
5
7
9
13
14
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE JURISDICTION 15
GUIDELINES FOR UNIVERSITY AND COLLEGE MAGISTRATES OF THE 16
UNIVERSITY STUDENT GOVERNMENT 17
18
Whereas, the De La Salle University Student Council is the supreme student 19
organization of DLSU, the power of which emanates from the Student Body. It 20
shall be the sole, unified, autonomous and democratic representative body of the 21
Students (De La Salle University Student Council Constitution, Art. III, Sec. 1); 22
23
Whereas, the Legislative Assembly is the highest policy making body in the Student 24
Council (De La Salle University Student Council Constitution, Art. VIII, Sec.1); 25
26
offices and/or units, and present recommendations to the Legisl ative Assembly, 30
concerned. (LA Rules of Internal Governance, Art. VII, Sec. 5.1); 32
33
Whereas, the University Student Government (USG) has been ratified (Mistades, V. 34
(2009 April 1). DLSU-Manila: Announcements: Results of the Student Council 35
General Elections 2009. Retrieved July 3, 2009 from 36
http://www.dlsu.ph/announcements/default.asp?id=604,); 37
38
Whereas, the Judiciary shall have the power, duty and responsibility to sit en banc, 39
hear, try and resolve, by a two-thirds vote of the members present, within three 40
weeks any complaint involving the constitutionality, legality or jurisdiction of the 41
acts, policies and resolutions of USG officers (University Student Government 42
Constitution, Art. XVIII, Sec. 3.1); 43
44
Whereas, cases concerning violations of any USG officer of this constitution and its 45
bylaws shall be heard and decided upon by a magistrate from the college to 46
which the accused belongs. Decisions made by a sole magistrate can be subject 47
to appeal provided that new evidences and/or points supporting the case of the 48
accused are found. Such appeal process shall be provided for in the Rules of 49
Court (University Student Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Sec. 14); 50
51
Whereas, the Judiciary shall have the power, duty and responsibility to draft and adopt 52
their own Rules of Internal Governance including the Rules of Court (University 53
Student Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Sec. 3.11); 54
55
Whereas, there is a need for a clarification on the distinction of duties and 56
responsibilities between a College Magistrate and the whole Judiciary as seen in 57
the University Student Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Sections 3.1 and 14; 58
59
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Magistrate Jurisdiction Guidelines take into effect 60
from Academic Year 2010-2011 to Academic Year 2011-2012; 61
62
Wherefore, be it resolved that any amendments to the Magistrate Jurisdiction 63
Assembly; 65
66
Wherefore, be it also resolved that the Magistrate Jurisdiction Guidelines supersede the 67
Rules of Court to be made by the Judiciary of the University Student Government 68
upon approval of the Legislative Assembly; 69
70
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Magistrate Jurisdiction Guidelines be adopted 71
by the Judiciary arm of the University Student Government upon approval of the 72
Legislative Assembly; 73
74
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Magistrate Jurisdiction Guidelines (see 75
appendix) be approved. 76
77
78
Adopted, July 22, 2009 79
Appendix A 80
81
MAGISTRATE JURISDICTION GUIDELINES 82
83
1. Any violation incurred by a non-Executive Board USG officer and non-Executive 84
Board USG appointee except the magistrates shall first be heard, tried and 85
resolved by his or her respective College Magistrate as stated in Article XVIII, 86
Sec. 14 and the Rules of Court. 87
88
2. An allotment of three weeks shall be given to the College Magistrate to 89
investigate, decide and resolve the case of the accused USG officer who falls 90
under Guideline 1. 91
92
3. The College Magistrate, through the help of the Investigating and Prosecuting 93
Officers appointed by the Judiciary, shall head and supervise the investigation as 94
well as decide the case of the accused within three weeks. 95
96
4. Any decision made by the College Magistrate shall be final unless an appeal is 97
made to the whole Judiciary within three (3) school days (a school day is defined 98
as a day that falls from Monday to Friday) after the decision. 99
100
5. In line with Article XVIII Section 14, decisions regarding cases under Guideline 1 101
made by a sole magistrate (College Magistrate) can be subject to appeal 102
provided that new evidences and/or points supporting the case of the accused 103
are found. 104
105
6. When a reopening of a case occurs due to Guideline 4, such case shall be 106
heard, tried and resolved by the whole Judiciary in line with its roles and 107
responsibilities as stated in Article XVIII Section 3.1 and the Rules of Court. 108
109
7. Should an Executive Board member or Executive Board appointee of the USG 110
violate any part of the constitution or a case which does not fall under Guideline 1 111
be filed, the whole Judiciary shall immediately hear, try and resolve such case. 112
113
8. Any decision made by the Judiciary by a two-thirds vote of the members present 114
shall be final and binding at this point. 115
4
5
7
9
13
14
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE REVISED COUNCIL OF 15
UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVES (CURE) MANUAL 16
17
22
25
32
37
Whereas, the University Student Government Constitution includes the following in its 38
Bill of Rights (USG Constitution, Art. IV, Sec. 9, 10 and 11): 39
Every student has the right to proper representation and participation in all 40
policy-making bodies inside the University. 41
Every student has the right to regular student-faculty and student 42
administration dialogue. 43
Every student has the right to assemble and to freely and responsibly express 44
their views, opinions and grievances; 45
46
Whereas, the Student Council, being the sole and the highest representative of the 47
student body and being the highest form of expression of student power on 48
campus, shall have the right to participate in the formation of school policies 49
directly affecting the students (De La Salle University Student's Charter, Student 50
Handbook, App. G, Sec. 3.d); 51
52
Whereas, the University shall recognize the right of students to be represented, through 53
the Student Council, in all policy-making bodies handling issues that affect them. 54
(De La Salle University Student's Charter, Student Handbook, Appendix G, 55
Chap. 4, Sec. 10); 56
57
Whereas, the President shall nominate and appoint the student representatives to 58
external alliances, seminars, sector organizations, University-wide committees, 59
and other functions requiring such representation and appointment The order for 60
the nomination and appointment is as follows: 61
1.7.1. Member/s of the EB. 62
1.7.2. College President/s. 63
1.7.3. Legislative Assembly Representative/s. 64
1.7.4. Batch President/s. 65
1.7.5. Other USG officer/s. 66
(USG Constitution, Art. IX, Sec. 1.7); 67
68
Whereas, the Legislative Assembly Representatives shall hold position in other Student 69
USG units and University-wide committees as appointed (USG Constitution, Art. 70
XIV, Sec. 5.4); 71
72
Wherefore, be it resolved that the revised CURE manual take effect starting Academic 73
Year 2010-2011; 74
75
Wherefore, be it also resolved that any amendments to this manual after its approval 76
shall be subject to a majority vote in the Legislative Assembly; 77
78
Wherefore, be it also resolved that the USG President, as CURE Chairperson, be 79
accountable for student representation in University committees as well as 80
the USG Executive Secretary and Officers Monitoring Board for proper 81
monitoring of USG officers and student representatives; 82
83
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Rules and Policies Committee of the 84
Legislative Assembly update the CURE Manual every year for consistency and 85
accuracy; 86
87
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the revised CURE manual be approved by the 88
Legislative Assembly. 89
90
91
Adopted, August 14, 2009 92
APPENDIX A 93
94
COUNCIL OF UNIVERSITY REPRESENTATIVES MANUAL 95
96
INTRODUCTION 97
98
The University Student Government (USG) officers are held responsible for the 99
following committees. n line with the vision "LaSallian Achievers for God and country 100
as well as the University Student Government's mission to protect students' rights, 101
promote students' welfare and partake in social transformation, the University Student 102
Government is expected to strengthen the needed student representation in these 103
committees and must also act with utmost credibility and accountability in performing 104
tasks. The Rules and Policies Committee of the Legislative Assembly takes the 105
responsibility in forming guidelines and rules that may guide us in properly representing 106
the students. It is in our hopes that the University Student Government in general 107
takes a step further in achieving our vision. 108
109
110
The Adhoc academic committees are composed of the deans of every college, the 111
University Registrar, the AVC-Academic Services, the Dean of Student Affairs, one 112
student representative, and one faculty representative. With the University Registrar as 113
the chair, this committee convenes once a term for graduation awards and once a year 114
for the BPI-DOST awards. Each representative is tasked to give a numerical grade to 115
the applicants/nominees for the student awards according to submitted documents and 116
another numerical grade for an interview panel with the applicants. Awards given by this 117
committee are: the Brother Connon, Student Leadership Award, Athletics Award, 118
Cultural Development Award and Community Development Award. Currently, there is 119
no RIG present. The student representative is responsible for giving the grades that 120
assess the students vying for the award, lobbying for proposals for the awards system, 121
and encouraging students to apply for these awards. The President is the student-in- 122
charge. 123
124
The Aspiring Organizations Accreditation Committee (AOAC) is composed of the 125
following: Director of the SPS office in charge of student activities; the Council of 126
Student Organizations (CSO) Chairperson and the University Student Government 127
(USG) Vice President for Internal Affairs. The primary role of the AOAC is to facilitate 128
the recognition of aspiring organizations into the university system. It is likewise tasked 129
to make policies affecting the recognition of aspiring organizations. Section 12 of the 130
Student Handbook can be used as a reference for more information. 131
132
The Bookstore Committee is composed of the Purchasing Officer, Dean for 133
Student Affairs, Parents of University Students Organization (PUSO) 134
representative, administration, and a student representative. Chaired by the 135
Officer-in-Charge, it discusses bookstore supplies, prices and other services like 136
book transfer payments of University Student Government supplies. With the 137
committee meeting once a month, the manner of decision being held is through 138
voting after all arguments have been given. The student representative is tasked 139
to monitor prices, hear out concerns from students to be lobbied in the meeting. 140
The University Student Government Executive Treasurer is the student-in-charge. 141
142
The Canteen Committee is composed of the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus 143
Services, the DLSU-PUSO (Parents of University Students Organization) President, 144
a Faculty Association representative, student representatives, as well as 145
representatives from the following offices: 1) Building and Grounds Maintenance, and 2) 146
Medical and Dental Services. The Committee also includes representatives from the 147
four (4) canteens inside the University Animo Food Haus, Capri International, Inc., La 148
Casita Canteen, and Zaide Food Corp. With the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus 149
Services as the chair, the committee is scheduled to convene every trimester during the 150
school year. This Committee aims to monitor the operations of all canteen 151
concessionaires in the University by continuously evaluating canteen inspection results 152
and implementing proper actions to resolve concerns that are duly raised. The 153
Committee likewise discusses policies that can help improve the service provided by 154
concessionaire, as well policies that affect the prices charged and food choices offered 155
to the students. Student representatives, who are in most cases University Student 156
Government officers, are tasked to periodically evaluate canteen operations and help 157
make suggestions to the committee for the overall improvement of the concessionaires. 158
Student representatives must likewise air out student concerns that are gathered 159
through efficient communication and feedback systems. Currently, the University 160
Student Government Executive Treasurer, together with other University Student 161
Government officers, acts as student representatives in this committee. 162
163
The Canteen Inspection Committee is composed of the following: University Student 164
Government (USG), Parents of University Students Organization (PUSO), Faculty 165
Association (FA), Employees Association (EA), University clinic representative, Security 166
and Safety Office Head, and Campus Development Office through the Building and 167
Grounds Maintenance Office Head. With the Building and Grounds Maintenance Head 168
as the chair, the committee convenes once a term in order to discuss the previous 169
terms inspection results and give out blank inspection forms for the current terms' 170
scheduled inspection. The committee acts as an independent body from the Canteen 171
Committee to ensure the cleanliness and safety of canteen facilities and services. The 172
student representative is tasked to inspect all University canteens and accomplish the 173
forms given to evaluate these canteens. The Vice President for Internal Affairs is the 174
student-in-charge. 175
176
The Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP) is commissioned to 177
advance and promote the teaching function of the Catholic Church. It contributes 178
towards the attainment of the objective, "the total development of the human person" 179
through a Catholic orientation in accordance with the norms of the Church, constituent 180
with national development goals as expressed in the Philippine Constitution (CEAP 181
Website, 2009). The Vice President for External Affairs is the student in-charge. 182
183
The Committee on National Issues and Concerns is mainly composed of 184
representatives from the LaSallian Pastoral Office (LSPO), Student Leadership, 185
Involvement, Formation and Empowerment (S-Life), Student Publications Office 186
(SPO), Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA), University Student 187
Government (USG), POLISCY, Faculty and the Council of Student Organizations 188
(CSO). Its primary role is to discuss issues of national concern and mobilize the 189
community to take part in addressing them. Its meeting usually takes place at 190
least twice a month unless called upon. The USG representatives are tasked to 191
come up with solutions, programs and activities related to the issues discussed. 192
The President, Vice President for Internal Affairs and Vice President for External 193
Affairs are the students in-charge of representation and resource mobilization. 194
195
A College Council is present in each college and is usually composed of the respective 196
dean, vice dean, department chairs, faculty members, USG officers and other 197
representatives of that college. With the College Dean as the chair, this committee 198
convenes once a term or more, if the dean deems it necessary. The dean usually 199
reports relevant information from other university committees such as the COD and 200
Operations Council as a means to cascade it to the college. The dean also discusses 201
new proposals within the college such as new courses and programs to be offered with 202
the intention of seeking the college's approval to further lobby it to the COD. Currently, 203
there is no RIG present. The student representative is responsible for being active in the 204
council to effectively represent the student body and also to eventually cascade relevant 205
information to the University Student Government and the student population. The 206
President is the student-in-charge of all the College Presidents and batch level 207
representatives who must religiously attend their respective councils. 208
209
The Enrollment Committee is composed of the Vice Deans and academic assistants 210
of each college, the University Registrar, Office of the University Registrar (OUR) 211
staff, Information Technology Center representatives, one student representative and 212
one faculty representative. With the University Registrar as the chair, this committee 213
convenes twice a term, with almost a month in between. The first and second meeting 214
discusses enrollment and adjustment concerns, respectively, for the succeeding term. 215
This committee usually reports and discusses on enrollment statistics, new policies and 216
procedures, as well as academic projects concerning the registrar's office such as 217
flowcharts, course codes, syllabi, etc. The committee uses a relaxed parliamentary 218
procedure to place order in the meeting and seek votes if necessary. There is no RIG 219
currently present. The student representative is responsible for cascading information 220
reported in the committee such as enrollment and adjustments schedules as well as 221
lobby for improvement in the enrollment and academic processes. The President is the 222
224
The Honors and Awards Committee is composed of the deans of every college, the 225
University Registrar, the AVC-Academic Services, the Dean of Student Affairs, one 226
student representative and one faculty representative. With the Dean of Student Affairs 227
as the chair, this committee convenes once a term for graduation awards and once a 228
year for the BPI-DOST awards. Each representative is tasked to give a numerical grade 229
to the applicants/nominees for the student awards according to submitted documents 230
and another numerical grade for an interview panel with the applicants. Awards given by 231
this committee are: the Brother Gabriel Connon Award, Student Leadership Award, 232
Athletics Award, Cultural Development Award and Community Development Award. 233
There is no current RIG present. The student representative is responsible for giving the 234
grades assessing the students vying for the award, lobby for proposals for the awards 235
system, and encourage students to apply for these awards. The President is the 236
238
The University Library is composed of the faculty representatives from each college, 239
AVC-Academic Services, one student representative and the library staff. Anyone from 240
the committee can be elected as chair; elections are usually held annually during the 241
first committee meeting. This committee convenes only once, usually at the start of the 242
year, unless a committee member requested for a meeting to be convened. The 243
committee meeting votes on the percent (%) allocation per college of the library fund 244
from the students' tuition and discusses library reports on acquisitions and plans for the 245
year. There is no current RIG present. The student representative is responsible for 246
reviewing and lobbying proposals for library policies and procedures. The Vice 247
President for Internal Affairs is the student-in-charge. 248
249
The Lost and Found committee is chaired by the Discipline Office (DO) Director. This 250
committee rarely convenes as well because of the minor policies and maintenance it 251
needs in its office. The DO religiously forwards to the University Student Government 252
unclaimed textbooks which are a good source of inventory for the Pahiram Libro 253
program. Student representatives must just claim receipt of the books monthly and 254
lobby new policies for the Lost and Found if necessary. The Vice President for 255
Internal Affairs is the student-in-charge. 256
257
The Multi-Sectoral Committee on Budget is composed of the different sectors of the 258
university: University Student Government (USG), Parents of University Students 259
Organization (PUSO), Faculty Association (FA), Employees Association (EA), and the 260
administration. With the Parents of University Students Organization's (PUSO) 261
president as the chair, this committee convenes every year. This committee has been 262
serving the academic community since 1987. It has been assigned to decide on the 263
tuition fee increase for the coming school year. There is an RIG to be followed, as 264
approved by the committee. The student representative is tasked to meet up with the 265
University Student Government President and the University Student Government 266
Executive Treasurer and form a Tuition Fee Research Committee (TFRC). The Student 267
representatives should not only be able to come up with a proposed percentage of 268
increase/decrease in tuition fee, but valid arguments should also be presented to 269
support the proposal. Presently, the basic issues/arguments revolve around inflation, 270
the standards of living for professors and employees, and the fear of losing students as 271
a result of the increasing tuition fee throughout the years. Recently, the Office of the 272
Executive Treasurer's Research committee initiated programs and activities to increase 273
awareness of the TUITION FEE issue and has come up with the proposal paper to 274
represent the student sector. 275
276
The National Union of Students of the Philippines (NUSP) is a nationwide alliance of 277
more than 600 student councils/governments/unions committed to the advancement of 278
the students' democratic rights and welfare. Since its establishment in 1957, the NUSP 279
has been consistently at the forefront of the students' struggle for their rights and in 280
solidarity with the Filipino people's struggle for social justice and meaningful changes in 281
society (NUSP Website, 2009). The Vice President for External Affairs is the student in- 282
charge. 283
284
The Physical Facilities Committee is composed of the Vice Chancellor for 285
Administration, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Development, Civil Works 286
Section Head, University Architect, Mechanical and Electrical Office Head, Security and 287
Safety Office Head, Building and Grounds Maintenance head, and the student 288
representative/s. With the Vice Chancellor for Administration as the chair, the committee 289
convenes twice a month or every other week for the entire school year. This committee 290
discusses and decides on the matters involving the construction, maintenance, and 291
improvement of University physical facilities. The student representative is tasked to 292
propose to the body suggestions on the development and maintenance of these 293
facilities. The Vice President for Internal Affairs is the student-in-charge. 294
295
The Student Council Alliance of the Philippines (SCAP) is a union of various student 296
councils in the Philippines aimed towards transgressing the roles of student councils 297
from within their respective universities to nationwide concerns as well (SCAP Mission 298
and Vision, 2009). The Vice President for External Affairs is the student-in-charge. 299
300
The Security Committee is embodied in the University's participation in the Task Force 301
Safe School, which is a partnership with De La Salle-College of St. Benilde (DLS-CSB) 302
and St. Scholastica's College-Manila (SSC). It is composed of the Manila Police District 303
Officers and the following personnel from the respective schools: students (USG), 304
parents (PUSO), the administration through the Dean of Student Affairs, Security and 305
Safety Office heads, Discipline Office representatives. Aside from these persons, the 306
Marketing Communications Office representatives from DLSU-M and the Student 307
Publications Coordinator of DLS-CSB are also included. The chairmanship of this 308
committee rotates every year among the Dean of Student Affairs of the three 309
universities, with the committee convening every month. This committee aims to ensure 310
the safety of the LaSallian and Scholastican community through close coordination with 311
the local police district. The Task Force Safe School has its own structure composed of 312
different committees including the following: Finance and Solicitation Committee, 313
Awards and Recognition Committee, Community Relations Committee, and Publicity 314
and Education Committee. There is an RIG present. The student representative is 315
tasked to accomplish his/her duties depending on the committee he/she is assigned and 316
to provide suggestions on how to help heighten community security. As of present, the 317
Vice President for External Affairs is the student-in-charge. 318
319
The South Manila Inter-Institutional Consortium (SMIIC) is a group of higher educational 320
institutions in the southern portion of Manila. The purpose of the consortium is to 321
collaborate actively to effect social transformation by promoting the cause of education 322
and by making quality and relevant learning accessible to as many as possible 323
(Wikipedia, 2009). The Vice President for External Affairs is the student in-charge. 324
325
The Student Handbook Revisions Committee is composed of the Dean of Student 326
Affairs, administration representative, faculty representative, CSO Chairperson, 327
USG President and Vice President for Internal Affairs. Chaired by the Dean of the 328
Student Affairs, its primary role is to discuss amendments for the next student 329
handbook. The meetings run for the whole academic year prior to the release of 330
the new student handbook. The manner of decision is through voting amongst 331
the administration, faculty and student. The student representative is tasked to 332
raise proposals from the students. The President and Vice President for Internal 333
Affairs are the students in-charge. 334
335
The Union of Catholic Student Councils (UCSC) is a youth organization whose vision is 336
"A united and holistically developed Catholic studentry, promoting and working for social 337
justice". De La Salle University has already been a member of UCSC since birth in 338
October 1998 (UCSC Information: Vision, Mission and History). The Vice President for 339
External Affairs is the student in-charge. 340
341
Sources: 342
343
About CEAP (2009). Retrieved on August 10, 2009 from 344
http://www.ceap.org.ph/who_we_are/about_CEAP.php 345
National Union of Students of the Philippines (2009). Retrieved on August 10, 2009 from 346
www.nusp.blogspot.com 347
SCAP Mission and Vision (2009). Resolution No. 2009-11. De La Salle University Student Council 348
Legislative Assembly 349
South Manila Inter-Constitutional Consortium (2009). Retrieved on August 10, 2009 from 350
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/South_Manila_Inter-Institutional_Consortium 351
UCSC Information: Vision, Mission and History (2009) Resolution No. 2009-16. De La Salle 352
University Student Council Legislative Assembly 353
4
5
7
9
13
Authored by: 14
15
17
18
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE JUDICIARY 19
IMPEACHMENT GUIDELINES 20
21
26
29
36
41
Whereas, the President, the Vice-President, the Members of the Supreme Court, the 42
Members of the Constitutional Commissions, and the Ombudsman may be 43
removed from office, on impeachment for, and conviction of, culpable violation of 44
the Constitution, treason, bribery, graft and corruption, other high crimes, or 45
betrayal of public trust. All other public officer and employees may be removed 46
from office as provided by law, but not by impeachment. (1987 Constitution of the 47
Republic of the Philippines, Article XI Section 2); 48
49
Whereas, the House of Representative shall have the exclusive power to initiate all 50
cases of impeachment. (1987 Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, 51
Article XI Section 3); 52
53
Whereas, cases concerning violations of any USG officer of this constitution and its 54
bylaws shall be heard and decided upon by a magistrate from the college to 55
which the accused belongs. Decisions made by a sole magistrate can be subject 56
to appeal provided that new evidences and/or points supporting the case of the 57
accused are found. Such appeal process shall be provided for in the Rules of 58
Court (University Student Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Sec. 14); 59
60
Whereas, there is a need for a clarification on the distinction of duties and 61
responsibilities in cases where a complaint has been filed against a member of 62
the judiciary or a non-judiciary USG officer; 63
64
Whereas, there are no guidelines in place to justify the appointment of impartial officers 65
appointed by the President; 66
67
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Judiciary Impeachment Guidelines take into effect 68
from Academic Year 2010-2011 to Academic Year 2011-2012; 69
70
Wherefore, be it resolved that any amendments to the Judiciary Impeachment 71
Assembly; 73
74
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Judiciary Impeachment Guidelines be adopted 75
by the Judiciary arm of the University Student Government upon approval of the 76
Legislative Assembly; 77
78
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Judiciary Impeachment Guidelines (see 79
Appendix A) be approved. 80
81
82
Adopted, September 18, 2009 83
Appendix A 84
85
Section 1. Impeachment of any USG Officer 86
1.1. All USG elected officers may be removed from office, on impeachment for, and 87
conviction of, culpable violations of this Constitution and betrayal of public trust. 88
(Article XX, Section 1) 89
1.2. The following may be grounds for impeachment: (Article XX, Section 2) 90
1.2.1. Any willful violation of this Constitution and its bylaws. 91
1.2.2. Gross negligence of duty. 92
1.2.3. Illegal disbursement of funds. 93
1.2.4. Any behavior which undermines the integrity of the USG. 94
1.2.5. Any other forms of gross misconduct as provided by the USG policies. 95
96
Section 2. Procedures in filing an Impeachment Complaint for a non-Judiciary USG 97
officer 98
2.1. Any student or officer of the USG may file a resolution of impeachment against 99
any USG officer. (Article XX, Section 3) 100
2.2. The resolution must be addressed to the Chief Magistrate. (Article XX, Section 101
3) 102
2.3. Before an investigation can be initiated, all impeachment complaints submitted 103
to the Chief Magistrate shall be subjected to a screening process. All members 104
of the Judiciary will handle the screening process. During the screening process, 105
the Judiciary shall validate the claim in order to determine if an investigation is 106
necessary. (Article XX, Section 4.1) 107
2.4. The Judiciary shall notify the defendant at least four (4) days before the set 108
hearing date of the impeachment complaint. Any USG officer must take a leave 109
of absence once the impeachment complaint has been validated and deemed 110
that an investigation is necessary. (Article XX, Section 4.2) 111
2.5. In the hearing of the impeachment complaint, a two-thirds vote of the 112
magistrates present will serve as the final decision of the Judiciary. (Article XX, 113
Section 4.3) 114
2.6. The judiciary is the one in charge to impose certain sanctions on the USG officer 115
concerned in which these decisions are final and executory, except for 116
meritorious cases. (Article XX, Section 4.4) 117
118
Section 3. Impeachment Complaint Guidelines for a Judiciary USG officer: 119
3.1. In cases where the complaint is filed against a member of the judiciary, the 120
defendant will not participate in the screening process. A prosecuting officer of 121
the defendant's choice will temporarily participate in judicial activities in place of 122
the defendant. (Article XX, Section 4.5) 123
3.2. The prosecuting officer who temporarily replaces the magistrate who filed a 124
leave of absence will have all the powers borne by a magistrate, except voting 125
from the screening process until the impeachment case of the said magistrate 126
has been resolved. 127
3.3. A two-thirds vote of the members present during the screening process will 128
serve as the final decision of determining whether an investigation is necessary 129
or otherwise. 130
3.4. A special body, chaired by the President with five unconfirmed impartial 131
appointees from the students, shall initiate impeachment proceeding on the 132
Magistrate/s concerned. It shall resolve the matter unanimously within three 133
weeks. (Article XX, Section 4.5) 134
3.4.1. The president will select the appointed members of the special body. The 135
Legislative Assembly shall screen selected members before they are 136
admitted to the special body. A two-third vote is required in order to approve 137
the member of the special body. 138
3.4.2. If the Legislative Assembly disapproved a candidate for the special body, 139
the president shall search for another candidate to be approved by the 140
142
Section 4. Procedures in the appointment of impartial officers handling the 143
impeachment proceedings of a magistrate 144
4.1. A special body chaired by the president with five (5) unconfirmed impartial 145
appointees from the students, shall initiate impeachment proceedings on the 146
magistrate/s concerned. (USG Constitution; Article XX, Section 4.5) 147
4.1.1. The President will appoint five (5) officers of his/her own choice from the 148
student body. 149
4.1.2. The Legislative Assembly will handle the screening process and the 150
approval of the five (5) appointed officers by the President. 151
4.1.3. The Legislative Assembly shall approve the five (5) appointed officers 152
chosen by the President and provided that these individuals satisfactorily 153
undergoes the screening process and interviews prescribed in its 154
qualifications and has passed an examination prepared by the Legislative 155
body. 156
157
Section 5. Qualifications for an unconfirmed impartial appointee 158
5.1. He/She is not currently under any academic probation. 159
5.2. He/She shall not have been a member of any political party as certified by the 160
political party presidents for the duration of his/her stay as a student in the 161
University. 162
5.3. He/She should be able to work during the hours deemed necessary by the 163
Position. 164
5.4. He/She must score a grade of at least 65% in the USG constitution exam that 165
was prepared by the Judiciary. 166
5.5. He/She must undergo the complete USG training handled by the Judiciary right 167
after the approval of the Legislative body. 168
169
Section 6. Excusing of an impartial appointee in handling an impeachment complaint 170
6.1. Upon appointment by the Legislative Assembly, an impartial appointee must 171
initiate the impeachment proceeding until a decision is reached 172
6.2. An impartial appointee may be excused from his/her duties due to the following 173
reasons: 174
6.2.1. Conflict with academic schedule. 175
6.2.2. Health reasons that may deter a person from attending any normal human 176
activity. 177
6.2.3. Other reasons as deemed necessary by the Executive Secretary of the De 178
La Salle University Student Government. 179
6.3. An impartial appointee who must be excused from his/her duties shall submit a 180
letter to the Judiciary and the Legislative Assembly, which will undergo a 181
deliberation by the Legislative Assembly. 182
6.4. In case an impartial appointee cannot assume his/her duties during the 183
impeachment proper, the impeachment proceedings will continue without 184
replacing the appointee who is unable to assume his/her role in the 185
impeachment proceedings. 186
4
5
7
9
Carl Vincent Abaya, FAST 2007 Michael Gutierrez, 63rd Eng 10
Louise Artadi, BnE 2012 Trisha Vanessa Liu, 63rd Eng 11
Jana Cabuhat, CATCH 2T13 Ma. Ana Patricia Mallari, BnE 2010 12
Jesyl Gagto, FOCUS 2009 Anna Angelica Villanueva, FAST 2008 13
14
15
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR ELECTIONS AS A MEANS TO IDENTIFY THE BATCH 16
STUDENT GOVERNMENT'S BATCH VICE PRESIDENT 17
18
23
26
33
38
Whereas, the Batch Student Government Executive Board shall be composed of the: 39
3.1 Batch President. 40
3.2 Batch Vice President. 41
3.3 Legislative Assembly Representative; 42
(University Student Government Constitution, Art. XII, Sec. 3); 43
44
Whereas, the Batch Vice Presidents shall: 45
6.1. Report directly to the Batch President and College President and 46
President as deemed necessary. 47
6.2. Represent the Batch President in other programs and activities and other 48
such entities. 49
6.3. Discuss and update the CSG on batch-wide programs and concerns in the 50
absence of the Batch President. 51
6.4. Assume powers and responsibilities of the Batch President in his/her 52
incapacity or absence. 53
6.5. Enforce programs of the EB, upon approval of the EXECOM, for the 54
batch. 55
6.6. Assist the Batch President in the execution of all policies and directives 56
issued by the Legislative Assembly which are pertinent to their respective 57
batches. 58
6.7. Chair the BSG-EB in the absence of the Batch President. 59
6.8. Perform other functions as defined in the Rules of Internal Governance of 60
the BSG and as deemed necessary by the EB, College President and the 61
(University Student Government Constitution, Art. XII, Sec. 6); 63
64
Whereas, the elections of the USG officers shall be held every third trimester of the 65
preceding school year, with the exception of the election of incoming freshmen 66
officers, which shall be held during the first trimester of the school year. 67
(University Student Government Constitution, Art. XXIII, Sec. 1); 68
69
Whereas, the Batch Presidents and the LA Representatives shall be voted into office by 70
the members of their respective batches of their respective colleges. (University 71
Student Government Constitution, Art. XXIII, Sec. 6); 72
73
Whereas, no amendment or revision of this Constitution shall be authorized within three 74
years following the ratification of this Constitution. (University Student 75
Government Constitution, Art. XXVI, Sec. 3); 76
77
Whereas, there is no blatant means stated in the USG Constitution of how the Batch 78
Vice President shall be identified; 79
80
Whereas, in the absence of a provision on how a government officer shall be identified, 81
tradition shall be followed for as long as it is not contradictory to law, morals, 82
public order or public policy. (Conversation with Atty. Blas Viterbo of Sen. Mar 83
Roxas' Office June 16, 2009, See Appendix A); 84
85
Whereas, it has been cleared upon by Vice President for Operations and 86
Communications Chichi Tullao and former Student Council President Nicole 87
Villarojo that the original intention of the University Student Government is to 88
elect the Batch Vice Presidents as ratified in the General Elections last March 89
2009 (See Appendices B and C); 90
91
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Batch Vice Presidents shall be identified through 92
elections to be done during the annual General Elections as conducted by the 93
Commission on Elections; 94
95
Wherefore, be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be forwarded to the 96
Commission on Elections and the two political parties: Santugon sa Tawag ng 97
Panahon and Alyansang Tapat sa Lasalista; 98
99
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that this resolution take effect from Academic Years 100
2009 to 2012. 101
102
103
Adopted, October 9, 2009 104
APPENDIX A 105
106
Conversation with Atty. Blas Viterbo 107
(through e-mail) 108
109
Hi Atty. Viterbo! 110
111
I hope you still remember me. I was the one who called you up two months ago with 112
regard to fixing our locked constitution. 113
114
We are currently working out in fixing it through your recommendations. One of them is 115
the identification of each batch's vice presidents. May I ask the source of your 116
recommendation when you said that when there is no means cited in the constitution on 117
how the batch vice president shall be identified, then he/she must be identified by 118
tradition. And by tradition, we elect them. 119
120
Thank you very much! 121
122
Sincerely yours, 123
124
Ma. Ana Patricia R. Mallari 125
Legislative Assembly Representative, BnE2010 126
De La Salle University Student Council 127
----------------------------- 128
Ms. Patricia Mallari 129
Legislative Assembly Representative, BnE2010 130
De La Salle University Student Council 131
mara_mallari@yahoo.com 132
133
Dear Ms. Mallari, 134
135
Thank you for writing about your concern. 136
137
Your question was about how to identify each batch's vice president since your 138
constitution was silent on the matter. The previous recommendation was that when 139
there is no means cited in the constitution on how the batch vice president shall be 140
identified, then he or she must be identified by tradition (previous practice). You 141
responded that by tradition, you elect them. 142
143
As a rule, customs (or traditions) which are contrary to law, public order or public policy 144
shall not be countenanced (Art. 11, Civil Code). Ostensibly, elections are not contrary 145
to law, public order or public policy; thus, they are a valid means (as established by your 146
tradition) of identifying your batch vice-presidents. 147
148
Assuming that the election of the batch vice-president is not evidenced by tradition, it 149
may still be argued as valid since the identification of the other batch officers, like the 150
batch president and the legislative assembly (LA) representative, are through election 151
under Section 6, Article XXIII of the DLSU USG Constitution. If election is the process 152
of identification of other batch officers under your constitution, we see no reason why it 153
should not be the case with the batch vice-president, for consistency's sake, even if 154
your constitution is silent on the matter. 155
156
We note that the foregoing is just an opinion based on the representations you have 157
provided and premised on assumptions as stated. Please use this only as a guide. I 158
suggest that you get a formal legal opinion from your school's legal office to answer the 159
same if you want something authoritative. 160
161
Sincerely, 162
163
Atty. Blas Viterbo 164
Chief of Staff 165
APPENDIX B 166
167
Conversation with Vice President for Operations 168
and Communications Chichi Tullao 169
(through SMS/text) 170
171
Patricia Mallari: 172
Hello Chichi! Aimee informed me that you said that the original intention of the USG is 173
to elect the Batch VPs for the coming elections. Is this true? Because apparently, 174
nothing of it appears in the USG constitution. RnP wants to do a resolution to formalize 175
this one. Thanks! 176
177
Chichi Tullao: 178
Yep, that's true. Please talk to Nicole Villarojo. 'll send you her number. Pakilala ka na 179
lang ha? Medyo busy siya [Please introduce yourself. She's a little busy]. Pero [but] you 180
know Pat, for this part, in virtue, pinagbotohan din siya ng mga students [it was voted by 181
the students] because it was part of the USG campaign that was voted upon during GE. 182
APPENDIX C 183
184
Conversation with former Student Council President Nicole Villarojo 185
(through SMS/text) 186
187
Patricia Mallari: 188
Hello Nicole! This is Patricia Mallari of RnP. 'd just like to clarify something regarding 189
the identification of Batch VPs in the USG. Originally, RnP wants to do a MOA with 190
COMELEC and the two political parties to have an election for the Batch VPs for next 191
year's GE. However, Chichi, who asked me to text you as well, confirmed with us that 192
the original intention of the USG is to elect the Batch VPs. Is this true? Because 193
apparently, nothing of it appears in the USG constitution. RnP wants to do a resolution 194
to formalize this one. Thanks! 195
196
Nicole Villarojo: 197
Yes, that was the intent. Which is why it's specified that offiers of the Batch Student 198
Government include the Batch President and the Vice President. 199
4
5
7
9
14
15
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS AND 16
APPLICATION PROCESS OF MAGISTRATES OF THE UNIVERSITY 17
STUDENT GOVERNMENT 18
19
Council (De La Salle University Student Council Constitution, Article VIII, Section 21
1); 22
23
30
35
Whereas, the Judiciary shall be composed of the chief magistrate and five other 36
magistrates (University Student Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Sections 2.1 37
and 2.2); 38
39
Whereas, the LA shall prescribe the qualifications of the Magistrates, Auditor, 40
Investigating Officers and Prosecution Officers.( University Student Government 41
Constitution, Art. XVIII, Section 4); 42
43
Whereas, the Magistrates shall be duly appointed by a group of representatives from 44
both the outgoing members of the EXECOM and the Judiciary. The number of 45
representatives of the Judiciary shall be the number of undergraduate colleges, 46
such that each college is represented.( University Student Government 47
49
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Qualifications and Application process for the 50
Magistrates of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly take 51
into effect from Academic Year 2010-2011 to Academic Year 2011-2012; 52
53
Wherefore, be it further resolved that any amendments to the Magistrates Qualifications 54
and Application process for the USG after its approval shall be subject to a 55
majority vote in the Legislative Assembly; 56
57
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Qualification and Application process for the 58
Magistrates of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly, 59
supersede the Rules of Court to be made by the Judiciary of the University 60
Student Government in line with Art. XVIII, Sec. 3.11 of the USG Constitution; 61
62
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Qualification and Application process for the 63
Magistrates of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly be 64
adopted by the Judiciary arm of the University Student Government; 65
66
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Magistrate Training Program and the 67
Application Form mentioned in the Qualification and Application process for the 68
Magistrates of the USG (see Appendix A) be prepared and accomplished by the 69
Rules and Policies Committee of the Legislative Assembly in cooperation with 70
the OSEC and the Ethics Committee of the Legislative Assembly for AY 2009- 71
2010; 72
73
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the outgoing EXECOM be the sole body 74
responsible for the screening and appointing the 6 college magistrates in line 75
with the process mentioned in the Qualification and Application process for the 76
Magistrates of the USG (see Appendix A) for AY 2009-2010; 77
78
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Resolutions Monitoring and Management 79
Committee of the Legislative Assembly furnish a copy of the Qualification and 80
Application process for the Magistrates of the USG, upon approval, to all 81
incumbent EXECOM officers for proper briefing on the new process; 82
83
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Qualification and Application process for the 84
Magistrates of the USG (see Appendix A) be approved. 85
86
87
APPENDIX A 89
90
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MAGISTRATES 91
92
1. The applicant for Magistrates must have gone under the Magistrate Training 93
Program (MTP) provided by the outgoing Judiciary during the application period 94
in order to have sufficient background and knowledge regarding the USG 95
Constitution and specifically his/her role as a Magistrate. 96
97
2. The applicant for Magistrates must not have been actively involved in any 98
political party during his/her stay in the university to ensure an unbiased 99
approach in doing his/her duties as a Magistrate. This is certified by a joint 100
written statement/certification from both political party presidents, who in turn, 101
have the option to refuse signing the document in cases where complications 102
arise regarding the applicants' affiliation to both parties. 103
104
3. The applicant must be able to serve and perform the duties of a Magistrate of 105
his/her college for one full year. 106
107
4. The applicant must have at least 3 terms left during the time of application. 108
109
5. The applicant must not hold any EB position in any other organization. 110
111
6. The applicant must come from the college he/she wishes to represent. 112
113
114
APPLICATION PROCESS 115
116
1. The College Assembly Presidents, in coordination with the outgoing Judiciary, 117
shall spearhead the recruitment for Magistrates in their respective colleges 118
during the third term of each academic year. Applicants must submit a standard 119
application form (to be issued by the outgoing Judiciary). The CAP's shall review 120
their application forms (and may also choose to screen these applicants 121
personally) in order to come up with a shortlist of 3 to 5 applicants who shall be 122
selected to undergo the Magistrate Training Program. 123
124
2. Shortlisted applicants shall undergo the Magistrate Training Program conducted 125
by the outgoing judiciary. Upon completion of the said course, a test that will be 126
prepared by the outgoing Judiciary shall be taken by the applicants. He/she 127
needs a 70% passing grade in order to get to the final stage of the application 128
process. 129
130
3. The applicants must undergo an interview (or any other means of screening 131
deemed necessary by the outgoing EXECOM and Judiciary) with the outgoing 132
EXECOM and Judiciary to ensure the competency of the applicant. After all 133
applicants have been interviewed, the outgoing EXECOM and Judiciary shall, 134
through a majority vote, appoint the 6 college magistrates. 135
136
4. Exactly one magistrate per college must be appointed by the end of the 137
application period. A joint EXECOM, AA and LA session, chaired by the 138
President, shall be devoted to elect a Chief Magistrate. Such election shall be 139
done at most one week after the completion of appointment of the Magistrate. 140
(University Student Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Section 8); 141
142
5. In cases where there are no qualified applicants for the position of magistrate for 143
a certain college, or there is a vacancy in the position, the elected Chief 144
Magistrate shall act and handle all cases of that college until the newly-appointed 145
Judiciary is able to appoint one. 146
APPENDIX B 147
148
Syllabus for Magistrate Training Program 149
150
Content No. of Hours Day Topic
Preamble
Article I Name and Seat
Article II Membership
!
1

USG Primer
Article III Declaration of Principles, Purposes
and Policies
1
Article IV Bill of Rights 1
Article V Duties and Responsibilities of
Students
Article VI Accountability of USG Officers
!
Article VII The Executive Board
Article VIII The Executive Committee
!
2

The Executive
Article IX Powers, Duties and
Responsibilities of EB Members
1
Article XI The College Student Government !
Article XII The Batch Student Government !
Article X The Activities Assembly
Article XIII The Executive Departments
!
Article XVIII The Judiciary !
Article XIV The Legislative Assembly 1
3 The Legislative
Article XV The LA Committees !
Article XVI The LA Inner Circle !
Article XVII The College Legislative Board !
Article XIX Constitutional Commissions 1
4
Independent Commissions
and Advisory Bodies
Article XXI The Council of Student
Organizations
Article XXII Convention of Leaders
!
Article XVIII The Judiciary 1!
Article XX Articles of Impeachment 1!
5
Impeachment, Elections and
Auxiliary Articles
Article XXIII Elections
Article XXIV Vacancies
!
Article XXV General Provisions
Article XXVI Amendments
Article XXVII Transitory Provisions
Article XXVIII Separability Clause
Article XXIX Effectivity
!
151
4
5
7
9
14
15
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS FOR 16
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONERS OF THE UNIVERSITY STUDENT 17
GOVERNMENT 18
19
1); 22
23
30
35
Whereas, there shall be two independent Constitutional Commissions that shall report 36
directly to the Judiciary: Commission on Elections and Commission on Audit. 37
(University Student Government Constitution, Art.XIX, Sections 1.1 and 1.2); 38
39
Whereas, the LA shall prescribe the qualifications of the Commissioners of the 40
Commission on Elections and the Commission on Audit. (University Student 41
Government Constitution, Art.XIX, Section 2); 42
43
Whereas, the Commissioners shall hold office for one complete school year, beginning 44
in the first trimester and ending in the third trimester. (As seen in Appendix A) 45
(University Student Government Constitution, Art.XIX, Section 5); 46
47
Whereas, All Commissioners shall be prohibited from appointed position/s in any USG 48
unit. (As seen in Appendix A) (University Student Government Constitution, 49
Art.XIX, Section 6); 50
51
Whereas, The Commissioners of each Constitutional Commission shall elect among 52
themselves a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer. 53
They shall also be given the prerogative to recruit members who shall help them 54
in discharging their functions. (University Student Government Constitution, 55
Art.XIX, Section 7); 56
57
Whereas, The COMELEC shall be composed of two Commissioners from each college. 58
60
Whereas, the Commission on Audit, which shall hereinafter be referred to as COA, shall 61
be composed of a chairman and two commissioners, who shall be legitimate 62
students of DLSU, and at the time of their appointment, has at least one year of 63
tenure in DLSU, and must not have been candidates for any position in the 64
election preceding their appointment. (As seen in Appendix A) (University 65
Student Government Constitution, Art.XIX, Section 20); 66
67
Whereas, the Chairman and the Commissioners (of COA) shall be appointed by the 68
President with consent of the EXECOM, Chief Legislator and Chief Magistrate, 69
for three consecutive terms without reappointment. (As seen in Appendix A) 70
72
Whereas, the COA Chairman shall have 1 year experience of being an auditor in the 73
Office of the Treasurer. (As seen in Appendix A) (University Student Government 74
Constitution, Art. XIX, Section 25); 75
76
Whereas, if any provision of this Constitution is declared invalid, the remainder thereof 77
not affected thereby shall continue in full force and effect. (University Student 78
Government Constitution, Art. XXVIII); 79
80
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Qualifications for Constitutional Commissioners of the 81
USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly take into effect from 82
Academic Year 2010-2011 to Academic Year 2011-2012; 83
84
Wherefore, be it further resolved that Article XVII, Section 3.5 of the University Student 85
Government Constitution be invalidated; 86
87
Wherefore, be it further resolved that Article XIX, Section 3 of the University Student 88
Government Constitution be invalidated; 89
90
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the COMELEC commissioners shall be 91
recommended by their respective College Assembly President to the Legislative 92
Assembly for approval; 93
94
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the screening process for COA commissioners 95
mentioned in Appendix A be done in coordination with the Office of the Treasurer 96
for AY 2009-2010; 97
98
Wherefore, be it further resolved that any amendments to the Qualifications for 99
Constitutional Commissioners for the USG after its approval shall be subject to a 100
majority vote in the Legislative Assembly; 101
102
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Qualifications for Constitutional 103
Commissioners of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly 104
be adopted by the Constitutional Commissions of the University Student 105
Government; 106
107
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Resolutions Monitoring and Management 108
Committee of the Legislative Assembly furnish a copy of the Qualifications for 109
Constitutional Commissions of the USG, upon approval, to all incumbent 110
EXECOM officers for proper briefing on the new process; 111
112
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Qualifications for Constitutional Commissioners 113
of the USG (see Appendix A) be approved. 114
115
116
APPENDIX A 118
119
QUALIFICATIONS FOR COMELEC COMMISSIONERS 120
121
1. The applicant for COMELEC Commissioner must not have been actively involved 122
in any political party during his/her stay in the university to ensure an unbiased 123
approach in doing his/her duties as a Constitutional Commissioner. This is 124
certified by a joint written statement/certification from both political party 125
presidents, who in turn, have the option to refuse signing the document in cases 126
where complications arise regarding the applicants' affiliation to both parties. 127
128
2. The applicant must have served as a COMELEC volunteer for at least one term 129
of election prior to being a commissioner. 130
131
3. The applicant must be able to serve and perform the duties of a COMELEC 132
Commissioner of his/her college for one complete year, beginning in the first 133
trimester and ending in the third trimester. 134
135
4. The applicant must not hold any appointed and/or elected position/s in any USG 136
unit. 137
138
140
6. The applicant must come from the college he/she wishes to represent. 141
142
143
QUALIFICATIONS FOR COA COMMISSIONERS 144
145
1. The applicant must be able to serve and perform the duties of a COA 146
Commissioner for one complete year, beginning in the first trimester and ending 147
in the third trimester. 148
149
2. The applicant must not hold any appointed and/or elected position/s in any USG 150
unit. 151
152
3. The applicant must not have been a candidate for any position in the election 153
preceding his/her appointment. 154
155
157
5. The applicant must have basic auditing knowledge to be determined by a 158
screening process to be conducted by the appointing officers in coordination with 159
the outgoing COA commissioner. 160
161
6. The COA Chairman shall have 1 year experience of being an auditor in the Office 162
of the Treasurer. 163
4
5
7
9
14
15
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS OF THE 16
PROSECUTING AND INVESTIGATING OFFICERS OF THE UNIVERSITY 17
19
1); 22
23
30
35
Whereas, the Judiciary shall appoint its Investigating Officers and Prosecuting Officers 36
whose number shall be determined by them (University Student Government, 37
Art. XVII, Section 3.9); 38
39
Whereas, the Legislative Assembly shall prescribe the qualifications of the Magistrates, 40
Auditor, Investigating Officers and Prosecution Officers.( University Student 41
Government Constitution, Art. XVIII, Section 4); 42
43
Whereas, should any Magistrate be subjected to an impeachment complaint, he or she 44
must take a leave of absence before any investigation on the complaint is 45
conducted. He or she shall be temporarily replaced within twenty-four hours by a 46
prosecuting officer of his or her choice (University Student Government 47
Constitution, Art. XX, Section 4.5); 48
49
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Qualifications of the Prosecuting and Investigating 50
Officers of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly take 51
into effect from Academic Year 2010-2011 to Academic Year 2011-2012; 52
53
Wherefore, be it also resolved that any amendments to the Qualifications of the 54
Prosecuting and Investigating Officers for the USG after its approval shall be 55
subject to a majority vote in the Legislative Assembly; 56
57
Wherefore, be it also resolved that the Qualifications for Prosecuting Officers and 58
Investigating Officers supersede the Rules of Court to be made by the Judiciary 59
of the University Student Government upon approval of the Legislative Assembly; 60
61
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Qualifications of the Prosecuting and 62
Investigating Officers of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative 63
Assembly be adopted by the Judiciary arm of the University Student 64
Government; 65
66
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Qualifications of the Prosecuting Officers and 67
Investigating Officers (See Appendix A) of the USG be approved. 68
69
70
Adopted, November 27, 2009 71
APPENDIX A 72
73
Qualifications for Prosecuting and Investigating Officers 74
75
1. The applicant must not be affiliated or acquainted with anyone involved in the 76
particular case they wish to work on to avoid any biases in executing their roles. 77
This will be ensured through a written certification from both defendant and 78
complainant who in turn, have the option to refuse signing the document in cases 79
where the applicant is proven to be affiliated with either party. 80
81
2. The applicant must have sufficient background and knowledge on the University 82
Student Government and the case he or she is handling which are to be 83
determined by the current Judiciary. 84
85
3. The applicant must be able to serve for the entire duration of the case they wish 86
to work on. 87
88
4. The applicant must be willing to temporarily stand as a replacement Magistrate, 89
should he or she be accepted as a prosecuting officer, in cases where any 90
Magistrate is subjected to an impeachment complaint. 91
92
5. The applicant for the Prosecuting and Investigating Officers must have stayed in 93
DLSU for at least one term. 94
95
6. The applicant for the Prosecuting and Investigating Officers must not have any 96
disciplinary case either major or minor. 97
4
5
7
9
14
15
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE SUPPLEMENTARY 16
PROVISIONS OF USG CONSTITUTION ARTICLE XXI, ALSO KNOWN AS 17
THE COUNCIL OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS 18
19
24
27
34
39
Whereas, the Council of Student Organizations (CSO) is the umbrella organization of 40
accredited professional, special interest, and socio-civic organizations of De La 41
Salle University-Manila (De La Salle University Student Handbook, Academic 42
Year 2009-2012, Appendix H); 43
44
Whereas, Article XXI of the USG Constitution is entitled as the Council of Student 45
Organizations; 46
47
Whereas, Ms. Maria Francesca Tomaliwan, Chairperson of CSO requested for 48
supplementary provisions on how they are going to interpret the article relating to 49
them, specifically Article XXI; 50
51
Wherefore, be it resolved that Article XXI Sec. 2 of the USG Constitution be clarified 52
that the CSO shall not exclusively coordinate with the Vice President for Internal 53
Affairs but may coordinate with other USG units as well as deemed necessary; 54
55
Wherefore, be it resolved that Article XXI Sec. 3.1 of the USG Constitution be clarified 56
that the policies referred to shall be subject to agreements entered into by official 57
representatives of both the USG and CSO; 58
59
Wherefore, be it resolved that Article XXI Sec. 4.3 of the USG Constitution be clarified 60
that the policies referred to are limited to Article XXI only; 61
62
Wherefore, be it also resolved that Article XXI Sec. 7 of the USG Constitution be 63
clarified as national and University issues concerning the whole student body and 64
individual organizations may opt to release their own stands to represent its own 65
organization only; 66
67
Wherefore, be it also resolved that throughout in Article XXI of the USG Constitution be 68
clarified that CSO as a Council would be appropriately called as the Council 69
Body; 70
71
Wherefore, be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be given to Ms. Maria 72
Francesca Tomaliwan, Chairperson of CSO; 73
74
Wherefore, be it further resolved that these supplementary provisions hold until the 75
judiciary initiates for re-evaluation of Article XXI of the USG constitution; 76
77
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the resolution be approved. 78
79
80
4
5
7
9
14
15
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE QUALIFICATIONS AND 16
PROCESS OF APPLICATION FOR AUDITORS OF THE UNIVERSITY 17
19
1); 22
23
30
35
Whereas, the LA shall prescribe the qualifications of the Magistrates, Auditor, 36
Investigating Officers and Prosecution Officers.( University Student Government 37
39
Whereas, the Commission on Audit shall have the power, authority and duty to 40
examine and audit all accounts pertaining to revenue and receipts of, and to the 41
expenses and disbursements of every USG unit. (University Student Government 42
Constitution, Art. XIX, Section 23); 43
44
Whereas, an auditor is defined as a person appointed and authorized to audit or 45
examine an account or accounts, compare the charges with the vouchers, 46
examine the parties and witnesses, allow or reject charges, and state the 47
balance. [1913 Webster] (The Collaborative International Dictionary of English 48
v.0.48. What does Auditor mean?. Retrieved August 1, 2009. 49
http://www.dictionary.net/auditor); 50
51
Whereas, the Executive Treasurer shall prepare an annual financial report of the USG 52
for examination by the EXECOM and Legislative Assembly and also for audit by 53
the Auditor duly appointed by the Judiciary (University Student Governance 54
Article IX Section 5.13); 55
56
Whereas, the commissioners of each Constitutional Commission shall be given the 57
prerogative to recruit members who shall help them in discharging their functions; 58
59
Whereas, next school year's (AY 2010-2011) proposed qualification and process of 60
application of auditors has been patterned from the previous school years (AY 61
2008-2009 and 2009-2010) qualifications and process; 62
63
Wherefore, be it resolved that the Qualifications and Process of Application for Auditors 64
of the USG shall, upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly take into effect 65
from Academic Year 2010-2011 and Academic Year 2011-2012; 66
67
Wherefore, be it resolved that the auditors are appointed and evaluated by the current 68
Commission on Audit commissioners; 69
70
Wherefore, be it further resolved that any amendments to the proposed qualifications 71
and process of application for auditors for the USG after its approval shall be 72
subject to a majority vote in the Legislative Assembly; 73
74
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the Qualifications and Process of Application for 75
Auditors be approved by the Legislative Assembly. 76
77
78
APPENDIX A 80
81
82
QUALIFICATIONS FOR AUDITORS 83
84
1. The applicant may not hold an EB position in any USG unit. 85
2. The applicant must be able to serve and perform the duties of an auditor from the 86
time of appointment to the last term of the academic year. 87
3. The applicant must be well-knowledgeable of auditing and its internal control 88
procedures to maintain the technical competence of the auditors. Their 89
knowledge with auditing will be determined and evaluated through a screening 90
exam to be prepared by the current Commission on Audit commissioners. 91
92
93
PROCESS OF APPLICATION 94
95
1. The applicants must take a screening exam that must be approved by a Certified 96
Public Accountant. The passing grade for such screening exam is 70% to 97
maintain the quality of our auditors. The exam shall be conducted by the current 98
Commission on Audit commissioners; 99
2. The applicant must go through an interview conducted by the Commission on 100
Audit commissioners. Through this, the commissioners will determine and 101
appoint the auditors. 102
3. Once the applicant has been chosen, he/she must undergo an orientation 103
spearheaded by the Commission on Audit commissioners to know the basic 104
procedures as auditors in the USG. 105
4. In the case where there is still a lack of auditors after the testing period, the 106
previous applicants who still wish to be auditors may opt to retake the exam 107
provided they have accomplished a remedial course to be spearheaded by the 108
Commission on Audit commissioners. 109
4
5
7
9
14
16
Carl Vincent Abaya, FAST 2007 Trisha Vanessa Liu, 63rd Eng 17
Louise Artadi, BnE 2012 Ma. Ana Patricia Mallari, BnE 2010 18
Jana Cabuhat, CATCH 2T13 Ysabel Pelio, EdGe 2007 19
Jesyl Gagto, FOCUS 2009 Philip Rentillo, EdGe 2008 20
Michael Gutierrez, 63rd Eng Anna Angelica Villanueva, FAST 2008 21
22
23
RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE REVISED LEGISLATIVE 24
ASSEMBLY MANUAL 25
26
31
34
41
46
Whereas, any amendments to the Legislative Assembly Rules of Internal Governance 47
can be proposed by any Legislative Assembly Representative through a 48
resolution and shall be approved by a two-third majority vote of the Legislative 49
Assembly. (LA Rules of Internal Governance, Art. XVI); 50
51
Wherefore, let the LA Manual read: 52
53
"About the LA ManuaI 54
55
The University Student Government Legislative Assembly Manual is the 56
University Student Government Officer's guide to the ins and outs of the 57
59
Inside, you will find the Legislative Assembly Rules of Internal Governance, 60
Parliamentary Procedures, and Resolution Formats. 61
62
We hope that this manual be helpful to all University Student Government 63
Officers, especially to the Legislative Assembly. 64
65
For Lasallian Achievers for God and Country! 66
67
De La Salle University Student Government 68
Office of the Executive Secretary 69
70
Contents 71
4 72
The Legislative Assembly 73
5 74
LA Rules of Internal Governance 75
14 76
Format of a Resolution 77
16 78
About Resolutions 79
17 80
Person to Person Communication 81
18 82
Parliamentary Procedures 83
26 84
Summary of Motions 85
86
88
The Legislative Assembly (LA) is the highest policy making body of the University 89
Student Government It is composed of the elected Legislative Assembly 90
Representatives of each year level, lead by its Chief Legislator. 91
92
Pursuant to the USG Constitution, the LA Representatives have the following 93
functions: 94
Participate in Legislative Assembly Sessions 95
Conduct regular consultations with his/her constituents regarding academic and 96
non-academic matters 97
Hold position in other University Student Government units and university-wide 98
committees as appointed 99
Handle the advisory committee of his/her batch organization 100
Review existing policies and resolutions 101
Pass resolutions and Legislations that are of relevance to the studentry 102
Monitor the performance of University Student Government Officers. 103
104
Since the scope of the LA's responsibility is broad and diverse, there is a need to 105
separate its duties into several committees. There are three committees namely: 106
Student's Rights and Welfare (STRAW) 107
Rules and Policies (R & P) 108
National Affairs (NatAff) 109
110
The details of the roles and responsibilities of each committee are written in the 111
LA Rules of Internal Governance. 112
113
Decisions are made binding in the resolution only in the presence of a quorum. 114
A quorum is two-thirds of the total number of seats. 115
There are 16 seats in the LA before the Freshmen Elections. 116
Quorum is 11. 117
There are 22 seats in the LA after the Freshmen Elections. 118
Quorum is 15. 119
120
Legislative Assembly Sessions are held on a regular basis. Regular sessions 121
happen during Fridays at 1430h -1600h 122
123
LA Rules of Internal Governance 124
Article I 125
Policy and Application 126
127
Section 1. Title. These rules shall be known and cited as the Rules of Internal 128
Governance of the Legislative Assembly. 129
Section 2. Purpose. These rules are promulgated to prescribe the structure, 130
procedures, and guidelines for the proper discharge of the powers and 131
responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly, so as to achieve the purpose of 132
active legislation. 133
Section 3. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the De La 134
Salle University Student Government that the Legislative Assembly shall enjoy 135
the balance of power and authority with the Executive Branch to enable it to 136
attain its fullest development as a self-reliant body and make it a more efficient 137
partner in the attainment of the De La Salle University Student Government's 138
goals. A more responsive and accountable structure shall be provided to the 139
Legislative Assembly, through a system whereby its powers, jurisdiction, 140
procedures, and guidelines shall be clearly defined. 141
Section 4. Scope of Application. These rules shall apply to the following: 142
4.1. Chief Legislator of the Legislative Assembly 143
4.2. Legislative Assembly Majority and Minority Floor Leaders. 144
4.3. Legislative Assembly Inner Circle. 145
4.4. All Legislative Assembly Representatives. 146
4.5. Legislative Committees. 147
4.6. All officers of the De La Salle University Student Government, whenever 148
applicable. 149
Section 5. Formulation of Comprehensive Policies by the Legislative 150
Assembly. The Chief Legislator and the Majority/Minority Floor Leaders, 151
together with the Legislative Secretariat and Legislative Committee 152
Chairpersons, shall formulate and enforce basic administrative policies and 153
procedures to facilitate the implementation of this Act. 154
155
Article II 156
Members 157
158
Section 1. A Member of the Legislative Assembly shall refer to the Legislative 159
Assembly Chief Legislator or to a Legislative Assembly Representative. 160
Section 2. Every Member shall be present at the sessions of the Legislative 161
Assembly unless otherwise excused. 162
Section 3. Every Legislative Assembly Representative present at the session 163
shall vote on every motion, unless he/she has direct personal or pecuniary 164
conflict therein. 165
Section 4. Legislative Assembly Representatives shall be appointed to only one 166
Legislative Committee. The Chief Legislator shall assign the Legislative 167
Assembly Representatives to the Legislative Assembly Committees in reference 168
to, but not entirely based upon, the top three choices of each Legislative 169
Assembly Representative and in a manner that he/she deems necessary. The 170
Legislative Assembly Representative that will be elected as the Legislative 171
Assembly Chief Legislator shall be an ex officio member of every committee. 172
Article III 173
175
Section 1. The Legislative Assembly (LA) is the highest policy making body of 176
the University Student Government. (Article XIV, Section 1 of the De La Salle 177
University Manila University Student Government Constitution). 178
Section 2. The Legislative Assembly Representatives shall have the following 179
functions: (Article XIV Section 5 of the De La Salle University Manila University 180
Student Government Constitution) 181
2.1. Report directly to the Batch President, College President, Chief Legislator 182
and President as deemed necessary. 183
2.2. Participate actively in LA sessions. 184
2.3. Conduct regular consultations with his/her constituents regarding academic 185
and non-academic matters. 186
2.4. Hold position in other USG units and University-wide committees as 187
appointed. 188
2.5. Handle the College Advisory Board together with the other LA 189
Representatives of each respective college. 190
2.6. Handle the Batch Advisory Board. 191
2.7. Review existing policies and resolutions. 192
2.8. Pass resolutions and legislations that are of relevance to the studentry. 193
2.9. Be entitled to a copy of all minutes, resolutions and the like that concerns 194
the legislative proceedings. 195
2.10. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB, College 196
President, Batch President, Chief Legislator and the LA. 197
Section 3. The LA shall concern itself with discussing and deciding on the 198
following matters: (Article XIV Section 3 of the De La Salle University Manila 199
University Student Government Constitution) 200
3.1. Integral policies, existing operations, projects and programs. 201
3.2. Resolutions of University-wide, curricular and extra-curricular matters. 202
3.3. Resolutions on national and sectoral issues. 203
3.4. Representation of administrative and non-administrative units and 204
committees requiring such inside the campus. 205
3.5. Budget allocation of the USG as presented by the Executive Treasurer. 206
3.6. Creation of standing and ad hoc committees whose functions shall be 207
determined by the body. 208
3.7. Approval of the Election Code to be adopted by the Commission on 209
Elections. 210
3.8. Approval of appointed USG officers for elected positions. 211
212
Article IV 213
The Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator 214
215
Section 1. Pursuant to the provision stated in Article XIV, Section 4 of the De La 216
Salle University Manila University Student Government Constitution, an elected 217
Legislative Assembly Representative shall be the Chief Legislator of the 218
Section 2. The powers and responsibilities of the Chief Legislator shall have the 220
following powers, duties and responsibilities: 221
2.1. Call and preside over the sessions of the LA and appoint from its 222
members, except the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders and the Legislative 223
Secretariat, a replacement upon his/her incapacity or absence. 224
2.2. Call and preside over the meetings of the LA Inner Circle and appoint from 225
its members, except the Legislative Secretariat, a replacement upon his/her 226
incapacity or absence. 227
2.3. Call special LA sessions. 228
2.4. Preserve order and decorum during sessions, and, in case of disturbance 229
or disorderly conduct within the premises where the session is being held, take 230
such measures as he/she may deem advisable or as the LA may direct. 231
2.5. Rule on all questions of order, subject to appeal by any member of the LA, 232
which appeal shall not be debatable, but the member appealing may explain 233
his/her appeal for not more than five minutes. 234
2.6. Sign and affix the seal of the USG in all resolutions, memorials, writs, 235
warrants and subpoenas issued by the order of the LA. 236
2.7. Enforce all rules, policies and procedures governing the LA. 237
2.8. Receive periodic reports from all units and members of the LA whose 238
frequency of submission shall be at his/her discretion. 239
2.9. Appoint LA Representatives to LA Committees. 240
2.10. Be an ex-officio member of all LA Committees. 241
2.11. Have administrative supervision over the LA and all its units. 242
2.12. Be the official representative of the LA in functions that require its 243
presence. 244
2.13. Ensure that the LA follows properly the parliamentary procedure during 245
sessions. 246
Section 3. As provided for by Article XIV, Section 14 of the De La Salle 247
University Manila University Student Government Constitution, all rulings 248
announced by the Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall be final unless 249
reversed through a motion to appeal to the Chief Legislator's rulings by any 250
member of the LA. Such reversal shall require a two-thrids vote of the members 251
of the LA to be carried. 252
Section 4. The Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall have the 253
administrative supervision over the Legislative Assembly and all its units, such as 254
the Inner Circle and the Legislative Assembly Committees. 255
256
Article V 257
The Legislative Secretariat 258
259
Section 1. The Legislative Secretariat shall be chaired by the Executive 260
Secretary of the De La Salle University Student Government and composed of at 261
least two (2) members of the staff of the Office of the Executive Secretary. 262
Section 2. The Legislative Secretariat shall have the following powers, duties 263
and responsibilities (De La Salle University Manila University Student 264
Government Constitution Article XIV Section 7): 265
2.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator. 266
2.2. Enforce orders of the LA when such duty devolves upon them. 267
2.3. Record the minutes of each session of the LA and all meetings of the LA 268
Inner Circle. 269
2.4. Call the roll of the members of the LA before the opening of the session. 270
2.5. Note all questions in order with the decisions thereon. 271
2.6. Complete, within five days after the close of the session, the printing and 272
distribution of the minutes for the said session to the members of the LA. 273
2.7. Provide each LA Committee a copy of the outline of the minutes for filing 274
and reference. 275
2.8. Take charge in counting and recounting the votes or ballots. 276
2.9. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or 277
the LA. 278
Section 3. The Legislative Secretariat shall formulate and enforce policies and 279
procedures governing the documentation and monitoring of implementation of 280
resolutions approved by the Legislative Assembly; 281
Section 4. The Legislative Secretariat shall monitor the status of resolutions 282
approved by the Legislative Assembly and present recommendations to the 283
Legislative Assembly on such; 284
Section 5. The Legislative Secretariat shall outline basic policies and 285
procedures to facilitate the monitoring of resolutions from the time they have 286
been placed on the agenda until its delegation to an executive office, and enforce 287
the same as approved by the Legislative Assembly. 288
289
Article VI 290
The Majority and Minority Floor Leaders 291
292
Section 1. The Majority and Minority Floor Leaders shall convene their 293
respective majority/minority group. 294
1.1. The Majority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions in a 295
specific issue or resolution of the majority of the body. He/She shall serve as the 296
spokesperson of the majority side. In case of conflict of interest, he/she may 297
appoint anyone from the majority side to assume the position but may not vacate 298
his/her position as part of the majority, except for meritorious cases to be decided 299
by the Chief Legislator. He/She may call separate meetings outside the LA 300
sessions to convene the majority side. 301
1.2. The Minority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions in a 302
specific issue or resolution of the minority of the body. He/She shall serve as the 303
spokesperson of the minority side. In case of conflict of interest, he/she may 304
appoint anyone from the minority side to assume the position but may not vacate 305
his/her position as part of the minority, except for meritorious cases to be decided 306
by the Chief Legislator. He/She may call separate meetings outside the LA 307
sessions to convene the minority side. 308
309
Article VII 310
The Legislative Committees 311
312
Section 1. There shall exist the following Legislative Committees: 313
1.1. National Affairs Committee 314
1.2. Rules and Policies Committee 315
1.3. Students' Rights and Welfare Committee 316
Section 2. The National Affairs Committee shall have the following duties and 317
responsibilities: 318
2.1. Discuss national and sectoral issues, and present recommendations on such 319
to the Legislative Assembly. 320
2.2. Review the existing positions of De La Salle University on national and 321
sectoral issues, and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly 322
whenever necessary. 323
2.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the De La Salle University 324
Student Government on matters relating to addressing national and sectoral 325
issues. 326
2.4. Report to the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after 327
the introduction of such. 328
2.5. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions, and inquiries in aid 329
of legislation. 330
2.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or the 331
Section 3. The Rules and Policies Committee shall have the following duties and 333
responsibilities: 334
3.1. Initiate the review of the rules, policies, and procedures of the Legislative 335
Assembly, De La Salle University Student Government, and De La Salle 336
University, in coordination with the concerned offices and/or units, and present 337
recommendations to the Legislative Assembly, De La Salle University Student 338
Government Executive Committee and offices concerned. 339
3.2. Monitor the implementation of rules, policies, and procedures approved by 340
the Legislative Assembly. 341
of legislation. 345
Section 4. The Students' Rights and Welfare Committee shall have the following 348
duties and responsibilities: 349
4.1. Discuss students' rights and welfare issues, whether in or outside De La 350
Salle University, and present recommendations on such to the Legislative 351
Assembly. 352
4.2. Review the existing positions of the De La Salle University Student 353
Government on students' rights and welfare issues, whether national or local in 354
scope, and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly whenever 355
necessary. 356
4.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the De La Salle University 357
Student Government on matters relating to addressing students' rights and 358
welfare issues, whether 359
national or local in scope. 360
of legislation. 364
Section 5. Each Legislative Committee shall have a Chairperson, a Vice- 367
Chairperson, a Secretary and other officers and/or sub-committees it may deem 368
necessary, all of whom shall be elected from among and by the members of the 369
committee. The members shall determine the manner of election thereof. 370
Section 6. The LA Committee Chairperson shall have the following powers, 371
6.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator. 373
6.2. Preside over the meetings of their respective LA Committees. 374
6.3. Participate in the meetings of the LA Inner Circle. 375
6.4. Administer the overall operations of their respective committees. 376
6.5. Report to the LA Inner Circle actions on resolutions referred to their 377
committees. 378
6.6. Appoint committee members to sub-committees as well as delegate 379
committee tasks to committee members, whenever necessary. 380
6.7. Consolidate the committee members on matters pertinent to the LA and in 381
their attendance to LA sessions. 382
6.8. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator and 383
the LA. 384
Section 7. The LA Committee Vice Chairperson shall have the following 385
powers, duties and responsibilities: 386
7.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson. 387
7.2. Assume the powers and responsibilities of the LA Committee Chairperson 388
in his/her incapacity or absence. 389
7.3. Supervise the LA Committee researches. 390
7.4. Assist the LA Committee Chairperson in supervising the operation of the 391
LA Committee. 392
7.5. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Chairperson or as 393
prescribed within the rules of their respective committees. 394
Section 8. The LA Committee Secretary shall have the following powers, 395
8.2. Record the minutes of the LA Committee meetings and provide copies to 398
committee members. 399
8.3. Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the LA Committee. 400
8.4. Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA Committee, includi ng the 401
reproduction of his/her committee's resolutions for the entire LA. 402
8.5. Be responsible for drafting and submission of periodic reports to the Chief 403
Legislator. 404
8.6. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two days prior to the 405
scheduled date of the meeting. 406
8.7. Monitor the status of resolutions approved by the Legislative Assembly 407
8.8. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee 408
Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective committees. 409
Section 9. The members of the LA Committees shall have the following 410
powers, duties and responsibilities, other than those stated in Article XIV Section 411
5 of this De La Salle University Manila University Student Government 412
Constitution: 413
9.2. Be present and participate actively in all LA Committee meetings. 415
9.3. Aid the LA Committee Vice Chairperson in committee researches. 416
9.4. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee 417
Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective committees. 418
Section 10. The members of the LA Committees shall determine the frequency 419
and the time of their meetings. 420
Section 11. Any member of the LA Committees may call special meetings if 421
he/she deemed it necessary. 422
Section 12. The LA Committees shall constitute a quorum of no less than two- 423
thirds of its members. 424
Section 13. A final decision must be reached via a majority (50% + 1) of those 425
present. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until 426
majority of the LA Committee members are informed and have agreed. 427
Section 14. The Chief Legislator shall be an ex officio member of all LA 428
Committees. 429
430
Article VIII 431
The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle 432
433
Section 1. The administrative power of the Legislative Assembly shall be vested 434
in the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle. 435
Section 2. The LA-Inner Circle shall be composed of the: 436
2.1. Chief Legislator. 437
2.2. Majority Floor Leader. 438
2.3. Minority Floor Leader. 439
2.4. All LA Committee Chairpersons. 440
2.5. Legislative Secretariat. 441
Section 3. The LA-Inner Circle shall have the following powers, duties and 442
responsibilities (De La Salle University Manila University Student Government 443
Constitution Article XVI Section 3): 444
3.1. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the administration of the LA. 445
3.2. Receive reports from LA Committees on resolutions referred to it and on the 446
performance of the committee and its members. 447
3.3. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the rules and procedures to be 448
used in the consideration on the floor of resolutions reported to it, such as time 449
limit for the debates, rules on germaneness and amendments, etc. 450
3.4. Calendar resolutions reported by the LA Committees for consideration. 451
3.5. Outline the agenda of all LA sessions. 452
Section 4. All rulings by the LA-IC on matters pertaining to the administration of 453
the LA may be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the total membership of the LA. 454
Section 5. The members of the LA-IC shall determine the frequency and the time 455
of their meetings. 456
Section 6. Any member of the LA-IC may call special meetings if he/she deemed 457
it necessary. 458
Section 7. The LA-IC shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its 459
members. 460
Section 8. A final decision must be reached via a majority (50% + 1) of those 461
present. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until 462
majority of the LA-IC members are informed and have agreed. 463
464
Article IX 465
Resolutions, Messages and Petitions 466
467
Section 1. The Legislative Committees to which a resolution has been referred 468
to shall act on such, as it deems necessary. It may create a sub-committee and 469
refer the same to it, or act on the resolution in full committee. 470
Section 2. The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall act on any resolution 471
reported to it within five (5) calendar days upon receipt of the report, after which 472
the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall place the resolution on the Calendar. 473
Section 3. The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall outline the agenda for the 474
next session or meeting of 475
the Legislative Assembly. 476
Section 4. Resolutions passed and approved for discussion by the Legislative 477
Assembly Inner Circle shall be opened in a first come, first serve basis, unless 478
argued upon by the body, if the body deems necessary. 479
Section 5. When a resolution is in order on a particular session or meeting, the 480
parliamentary rules and procedures, together with the rules provided by the 481
Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall be in order during debates and 482
proceedings. 483
Section 6. All resolutions that have not been approved by the end of the terms of 484
office of the Legislative Assembly Representatives shall be declared void and 485
kept in records of resolution filed only for the purpose of reference and research. 486
Section 7. Any Member of the Legislative Assembly may deliver messages and 487
petitions on the floor only during the "Other Matters part of the agenda, which is 488
at the end of the session, and only upon recognition by the Chief Legislator. 489
Section 8. Non-members of the Legislative Assembly may address the 490
Legislative Assembly, deliver messages, petitions, and deliver privilege speeches 491
on the floor only upon the approval of two-thirds of the Members of the 492
494
Article X 495
Sessions, Meetings, Attendance and Quorum 496
497
Section 1. The first session of the Legislative Assembly shall be reserved for 498
orientation, appointment to Legislative committees, election of officers and 499
delegation of initial and provisional task and shall be convened by the Chief 500
Legislator not later than one month after the formal turnover of office. 501
Section 2. Regular sessions or meetings shall be held once every Friday 502
between 1430H and 1600H. The first fifteen (15) minutes of each session shall 503
be allotted for the general orders (i.e. calling of the meeting to order, calling of 504
the roll, approving of the minutes). If there are no more matters for consideration 505
during this period, the Chief Legislator may proceed to the next order of the 506
session. A regular session of the meeting may be called off on the following 507
cases: suspension of classes, official national, local or university holidays and 508
final examinations week. Otherwise, it may be called off by the Chief Legislator 509
with concurrence of the De La Salle University Student Government Executive 510
Committee. 511
Section 3. Special sessions may be conducted upon the approval of the majority 512
of the Legislative Assembly. Such motions and the announcement thereof shall 513
only be made during regular Legislative Assembly sessions. 514
Section 4. The Chief Legislator, or the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle may 515
call emergency sessions. 516
Section 5. A member is considered late if he/she arrives after the first roll call. 517
Section 6. A member is considered absent for a meeting if he/she arrives after 518
one-third of the given period for these said meetings. 519
Section 7. The following shall serve as guidelines on the absences of Legislative 520
Assembly Representatives: 521
7.1. Excused Absences 522
7.1.1. Legislative Assembly Representatives are entitled to unlimited number of 523
excused absences on Legislative Assembly sessions. 524
7.1.2. Legislative Assembly Representatives may only be excused on reasons 525
such as conflict with academic schedule, health reasons that may deter a person 526
from attending any normal human activity, other reasons as deemed necessary 527
by the Executive Secretary of the De La Salle University Student Government. 528
7.1.3. Officers absent due to health reasons are required to submit a doctor's or 529
legal guardian's certification, whichever is applicable, to the Executive Secretary 530
as soon as possible. 531
7.1.4. Officers absent due to academic reasons should submit a teacher's 532
certification to the Executive Secretary. 533
7.1.5. Officers who need to absent themselves from a Legislative Assembly 534
session due to unexpected reasons (those not included in 7.1.2.) shoul d submit 535
an excused absence form within two days after the session to the Executive 536
Secretary. 537
7.1.6. The Legislative Assembly Representatives concerned should submit an 538
excuse letter addressed to the Executive Secretary stating the reason of 539
absence. The letter should be submitted at least two days before the session. 540
7.1.7. Approval of the absence would be upon the discretion of the Executive 541
Secretary. The decision should be released at most one day before the session. 542
7.2. Unexcused Absences. 543
7.2.1. Legislative Assembly Representatives are allowed three (3) unexcused 544
absences from sessions for the whole year. 545
7.2.2. An officer exceeding the number of allowable unexcused absences shall 546
be subject to the proceedings of the Judiciary Branch. 547
Section 8. Two-thirds of the total number of Legislative Assembly 548
Representatives shall constitute a quorum during its sessions or meetings. 549
Quorum in the meetings of the Legislative Committees shall be constituted by a 550
simple majority of its total membership. 551
Section 9. Decisions made in the absence of the quorum shall not be binding, 552
unless such are made in the context of an implied quorum. 553
9.1 Implied quorum is at least one-half plus one of the total number of the 554
Legislative Assembly Representatives. 555
9.2. Implied quorum shall only be decided through a 100% vote of the members. 556
9.3. Decisions made during an implied quorum can be reached through a 557
majority vote and shall remain final unless a member of the body challenges the 558
decision in the succeeding sessions or meetings. 559
9.4. Decisions made during an implied quorum, which were reached through a 560
100% vote, shall be considered final. 561
562
Article XI 563
Election and Vacancies of Legislative Assembly Officers 564
565
Section 1. Election of the Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall be done 566
before the first Legislative Assembly session among all Legislative Assembly 567
Representatives. These elections shall be conducted by the President of the 568
University Student Government; 569
Section 2. Elections of the Majority and Minority Floor Leader shall be done 570
during the first Legislative Assembly session before the assignment of Legislative 571
Assembly Representatives to their respective Legislative Assembly Committees. 572
Only Legislative Assembly Representatives from the majority and minority group 573
shall vote for their respective Floor Leader. The Chief Legislator shall preside 574
over the election of both Floor Leaders. In case of a tie in the number of votes of 575
each Floor Leader position, the Chief Legislator shall be given voting power to 576
break the tie. 577
Section 3. Election of Committee Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons, and 578
Secretaries shall be done during the first Legislative Assembly session, after the 579
assignment of Legislative Assembly Representatives to their respective 580
Legislative Assembly Committees. The Chief Legislator shall preside over the 581
election of the aforementioned officers. In case of a tie in the number of votes of 582
each Floor Leader position, the Chief Legislator shall be given voting power to 583
break the tie; 584
Section 4. Nominations for Legislative Assembly Officer-ship shall only be 585
accepted upon confirmation of the nominee. Absentees may be nominated but 586
will not be given voting power. 587
Section 5. Any Legislative Assembly representative may be nominated for any 588
position but may assume only one elected position at a time. 589
Section 6. Elections for Legislative Assembly officers may only be conducted in 590
the presence of a quorum. 591
Section 7. All voting shall be done through a raise of hands. 592
Section 8. Only members of the same committee may vote for their respective 593
committee officers. 594
Section 9. In case of resignations and/or vacancies, the following guidelines and 595
hierarchal adjustments shall be followed accordingly: 596
9.1 Should the Chief Legislator choose to resign from his/her position, special 597
elections are to be conducted before the following Legislative Assembly session. 598
Procedures for election of Chief Legislator will be followed 599
9.2. Should the Majority or Minority Floor Leader choose to resign from his/her 600
position, special elections are to be conducted before the following Legislative 601
Assembly session. Procedures for election of Floor Leaders will be followed. 602
9.3. Should a committee chairperson resign, the vice-chairperson of the said 603
committee shall immediately assume all roles and responsibilities held by the 604
resigning chairperson. 605
9.4. Should a committee vice-chairperson resign, the secretary of the said 606
committee shall immediately assume all roles and responsibilities held by the 607
resigning vice-chairperson. 608
9.5. Should a committee secretary resign, special elections must be held in the 609
presence of the Inner Circle to fill the vacancy in that committee. 610
611
Article XII 612
Decorum and Debate 613
614
Section 1. Only members of the Legislative Assembly may participate in the 615
debate and discussions during the sessions. However, non-members may speak 616
on the floor upon the approval of two-thirds of the Members present. 617
Section 2. No person shall interrupt the Chief Legislator and the Member having 618
the floor. 619
Section 3. No Member shall leave the session without the approval of the Chief 620
Legislator. 621
Section 4. Members and non-members who disturb the proceedings shall be 622
expelled from the session hall for a period deemed necessary by the Chief 623
Legislator, and may be brought to face administrative, and disciplinary charges 624
as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator. 625
Section 5. Closed-door sessions shall not be called unless on the discussion of 626
impeachment cases or other important matters as approved by two-thirds vote of 627
all members present. 628
Section 6. Non-members shall be barred from attending closed-door sessions. 629
Section 7. Gross violation of these Rules, Parliamentary Procedures, and other 630
codes and policies of the Legislative Assembly shall tender the Member 631
impeachable. 632
Section 8. All matters brought to the floor shall be directed to the Chief 633
Legislator. Any referral to any person shall be made using the third person form. 634
Section 9. Any action or language by a Member deemed unethical by two-thirds 635
of the members present or which undermines the integrity of the Legislative 636
Assembly or the De La Salle University Student Government shall be barred from 637
use during the sessions of the Legislative Assembly. 638
Section 10. Violators to this rule shall be sanctioned as deemed necessary by 639
the Chief Legislator. 640
641
Article XIII 642
Voting 643
644
Section 1. Voting on bills or resolutions shall be done in the following manner: 645
1.1. Division of the House. If a Legislative Assembly Representative wishes to 646
appeal or to move for the reconsideration on the ruling of the Chairperson on the 647
viva voce, he/she shall have to make a motion for a division of the house. At this 648
point, the Chief Legislator shall direct all in favor to rise, then direct all opposed to 649
rise. 650
1.2. Roll Call Vote. If a Legislative Assembly Representative wishes to appeal or 651
to move for the reconsideration on the ruling of the Chief Legislator on the 652
question after the division of the house, he/she shall have to make a motion for a 653
roll call vote. At this point, the Chief Legislator shall direct the Executive 654
Secretary to call the roll, and direct the Members of the Legislative Assembly to 655
say "for, if they are in favor, "against, if they are opposed, or "abstain at the call 656
of their name. 657
Section 2. The Legislative Secretariat shall place the votes made by the 658
Members of the Legislative Assembly on record. 659
Section 3. All rulings announced by the Chief Legislator shall be final unless 660
reversed through a motion to appeal to the Chief Legislator's rulings by any 661
Member of the Legislative Assembly. Such reversal shall require a two-thirds 662
vote to be carried. 663
Section 4. A simple majority shall decide all resolutions or motions unless 664
otherwise provided by the parliamentary authorities as provided by Article XIV of 665
these Rules. 666
667
Article XIV 668
Submission of Resolutions 669
670
Section 1. Softcopies of resolutions should be submitted to the respective 671
Committee Secretaries concerned on or before Wednesdays at 2200h while 672
hardcopies of resolutions should be submitted on or before Thursdays at 1200h. 673
Section 2. Resolutions should be submitted in both hardcopy and softcopy. The 674
hardcopy should be placed in the respective LA Committee Secretary's 675
pigeonhole while the softcopy should be sent via electronic mail. 676
Section 3. Failure to submit the resolutions on the said deadline will be 677
subjected to the sanctions deemed necessary by the Legislative Assembly 678
Secretariat; 679
680
Article XV 681
Separability Clause 682
683
If any portion of these Rules is declared void or unconstitutional, the remaining 684
portions or provisions hereof shall not be affected by such declarations. 685
686
Article XVI 687
Amendments 688
689
Amendments to these Rules can be proposed by any Legislative Assembly 690
Representative through a resolution and shall be approved through a two-third 691
majority vote of the Legislative Assembly. 692
693
Article XVII 694
Repealing Clause 695
696
All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, other issuance, or parts hereof 697
inconsistent with the provisions of these Rules are hereby repealed or modified 698
accordingly. 699
700
Article XVIII 701
Effectivity Clause 702
703
These Rules of the Legislative Assembly shall be effective immediately upon the 704
approval of the Legislative Assembly. 705
706
Format of a Resolution 707
Document Properties: 708
709
Paper Size: 8.5 x 11 (Short Bond Paper) 710
Margins: 1 inch on all sides 711
Font and Size: Arial 12 712
Hanging Indents 713
Tab Stop: 0.5 714
Legend: 715
1. Pending Legislative Assembly Resolution No. Year -Term - Resolution 716
Number. Used as a reference for tracking resolutions discussed. 717
2. Status of the resolution whether approved, disapproved, or otherwise. 718
3. Resolution Number Year-Resolution Number. This only applies if the 719
resolution is approved. 720
4. Name of sponsoring committee or group of LA Representatives (only of 721
applicable). 722
5. Name of author/s of the resolution with their respective batch. This is arranged 723
alphabetically. 724
6. Title of the Resolution. 725
7. Whereas statements. These statements serve as point of bases on why you 726
are writing the resolution. 727
8. Source of your basis (if applicable). 728
9. First wherefore statement. The whereas statements serves as your point of 729
conclusion. 730
10. Second and succeeding wherefore statement/s. 731
11. Final wherefore statement. 732
12. Date of the approval of the resolution. 733
Spacing: 734
A. 2 spaces 735
B. 1 space 736
Other information 737
All whereas and wherefore statements should end with a Semicolon (;), except 738
for the last wherefore statement which should end with a period. 739
740
About Resolutions 741
A resolution is an important document to an LA representative. It is basically 742
one's tool in achieving action in the LA. Below are some questions to help 743
decipher if a resolution is worthy of discussion: 744
s it necessary? 745
Is it applicable on a long-term basis? Can't it be done by an executive decision? 746
Does it need the binding powers of the LA? Aren't there any rules, policies, or 747
other statutes which cover the area of the resolution? 748
s it beneficial? 749
Does it answer to the students' needs? Does it promote student welfare? Does it 750
adhere to the USG's vision-mission thrusts? Have all the parties involved or 751
affected been consulted? 752
s it practical? 753
Can it be done? Does it specify who will implement it? How will it be implemented 754
and when? Is it relevant and achievable? 755
s it well-written? 756
Is it grammatically correct? Are the words used appropriate? Does it follow 757
logical reasoning? Does it possess sufficient premises? Is it clear, concise, and 758
precise? Does it avoid broad statements and value judgments? 759
760
The following are suggested steps on how to begin to write a resolution: 761
Consult around your batch mates. Talk to them. Walk around. Listen with your 762
ears, eyes and heart. Ask for other people's suggestion and list them down. 763
Look around at your list and prioritize suggestions and ideas which are 764
generated on the basis of urgency and importance. 765
Decide to write a resolution for the top priority issue on your list. 766
Gather general premises. Consult the University mission statement, USG 767
Constitution, past resolution, and other related documents. 768
Conduct interviews and surveys. These form the "whereas part. 769
Gather specific premises. These are premises which are directly related to the 770
proposed resolution. 771
List the resolutionswhat you would want to be done. This should include who 772
will implement it, how it will be implemented, the time frame of implementation, 773
and where the budget will be taken from (if applicable). This will be the 774
"wherefore part. 775
Write the resolution using the prescribed format. 776
File the resolution to the secretary of your respective committee. Make sure to 777
secure them both hard and soft copies of the document. 778
779
Person to Person Communication 780
781
Person to person communication of PTPC is one of the tasks of a Legislative 782
Assembly Representative. A popular method of conducting PTPC is by having 783
batch mates answer surveys to find out how they feel about certain issues. It may 784
be covering national, university wide, college, or batch level issues. Basically, the 785
idea of PTPC is to ensure that one is representing what his or her batch believes 786
in. 787
788
Parliamentary Procedures 789
790
The Legislative Assembly adapted the parliamentary procedures primarily for 791
protecting the democratic institutions for which the University Student 792
Government stands up for. Parliamentary procedures protect the rights of the 793
people attending and running a meeting in order to debate and equally express 794
ideas. The basic provisions of parliamentary law are as follows: 795
Defend the rights of individual members 796
Ensure the rights of the majority 797
Protect the rights of the minority 798
Safeguard those people absent from the meeting 799
Guard all these together 800
801
Parliamentary Law, which originally referred to the customs and rules of 802
conducting business in the English Parliament, is a series of rules that were 803
formulated to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote harmony and 804
cooperation within an assembly. This is built on the principle that there must be a 805
careful balance of the rights of the organization, the rights of subgroups and 806
individual members. 807
808
BASIC RULES 809
810
I. The rights of the organization supersede the rights of individual members 811
Simply put, the organization has its own rules and all members should follow 812
them. Should the time come that conflict between the two rights arise, the right of 813
the organization shall prevail. 814
815
II. All members are subject to have equal rights 816
The rights of individual members are as follows: 817
To attend all LA sessions; 818
To make motions and speak in debates; 819
To nominate; 820
To vote; 821
To hold office. 822
823
III. Concomitant with the rights are responsibilities. 824
825
The responsibilities of members are as follows: 826
a. Attend meetings and be on time; 827
b. Be ready to talk knowledgeably and intelligently on a topic; 828
c. Be attentive and open-minded; 829
d. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect the rights of others; 830
e. Follow the rules of debate; 831
f. Make a point concisely; 832
g. Attack issues, not people. 833
834
IV. A quorum must be present to do business, in order to protect the right 835
of absentees. 836
A quorum is the number of members who must be present to legally transact 837
business, or at least two-thirds of the expected number of members attending the 838
LA session. The purpose of a quorum is to prevent an unrepresentative group 839
from taking action in the name of the organization. 840
841
V. The majority rules. 842
This rule is the most basic element of a true democratic process. The minority, 843
however, has the right to be heard, but once the majority has reached a decision, 844
the minority has to respect and abide with the decision. 845
846
VI. The two-thirds vote rule. 847
A two-thirds vote is necessary whenever you are limiting or taking away the 848
rights of members, or whenever you are changing something that has already 849
been decided. For example, a motion calling for the closure of discussion 850
demands a two-thirds vote since it would in effect limit other members from 851
continuing to voice out. 852
853
VII. One question at a time, and one speaker at a time. 854
No other motion should be in order, which does not directly relate to the question 855
under consideration. In addition, once a member has been recognized, he or she 856
has been granted the chance to talk and no other member may interrupt. 857
858
VIII. Debatable motions must receive full debate. 859
The chairperson may not put a debatable motion to vote as long as members 860
wish to debate it. Debate can only be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the 861
members present. 862
863
IX. Once a question is decided, it is not in order to bring up the same 864
motion or one essentially like it at the same meeting. 865
Motions of such nature should be ruled out of order. 866
867
X. Personal remarks in debate are always out of order. 868
The chairperson must rule out all personal remarks out of order. Debate must be 869
directed as motions, and not as motives; principles, and not as personalities. 870
871
TYPES OF MOTIONS 872
873
Main Motions or Principal Motions. A main motion introduces a new item of 874
business. Main motions allow groups to do their work. The common words used 875
are, " Move. or " would like to make a motion to. or simply "Motion to.. 876
Main motions are the lowest-ranked motions, and are superseded by subsidiary, 877
incidental, and privileged motions. 878
879
Steps in handling main motions: SDAVR. Second. Debate. Amend. Vote. 880
Reconsider. 881
882
Rescind A motion to rescind annuls a previous decision made. It can be raised 883
only by a person who voted for the decision previously made, or who was absent. 884
The motion can be made until the next immediate meeting the decision was 885
made. It must be seconded, and requires a two-thirds vote (if made without a 886
written notice), or a majority vote (if made with a written notice). 887
888
Secondary Motions. A secondary motion can be made while the main motion is 889
on the floor and before it has been decided. Secondary motions are divided into 890
three classes which relate to their use in Parliamentary procedures: subsidiary 891
motions, privileged motions, and incidental motions. 892
893
Subsidiary Motions. Subsidiary motions relate directly to the motion on the 894
floor. They may change the words, send it to a committee, delay it, or others. 895
They are made to expedite business by disposing of the pending motion, other 896
than by adopting or rejecting it. These subsidiary motions cannot stand alone, 897
and must be decided before the assembly can act on the main motion. 898
899
Subsidiary motions have rank among each other. They are arranged in such a 900
way in which they must be considered and acted upon, some have higher 901
precedence than the other. The purpose is to avoid confusion when they are 902
applied to main motions. A motion of higher rank can be made at the time a 903
motion of lower rank is on the floor or pending, and never the other way around. 904
905
There is often a misconception that a group cannot have two motions on the floor 906
at the same time. More than one motion can be on the floor at the same time but 907
both should answer to one common question. All motions should also be related 908
to the main motion on the floor, and no new business may be introduced. 909
910
Ranking of Subsidiary motions (from highest to lowest) 911
Lay on the table: If members wish to set aside a motion without establishing a 912
time for the debate to resume, they can use this motion. It must be seconded and 913
requires a majority vote. 914
915
Previous question: This is the motion used to cut-off debate and bring the group 916
to immediately vote on a pending motion. It can be applied to any pending 917
question, but is out of order when another member has the floor. It must be 918
seconded, is not debatable, and requires a two-thirds vote. 919
920
Limit or Extend debate: Limit debate is the motion by which a group or a person 921
can exercise special control over the debate. It can be used with any debatable 922
motion, must be seconded, cannot interrupt a speaker, is not debatable, and 923
requires a two-thirds vote. The proposed length of time to limit or extended may 924
be amended. 925
926
Postpone to a Specific Time: Postpone is to delay the action until a late time of 927
the meeting or until the next. It can be applied to all main motions, must be 928
seconded, may not interrupt a speaker, can be objected and is debatabl e. 929
930
Commit or Refer: This sends the question on the floor to a small number of 931
people so that it can be carefully studied and put into proper form for the group to 932
consider. It should give specific instructions as to where the question goes and 933
which committee of what size and composition should the resolution be referred 934
to. All amendments prior to committing must be presented to the committee. It 935
must be seconded and can be debated. The debate must go into the desirability 936
of committing only. 937
938
Amend: Amend is the most frequently used and most important motion that one 939
will use. To amend is to change wordings of a motion to make it more complete 940
or more acceptable before the resolution is voted upon. Amendments are 941
debatable, may still be amended, may be objected, and has to be seconded. 942
Adopting the amendment does not mean the approval of the resolution at hand. 943
There are three kinds of amendments: 944
Friendly amendment slight corrections that do not substantially change the 945
motion. 946
Primary amendment must be relevant to the motion to which it is applied, and 947
may also be amended further. 948
Secondary amendments seeks to alter a primary amendment, and may no 949
longer entertain further amendments. 950
951
Incidental Motions. Incidental motions relate to procedure and not directly to the 952
question on the floor. They are incidental to main motions, brought about by 953
chance in the process of the meeting. When an incidental motion is made, it must 954
be acted upon before any other business can continue, since incidental motions 955
take precedence over all other motions except privileged ones. These motions 956
cannot be amended. There is no order or strict hierarchy among incidental 957
motions. They take precedence depending on how incidental they are. 958
Appeal: This is to challenge the Chief Legislator's ruling on a specific issue. It 959
forces the Chief Legislator to submit the matter to a vote by the membership. 960
961
Consideration by Paragraph: This motion separates a long document or motion 962
into different parts so that each part can be debated on independently of the 963
others. 964
965
Division of the Assembly: Unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, this motion calls for 966
an unofficial vote on the question at hand. 967
968
Division of the Question: This motion separates a motion into different parts so 969
that each part can be voted on independently of the others. 970
971
Objection: This enables members to avoid discussing motions that are off the 972
topic or likely to disrupt the meeting. This is to express objection to the 973
consideration of the question, and not to start or cut off debate. 974
Point of Order: This is an objection raised against any proceeding or motion that 975
the member decides is a violation of the rules. 976
977
Point of Information: This is a request for an immediate answer to a question 978
concerning the background or content of a motion or a resolution. 979
980
Parliamentary Inquiry: This is a request for an immediate answer to a question 981
concerning parliamentary law. 982
983
Suspending the Rules: This motion is used when the assembly wishes to discuss 984
an issue in a way that violates the standing rules or order, in a non-formal 985
manner for example. 986
987
Privileged Motions. Privileged motions are not necessarily related to the 988
business on the floor, but they are important because it ensures the rights of the 989
organization, as well as of the individual. They are of such importance that they 990
may interrupt business. They are not debatable. 991
992
Rank of Privileged Motions (from highest to lowest): 993
Adjourn: To close the meeting. All unfinished business will be deferred to the 994
next meeting. It must be seconded, is out of order when another member has the 995
floor, requires a majority vote, may not be amended and reconsidered. 996
997
Recess: This proposes a short intermission in the meeting. This motion is 998
reserved for occasions of special meetings, which would take more than the 999
usual session time. It must be seconded, may be amended, and requires a 1000
majority vote. 1001
1002
Point of Privilege: This relates to the rights of the organization and any of its 1003
members. It enables members to interrupt business and state an urgent request. 1004
It is in order when the comfort, dignity, safety or reputation of any individual 1005
member is at stake. The Chief Legislator shall rule as to whether the privilege is 1006
important enough to interrupt business. A member may not make a speech out of 1007
privilege. If this motion is made when no business is pending, it may be amended 1008
or debated upon. The speaker who was interrupted regains the floor after the 1009
question of privilege is settled. 1010
1011
Call for the Orders of the Day: If the agenda is not being followed, or a specific 1012
motion supposed to be debated at a certain time has not been take up. The 1013
motion does not require a second, and cannot be amended, debated, or 1014
reconsidered. It can be made when someone else has the floor. 1015
1016
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF MOTIONS 1017
1018
Motion to Amend 1019
1. If the amendment is simple and accepted by every member, it can be adopted 1020
by general or unanimous consent. In this way, it does not have to go through the 1021
formal process of being amended. 1022
2. If a motion is complex and not accepted by the majority of members, 1023
amending it may simply confuse the issue and take up too much time. In such 1024
cases, it is usually better to vote the motion down and then to propose a more 1025
precise and acceptable amendment in its place. 1026
3. Once a motion has been made, seconded and repeated by the Chief 1027
Legislator, a member does not need the permission of the mover to amend it. 1028
The motion has become the property of the assembly. 1029
4. To be valid, an amendment must pertain to the motion and the specific change 1030
the member desires in its wording and meaning. An amendment that is not 1031
relevant should not be considered by the assembly. 1032
5. Unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, amendments may be negative. For 1033
example, the word good may be changed to not good instead of bad. 1034
6. A motion to amend is itself amendable (see three types of amendments). 1035
7. The motion is debatable; however the debate must be confined to the 1036
amendment itself and cannot touch on the main motion to which it has been 1037
applied. 1038
8. The motion to amend can be debated when the motion to which it applies can 1039
be debated. 1040
9. There is no limit to the number of motions to amend that can be applied to any 1041
main motion overall. However, no more than two motions to amend can be 1042
pending on a main motion at a time. 1043
10. Unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, there is no restriction that the wherefore 1044
clauses need to be amended first before the whereas clauses. 1045
11. The motion to amend can be reconsidered. The motion is out of order when 1046
someone else has the floor. 1047
1048
Motion to Commit or Refer 1049
1. The motion must include all relevant information to be effective, such as, the 1050
name of the committee, size of the committee, how the committee will be formed, 1051
and any other special instructions. 1052
2. The motion requires a second, can be amended, debated and reconsidered. It 1053
is out of order when another person has the floor. It requires a majority vote to 1054
pass. 1055
1056
Motion to Lay on the Table 1057
1. The motion does not establish a time for the debate to resume; rather, it 1058
enables members to resume the discussion at any point during the meeting. 1059
2. The motion can only be applied to main motions. 1060
3. A motion can be tabled more than once, but only if another emergency arises 1061
or the issues have been well debated between postponements. 1062
4. While a motion is tabled, no member can make a motion that is substantially 1063
the same. Further, no member can make a motion that would conflict the tabled 1064
motion. 1065
5. Any subsidiary motion adhering to the tabled motion are postponed along with 1066
it. When the discussion resumes, the same motions are in effect. To resume 1067
discussion, the motion must be taken from the table by a majority vote. 1068
6. The motion requires a second and is out of order when another has the floor. It 1069
cannot be amended, debated or reconsidered. No subsidiary motion can be 1070
applied to it and requires a majority vote to pass. 1071
7. For the DLSU-USG Legislative Assembly, all motions that remain laid on the 1072
table at the end of each LA session remains laid on the table until it is once again 1073
included in the agenda. 1074
1075
Motion to Limit or Extend Debate 1076
1. The length of the debate is arbitrarily determined by the maker of the motion 1077
and the assembly. 1078
2. The motion can only reduce or extend debate, not cut it off completely. To cut 1079
off debate, the motion to call for the Previous Question should be used. 1080
3. This motion is applicable to all main motions and to all debatable motions. 1081
4. The motion requires a second and can be amended and reconsidered. It 1082
cannot be debated and is out of order when another has the floor. It requires a 1083
two-thirds vote to pass. 1084
1085
Motion to Postpone to a Certain Time 1086
1. This is commonly used when: 1087
a. Members need more time to think about a motion but the debate has gone too 1088
long already. 1089
b. Members realize that there are pressing reasons to put the debate off until a 1090
later time. 1091
c. It is late and people are growing weary. In such cases, the motion may not 1092
receive a fair and sound discussion unless it is postponed until the people are 1093
rested. 1094
2. The motion must set a specific time for the debate on the issue to resume. 1095
Although the motion can be postponed more than once, it should not be 1096
postponed past the next meeting or past the current session. 1097
3. When a main motion is postponed, it takes with it any subsidiary motions that 1098
are attached to it as well. The entire package main and subsidiary motions is 1099
therefore postponed. When the motion is taken up again, all subsidiary motions 1100
except the Motion to Limit/ Extend Debate are in effect again as well. 1101
4. Unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, those who have already spoken before the 1102
motion was postponed may still speak when the debate on the motion resumes. 1103
5. If there is more than one postponed item to be discussed, each item should be 1104
considered in the order in which it was originally postponed. If time runs out 1105
before all postponed items can be reconsidered, they all automatically become 1106
part of the next regular meeting. 1107
6. The motion requires a second and can be amended, debated, and 1108
reconsidered. It is out of order when another member has the floor. It requires a 1109
majority vote to pass. 1110
1111
Motion for the Previous Question 1112
1. The motion can be used with any motion that is on the floor. 1113
2. When the motion is applied to a group of motions on the floor, the motions are 1114
voted on in reverse order, from the last to the first moved. The voting continues 1115
down the list unless a motion to Commit or Postpone is passed. In that instance, 1116
the voting is over and the motion is disposed according to the motion that carried. 1117
3. The motion can be reconsidered before the voting on any of the motions that 1118
affect the order has begun. 1119
4. If the motion to move the Previous Question carries, the Chief Legislator 1120
immediately takes a vote on the motion on the floor. 1121
5. The motion requires a second. It cannot be amended or debated. It also 1122
requires a two-thirds vote to pass. 1123
1124
Motion to Appeal the Chief Legislator's RuIing 1125
1. An appeal must be made directly after the Chief Legislator's ruling. It cannot 1126
be made after other business has transpired. 1127
2. The motion requires a second. It is in order when another has the floor, but it 1128
cannot be amended. The motion can be debated and reconsidered. 1129
3. After the Chief Legislator states the issue under dispute and explains the 1130
reasons for his ruling, the appeal is then decided by a vote. The Chief Legislator 1131
needs a majority vote to carry the decision. 1132
1133
Motion to Consider by Paragraph 1134
1. The motion differs from Division of a Question in one crucial way: here, the 1135
document cannot be clearly divided into separate motions. 1136
2. Separating the long document or motion into individual parts renews a debate, 1137
unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, members are allowed to speak more than once 1138
per debate. 1139
3. Any member, including the Chief Legislator can make this motion. 1140
4. Members do not vote until the entire document has been reviewed. There is 1141
only one vote, on the entire document, and not on each section. 1142
5. The motion requires a second and a majority vote to pass. It can be amended 1143
but not debated or reconsidered. 1144
1145
Motion to Divide the Assembly/House 1146
1. Unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, this motion may be used to see an unofficial 1147
decision to the pending question. 1148
2. The unofficial vote is taken by having members stand up to ensure an 1149
accurate count. The votes do not have to be counted, however. If a member 1150
wishes a count be taken, he or she has to make a motion. The motion to count 1151
the votes requires a majority vote. 1152
3. Any member can demand a division of the assembly. It needs to be seconded, 1153
and cannot be debated, amended or reconsidered. A member has to be 1154
recognized first before calling for a division. 1155
1156
Motion to Divide the Question 1157
1. The member making the motion must describe how the question is going to be 1158
separated. 1159
2. If someone at the meeting does not agree with the division, he or she can 1160
move an amendment to suggest an alternative division. 1161
3. Each part of the motion to be divided must be capable of standing on its own. 1162
The division must not require any rewriting of the motion. If a motion cannot 1163
logically be 1164
separated into parts, this motion to divide the question cannot be used. 1165
4. When a motion is divided, some parts may be approved, and some parts may 1166
be defeated, since these parts stand alone. 1167
5. The motion to divide a question can be made at any time during the debate. 1168
6. The motion needs a second and can be amended. It is not in order when 1169
another has the floor. It cannot be debated or reconsidered, and requires a 1170
majority vote to pass. 1171
1172
Objection 1173
1. After a motion has been introduced, any member can raise an objection to the 1174
CONSIDERATION of the question because it is off topic or the motion is 1175
irrelevant. 1176
Objections are raised against the act of making the motion, and not to start a 1177
debate on what the motion is trying to call for. 1178
2. The motion must be made before the debate has begun, and is in order when 1179
another has the floor. 1180
3. After a member has expressed his objection, the member will state his 1181
reasons concisely. The mover shall be asked if he wishes to push through or to 1182
withdraw his motion. If he wishes to push through, a vote will be taken by the 1183
Chief Legislator if the question is to be discussed. The objection needs a majority 1184
vote to be accepted or defeated. 1185
1186
Point of Order 1187
1. The motion must be made at the time of the suspected infraction. The motion 1188
cannot be made at any other time, even if the infraction is serious. 1189
2. If the error continues for motion after motion and results in actions that violate 1190
the organization's constitution, however, a member can rise to a point of order 1191
and mention previous instances of the same problem. 1192
3. While it is important to enforce the rules of parliamentary law, members should 1193
not raise points of order when the infraction is very minor. This serves only to 1194
slow down the meeting and create ill will. 1195
4. If it is not clear whether the rules have been broken or not, it is better to make 1196
a Parliamentary Inquiry rather than rise to a point of order. 1197
5. The ruling must be made by the Chief Legislator. If desired, the Chief 1198
Legislator may speak briefly with members well-versed in parliamentary law, but 1199
the Chief Legislator must be the one to approach the members. 1200
6. The motion does not need a second, is not debatable, amendable, and cannot 1201
be reconsidered. It is in order when another motion is pending and may interrupt 1202
another speaker. 1203
1204
Motion to Suspend the Rules 1205
1. The motion does not have to list the specific rule, but it does have to provide a 1206
reason for suspending the rules. 1207
2. If the motion achieves passage by a two-thirds vote, the assembly can discuss 1208
the new motion or business at once. 1209
3. If the motion does not pass, it cannot be made again during the same meeting 1210
for the same purpose or reason, unless all members agree. It can be made again 1211
during the next meeting. 1212
4. The motion requires a second, and cannot be debated, amended, 1213
reconsidered, or made while another motion is being debated. 1214
1215
Motion to Adjourn 1216
1. The motion can be made in the middle of a debate. It cannot be made, 1217
however, in the middle of a vote. 1218
2. The Chief Legislator must announce that the meeting is adjourned. Until that 1219
time, the meeting is still officially in session, even if the vote has been tallied to 1220
adjourn. 1221
3. The motion is out of order when another has the floor, and it requires a 1222
second. It cannot be debated, amended, or reconsidered. The motion must have 1223
a majority vote to pass. 1224
1225
Point of Privilege 1226
1. To raise a question of privilege means that a member obtains the floor while 1227
business is in progress to make an urgent request. The Chief Legislator must 1228
then rule on the request. 1229
2. The motion is also applicable if the rights of the assembly are in danger of 1230
being transgressed. 1231
3. If the situation cannot be resolved informally or simply, the Chief Legislator 1232
must then rule whether the matter is a question of privilege and should be 1233
considered before business can be resumed. When business is once again taken 1234
up, it recommences at the point where it was interrupted. 1235
4. The motion can be made even when someone is speaking, but only if the 1236
matter is urgent. It cannot interrupt a vote. The motion does not require a second 1237
and cannot be amended, debated or reconsidered. No vote is taken, as the Chief 1238
Legislator rules on the motion. 1239
1240
Recess 1241
1. The motion to recess is especially useful when it is necessary to take a short 1242
break in the debate, affording members a chance for a brief "cooling-off period. 1243
A recess is also helpful during an election when the tellers are busy counting the 1244
ballots. 1245
2. After a recess, business is taken up exactly where it was left off. 1246
3. If the agenda specifies a recess, there is no need to make a motion for one. In 1247
these instances, the Chief Legislator needs only to declare the recess when it is 1248
reached on the agenda. It takes a two-thirds vote to postpone a scheduled 1249
recess. 1250
4. For the DLSU-USG LA, the mover must indicate how long he intends the 1251
recess to be. 1252
5. The motion requires a second, and it cannot be debated or reconsidered. It 1253
can be amended and requires majority vote to pass. 1254
1255
MOTIONS IN REVIEW 1256
1257
Order of Precedence 1258
Highest Rank Privileged Motions (in the ff. order) 1259
Adjourn 1260
Recess 1261
Point of Privilege 1262
Call for the Orders of the Day 1263
1264
Incidental Motions (in any order) 1265
Appeal 1266
Consideration by Paragraph 1267
Division of the Assembly 1268
Division of the Question 1269
Objection 1270
Point of Order 1271
Parliamentary Inquiry 1272
Point of Information 1273
Suspend the Rules 1274
1275
Subsidiary Motions (in the ff. order) 1276
Lay on the Table 1277
Previous Question 1278
Limit or Extend Debate 1279
Postpone to a Certain Time 1280
Commit or Refer 1281
Amend 1282
Lowest Rank Main Motions 1283
1284
Additional Notes: 1285
1. In order of precedence 1286
2. Must be enforced on the demand of the member unless set-aside by a two- 1287
thirds vote 1288
3. Only an affirmative vote may be reconsidered 1289
4. The motion to reconsider is debatable only if the motion to be reconsidered is 1290
itself debatable. 1291
5. Requires either a simple majority (with prior notice), or a two-third vote, or a 1292
majority of the entire membership. 1293
6. Only a negative vote may be reconsidered.; 1294
1295
Wherefore, be it further resolved that the Executive Secretary for AY 2010-2011 1296
incorporate the aforementioned amendments, upon its approval, into the LA 1297
Manual AY 2010-2011; 1298
1299
Wherefore, be it finally resolved that the following amendments be approved. 1300
1301
1302

Appendix B2 - 2009 USG Constitution (Ratified and With Supplementary Guidelines)

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