Operation REFOCUS University Student Government Constitution with Proposed Amendments De La Salle University AY 2013-2014 1 De La Salle University University Student Government Constitution CONTENT Preamble Article I Name and Seat Article II Membership Article III Declaration of Principles, Purposes and Policies Article IV Declaration of Rights, Duties and Responsibilities of Students Article V The Legislative Branch Article VI The Executive Branch Article VII The Judiciary Branch Article VIII Constitutional Commissions Article IX The College Student Government Article X Accountability of USG Elected and Appointed Officers Article XI The USG Assembly Article XII The Convention of Leaders Article XIII Elections Article XIV Vacancies Article XV General Provisions Article XVI Amendments Article XVII Transitory Provisions PREAMBLE We, the undergraduate students of De La Salle University, imploring the aid of the Almighty God and invoking the patronage of St. John Baptist De La Salle, assert our inherent democratic right to pursue an autonomous and genuine student government that shall inspire us to become true Lasallian achievers for God and country, reinvigorate our formation as Lasallians who secure the common good, harmony, unity and cooperation among ourselves and with those who, together with us, make up the Lasallian community of persons, scholars, learners and citizens, and embody our libertarian ideals, nationalist aspirations and noble vision of a humane and sovereign society, do solemnly ordain and promulgate this Constitution.
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Appendix D - 2014 USG Constitution (With Proposed Amendments)
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Operation REFOCUS University Student Government Constitution with Proposed Amendments De La Salle University AY 2013-2014
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De La Salle University
University Student Government
Constitution
CONTENT
Preamble
Article I Name and Seat
Article II Membership
Article III Declaration of Principles,
Purposes and Policies
Article IV Declaration of Rights, Duties and
Responsibilities of Students
Article V The Legislative Branch
Article VI The Executive Branch
Article VII The Judiciary Branch
Article VIII Constitutional Commissions
Article IX The College Student Government
Article X Accountability of USG Elected and
Appointed Officers
Article XI The USG Assembly
Article XII The Convention of Leaders
Article XIII Elections
Article XIV Vacancies
Article XV General Provisions
Article XVI Amendments
Article XVII Transitory Provisions
PREAMBLE
We, the undergraduate students of De La Salle University, imploring the aid of the Almighty
God and invoking the patronage of St. John Baptist De La Salle, assert our inherent democratic
right to pursue an autonomous and genuine student government that shall inspire us to become
true Lasallian achievers for God and country, reinvigorate our formation as Lasallians who
secure the common good, harmony, unity and cooperation among ourselves and with those who,
together with us, make up the Lasallian community of persons, scholars, learners and citizens,
and embody our libertarian ideals, nationalist aspirations and noble vision of a humane and
sovereign society, do solemnly ordain and promulgate this Constitution.
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Article I
NAME AND SEAT
Section 1 The name of this student government, established under this Constitution, shall
be known as the University Student Government of De La Salle University, which
shall hereinafter be referred to as the USG.
Section 2 The seat of the USG shall be in the De La Salle University with campuses in 2401
Taft Avenue, Manila and Science and Technology Complex, Barrio Malamig,
Biñan, Laguna, which shall both hereinafter be referred to as the University. The
Science and Technology Complex campus shall hereinafter be referred to as the
STC.
Article II
MEMBERSHIP
The members of the USG shall be all undergraduate students of the University, which shall
hereinafter be referred to as the students.
Article III
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, PURPOSES AND POLICIES
PRINCIPLES
Section 1 The USG shall have the power of which emanates from the student body. It shall
be the sole, unified, autonomous and democratic representative body of the
students.
Section 2 The USG shall recognize the importance of the University’s Vision-Mission
Statement which shall serve as a guide of the USG in achieving its own Vision,
goals and objectives.
Section 3 The USG is founded on the principles of representation, participative democracy,
collaboration, equitability, common good, integrity, transparency, accountability
and efficiency in the delivery of services and discharge of duties and
responsibilities.
Section 4 The USG shall uphold the principle of unity and cooperation with all sectors of
the Lasallian community.
PURPOSES
Section 5 The USG shall be the university-level model government, upon which its
structure and selected processes are patterned after the Philippine government.
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Section 6 The USG shall be at the forefront of the students’ struggle for their rights and
welfare, as embodied in Article IV of this Constitution, the Student Handbook,
the Student Charter and the laws of the land.
Section 7 The USG shall provide mechanisms in fostering the physical, intellectual, moral,
cultural, civic, spiritual and political interests of the students, as long as these are
not contrary to the University’s Vision-Mission Statement.
Section 8 The USG shall provide mechanisms in developing critical thinking among the
students and encourage the use of knowledge, skills and resources in fulfilling
their roles as the youth of this country by contributing to nation-building.
Section 9 The USG shall endeavor to maintain a progressive and innovative academic
institution that offers holistic, scientific, liberating and world-class education.
Section 10 The USG shall continuously encourage student organizations to promote and
safeguard the rights and welfare of their members.
POLICIES
Section 11 The USG shall pursue an independent stand, not dictated by any other sector,
other than the students.
Section 12 The USG shall value academic freedom, spirit of the law and the equality of
gender, religion, race and political inclination.
Section 13 The USG shall provide avenues for different political views to support proposals
in the legislative process and struggle against all forms of exploitation,
oppression and corruption.
Section 14 The USG shall establish and maintain relevant linkages with various offices,
sectors and cause-oriented groups within and outside the University to create
venues for resource sharing and maximization, and development.
Section 15 The USG shall pursue a policy of dialogue with other student governments,
movements and the marginalized sectors of society, consonant with its principles
and purposes.
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Section 16 The USG shall renounce instruments of policy, programs and undertakings which
are in contrary to the rules and regulations of the University and the laws of the
land.
Section 17 The USG shall maintain open lines of communication among its branches and
with its constituents through effective and efficient means, recognizing English
and Filipino as its official languages for oral and written exchanges.
Section 18 The USG shall adopt and implement a policy of public disclosure of all its
transactions involving the interest of its members.
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Article IV
DECLARATION OF RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
Section 1 The rights of every student shall be based on the provisions of the Student
Handbook and the Student Charter which shall be observed and upheld by all
sectors in the University.
Section 2 The rights of every student as a human being stipulated in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights shall be recognized and upheld by all sectors in the
University.
Section 3 Every student shall observe and uphold the laws of the land, the rules and
regulations of the University as stipulated in the Student Handbook and this
Constitution.
Section 4 Every student shall exercise his or her rights responsibly and in good faith.
Section 5 Every student shall uphold the academic integrity of the University, endeavor to
achieve academic excellence and abide by the rules and regulations governing his
or her academic responsibilities.
Section 6 Every student shall promote and maintain the peace and tranquility of the
University by exerting efforts and initiatives to attain harmonious relationships
with members of the Lasallian community.
Section 7 Every student shall uphold, preserve and maintain the integrity of his or her
Alma Mater.
Section 8 Every student shall be encouraged to participate actively in extra-curricular and
civic affairs and in the promotion of the common good, particularly in the social,
economic and cultural development of his or her community
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Article V
THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
Legislative Assembly
Section 1 The Legislative Assembly, which shall hereinafter be referred to as LA, shall be
the highest policy-making body of the USG. The legislative power shall be vested
in the LA, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provisions on
initiative and referendum.
Section 2 The LA shall be composed of the following:
2.1. Chief Legislator;
2.2. All Legislators; and
2.3. Legislative Assembly Secretariat.
Section 3 The LA shall endeavor to discuss and decide on the following matters:
3.1. Resolutions on University-wide issues, curricular and extra-curricular;
3.2. Resolutions on national and sectoral issues;
3.3. Integral policies, existing operations, pending and existing projects and
programs;
3.4. Budget allocation proposal of the USG as proposed by the Executive
Treasurer;
3.5. Approval of Replacement Officers for resigning or impeached elected
officers; and
3.6. File an appeal to the Judiciary for any disagreement with the Presidential
Veto or Executive Order.
Section 4 The Chief Legislator shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
4.1 Be elected by the Legislators during the first session of term in office
presided by the President;
4.2 Call and preside over the sessions of the LA and appoint from its
members, except for the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders and LA
Secretariat, a replacement upon his or her incapacity or absence;
4.3 Call and preside over the meetings of the LA Inner Circle and appoint
from its members, except for the LA Secretariat, a replacement upon his
or her incapacity or absence;
4.4 Call special LA sessions;
4.5 Preserve order and proper decorum during sessions and, in case of any
disturbance or disorderly conduct within the premises where the session
is being held, take such measures as he or she may deem advisable or as
the LA may direct;
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4.6 Rule on all questions of order, subject to the appeal by any member of the
LA, which appeal shall not be debatable, but the member appealing may
explain his or her for not more than five minutes;
4.7 Sign and affix the seal of the USG on all resolutions, memorials, writs,
warrants and subpoenas issued by the order of the LA;
4.8 Enforce all rules, policies and procedures governing the LA, acting as its
supervisor, and ensure that parliamentary procedure is followed
accordingly;
4.9 Receive periodic reports from all units and members of the LA whose
frequency of submission shall be at his or her discretion;
4.10 Appoint Legislators to LA Committees;
4.11 Be an ex-officio member of all LA Committees and multi-sectoral
committees inside the University;
4.12 Be the official representative and spokesperson of the LA in functions that
require its presence; and
4.13 Submit to the President and Chief Magistrate trimestral reports that shall
present and evaluate the state of the administrative and operational
affairs of the Legislative branch and recommend further actions.
Section 5 The Legislators shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
5.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator;
5.2. Participate actively in every session;
5.3. Conduct regular consultations with his or her constituents regarding
curricular and extra-curricular issues and concerns;
5.4. Be assigned to only one (1) LA Committee and to only one (1) multi-
sectoral committee inside the University objectively;
5.5. Be a member of the College Legislative Board;
5.6. Create, with the other College Legislative Board members, the Rules of
Internal Governance of their respective College Student Governments;
5.7. Review pending and existing policies, programs and resolutions;
5.8. Pass resolutions that uphold Article III of this Constitution;
5.9. Be entitled to a copy of all minutes, resolutions and similar documents
that concern the legislative proceedings; and
5.10. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator.
Section 6 The Legislators shall, during the first session of the term in office, elect among
themselves the Majority Floor Leader and the Minority Floor Leader.
6.1 The Majority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions
in a specific issue or resolution of the members of the Majority Floor. He
or she shall serve as the spokesperson of the majority side. In case of
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conflict of interest, he or she may appoint anyone from the Majority Floor
to assume the position but may not vacate his or her position as part of it,
except for meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He or
she may call separate meetings outside the LA sessions to convene the
Majority Floor.
6.2 The Minority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions
in a specific issue or resolution of the members of the Minority Floor. He
or she shall serve as the spokesperson of the majority side. In case of
conflict of interest, he or she may appoint anyone from the Minority Floor
to assume the position but may not vacate his or her position as part of it,
except for meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He or
she may call separate meetings outside the LA sessions to convene the
Minority Floor.
6.3 Legislators under independent electoral parties shall be members of the
Minority Floor.
Section 7 The Legislative Assembly Secretariat, which we shall refer to hereinafter as LA
Secretariat, shall be composed of a head and officers appointed and approved by
the LA Inner Circle.
Section 8 The LA Secretariat shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
8.1 Report directly to the Chief Legislator;
8.2 Record the minutes of each LA session, each LA Inner Circle meeting, and
each LA Committee meeting;
8.3 Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the Chief Legislator, the
LA Inner Circle, and the LA Committees;
8.4 Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA, the LA Inner Circle, and the
LA Committees;
8.5 Call the roll of the members of the LA before the opening of the session;
8.6 Note all questions in order with the decisions thereon;
8.7 Complete within five (5) working days after the adjournment of the
session the printing and distribution of the minutes for the said session to
the members of the LA;
8.8 Take charge of the counting and recounting of votes and ballots;
8.9 Enforce orders of the LA when such duty devolves upon them; and
8.10 Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the members of the LA
Inner Circle.
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Section 9 LA Sessions
9.1 The members of the LA shall have their sessions every Friday from 1430-
1630H unless specified otherwise by the members regarding the
frequency and time of the LA Sessions.
9.2 The members of the LA shall convene for sessions upon the start of term
in office and before the start of the academic year.
9.2.1. The first LA Session, to be presided by the President, shall be
reserved for the election of the Chief Legislator, the Majority Floor
Leader and the Minority Floor Leader and for the administration
of the LA Exam, drafted by the President and approved by the
Chief Legislator.
9.2.2. The LA shall convene for several sessions, determined by the Chief
Legislator, after the first LA Session to approve and confirm all
appointments in the USG.
9.3 The LA shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of its
members to do official business.
9.3.1. The Legislators in the STC shall be required to attend the LA
Sessions at least once a month, unless otherwise specified by the
Chief Legislator.
9.3.2. The Legislators in the STC shall regularly coordinate with the
Chief Legislator and LA Secretariat Head on STC matters that
concern the LA and its functions.
9.4 Decisions made in the absence of the quorum shall not be binding unless
such are made in the context of an implied quorum.
9.4.1. Implied quorum shall only be decided through a 100% vote of the
members present, which is composed of at least majority (50%+1)
of the members of the LA, including at least one (1) representative
per floor
9.4.2. Decision made during an implied quorum can be reached through
a majority (50%+1) vote and shall remain final unless no member
of the body challenges the decision in the succeeding sessions.
9.4.3. Decisions, which were reached through a 100% vote, made during
an implied quorum shall be considered final.
Section 10 Resolutions
10.1. Resolutions shall be passed by a majority (50% + 1) vote of the
Legislators present in the session, with the exception of resolutions
which seek to amend this Constitution which requires a two-thirds (2/3)
vote of the members of the LA.
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10.2. A resolution passed by the LA shall be final and binding after the
President has signed the resolution. However, if the Executive Committee
does not concur through a two-thirds (2/3) vote of its members, the
Executive Committee may ask for reconsideration and return the same
with objections to the LA immediately on its next session. In the event
that the LA retains the original decision by a majority (50%+1) vote of
Legislators present, the resolution is final and executory.
Legislative Assembly Committees
Section 11 The LA Committees shall be formed to address specific tasks and functions and
ensure that specialized issues and concerns are adequately addressed by the LA.
11.1. Students’ Rights and Welfare, which shall hereinafter be referred to as
STRAW, shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
11.1.1. Discuss students’ rights and welfare issues, whether in or outside
the University, and present recommendations on such to the LA;
11.1.2. Review the existing positions of the University on students’ rights
and welfare issues, whether national or local in scope, and present
recommendations to the LA whenever necessary;
11.1.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the USG on
matters relating to addressing students’ rights and welfare issues,
whether national or local in scope;
11.1.4. Report to the LA Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the
introduction of such;
11.1.5. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions and
inquiries in aid of legislation; and
11.1.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief
Legislator or the LA.
11.2. National Affairs, which shall hereinafter be referred to as NatAff, shall
have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
11.2.1. Discuss national and sectoral issues and present
recommendations on such to the LA;
11.2.2. Review the existing positions of the University on national and
sectoral issues and present recommendations to the LA whenever
necessary;
11.2.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the USG on
matters relating to addressing national and sectoral issues;
11.2.4. Report to the LA Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the
introduction of such;
11.2.5. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions and
inquiries in aid of legislation; and
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11.2.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief
Legislator or the LA.
11.3. Rules and Policies, which shall hereinafter be referred to as RnP, shall
have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
11.3.1. Initiate the review of the rules, policies and procedures of the LA,
the USG, and the University, in coordination with the concerned
offices and/or units and present recommendations to the LA,
Executive Committee and offices concerned;
11.3.2. Monitor the implementation of rules, policies and procedures
approved by the LA;
11.3.3. Report to the LA Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the
introduction of such;
11.3.4. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions and
inquiries in aid of legislation; and
11.3.5. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief
Legislator or the LA.
Section 12 The Legislators shall be appointed to LA Committees and shall be limited to
membership to only one LA Committee. The Chief Legislator shall appoint and
approve the Legislators to the LA Committees in reference to, but not entirely
based upon the preference rankings of each Legislator, and in a manner that he
or she deems necessary.
Section 13 Each LA Committee shall have a Chairperson, a Vice Chairperson and a Secretary
whom shall be elected from among and by the members of the committee. The
members shall determine the manner of election thereof.
Section 14 The LA Committee Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and
responsibilities:
14.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator;
14.2. Preside over the meetings of their respective LA Committees;
14.3. Participate in the meetings of the LA Inner Circle;
14.4. Administer the overall operations of their respective committees;
14.5. Report to the LA Inner Circle actions on resolutions referred to their
committees;
14.6. Appoint committee members to sub-committees as well as delegate
committee tasks to committee members, whenever necessary;
14.7. Consolidate the committee members on matters pertinent to the LA and
in their attendance to LA sessions; and
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14.8. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator and
the LA.
Section 15 The LA Committee Vice Chairpersons shall have the following powers, duties and
responsibilities:
15.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson;
15.2. Assume the powers and responsibilities of the LA Committee Chairperson
in his or her incapacity or absence;
15.3. Supervise the LA Committee research efforts and initiatives;
15.4. Submit a Committee report to the LA Inner Circle once a month, unless
otherwise specified by the Chief Legislator;
15.5. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two (2) working days
prior to the scheduled date of the meeting;
15.6. Assist the LA Committee Chairperson in supervising the operation of the
LA Committee; and
15.7. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Chairperson or as
prescribed within the rules of their respective committees.
Section 16 The LA Committee Secretary shall have the following powers, duties and
responsibilities:
16.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson;
16.2. Record the minutes of the LA Committee meetings and provide copies to
committee members;
16.3. Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the LA Committee;
16.4. Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA Committee;
16.5. Be responsible for drafting and submission of periodic reports to the Chief
Legislator;
16.6. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two (2) days prior to the
scheduled date of the meeting; and
16.7. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee
Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective
committees.
Section 17 The members of the LA Committees shall have the following powers, duties and
responsibilities, other than those stated in Article V Section 5:
17.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson;
17.2. Be present and participate actively in all LA Committee meetings;
17.3. Aid the LA Committee Vice Chairperson in committee researches; and
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17.4. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee
Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective
committees.
Section 18 LA Committee Meetings
18.1. The members of the LA Committees shall determine the frequency and
the time of their meetings.
18.1.1. The Legislators in the STC shall be required to attend their
respective LA Committee meetings at least once a month, unless
otherwise specified by their respective LA Committee Chairperson.
18.1.2. The Legislators in the STC shall regularly coordinate with their
respective LA Committee Chairperson on STC matters that
concern the committee and its functions.
18.2. Any member of the LA Committees may call special meetings if he or she
deemed it necessary.
18.3. The LA Committees shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds
(2/3) of its members.
Section 19 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of those present.
Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until
majority (50%+1) of the LA Committee members are informed and have
agreed.
Legislative Assembly Inner Circle
Section 20 The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle, which shall hereinafter be referred to as
LA-IC, shall be the highest representative body, vested with administrative
power, of the LA.
Section 21 The LA-IC shall be composed of the:
21.1. Chief Legislator;
21.2. Majority Floor Leader;
21.3. Minority Floor Leader; and
21.4. All LA Committee Chairpersons.
Section 22 The LA-IC shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities:
22.1. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the administration of the LA;
22.2. Receive reports from LA Committees on resolutions referred to it and on
the performance of the committee and its members;
22.3. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the rules and procedures to be
used in the consideration on the floor of resolutions reported to it, such as
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time limit for the debates, rules on germaneness and amendments and the
like;
22.4. Calendar resolutions reported by the LA Committees for consideration;
22.5. Outline the agenda of all LA sessions;
22.6. Appoint and approve members of the LA Secretariat;
22.7. Review and adopt the Legislative Manual; and
22.8. Create ad-hoc committees in the LA as may be necessary to discharge its
functions.
Section 23 All rulings by the LA-IC on matters pertaining to the administration of the LA
may be overturned by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Legislators.
Section 24 LA-IC Meetings
24.1. The members of the LA-IC shall determine the frequency and the time of
their meetings.
24.2. Any member of the LA-IC may call special meetings if he or she deems it
necessary.
24.3. The LA-IC shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of its
members.
Section 25 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of those present.
Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until
majority of the LA-IC members are informed and have agreed.
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Article VI
THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
Executive Board and Cabinet
Section 1 The Executive Board, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the EB, shall be the
highest governing body and representative authority of the USG.
Section 2 The EB shall be composed of the following:
2.1 President;
2.2 Executive Vice President ; and
2.3 Executive Treasurer.
Section 3 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the EB:
3.1. Implement and enforce the provisions stipulated in this Constitution and
its by-laws;
3.2. Outline and enforce basic policies that shall facilitate the performance of
its duties and responsibilities;
3.3. Determine the vision, goals and objectives for the USG for the academic
year and ensure that resources be made available towards their
attainment;
3.4. Discuss on national, sectoral and university-wide issues and academic-
related matters, projects, programs and campaigns to be presented to the
College Presidents;
3.5. Ensure fair, efficient and effective representation in all University
committees which services and decisions affect the welfare of the
students;
3.6. Handle scholarship programs initiated by the USG in coordination with
the administration and other sectors;
3.7. Issue Executive Proclamations to confirm all appointments in the USG;
3.8. Review and adopt the Executive Manual; and
3.9. Create ad hoc committees in the Cabinet as may be necessary to discharge
its functions.
Section 4 The Cabinet shall serve as the shared office of the members of the EB which shall
exercise functions that concern its administrative, operational and financial
affairs.
Section 5 The Cabinet shall be composed of the following officials:
5.1 Chief of Staff, recommended by the President upon consultation with the
Executive Vice President and Executive Treasurer;
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5.2 Documentations Head, appointed by the EB;
5.3 Marketing and Communications Head, appointed by the EB;
5.4 External Relations Head, appointed by the EB;
5.5 Special Projects Head, appointed by the EB;
5.6 Finance Head, recommended by the Executive Treasurer upon
consultation with the President and the Executive Vice President; and
5.7 Executive Department Chairpersons, who shall be Batch Representatives
or College Representatives in the STC appointed by the EB.
Section 6 The Executive Departments, which shall hereinafter be referred to as the
EXEDEP, shall serve as the operational arm of the Cabinet.
6.1. The EXEDEP shall be composed of the Batch Representatives and the
College Representatives in the STC.
6.2. The membership of each Batch Representative and each College
Representative in STC to the EXEDEP shall be appointed by the EB as
recommended by the Executive Vice President.
6.3. The members of the each EXEDEP shall elect a chairperson, a vice
chairperson and a secretary for their respective department.
6.4. The powers, duties and responsibilities of the respective EXEDEP are the
following:
6.4.1. Department of Students Services
6.4.1.1. Ensure proper coordination with the University
administration as well as other sectors of the Lasallian
community regarding the various student services
offered.
6.4.1.2. Refer to the proposals of the LA and enhance student
services based on the current needs and concerns of the
students.
6.4.1.3. Develop research outputs and programs in order for
the service inside the University to be utilized and
maximized by the students.
6.4.2. Department of Advocacy
6.4.2.1. Ensure proper coordination with the University
administration as well as other sectors of the Lasallian
community regarding various advocacies for the
academic year.
6.4.2.2. Streamline the efforts and initiatives on advocacies of
the students inside and outside the University.
6.4.2.3. Determine the advocacies to be promoted and
supported by the students for the academic year.
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6.4.3. Department of Community Development
6.4.3.1. Ensure proper coordination with the University
administration as well as other sectors of the Lasallian
community regarding community development efforts.
6.4.3.2. Streamline the efforts and initiatives on community
development of the students inside and outside the
University.
6.4.3.3. Determine the adopted and supervised communities to
be promoted and supported by the students.
6.5. The frequency of the meeting of each EXEDEP shall be determined via a
majority (50%+1) decision of the members of their department and shall
constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of their members.
6.5.1. The College Representatives in the STC shall be required to attend
their respective EXEDEP meetings at least once a month, unless
otherwise specified by the Chairperson of the EXEDEP.
6.5.2. The College Representatives in the STC shall regularly coordinate
with their respective EXEDEP Chairperson on STC matters that
concern the department and its functions.
Section 7 Cabinet Meetings
7.1. The members of the EB shall determine the frequency and time of the
Cabinet meetings.
7.2. Any member of the EB may call special meetings if he or she deemed it
necessary
7.3. The Cabinet shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds (2/3) of
its members.
Section 8 A final decision must be reached via a majority (50%+1) vote of the EB.
Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until majority
of the EB members are informed and have agreed.
Powers, Duties Responsibilities of the Executive Board Members and Cabinet
Officials
Section 9 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the President:
9.1 Be the Chief Executive Officer of the USG;
9.2 Be the official representative and spokesperson of the USG at any meeting
or gathering within and outside of the University;
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9.2.1. Represent the students in policy-making bodies and multi-sectoral
committees in the University as stipulated in the Student
Handbook.
9.2.2. Appoint the representatives to external alliances, seminars, sector
organizations, University-wide multi-sectoral committees and
other functions requiring student representation in his or her
absence The order for the appointment is as follows:
9.2.2.1. Executive Vice President;
9.2.2.2. Executive Treasurer;
9.2.2.3. Chief of Staff;
9.2.2.4. College President/s;
9.2.2.5. Batch Representative/s; and
9.2.2.6. Other USG appointed officer/s.
9.3 Preside over the meetings of the Cabinet, Executive Committee, USG
Assembly and Executive Assembly and other meetings that he or she
called for;
9.4 Have no voting powers, unless in cases of ties in votes, but shall have the
power to veto policies, resolutions, programs and projects approved by
the EB, Executive Committee and the LA;
9.4.1. The presidential veto must be communicated in writing to the
Chief of Staff within three (3) working days of the approval of the
policy, resolution, program or project and received by the Chief
Legislator and Chief Magistrate. Otherwise, the policy, resolution,
program or project may be released or implemented.
9.4.2. A two-thirds (2/3) vote of the LA is required to override a
presidential veto within ten (10) working days after the veto was
communicated. Otherwise, the veto shall take effect.
9.4.3. If the President vetoes a resolution passed by the LA. The validity
of the veto is to be decided on by the Magistrates via a majority
(50%+1) vote within ten (10) working days after the veto was
communicated in writing.
9.5 Oversee the administrative, operational and financial affairs of the USG;
9.6 Approve and initiate the implementation of all the resolutions passed by
the LA;
9.7 Issue Executive Orders which shall contain general directives and stands
for the Executive branch not stated in the Constitution, upon consultation
with the Executive Committee;
9.8 Establish and maintain relevant linkages with external entities that are
deemed important and necessary in the discharge of duties and
responsibilities of the USG;
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9.9 Be an ex-officio member of all the departments and committees under the
executive arm of the USG;
9.10 Submit to the Chief Legislator and the Chief Magistrate trimestral reports
that shall present and evaluate the state of the administrative, operational
and financial affairs of the Executive branch and recommend further
actions;
9.11 Receive and review trimestral reports from the Executive Vice President,
Executive Treasurer, Chief of Staff, College Presidents, Chief Legislator,
Chief Magistrate, COA Chairperson, Ombdusman, and CAP Chairperson;
9.12 Perform other functions to facilitate the discharge of his or her
responsibilities or acts prescribed herein and be answerable to the LA for
the consequences of such; and
9.13 Be vested with the power to grant presidential pardon to any USG officer
found guilty of violation of this constitution and its by-laws by the courts
of justice, provided that the pardon is with just cause.
9.13.1. A presidential pardon shall render the offender free from the
sanction/s imposed by the courts of justice and may no longer be
revoked once granted;
9.13.2. A presidential pardon must be of just cause which is a reason
deemed rationale by the discretion of the officer granting the
pardon;
9.13.3. A presidential pardon may either be conditional or
unconditional:
9.13.3.1. A conditional pardon imposes a condition which can
be fulfilled at the moment of imposition on the
offender before the pardon takes effect (i.e.
commutation of a sanction).
9.13.3.2. An unconditional pardon restores the state of
innocence of the offender as though he/she had never
committed the crime upon declaration of the pardon.
Section 10 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Executive Vice
President:
10.1. Report directly to the President;
10.2. Be the Chief Operating Officer of the USG;
10.3. Be the supervisor and coordinator of the EXEDEP;
10.4. Supervise the planning and implementation of special projects during
celebrations of University-wide weeks and other occasions warranting the
participation of the USG under the direction of the President and upon
consultation with the Executive Committee;
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10.5. Conduct research undertakings on University policies and structures and
present results and recommendations to the Executive Committee, LA
and/or the University administration;
10.6. Be an ex-officio member of each EXEDEP;
10.7. Assume the responsibilities of the President if the President is absent or
incapacitated or if so directed by the EB;
10.8. Assume automatically the Presidency in the event that the position of the
President is permanently vacated; and
10.9. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB.
Section 11 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Executive
Treasurer:
11.1. Report directly to the President;
11.2. Be the Chief Finance Officer of the USG;
11.3. Act as custodian of the funds of the USG and enforce standard operating
procedures within the USG with regards to the financial system;
11.4. Formulate and implement policies and procedures governing the financial
resources of the USG upon consultation with the EB;
11.5. Be in charge of the appropriation of funds released by the administration
for the USG, to be approved by the Legislative Assembly;
11.6. Review and monitor all fund-raising activities and disbursement of funds
initiated by the USG;
11.7. Review, monitor, and advance proposals to ensure justified student fees
in the University;
11.8. Require financial documents necessary for the maintenance of an
effective monitoring system and preparation of trimestral and academic
year financial reports to be examined by the Executive Committee, the LA
and the Magistrates as well as audited by the Commission on Audit;
11.9. Assume automatically the Presidency in the event that both the positions
of the President and the Executive Vice President are permanently
vacated; and
11.10. Perform other such functions as deemed necessary by the Executive
Board.
Section 12 The following are the powers, duties and responsibilities of the Cabinet officials:
12.1. Chief of Staff
12.1.1. Report directly to the President;
12.1.2. Be the administrative officer of the Cabinet;
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12.1.3. Prepare the agenda of meetings of the Cabinet, Executive
Committee, Executive Assembly, USG Assembly and Convention
of Leaders after due consultation with its members;
12.1.4. Oversee the training and development and other concerns and
needs of USG officers in the discharge of their duties;
12.1.5. Advise the EB on matters of general administration; and
12.1.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB.
12.2. Documentations Head
12.2.1. Report directly to the Chief of Staff;
12.2.2. Record all minutes of the meetings of the Cabinet, Executive