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DRAFT

The Student Constitution


Cognizant of our role as the vanguard of student rights and welfare, conscious of our common achievements and our responsibility towards the University, desiring a government that will bequeath a service of diligence and efficiency beyond the interest of ones self, bound in convergence with our fellow students whose aspirations we singularly share, and animated by our passion to make a difference in the academic community we, the students of the Bulacan State University do hereby establish this Student Constitution.

Preamble

Article I
Section 1. Purpose. The Student Government, composed of all Central Student Councils and Local Student Councils, exists to promote the concerns, interests, needs and welfare of all undergraduate college students attending the Bulacan State University campus. The Student Government shall represent student interests; secure an active role for students in deciding official policies and priorities; safeguard academic freedom and student rights, and affirm the student citizens dignity and worth; promote and fund programs, project and activities that will improve student welfare and promote student development; and serve as a campus-wide forum for the expression and exchange of student ideas and opinions. Section 2. Principle. The Student Government shall promote a modern, functional and decentralized federal system of government that will enable students to enhance Page 1 of 32

Principles and Policies

their political awareness, participation and efficacy in making government decisions; empower students to be more involved in government decisions, towards higher demand for superior performance and public accountability of leaders; and capacitate local leaders to assume greater responsibility for leadership and delivery of services, and reduce their dependence on a central government. Section 3. Policies. (1) The Student Government upholds the primacy of the students and their role in governance and its operationalization. (2) The Student Government shall work to empower and devolve decision-making to the students. The students shall have full control of their government and all its resources and shall be in full charge of policy and management. The decision of the students, collectively, shall reign supreme over all decisions and acts of the Student Government. (3) The Student Government values the students and will take a student-centered approach in its planning and service delivery functions. (4) The Student Government values the internal relations among the different stakeholders in the University. The knowledge and perspectives of these groups are respected. Opportunities for developing convergence and cooperation will be sought. (5) The Student Government values the contribution made by individuals and groups to the development of the University. Active, meaningful participation of students in policy development, service planning and advocacy will be encouraged. (6) The Student Government recognizes and values the diversity within the University. This includes cultural, ethnic, demographic, religious, and other forms of diversity. Opportunities for celebrating, expressing and supporting the diversity in the University and among the student body will be sought. (7) The Student Government acknowledges that differences exist within the student body; yet, it shall seek to find commonalities among the student body and work towards shared goals.

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The Central Student Council


Section 4.

Article II

Student Council in every campus of the Bulacan State University System which shall consist of a President, a Vice President, and such number of Senators appurtenant to the number of colleges in the campus.
Section 5.

Composition. There shall be a Central

Office. (1) The President, Vice President and Senators shall

Schedule of Elections a nd Oa th of

be elected on the second Monday of February each year. (2) Before the President, Vice President and Senator shall enter into the execution of their office, they shall, individually, take the oath of office before the Chancellor of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal in the following form: I, N.N., elected by the students upon whom the supreme power of government resides, do solemnly swear in the name of God and affirm by my honor and by my conscience that I will truly and faithfully, and to the best of my ability, execute the powers and trust reposed in me as (position).

President shall be elected at large. The vote of the President shall be the vote of the Vice President of the same ticket; hence, on the ballot, only the position of President shall appear. The ticket who shall receive the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected. The President and Vice President shall hold office during the term of one (1) year beginning on the second Monday of March immediately after the election.

Section 6. Ma nner of Election a nd Term of the President a nd Vice President. The President and Vice

of the Malolos Campus, and two (2) Senators from each college of the Bustos, Meneses, Hagonoy and Sarmiento Campuses and such other campuses as may be created. The candidate who shall receive the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected. A Senator shall hold office during the term of one (1) year beginning on the second Monday of March immediately after the election.
Section 8.

Section 7. Ma nner of Election a nd Term of the Sena tor. One (1) Senator shall be elected from each college

Student Council. (1) In case of removal of the President

Va ca ncies a nd Succession in the Centra l

from office or of his/her death or resignation, the Vice


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President shall become President. When the President is absent from the chair, the chair shall likewise devolve to the Vice President, but he/she shall only act as presiding officer and shall not exercise any other power or duty of the office. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of the Vice President, the Senators shall elect from among themselves who shall become Vice President. In case both offices of the President and Vice President become permanently vacant, the Senators shall elect from among themselves who shall become President and Vice President to serve the unexpired term. (2) Permanent vacancy in the office of a Senator shall be filled by appointment of the highest official of the student political party wherein such Senator was a member and the replacement shall originate from the college where the Senator who created such vacancy belonged.
Section 9.

(1) The chief executive officer shall be the President, who shall supervise the affairs of the Central Student Council. The President shall delegate any responsibility whose exercise is not otherwise assigned to him/her by this Constitution; serve as the general representative and official spokesperson of the Central Student Council; and certify all acts, ordinances, resolutions, memorials and writs issued by, or upon order of the Central Student Council. (2) The President shall be the arbiter and presiding officer of the Central Student Council, but shall have no vote, unless the Senators shall be equally divided and may not relinquish the chair to participate in the deliberation of the body. He/she shall rule on all questions of order, and such decisions can be appealed and overturned by a majority vote. Any other official action by the presiding officer may be overturned by the entire Central Student Council by a majority vote. When presiding, the presiding officer shall preserve order and decorum during sessions, and apply the Internal Rules of Procedure of the Central Student Council, and such other rules as explicitly prescribed in the Roberts Rules of Order. (3) The Presidents of all campuses of the Bulacan State University shall elect from among themselves the person who shall sit as Student Regent in the Board of Regents.
Section 10. Duties a nd Powers of the Vice President. (1) The Vice President shall act as deputy to the President.

Duties a nd Powers of the President.

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In case of removal of the President from office or of his/her death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President. In the absence of the President, the Vice President shall preside over the session of the Central Student Council. (2) The Vice President shall chair the Committee on Rules and Privileges; preside over the session of the Central Student Council when, even if present, the President does not preside; and during sessions, when not acting as presiding officer, the Vice President shall be the floor leader. Section 11. Duties a nd Powers of the Sena tor. The Senator is the legislator of the Central Student Council and in this capacity he/she shall prepare, introduce and work for the passage of legislative measures; attend plenary sessions and meetings of committees of which he/she is a member or where his/her proposed legislative measures are under consideration; participate actively in deliberations on legislative measures; articulate faithfully the demands and interests of the students; secure, through every lawful means possible, any and all data and information relevant and necessary for the determination and formulation of appropriate legislative actions and measures on student issues and concerns; make information pertaining to the performance of their legislative functions and duties available to the public; and perform such other actions as may be lawful and necessary to ensure the swift passage of legislative measures needed to effectively address the needs of the students and promote student development, as well as the efficient and timely conduct of legislative oversight. Section 12. Other Officers. (1) Within twenty (20) working days after assumption to office, the Central Student Council shall, by the vote of the majority of the Senators, appoint students who shall exercise the office of Secretary and Treasurer and such other offices as it may deem necessary, but they shall have no vote in the Central Student Council. (2) The Secretary shall attend sessions of the Central Student Council and keep a journal of its proceedings; call the roll at the start of every session; keep the seal of the Central Student Council and affix the same with his/her signature to all ordinances, resolutions, and other official acts; furnish, upon request of any interested party, certified copies of records of public character in his/her custody; record in a book kept for the purpose all ordinances and
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resolutions enacted or adopted by the Central Student Council, with the dates of passage thereof; prepare and distribute the Orders of Business; post all enacted ordinances and adopted resolutions in public places within the campus; and exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by the rules of procedure of the Central Student Council. (3) The Treasurer shall take charge of the funds, receipts and disbursements of the Central Student Council. He/she shall keep and have charge of the books of accounts, and report on the financial status of the Central Student Council.

The Central Student Council, by the vote of the majority

Section 13.

Adviser to the Centra l Student Council.

of Senators present in a session, there being a quorum, shall appoint the Adviser to the Central Student Council. The Adviser shall be consulted to on matters of University procedures and technicalities. Section 14. Interna l Rules of Procedure. On the first regular session following the election of the Central Student Council and within thirty (30) working days thereafter, the Central Student Council shall adopt or update its rules of procedure. The rules of procedure shall provide for the parliamentary procedures to be applied during sessions and such other rules as the Central Student Council may adopt. Section 15. Sta nding Committees. (1) The Central Student Council shall have standing committees, which shall have legislative jurisdiction over proposed ordinances or resolutions relating to needs, concerns, issues and interests affecting the general welfare of the students and which require continuing or comprehensive legislative study, attention and action. Standing committees shall conduct preliminary studies on proposed measures; conduct dialogues and consultations with affected sectors and constituencies; conduct researches and engage the services and assistance of experts and professionals from the public or private sectors as may be needed in the performance of its functions; conduct hearings and inquiries on issues and concerns within their respective jurisdictions; and perform oversight responsibilities to monitor offices, programs, and activities within their jurisdictions.
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(2) Each standing committee shall be composed of a chairperson, a vice chairperson and at least three (3) members. Other than the Committee on Rules and Privileges whose chair is the Vice President, the chairpersons of the standing committees shall be elected from among the Senators by the Central Student Council in the plenary, and the chairperson shall choose Senators who shall serve as vice chairperson and members of the standing committee. No Senator shall be chairperson of more than one (1) standing committee and vice chairperson of more than three (3) standing committees. (3) The standing committees of the Central Student Council are: 1. Committee on Rules and Privileges All matters directly and principally relating, but not limited to the parliamentary procedures, revision and interpretation of the rules of procedure, and congruity of proposed measures with this Student Constitution and the rules and regulations promulgated by the University administration. The Chairperson of this committee shall respond to questions of the presiding officer or any Senator regarding the Internal Rules of Procedure and parliamentary procedures and to every points of order as requested; review the Order of Business prior to distribution; call the attention of the presiding officer to rectify erroneous referrals; and perform such other duties incidental to his/her position as may be necessary from time to time 2. Committee on Appropriations All matters directly and principally relating, but not limited to the allocation of Central Student Council Funds, review of the proposed annual and supplemental budgets, and fiscal policies. 3. Committee on Student Rights and Welfare All matters directly and principally relating, but not limited to the rights and welfare of students, protection and promotion of the dignity of the students, professional development of students, enhancement programs, and student support services. 4. Committee on Student Organizations All matters directly and principally relating, but not limited to
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Student Rights and Welfare of the Central Student Council of each campus shall assist students in grievance procedures. (2) Students of the Bulacan State University are given the right to air their grievance against any member of the academic community. Grievances are best settled through sincere dialogue and discussion between the parties to a grievance. Formal grievance may be pursued only as a last resort. For this purpose, a grievance shall refer to any controversy between a student as the aggrieved party and a member of the academic community as respondent that may be the cause of a complaint. A grievance may be academic or behavioral. An academic grievance is one that arises from any controversy related to learning or to performance in academic courses while a behavioral grievance is one that arises from the manner a person conducts himself or herself. (3) The Committee on Student Rights and Welfare of the Central Student Council of each campus shall assist students in the preparation and filing of complaints with the disciplining authority; designate student-counsels to assist complainants; ensure that cases filed against respondents are heard and resolved within the timeframe prescribed by the law and such University rules and regulations; seek the assistance of other offices, which may aid in expediting cases; formulate plans and programs and implement the same with the end-in-view of providing timely and accessible legal advice and services to students; organize campaigns to disseminate information among students regarding the services of the Committee on Student Rights and Welfare; and exercise all powers and accomplish all other duties in fulfillment of its mandate. (4) The Committee on Student Rights and Welfare of the Central Student Council shall deputize, in its behalf and under its supervision, the Committees on Student Rights and

Extra ordina ry Duties of the Committee on Student Rights a nd Welfa re. (1) The Committee on
Section 16.

the monitoring and supporting of all student organizations, and review of constitution and bylaws of all student organizations. 5. Committee on Local Government All matters directly and principally relating, but not limited to issues, concerns and capacity-building of Local Student Councils.

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Welfare of all Local Student Councils to assist in its functions. Section 17. Specia l Committees. (1) Special committees may be organized by the Central Student Council to address measures relating to special or urgent needs, concerns, issues and interests of certain students or constituencies requiring immediate legislative action, or to such needs, concerns, issues and interests that may fall within the scope of the jurisdiction of a standing committee, but which the standing committee concerned is unable to act upon with needed dispatch. (2) Any Senator may propose for a creation of a special committee. The chairperson, vice chairperson and members of a special committee shall be chosen in the same manner as that of a standing committee: Provided, That a special committee shall be composed of at least three (3) members, including the chairperson and vice chairperson. Special committees shall operate in the same manner as a standing committee, but shall dissolve upon the conclusion of its task.

Article III
Section 18.

The power of the students to legislate shall reign supreme over the power of the Student Government to make laws. (2) The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall, through an election code, provide for a system of initiative and referendum, and the exceptions therefrom, whereby the students in the concerned areas can directly propose and enact ordinances or amendments to this Student Constitution, or approve or reject any ordinance or part thereof or any provision of this Student Constitution after the registration of a petition thereof signed by at least ten per cent (10%) of the total number of students in an area and after passage thereof through a plebiscite to be administered by the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal. (3) Any ordinance or amendment to this Student Constitution initiated or referred to by the students as herein provided shall take effect and become law when approved by a majority of the votes cast upon such ordinance or amendment to this Student Constitution, and not otherwise,
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Legisla tive Powers of the Students. (1)

Legislation

and shall not be required to receive a majority of the electors voting at such plebiscite. Such ordinance or amendment to this Student Constitution shall be operative on and after the tenth (10 th ) calendar day after the plebiscite at which it is approved: Provided, That 1. Amendments to this Student Constitution must be voted upon by the students of all campuses of the Bulacan State University System; 2. No ordinance or amendment to this Student Constitution approved by a vote of the students shall be amended or repealed by any Central Student Council or Local Student Council; 3. If conflicting ordinances or amendments to this Student Constitution initiated or referred to by the students shall be approved by a majority of the votes severally cast for and against the same at the same plebiscite, the one receiving the highest number of affirmative votes shall become law; and 4. No limitation shall be placed upon the number of ordinances or amendments to this Student Constitution which may be proposed and submitted to the students by either initiative or referendum. (4) No ordinance shall be passed to prohibit circulation of petitions for initiative or referendum, nor in any manner interfering with the freedom of the students in procuring petitions; but ordinances shall be enacted prohibiting and penalizing perjury, forgery, and all other felonies or other fraudulent practices, in the securing of signatures or filing of petitions. (5) No ordinance shall be enacted to restrict, hamper or impair the exercise of the rights herein reserved to the students.
Section 19.

Central Student Council shall extend to the following authority: enacting ordinances or adopting resolutions that will promote the general welfare of students; formulating and implementing programs, projects and activities; establishing rules and regulations promoting student discipline and conduct; establishing the operational mechanisms of the Central Student Council to ensure efficient and effective

Scope of Legisla tive Powers of the Centra l Student Council. The legislative power of the

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delivery of services; enacting rules and regulations on the basis of specific authorization contained in, and for the purpose of implementing, the provisions of this Student Constitution; chartering all student organizations under its jurisdiction and revoking or suspending such charters or requiring any student organization to change its constitution, bylaws or practice to conform to this Student Constitution and Central Student Council legislation; recommending by resolution to the proper University officials any action or policy that the Central Student Council deems to be in the best interests of the student body; conducting oversight hearings and investigations on any matter affecting the student body; establishing rules for the operation of its internal business; reviewing and approving the Central Student Council annual and supplemental budgets; levying fees and charges applicable in the entire campus; establishing its own visual identity; and enacting legislation pursuant to its power, unless prohibited by this Student Constitution.

Scope of Legisla tive Powers of the Loca l Student Council. The legislative power of the Local
Section 20.

Student Council shall extend to the following and shall be effective only in the college of its jurisdiction: developing and implementing programs, projects and activities that promote the welfare of the students under its jurisdiction; exercising participatory governance thereby enabling students to take part in the decision-making processes at the local level; establishing an organization that shall be responsible for the efficient and effective implementation of its plans, program objectives and priorities; creating its own sources of revenues; levying fees and charges not exceeding the amount set by the Central Student Council, and such charges and fees shall accrue exclusively for the use and disposition of the Local Student Council and which shall be retained by it; negotiating and securing financial grants or donations inkind, in support of its objectives without necessity of securing clearance or approval therefor from the Central Student Council; establishing its own visual identity; and enacting policies and ordinances that will promote the interests of the college and its students.
Section 21.

Local Student Councils have the right to legislate insofar as


this Student Constitution does not confer legislative power
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Distribution of Legisla tive Jurisdiction.

on the Central Student Councils. In matters within the exclusive legislative power of the Central Student Councils, the Local Student Councils have power to legislate only where and to the extent that they are given such explicit authorization by this Student Constitution.
Section 22.

Resolution of Doubts a nd Conflicts in Legisla tive Jurisdiction. Where there is inconsistency

between an ordinance or any official act of the Central Student Council and the Local Student Council, the question shall be submitted to the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal for decision. Section 23. Residua l Powers. Legislative powers not granted in this Student Constitution to either the Central Student Councils or to the Local Student Councils are powers reserved to the Local Student Councils. Section 24. Legisla tive Process. (1) Legislative measures of either the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council shall be promulgated in resolutions and ordinances. A resolution is a an expression of the collective opinion of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council, as the case may be, and an ordinance is a statute enacted with the force of law, with general application and has permanent effect unless repealed, superseded or modified by another ordinance. (2) Proposed ordinances and resolutions to be introduced in the plenary of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council, as the case may be, for reference to committees shall be in writing, shall bear the name and signature of the author or co-authors, if any, shall have an explanatory note, shall contain an assigned number, a title or caption, an enacting or ordaining clause, and shall be filed with the Secretary of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council, as the case may be, for inclusion in its Order of Business. Any piece of legislation proposed to the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council, as the case may be, or to any of its committees shall be sponsored by at least one (1) Senator or at least one (1) Class Mayor, as the case may be. No person or entity shall be considered a sponsor of legislation who is not a Senator or a Class Mayor. The sponsor or sponsors of a piece of legislation should be only those parties intimately involved in the drafting, creation, and innovation of the given legislation. Sponsorship
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may be withdrawn at any time until voting begins on the legislation. (3) Proposed ordinances shall be read at least three (3) times on separate sessions, viz.: 1. The first reading of proposed ordinances shall be when the titles thereof are read in a session and referred to the corresponding standing committee for consideration and public hearing. A public hearing for a proposed ordinance by a Local Student Council must be attended by at least twenty per cent (20%) of the total number of students of the college, and a public hearing for a proposed ordinance by a Central Student Council must be attended by at least ten per cent (10%) of the total number of students of every college in the campus. During the public hearing, the proposed ordinance shall be deliberated upon and put into a vote. If a majority of the students and the members of the committee present are in favor of the proposed ordinance, it shall pass the first reading and thereafter be subjected to a second reading; otherwise, the proposed ordinance shall be relegated to the archives and deliberations thereon shall be postponed indefinitely. 2. The second reading shall be when the proposed ordinance after review of the standing committee and public hearing are sponsored by the chairperson of the standing committee wherein the proposed ordinance was referred to, and submitted for debate, consideration of, and amendment by, the plenary of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council, as the case may be. No provision of the proposed ordinance which was either amended or stricken out during the public hearing shall be reinstated in its original form; and 3. The third reading shall be when after having been approved on second reading, the proposed ordinance in final form is submitted for the final vote of the plenary. (4) An ordinance or resolution shall pass the second and third readings by the vote of the simple majority of the Senators for the Central Student Council or of the Class
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Mayors for the Local Student Council present during a session, there being a quorum. An ordinance authorizing or directing the payment of money or creating liability shall require the affirmative vote of the qualified majority of all Senators or all Class Mayors, as the case may be. Section 25. Approva l of Ordina nces. (1) All ordinances of the Central Student Council shall be signed by the President, the Vice President and the concurring Senators, certified by the Secretary as to its authenticity and attested by the Adviser to the Central Student Council so as to declare that the ordinance is passed in a session. Ordinances shall be forwarded to the University President or campus administrator, whichever is applicable, for review and approval. When the University President or campus administrator, whichever is applicable, fails to declare an ordinance approved or disapproved within fifteen (15) working days after receipt thereof, the ordinance shall be deemed valid and in effect. (2) All ordinances of the Local Student Council shall be signed by the Governor, the Vice Governor, and the concurring Mayors, certified by the Secretary as to its authenticity and attested by the Adviser to the Local Student Council for approval of the Dean of the College. When the Dean of the College fails to declare an ordinance approved or disapproved within fifteen (15) working days after receipt thereof, the ordinance shall be deemed valid and in effect.
Section 26.

at least once a month, the day and time of which shall be designated by the Central Student Council. In case the session falls under a non-working holiday, it shall be held on the following working day. The President may postpone, after consultation with the Vice President, the holding of the session due to force majeure or the occurrence of an emergency which may prevent the convening of the Central Student Council. All sessions shall be held in a public venue. When student interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the President or Vice President or by any two (2) Senators: Provided, That a written notice shall be served personally. Unless otherwise concurred in by the majority of Senators present, there being a quorum, no other matters may be considered at a special session except those stated in the
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The Central Student Council shall meet in regular session

Sessions of the Centra l Student Council.

notice. No two (2) sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day. Section 27. Sessions of the Loca l Student Council. All sessions of the Local Student Council shall be made in public, to be held at least once a week, at the time, day and place it shall designate. Official actions of the Local Student Council shall be enacted by the majority of the Class Mayors present in a session, there being a quorum. The journal of the session shall be submitted to the Central Student Council. When student interest so demands, special sessions may be called by the Governor or Vice Governor or by any five (5) Class Mayors: Provided, That a written notice shall be served personally. Unless otherwise concurred in by the majority of Class Mayors present, there being a quorum, no other matters may be considered at a special session except those stated in the notice. No two (2) sessions, regular or special, may be held in a single day. Section 28. Quorum. (1) A majority of all Senators who have been elected and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business in the Central Student Council, and a majority of all Class Mayors who have been elected and qualified shall constitute a quorum to transact official business in the Local Student Council. (2) Where there is no quorum, no business shall be transacted. The presiding officer, upon proper motion duly approved by those present, shall then declare the session adjourned for lack of quorum. Section 29. Order of Business. (1) The Order of Business in every session shall be as follows: 1. Call to order 2. Roll call 3. Invocation 4. National Anthem 5. Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous session 6. Reference of business and first reading a. Messages and correspondence b. Communications and petitions c. First reading and reference to committees of: i. Proposed ordinances ii. Proposed resolutions 7. Committee reports
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8. Calendar of business for second reading a. Unfinished business b. Business for the day 9. Proposed ordinances and resolutions for third reading 10. Other matters 11. Adjournment (2) The Unfinished Business shall refer to a list of items that have been left unacted upon, postponed or left unfinished during the previous session; and the Business for the Day shall refer to a list of items for discussion or decision of the plenary in the present session. (3) The Order of Business for every session shall be prepared by the Secretary and reviewed by the Chairperson of the Committee on Rules and Privileges; and copies thereof shall be distributed to the presiding officer, and the Senators or the Class Mayor, as the case may be, at least three (3) calendar days prior to a session.

Article IV
Judicial and Electoral Tribunal
Section 30.

independent, autonomous and nonpartisan Judicial and Electoral Tribunal in the entire Bulacan State University System. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall be composed of seven (7) Members who are currently enrolled in the Bulacan State University, the appointment of which is as follows: three (3) Members appointed by the Dean of the College of Law who shall be full-time students of the College of Law who have completed at least one (1) full year of law curriculum; two (2) Members appointed by the University President who shall be full-time students of the University; and two (2) Members appointed by the Dean of the College of Science and Philosophy who shall be full-time accounting students who have completed at least one (1) full year of accountancy curriculum. The Dean of the College of Law shall serve as Adviser to the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal. (2) The Members of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall elect a Chancellor and such other officers from among themselves to serve a term of one (1) year with reelection. The Chancellor shall exercise sole administrative
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Composition. (1) There shall be an

power over the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal; make appointments as deemed necessary; certify the disbursement of funds; and preside over the sessions of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal. Section 31. Term of Office. Each Member of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall serve office during good behavior, which shall terminate upon graduation from the Bulacan State University, death, resignation, or removal from office. Section 32. Judicia l Duties a nd Powers. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall exercise jurisdiction over all cases of interpretation of the Student Constitution and any legislation; any dispute between Central Student Councils or Local Student Councils, or between any organ of the Student Government and the students; any dispute in which both parties consent to the jurisdiction of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal; all cases of impeachment against officers of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Councils; regular review of all book of accounts of the Central Student Council and the Local Student Councils; and investigations against any officer of the Central Student Council or Local Student Councils. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal may, at its own initiative or upon application by any person, conduct investigation against any officer of the Student Government. Section 33. Electora l Duties a nd Powers. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall administer all elections and plebiscites in the Bulacan State University System; promulgate rules and regulations on the conduct of such election and plebiscite pursuant to this Constitution; decide on all cases of eligibility of candidates and parties, electoral complaints and the kind; and designate inferior electoral tribunals in all campuses to conduct, in its behalf and under its supervision, such election or plebiscite, as it may deem necessary. Section 34. Prohibitions. (1) Members of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal may not run for any elective office in the Central Student Council and the Local Student Council or as Class Officer during their term, nor may they serve on the campaign of any candidate. If a Member wishes to run for any position, he/she must resign from the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal before the beginning of the
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campaigning period for that particular election or else will be deemed ineligible for candidacy in that election. (2) No person shall be appointed Member of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal who is a member of any student political party or who has served in any elective position in the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council within three (3) years prior to appointment. (3) No person shall be appointed in the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal who has affiliation with any Fascist, Nazi or Communist movement, party or organization, or any organization that promotes the overthrow of the legally and democratically installed government. Section 35. Rules of Procedure. Within sixty (60) working days after the commencement of every academic year, the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall adopt, review or amend its rules of procedure to govern its proceedings; copies of which shall be furnished all Central Student Councils and Local Student Councils.

There shall be constituted in every college a Local Student Council to be composed of a Governor, a Vice Governor, and all Class Mayors as Members.
Section 36.

Local Student Councils


Composition.

Article V

Section 37. Autonomy a nd Rela tionship with the Centra l Student Council. (1) The Local Student Councils

are equal political subdivisions of the Student Government and their self-governing nature shall be protected at all times. The Local Student Councils shall be vested with the autonomy and authority that will enable them to perform their functions efficiently and effectively, to attain their full potential as self-reliant units, and to collaborate with the entire Student Government in achieving common goals for their mutual benefit. Toward these ends, the Local Student Councils and the students shall exercise initiative, resourcefulness and the will to assume the responsibilities of self-governance and cooperation. A liberal statutory construction shall be given to the powers and functions of Local Student Councils.

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(2) Local Student Councils shall perform tasks and exercise powers not reserved by this Student Constitution to the Central Student Councils or other organs of government. The Local Student Councils shall support their respective Central Student Council in maintaining the integrity and interdependence of the Student Government, and shall comply with and enforce this Student Constitution.
Section 38.

Office. Governors and Vice Governors shall be elected on

Schedule of Elections a nd Oa th of

the second Monday of February each year. Class Mayors and such other Class Officers shall be elected within the first month of the commencement of each semester, the date thereof shall be assigned by the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal. (2) Governors and Vice Governors shall, before they enter into the execution of their office, take an oath of office before the President of the Central Student Council. Class Officers shall take the same oath before the Governor.
Section 39.

Ma nner of Election a nd Term of the Governor, Vice Governor a nd Cla ss Officers. (1) Each
college shall elect a Governor and Vice Governor. The vote of the Governor shall be the vote of the Vice Governor of the same ticket; hence, on the ballot, only the position of Governor shall appear. The ticket who shall receive the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected. The Governor and Vice Governor shall hold office during the term of one (1) year to commence on the second Monday of March immediately after the election. (2) The Class Officers shall be elected in each section; the candidate who shall receive the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected. They shall assume office upon election to serve a term of one (1) semester subject for reelection.

Va ca ncies a nd Succession in the Loca l Student Council a nd Cla ss Officers. (1) In case a
Section 40.

permanent vacancy in the office of the Governor occurs, the Vice Governor shall become Governor, and a Vice Governor shall be elected by the Mayors from among themselves. In case both offices of the Governor and Vice Governor become permanently vacant, the Mayors shall elect from among themselves a Governor and Vice Governor to serve the unexpired term.
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(2) If a permanent vacancy occurs in the office of Mayor, the Vice Mayor shall become Mayor, followed by the Secretary and Treasurer. Permanent vacancy in the office of Treasurer shall be filled by election of the students of the class. Section 41. The Governor. (1) The Governor shall be the chief executive and presiding officer of the Local Student Council of the College. (2) As chief executive, the Governor shall exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services, and activities of the Local Student Council; enforce all ordinances enacted by the Central Student Council and the Local Student Council; direct the formulation of the annual Local Student Council Annual Plan of Action and upon approval thereof by the Local Student Council, implement the same; represent the Local Student Council in all its business transactions and sign in its behalf all bonds, contracts, and obligations, and such other documents upon authority of the Local Student Council by resolution; ensure that all Members of the Local Student Council and all Class Officers faithfully discharge their duties and functions, and cause to be instituted administrative or judicial proceedings against any Member of the Local Student Council and Class Officer who may have committed an offense in the performance of his/her official duties; submit to the President of the Central Student Council, the Dean of the College, and the University President an annual report containing a summary of all matters pertinent to the management, administration and development of the Local Student Council and all information and data relative to its conditions; and sign all warrants drawn on the treasury for all expenditures appropriated for the operation of the Local Student Council. (3) As presiding officer, the Governor shall preserve order and decorum during sessions; decide all questions of order, subject to appeal of any Member of the Local Student Council in accordance with the internal rules of procedure; attest and sign all acts, ordinances, resolutions, memorials, writs issued by, or upon order of the Local Student Council; and vote to break a tie. Section 42. The Vice Governor. (1) The Vice Governor shall, during the absence of the Governor, perform
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the duties and exercise the powers and authority of the Governor and every act done and proceeding taken in or by the Local Student Council when the Vice Governor is acting as Governor shall be as valid and effectual as if the Governor himself/herself were acting; and every such act or proceeding done or taken by the Local Student Council and every deed, instrument or other document signed and executed by the Vice Governor while acting as Governor as aforesaid shall have the same force, effect and validity as if the same had been done or signed or executed by the Governor himself/herself. (2) The Vice Governor shall assist the Governor in the performance of duties and, as deputy to the Governor, act as chief operating officer of the Local Student Council. (3) The Vice Governor shall chair the committee on rules and privileges; preside over the session of the Local Student Council when, even if present, the Governor does not preside; and during sessions, when not acting as Governor or presiding officer, the Vice Governor shall be the floor leader. Section 43. Cla ss Officers. There shall be a set of Class Officers in each section to be composed of a Mayor, a Vice Mayor, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Class Officers shall encourage full participation of the class in the programs, projects and activities of the Local Student Council; and ensure that all students of the class are involved in the decision-making processes of the Local Student Council. Section 44. The Cla ss Ma yor. (1) As chief executive of the class, the Class Mayor shall enforce the ordinances of the Local Student Council; act as liaison between the Local Student Council and the class; represent and serve as a spokesperson of the class; prepare the agenda together with the Class Secretary and facilitate all class meetings and voting process; provide direction to other Class Officers including delegating specific tasks, establishing goals and monitoring progress; oversee any class committee that is formed to assist with a class event or project; regularly report to the Class Adviser and the Governor of the Local Student Council; and accomplish such other duties that may stipulated by the internal rules of procedure of the Local Student Council.
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(2) As Member of the Local Student Council, the Class Mayor shall initiate and propose legislative measures to the Local Student Council and as often as may be deemed necessary; prepare, introduce and work for the passage of legislative measures to effectively address student needs and concerns; attend plenary sessions and meetings of committees of which they are members or where their proposed legislative measures are under consideration; participate actively in deliberations on legislative measures; articulate faithfully the demands and interests of their constituencies that are affected by proposed legislative measures or by conditions, issues and concerns requiring legislative action; and perform such other actions as may be lawful and necessary to ensure the swift passage of legislative measures needed to effectively address student needs and promote development, as well as the efficient and timely conduct of legislative oversight. Section 45. The Cla ss Vice Ma yor. The Class Vice Mayor shall assist together with other Class Officers the Class Mayor in planning, organizing, and implementing class programs, projects and activities. In the absence of the Class Mayor, the Class Vice Mayor shall exercise the powers and duties of the Class Mayor; and accomplish such other duties that may stipulated by the internal rules of procedure of the Local Student Council. Section 46. The Cla ss Secreta ry. The Class Secretary shall maintain legible and accurate minutes of every meeting of the Class Officers and of the class, and submit copies of the same to the Local Student Council; prepare and keep all correspondence and letters; have custody of all records and files; and accomplish such other duties that may stipulated by the internal rules of procedure of the Local Student Council. Section 47. The Cla ss Trea surer. The Class Treasurer shall have custody of all funds of the class; report on the financial status of the class; collect dues and other fees; arrange for and manage all publicity and advertisements; prepare and conduct fundraising activities; devise ways and means of financing any and all class program, projects activities and events that require fund; and accomplish such other duties that may stipulated by the internal rules of procedure of the Local Student Council.
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Section 48.

The Local Student Council shall, by the vote of the majority of all its Members, elect a member of the faculty of the college as Adviser to the Local Student Council. Section 49. Adviser to the Cla ss Officers. The class adviser shall automatically be the Adviser to the Class Officers. Section 50. Interna l Rules of Procedure. On the first regular session following the election of the Local Student Council and within twenty (20) working days thereafter, the Local Student Council shall adopt or update its existing internal rules of procedure, which shall include: 1. The specific duties and functions of the Governor, Vice Governor and Class Officers in addition to those stated in this Student Constitution, except those explicitly prohibited thereby; 2. The organization of the Local Student Council including the appointment of a secretary, treasurer and such other officers; the creation of standing committees which shall include, but shall not be limited to, the committees on rules and privileges, appropriations, student rights and welfare, physical and infrastructure development, student development and empowerment, and student conduct; the general jurisdiction of each committee; the election of the chairperson and members of each committee; and the creation of special committees; and 3. The order of business for each session, legislative process and parliamentary procedures.

Adviser to the Loca l Student Council.

Civic, Political and Electoral Participation


Section 51.

Article VI

shall be the duty and obligation of every student to participate actively in public and civic affairs of the Student Government, and to contribute to good governance, honesty and integrity in the public service and the vitality and viability of democracy in the Student Government. Students shall enhance their civic efficiency and political effectiveness by their involvement in student organizations or student
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Duty of Students to Pa rticipa te. It

political parties, as well as in discussions on student issues and concerns.


Section 52.

Orga niza tions. The Student Government shall ensure

Freedom

to

Esta blish

Student

freedom for the creation and functioning of organizations of students, student movements, and other student voluntary associations, and its autonomy shall be respected and guaranteed at all times.

a nd

Government and student organizations shall be entities separate from each other, and the relationship between the Student Government and student organizations shall be based on the principle of respect for their autonomy and the mutual independence of each in its own sphere, as well as on the principle of cooperation for the individual and the common good. (2) No person who is elected officer of any student organization shall at the same time serve office in the Central Student Council, the Local Student Council or the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal. Any officer of a student organization who is elected in any office of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council or appointed in the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall be deemed resigned from the student organization.
Section 54.

the

Section 53.

Student

Sepa ra tion of Student Orga niza tions Government. (1) The Student

Student organizations that foster violence or whose aim is the overthrow of the democratically installed government or provide for the secrecy of their own structure or membership shall be forbidden. Section 55. Regula tion of Student Orga niza tions. The application and approval procedures of student organizations shall be established by the University Office of Student Organizations: Provided, That as part of the requirements, student organizations shall be chartered by the Central Student Council to ensure that the constitution and bylaws thereof conform with this Student Constitution, and that the purposes of such student organization do not conflict with this Student Constitution. Section 56. Student Politica l Pa rties. Student political parties are organizations that enable their members and the party to select candidates for public office, to
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Prohibited Student Orga niza tions.

mobilize support for their election, to shape and influence public opinion and educate the students politically, and to determine the principles, policies and program that will guide their members as they and the student political party seek and exercise governmental power. Section 57. Multi-Pa rty System. An open party system shall be adopted in all campuses of the Bulacan State University and, as entities separate from student organizations, the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall have sole power to recognize official student political parties, as follows: 1. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall accept all applications for recognition of student political parties, which shall be open in the entire academic year. 2. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall review an application in a public hearing to be called for that purpose, and recognize the official student political parties in the campus having clear platforms of governmet, constitutions and organizational structures: Provided, That a student political party in the Malolos Campus shall not have less than two hundred (200) student-members, and that every student political party in Bustos, Meneses and Sarmiento Campuses and in such other campus that may be established shall not have less than fifty (50) student-members. 3. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall declare the recognized and official student political parties, which shall have the sole right to field candidates for President, Vice President, Senator, Governor and Vice Governor. 4. Recognition shall be valid for five (5) years subject to renewal. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal may revoke the recognition of such official student political parties for culpable violation of this Student Constitution, insufficient number of members, and failure to field candidates in two (2) successive campus-wide elections. 5. No student political party shall be recognized whose programs are based upon totalitarian methods and the modes of activity of Nazism,
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Fascism and Communism, as well as those whose programs or activities sanction racial or national hatred, or the application of violence for the purpose of obtaining power or influencing state or government policy. Section 58. Politica l Turncoa tism. Any member of an official student political party who changes party affiliation after being nominated by the party shall be deemed to have committed political turncoatism. Political turncoatism shall be penalized by the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal through the following: forfeiture of office if an elected official changes his/her political party affiliation during his/her incumbency; disqualification from running for any elective position in the next election immediately following the act of changing political party affiliation; prohibition from being appointed or from holding any position in any office of the Central Student Council or Local Student Council; and prohibition from assuming any executive or administrative position in his/her new political party. This provision shall apply after the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal have fulfilled the first recognition proceedings of student political parties after the ratification this Student Constitution. Section 59. Eligibi lity a nd Limi ta ti ons of Ca ndi da tes a nd Officers of the Student Government. (1) No person except a student of the Bulacan State University campus wherein he/she shall be elected shall be eligible to the office of President or Vice President, and, in case of the office of Senator, Governor and Vice Governor, a student of the college which he/she shall represent; neither shall any person be eligible to any of those offices who is not enrolled in the University or who shall graduate from the campus on the next academic year prior to the commencement or completion of his/her term. (2) No person shall be elected to the office of the President more than once, and no person who has held the office of President, or acted as President, for more than five (5) months of a term to which some other person was elected President shall thereafter be elected to the office of the President. No person shall be elected to the office of Senator more than twice. (3) No person shall be elected Class Officer who is not a student of the section in which he/she shall be elected.
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(4) No person shall serve more than one (1) elective office in the Central Student Council or in the Local Student Council or as Class Officer at the same time. (5) No person hereafter convicted of embezzlement of public money, bribery, forgery or other infamous violation of University rules and regulation and the laws of the Republic of the Philippines shall be eligible to the Student Government or capable of holding any office of trust in the Student Government. Section 60. Election Code. Within sixty (60) working days upon ratification of this Student Constitution, the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall promulgate an election code that shall regulate and guide all official student political parties, all election acts and electoral procedure including a system of initiative and referendum.

Accountability and Disciplinary Action


Section 61.

Article VII

A President, Vice President, Senator, Governor, Vice Governor and any Member of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall be removed from office upon conviction by the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal of culpable violation of this Student Constitution, dishonesty, graft and corruption, and gross negligence of duty. (2) For the same reasons, Class Officers shall be removed from office by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all students of the section. Section 62. Procedure. Written charges of impeachment shall be filed with the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal and may be brought by any student. A public impeachment hearing shall be conducted, and the vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the total membership of the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall be necessary for conviction. Section 63. Pena lty. Conviction in cases of impeachment shall extend to removal from office, and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of the Central Student Council, the Local Student Council and the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal or any student organization. An impeachment, whether successful or not, shall be no bar to an indictment.
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Grounds for Remova l from Office. (1)

Article VIII
Section 64.

Council, the Local Student Councils and the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall accrue from Student Government fees and other revenues generated from fundraising activities, donations, and grants. Section 65. Distribution of Funds. To ensure fair and equitable sharing of revenues, the distribution of funds shall be as follows: 1. The University Office of Administration and Finance shall allocate each Local Student Council fifty per cent (50%) of the total Student Government fees collected from its college. 2. After deducting the allocation for all Local Student Councils, twenty per cent (20%) of the total remainder of the Student Government fees shall be apportioned by the University Office of Administration and Finance to the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal, and the rest to the Central Student Councils, as follows: a. Population For every campus population of ten thousand (10,000) students, a Central Student Council shall receive ten per cent (10%); however, should there be a campus with a population not exceeding ten thousand (10,000) students, the Central Student Council thereof shall nevertheless be entitled to ten per cent (10%); and b. Equal sharing The remainder shall be distributed evenly to all Central Student Councils of all campuses. Section 66. Use of Funds. Funds shall be available exclusively for the specific purpose for which they have been appropriated. All disbursements shall be supported by an approved appropriations ordinance, and no money shall be appropriated, used, or paid for entertainment or reception purposes. No money shall be paid on account of any contract under which no services have been rendered or goods delivered. No ordinance shall be passed granting honoraria to
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Funds. Funds of the Central Student

Finance

the officers and members of the Central Student Council and the Local Student Councils. Section 67. Fees a nd Cha rges. No fees and charges shall be levied without the consent of the governed and such consent shall be determined by means of public hearings or by plebiscite, whichever is applicable. Section 68. Annua l Budget. (1) Each Central Student Council and Local Student Council shall, within the first semester of each year but not later than the 31 st day of August, enact an annual plan of action and annual appropriations ordinance, which shall contain the programs, projects and activities intended for the entire year and their corresponding budgetary appropriations in line item: Provided, That maintenance and other operating expenses shall not exceed thirty per cent (30%) of the total appropriations and the remaining seventy per cent (70%) shall be allocated for programs, projects, activities and capital outlays. (2) The appropriations shall be based on the statement of sources of funds available issued by the University Office of Administration and Finance. (3) The annual plan of action and annual appropriations ordinance shall be passed in the same manner as that of any ordinance with the Committee on Appropriations as proponent; however, such Ordinance shall require submission to the University Office of Administration and Finance for certification, in this style: Certified funds available. Thereafter, it shall be submitted to the University President or the College Dean, as the case may be, for approval. Section 69. Supplementa l Budget. A supplemental budget may be enacted by ordinance in times of emergency by way of budgetary realignment to set aside appropriations for the purchase of supplies and materials or the payment of services which are exceptionally urgent or absolutely indispensable. Such ordinance shall clearly indicate the sources of funds available for appropriations, as certified by the University Office of Administration and Finance, and the various items of appropriations affected and the reasons for the change. Section 70. Surplus. Unexpended balances of appropriations authorized in the annual appropriations
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ordinance shall revert to the unappropriated surplus of the general fund of the Central Student Council or Local Student Council concerned at the end of the academic year and shall not thereafter be available for the expenditure except by subsequent legislation. However, appropriations for capital outlays shall continue and remain valid until fully spent, reverted or the project is completed. Section 71. Signa tories. All disbursements, checks and orders of payment shall be signed by the President for the Central Student Council or by the Governor for the Local Student Council, the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council Treasurer, and the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council chairperson of the Committee on Appropriations. Section 72. Audit. The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall require an audit of Central Student Council and Local Student Council finances on the month of March of every year, and the books, accounts, papers, and cash kept by the Treasurer of the Central Student Council or the Local Student Council shall at all times be open for inspection by the Judicial and Electoral Tribunal or its duly authorized representative.
Section 73.

Expenditures. The Treasurer of the Central Student


Council or the Local Student Council shall, within ten (10) days from the end of each semester, post in at least three (3) publicly accessible and conspicuous places in the campus or the college a summary of all funds received and the appropriations and disbursements of such funds during the preceding semester.

Posting of Fina ncia l Sta tements a nd

Article IX
Section 74.

may be amended by initiative or referendum of the students of all campuses of the Bulacan State University System as provided for in Section 18, Article III of this Student Constitution. Section 75. Prohibition. No amendment shall be introduced within five (5) years after the ratification of this Constitution.
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Procedure. This Student Constitution

Amendments

Section 76.

election of the President, Vice President, Senators, Governors and Vice Governors, as mandated in this Student Constitution, shall be observed beginning on the election in the year 2013. Section 77. Budgeting Process. Budgeting processes prescribed in this Student Constitution shall be implemented beginning on the first semester of the year 2013.

Mode of Election. The mode of

Final Provisions

A RTICLE X

upon the effectivity of this Student Constitution, the Central Student Council shall review the constitution and bylaws of all student organizations to ensure conformity with this Student Constitution. Should any conflict arise, the Central Student Council may revoke the charter of the student organization or recommend amendments thereto. The Office of Student Organization shall, upon recommendation of the Central Student Council, revoke the accreditation of any student organization whose purposes or programs shall be found prohibited by this Student Constitution.
Section 79.

Section 78. Review of the Constitution a nd Byla ws of Student Orga niza tions. Within sixty (60) working days

The Judicial and Electoral Tribunal shall conduct the first recognition procedure of student political parties on the month of January 2013 next following the ratification of this Student Constitution.
Section 80.

Recognition of Student Politica l Pa rties.

School. The Laboratory High School is a separate and


autonomous entity, and it shall establish its own constitution; its own student government; its own budgeting practices and procedures; and its own judicial, administrative and electoral systems. The Central Student Council and all other institutions established in this Constitution shall have no power and authority over the student government of the Laboratory High School and all offices that it may create. No ordinance or amendment to this Student Constitution shall be passed infringing or abridging the powers and autonomy

Autonomy

of

the

La bora tory

High

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of the student government of the Laboratory High School, and its independence shall at all times be guaranteed. Section 81. Repea ling Cla use. All previous constitutions, issuances, ordinances, codes, rules and regulations or parts thereof, which are inconsistent or in conflict with the provisions of this Student Constitution are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. Section 82. Effectivity. This Student Constitution shall take effect beginning on its ratification.

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