CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

OF THE
KATAAS-TAASANG SANGGUNIAN NG MGA MAG-AARAL
(KASAMA)
PREAMBLE
We, the college students of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, in order to establish a
democratic Supreme Student Council that shall tirelessly and consistently work for the common good
and general interest, to prepare and acknowledge the responsibilities of students in nation-building,
develop our potentials to be the future leaders of the society whose ideals are for Filipino nation,
imbued with the spirit of fraternity to fellow students, and instill in loyalty to Alma Mater wherever we
may be, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE I
NAME AND DOMICILE OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL
Section 1

The MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology Supreme Student Council shall be called as

Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral or KASAMA.

Section 2

The Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral or KASAMA shall hold office within
the campus of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1
a.
b.

c.
d.
e.

Section 2

The KASAMA believes the following principles:

That the significant Role of students in nation-building is the participation in generating
public opinion in Local and National Issues;
That both democratic student council and independent student publication are two
indispensable components in creating and providing public opinion to safeguard the
students rights and welfare;
That access to Education should be afforded by everyone;
That Education should develop the physical, mental, social, cultural and spiritual wellbeing, in order to realize a human and humane existence for all; and
That education should enhance critical thinking and the ability to make decisions and
informed judgments, free of dogma and myth.

The KASAMA has the following objectives:

a. To uphold, practice and promote Filipino values, discipline, and nationalism the
interest of the people, love of country and ideals of nationhood;
b. To defend and promote the rights and welfare of the students in particular and the
Filipino people in general;
d. To promote a Transparent, Accountable and Participatory student government;

e. To establish, maintain and develop tie-ups with other colleges/universities, student

organization, civic clubs and agencies in the pursuit of common interests, particularly in
the establishments of a just and humane society;
f. To seek and engender educational reforms along nationalist, humanistic and scientific
realities in promoting academic freedom; and
g. To foster a healthy communication and good relationship between the KASAMA and
the Administration of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology.

ARTICLE III
RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE KASAMA
Section 1

Officer(s) of the KASAMA means those members occupying posts in the different
organizations/committees of the Institute, College/School and Department.

Section 2

All documents of the KASAMA shall, at all times bear its official seal.

Section 3

The KASAMA shall have a banner displaying its official seal.

Section 4

All accountable officers of KASAMA shall be bonded by a reputable bond/surety firm

duly selected by the KASAMA Institute Executive Committee.

Section 5

The KASAMA shall have the following powers and duties:

Adopt its own internal rules of government;
Organize, coordinate and direct student activities designed to improve their general
welfare as well as to prepare them for constructive leadership;
Represent the students in all policy-making bodies of the Institute when so provided by
laws, rules and regulations promulgated by competent authorities;
Advise and make recommendations to the Institute Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
on student matters, affairs and activities;
Represent the studentry in the external student activities;
Perform such additional powers and duties as the Institute authorities may, from time to
time, grant or delegate to it, consistent with its stated powers, responsibilities and
objectives; and
Engage in income generating projects or mobilize capital and invest in viable enterprise
as determined by appropriate research and feasibility studies, provided that such
projects studies and business plans shall be reviewed and recommended by an
impartial body to be created by the KASAMA in consultation with the institute
management.

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.

g.

Section 6

The KASAMA shall have one (1) faculty adviser with permanent status of appointment
as faculty member and shall serve one academic year unless recommended for another
term. The KASAMA adviser shall be chosen by the KASAMA President.

Section 7

Officers of the KASAMA shall hold office for one (1) academic year, with re-election,
except the President, the Vice-President, the Senator, the Governor and the ViceGovernor who may be re-elected for only one (1) term. All officers shall cease to
function only when their successors shall have been duly elected and shall have
assumed office.

ARTICLE IV
RIGHTS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF STUDENTS
Section 1

Rights, duties and responsibilities of students in University policy:

a. To be informed of the University and Supreme Student Council policy/ies in affecting
their rights, interests and welfare;
b. To actively participate in the enactment of policy/ies and decisions of the
University/Supreme Student Council;
c. To have his/her transcript of records and clearance speedily be processed and maintain
its confidentiality;
d. To have their grievances and concerns be heard;
e. To organize and assemble for purpose not contrary to law and university rules and
regulations; and
e. To present their views/opinions in relation to the policy/ies and decisions in affecting their
rights, interests and welfare.

Section 2

No student shall be subjected to exploitation, involuntary servitude and cruel or unusual

punishment.

Section 3

Right to Due Process

a. A student subject to disciplinary proceedings shall have the right to defend himself, to
be heard and to present evidence on his/her behalf before an impartial body;
b. The blacklisting, expulsion, suspension and other forms of disciplinary sanctions which
may be taken against a student shall not be valid unless the following rights have been
observed and accorded to the student:
b1 The right to be informed in writing of the nature and cause of the accusation against
him/her;
b2. The right to confront witnesses against him/her and to full access to the evidence in the
case;
b3 The right to defend himself/herself and to be defended by a representative or counsel of
his/her choice, adequate time being given to him/her for the preparation of his/her
defense;
b4 The right to a hearing before the Student Disciplinary Board;
b5 The right against self-incrimination; and
b6 The right to appeal adverse decisions of the Student Disciplinary Board to the governing
board and ultimately to the appropriate education agencies.
c. The decision in any disciplinary proceedings must be rendered on the basis of relevant
and substantial evidence presented at the hearing, or at least contained in the record
and disclosed to the student affected and in accordance to the University Code,
resolutions of the Board of Regents, and any pertinent laws.

Section 4

The Student academic freedom shall consist of the following rights:

a. To conduct research in connection with academic work, freely discuss and publish their
findings and recommendations to the proper authorities;
b. To conduct survey within the campus on curricular and extra-curricular activities;
c. To choose a field of study and to pursue the quest for truth;
d. To express opinion to public regarding general concern that may directly or indirectly
affect the students or the educational system;
e. To invite off-campus resource speakers for student assemblies, forums, symposia, and
other student activities;

f. To participate and be informed in the crafting and/or revising the student handbook; and
e. To be free from any form of instruction leading to imposed ideological homogeneity.

Section 5
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
Section 6

Rights of students in Supreme Student Council

To have his/her views, opinions, and suggestions be published in the publication of the
Supreme Student Council;
To voice out his/her views, opinions and suggestions in the implementation of the
programs and policies of the Supreme Student Council;
To criticize constructively any officer of the Supreme Student Council in the
performance of their duties and responsibilities;
To examine all the records and book of accounts of the Supreme Student Council;
To file a complaint against any officer of the Supreme Student Council;
To exercise the right to suffrage; and
To avail the facilities and services that is provided by the Supreme Student Council.

Duties and Responsibilities of students in Supreme Student Council

a. To abide and defend the Constitution and By-laws of the Supreme Student Council;
b. To actively participate in the various activities/events organized by the Supreme Student
Council; and
c. To fully cooperate in the implementation of programs, activities and policies of the
Supreme Student Council.

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1

Section2

All undergraduate students of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology are members of the

KASAMA.
A student shall cease to be a member of the KASAMA:
a. Upon graduation; and
b. Upon discontinuance of study.

ARTICLE V
INSTITUTE EXECUTIVE BODY
Section 1

The Executive Power shall be vested in the President of the KASAMA.

Section 2

The governing body of the supreme student council shall be the Institute Executive
Body consists of the following: the President, the Vice-President, the Cabinet
Secretaries and the College Governors as ex-officio members.

Section 3

In case of vacancy in the position of President, Vice-President and Senate President, a

special election may be called to fill in such vacancy by their successors who shall be
elected by the members of the Institute Legislative Body, but the Member of the Institute
Legislative Body thus elected shall serve only for the unexpired term.

Section 4

The Institute Executive Body shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
a. To approve policies made by the Institute Legislative Body;

b. To execute and implement resolutions of the Institute Legislative Body;

c. To make recommendation to the Institute Legislative Body to revise or revoke its
resolutions;
d. To produce reports to the Institute Legislative Body;
f. To create outstanding committees that are necessary to carry out its plans and
programs of the KASAMA; and
g. To perform such other duties inherent to their respective positions.
Section 5

a.
b.
c.
d.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.

j.
k.
l.
m.

n.
o.

Duties and Powers of the President. The President is the Chief Executive Officer of
the KASAMA and shall deliver the same as the Chief Spokesperson of the KASAMA of
MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology. As such he/she shall:
Fulfill the general objectives of the KASAMA;
The President presides at meetings of this organization and the organization Executive
Committee. He/she has the general supervision of the general operation of the KASAMA;
Control all Executive officers of the KASAMA except the constitutional bodies;
Implement duly approved programs and activities;
Represent the KASAMA in all business transactions and sign all correspondence and
official documents;
Assist in the enforcement of University and Institute rules and regulations;
Recommend measures to the Institute Legislative Body which may be necessary to
safeguard the interest of the student body;
Sit as student member of the Student Disciplinary Board;
Sit as student member of the Institute Fiscal Advisory Board;
Approve vouchers related to the disbursement of the KASAMA funds;
Act on proposed resolutions/ordinances of the Institute Legislative Body within five
working days, otherwise, it shall be deemed approved. Should the same be
disapproved, he/she shall return it with all his/her objectives to the Institute Legislative
Body, which may, by at least two-thirds vote override the objection of the President and
the ordinance shall become valid as if signed by the President;
Release all official statements of the KASAMA;
Be vested with veto power particularly on ordinances/resolutions passed by the Institute
Legislative Body;
Represent the students in all forums, conventions, meetings and similar gatherings incampus or off-campus as may be determined;
Issue executive orders or any special memorandum for emergency or immediate needs
of the students or any similar case as may be deemed necessary. Provided, that he/she
shall provide a report to the Institute Legislative Body;
Appoint his/her Cabinet members and members of the Judicial Department subject to
the confirmation of the Commission on Appointments; and
Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions which are necessary to
carry out the objectives of the KASAMA.

Section 4

Duties and Functions of the Vice-President. The Vice-President shall succeed the
President in case of death, permanent disability, and removal from office or resignation
of the latter, serving only the unexpired term, and shall perform all the powers, duties
and functions of the President.

Section 5

Duties and Functions of the Cabinet Secretaries.

a. The Executive Secretary shall:
a1. Keep journals correspondence and pertinent documents of the KASAMA;
a2. Keep all papers and correspondence of the KASAMA;

a3. Certify all official acts of the same;

a4. Keep the minutes of meetings the Institute Executive Body;
a5. He/she is in-charge of the bulletin board of the principal office of the KASAMA;
a6. He/she provides notices of meetings as required by the KASAMA;
a7. Be primarily responsible for KASAMA office work and improvements, gym bookings,
tickets, and
a6. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
b. Secretary for Budget and Finance. The Secretary of Budget and Finance shall:
b1. Be primarily responsible for the safety of the funds of the KASAMA;
b2. Receive and disburse financial report to the Institute Executive Body, to the Department
of Student Affairs and to the Institute Publication Committee; such report shall be
published in full in the official publications of the KASAMA for the general information of
the studentry; and
b3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
c. Secretary of Press and Publication. The Secretary of Press and Publication shall:
c1. Be primarily responsible for handling and managing the official publication of the
KASAMA publication and for the conduct of research for the student council;
c2. Draft and submit to the Institute Executive Committee editorial policies for the KASAMA
publication and manage the news coverage of KASAMA affairs;
c3. Implement the editorial policies approved by the Institute Executive Committee in all
Publications of the KASAMA;
c4. Publish all reports of the KASAMA; and
c5. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
d. Student Ombudsman. The Student Ombudsman shall:
d1.Take initial steps towards the settlement of grievances of the students, vis--vis the
KASAMA officers and faculty/administration;
d2. Work closely with the Department of Student Affairs (DSA) and the Guidance and
Counseling Office (GCC) in settling student grievances when it is deemed necessary;
and
d3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
e. Secretary of Student Rights and Welfare. The Secretary of Student Welfare and
Services shall:
e1. Be primarily responsible for the social and general welfare of the students;
e2. Facilitate the delivery of necessary services to the students and perform such other
duties as may be assigned by the Institute Executive Body; and
e3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.

f. Secretary of Culture and Arts. The Secretary of Culture and Arts shall:
f1. Plan and carry out culture and arts activities for the development of student talents,
skills and abilities;
f2. Initiate, plan, execute and manage the culture and arts department of the KASAMA; and
f3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
g. Secretary of Training and Development. The Secretary of Training and Development
shall:
g1. Plan and manage programs for intellectual and scholastic development of the students;
g2. Initiate and implement the programs, activities and policies of the KASAMA particularly
in the trainings and seminars for officers and students;
g3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
h. Secretary of Sports. The Secretary of Sports shall:
h1. Plan, execute and manage student sports activities both in-campus or off-campus
activities and closely coordinate with the Sports and Development Office;
h2. Initiate sports activities for the physical and moral development of the students; and
h3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
i. Secretary of Ways and Means. The Secretary of External Affairs shall:
i1. Be primarily responsible for developing ties with other school college, or university
student councils/organizations, and coordinate with them the activities not contrary to
this constitution; and
i2. Supervise all business and fund-raising activities of the KASAMA;
i3. Formulate plans for KASAMA investments; and
i4. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
j.
j1.
j2.
j3.
j4.

Secretary of Facilities. The Secretary of the Facilities shall:

Shall act as the Property Custodian of the KASAMA;
Keep an inventory and custody of KASAMA;
Be primarily responsible for the issuance of lost and found properties;
Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.

k. Secretary of Environment. The Secretary of Environment shall:

k1. Be responsible in monitoring the conditions of sanitary work environment of the
University;
k2. Plan, initiate and organize in-campus or off-campus ecological awareness activities
each semester;
k3. Recommend policies to the administration regarding the environmental issues and
concerns; and

k4. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.
l.

Secretary for Community Extension Services. The Secretary for Community

Extension Services shall:
l1. Be responsible for the general community extension projects of the KASAMA;
l2. Shall be responsible for the enhancing knowledge and understanding community needs
and problems;
l3. Exercise such other powers and perform functions necessary to carry out the general
objectives of the KASAMA and perform such duties and responsibilities as the President
may direct.

ARTICLE VI
INSTITUTE LEGISLATIVE BODY
Section 1

The legislative power shall be vested in the Institute Legislative Body of the KASAMA
consists of twelve (12) senators who shall be elected at large and two (2) chairmen who
shall be elected from the Council of Vice-Governors and Council of Organizations.

Section 2

The senators shall elect among themselves a Senate President who shall act as the
presiding officer of the Institute Legislative Body. The Senate President shall succeed
the President and/or Vice President in case of death, permanent disability, and removal
from the office, or resignation of the latter, serving only the unexpired term and shall
perform all the powers, duties and functions of the President and/or Vice President.

Section 3

In case of vacancy in the Institute Legislative Body, a special meeting election may be
called to fill in such vacancy in the manner prescribed by the Institute Legislative Body,
but the Member of the Institute Legislative Body thus elected shall serve only for the
unexpired term.

Section 4

The Institute Legislative Body shall review any amendments of the Constitution and Bylaws of existing and future institute-based before submitting the same to the Department
of Student Affairs.

Section 5

The Institute Legislative Body shall have the following powers and functions:
a. Enact such student ordinances as may be necessary to promote the objectives of the
KASAMA;
b. Submit approved resolutions/ordinances to the President;
c. Conduct lectures, symposia and programs to enlighten the students on the sociocultural, moral, civic, political, educational, and other societal issues concerning the
welfare of the students;
d. Determine and formulate rules of its own proceedings;
e. Perform on the resignation of the members or other officers of the KASAMA, except
those exclusively appointed by the KASAMA President;
f. Create committees and define its duties and functions as may be deemed necessary to
the Institute Legislative Body;
g. Authorize the President to enter into contracts upon two-thirds of vote of all members of
the Institute legislative body;
j Exercise such others powers and perform such functions which are necessary to carry
out the objectives of the Institute Legislative Body of the KASAMA.

Section 6
a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
Section 7
a.
b.
c.
d.

The Institute Legislative Body Outstanding Committees

Student Rights and Welfare;
Training and Development;
Culture and Arts;
Sports Development;
Budget and Finance;
Environment;
Community Extension Services
Ethics and Grievance;
Publication;
Ways and Means; and
Facilities.
The Secretary of the Institute Legislative Body shall be appointed by the Senate
President of the Institute Legislative Bogy and shall have the following duties and
functions:
Keep journals of the proceedings of the Institute Legislative Body;
Keep all papers and correspondence of the Institute Legislative Body;
Certify all official acts of the same;
Perform such other functions as the Senate President of the Institute Legislative Body
from time to time may assign to him/her.

Section 8

There shall be a Commission on Appointments consisting of the Senate President as

Chairman and three Senators.
a. The chairman of the Commission shall not vote except in the case of a tie;
b. The commission shall act on all appointments submitted to it within two weeks from their
submission; and
c. The Commission shall rule by the majority vote of all its members.

Section 9

The Senators shall have the sole power to decide all cases of impeachment. When
sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be held responsible in the affirmation on the
issue relating to impeachment. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of
two-thirds votes of all the members of the Institute Legislative Body.

Section 10 The Institute Legislative Body shall convene at least twice a month.

ARTICLE VII
COLLEGE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL
Section 1

The College Executive Council shall consist of the Governor, Vice Governor and eight
(8) Board Members who shall be elected by their respective College/School. The
President of every Department is automatically an ex-officio member of the College
Executive Council.

Section 2

The College Executive Council must have an adviser who shall possess a permanent
status of appointment as a faculty member at a time of his/her designation. The College
Executive Council Adviser must be a co-signatory of any cash withdrawals and in any
College Executive Council financial reports.

Section 3

All College Executive Council officers shall not be elected to any positions in the
Department level.

Section 4

The College Executive Council Appointees shall not be entitled to any positions in the
Department level.

Section 5

Department officers or appointees shall not be entitled to any positions in the College
Executive Council and/or KASAMA.

Section 6

Duties and Functions of the College Executive Council shall:

a. Serve as the highest policymaking body of the College level down to the Department
level;
b. Supervise department programs and activities;
c. Make its own programs and policies in the College Executive Council;
d. Implement annual programs, activities and policies of the KASAMA and College
Executive Council;
e. Make recommendations to the KASAMA Executive Body in revising or repealing certain
programs, activities and policies;
f. Submit semestral financial reports to the Institute Executive Body and to the
Department of Student Affairs;
g. Formulate the duties and functions of Outstanding committees of the College Executive
Council;
h. Keep a journal of its proceedings and from time to time, make the same known to the
students; and
i. Exercise such powers and perform such other functions as are necessary to carry out
the purpose and objectives of the College Executive Council and/or KASAMA.

Section 7

Duties and Power of the Governor. The Governor shall be the Chief Executive Officer
of the College Executive Council. As such he/she shall:
Fulfill the general objectives of the KASAMA;
Presides meetings of this College Executive Council and the College Executive Committee.
He/she has the general supervision of the general operation of the College Executive
Council;
Implement duly-approved programs, activities and policies of the College Executive
Council;
Represent the College Executive Council in all business transactions and sign all
correspondence and official documents in the College Executive Council;
Release all official statements of the College Executive Council;
Facilitate in the implementation of the programs, activities and policies of the KASAMA
to the College/School;
Be vested with veto power particularly on ordinances/resolutions passed by the College
Legislative Body;
Sit as student member of the College Student Disciplinary Board;
Sit as student member of the College Fiscal Board;
Represent the students in all forums, conventions, meetings and similar gatherings both
in-campus or off-campus as may be determined;
Issue executive orders or any special memorandum for emergency or immediate needs
of the students or any similar case as may be deemed necessary of the college;
Approve vouchers related to the disbursement of the College Executive Council funds;
and

a.
b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
g.
h.
i.
j.
k.
l.

m. Exercise such other powers and perform such functions which are necessary to carry
out the objectives of the College Executive Council.
Section 8

Duties and Powers of the Vice-Governor. The Vice-Governor shall act as the
presiding officer of the College Legislative Council meetings. The Vice-Governors shall
elect among themselves a Chairman for the Council of Vice-Governors in the College
Executive Council who shall represent the entire concerns of the College Executive
Council to the Institute Legislative Body. He/she shall succeed the Governor in case of
death, permanent disability, and removal from the office or resignation of the latter,
serving only the unexpired term, and shall perform all the powers, duties and functions
of the Governor.

ARTICLE VIII
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS
A. COMMISSION ON AUDIT
Section 1

The Commission on Audit shall be composed of a Chairman and two Commissioners.

Section 2

The KASAMA President shall recommend the Chairman of the COA to the Director of
the Department of Student Affairs for his/her appointment.

Section 3

The Chairman of the COA must be a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a faculty
member of the Department of Accountancy, with permanent status of appointment as a
faculty member at the time of appointment.

Section 4

The Chairman of the COA shall appoint the Commissioners who shall be at least junior
students of the BS Accountancy program.
The Chairman of the COA shall propose and prepare the needed budget for the
Commission and shall submit the same to the KASAMA President, who shall see to it
that it shall immediately be reviewed by the body concerned.
The COA shall have the power, authority and duty to examine, audit and settle all
accounts pertaining to the revenue and receipts of, expenditures, uses of funds and
properties on or held they trust by, or pertaining to, the KASAMA or any of its
subdivisions.

Section 5

Section 6

Section 7

The Commission shall have exclusive authority to define the scope of its audit and
examinations, establish techniques and methods required therefore and promulgate
accounting rules and regulations including those for the prevention and disallowance of
irregular, unnecessary, excessive or unconscionable expenditures of KASAMA funds
and properties.

Section 8

No resolutions shall be passed exempting any entity of the KASAMA or its subdivisions
in any guide or any investment of KASAMA funds from the jurisdiction of the KASAMA
funds from the jurisdiction of the COA.

Section 9

The Commission shall submit to the President and the Institute Executive Body, a
semestral report covering the financial conditions and operation of the KASAMA, its
subdivisions and recommend measures necessary to improve its efficiency.

B. COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS
Section 1

The COMELEC shall be composed of one faculty member and three students from
each college/school. The Director of Students Affairs (DSA) shall be the ex-officio
Chairman of the COMELEC.
a. The members of the COMELEC shall be chosen by the Director of the Department of
Students Affairs (DSA) in consultation with the Assistant Deans or Assistant Directors of
the different colleges/schools.
b. The DSA Director shall propose and prepare a budget of the COMELEC and submit the
same to the KASAMA President and the latter shall see to it that the money needed for
election expenses shall be available at least one month before the KASAMA general
elections.
c. Should the KASAMA fail to allocate the needed amount, the DSA Director is authorized
to withhold the said amount from the KASAMA general fund to ensure that this would
not delay the holding of the KASAMA general elections.

Section 2

The COMELEC shall have the following powers and functions:

a. Formulate campaign rules and regulations and other matters deemed necessary to
ensure free, honest and orderly election;
b. Approve and register candidates subject to the qualifications prescribed in Sec. 1 Art. X
of this Constitution;
c. Register and accredit political parties;
d. Decide on the number and location of polling places and the appointment of poll
watchers;
e. Announce election returns within two school days after the election;
f. Accept and act immediately on any complaint and/or motion for recounting which must
be filed within twenty-four (24) hours after the elections results are announced;
g. Proclaim all election winners on or before the fourth day after the election;
h. Suspend election as may be deemed necessary;
I. Announce failure of the election as may be required by circumstances; and
J. Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of election.

ARTICLE IX
QUALIFICATIONS AND ELECTION OF OFFICERS
Section 1

Qualification of Elected Officers. An elected officer must:

a. Have at least one (1) semester residence in the Institute immediately preceding his/her
candidacy except for the President, Vice President, Senator, Governor & Vice-Governor
who must have at least one (1) year or two-semesters residence in the Institute
immediately preceding his/her candidacy;
b. Be neither academically in good standing that is, his/her scholastic standing must
neither be warning nor probation;
c. Be of good moral character as certified by his/her course adviser and confirmed by
his/her College Dean/ School Director;
d. Not have been found guilty in any disciplinary case of any involving moral turpitude or
any other infraction, the penalty for which is suspension for at least seven days;
e. Not be a graduating student as of March or October following his/her election;
f. Be a Filipino citizen; and
g. Not have a pending disciplinary case before the Student Disciplinary Board for which
the penalty is at least seven days of suspension.

Section 2
a.
b.
c
d
e

Election of officers
The election of KASAMA officers at the Institute and College levels shall be done
simultaneously in February every academic year;
The election of KASAMA officers at the Institute and College levels shall be held by
secret balloting;
There shall be a maximum of fifteen (15) calendar days campaign period before the
scheduled election of the Institute and College levels shall be held;
The election of department officers shall be held in a special meeting called for the
purpose by the Department Chairman;
The officers to be elected in every department, where there is no existing department
organization, shall be the President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor,
Social Manager, and Year Level Representative who shall be elected within the first
three weeks of every first semester.

ARTICLE X
IMPEACHMENT AND DISCIPLINE OF OFFICERS
Section 1

Impeachment
a. The President, Vice President, members of the Institute Legislative Body of the
KASAMA may be impeached on the following grounds:
a1. Negligence or abandonment of duty;
a2. Malversation of KASAMA funds;
a3. Any willful violation of this constitution;
a4. Gross violation of the programs and policies of the Institute Legislative Body and/or
Executive Body at all levels;
a5. Gross violation of the rights of other members;
a6. Any form of misconduct which undermines the integrity of the KASAMA; and
a7. Conviction involving moral turpitude
b. Any officer of the KASAMA may be impeached by two-thirds (2/3) vote of all members
of the Institute Legislative Body. Provided that, the officer impeached may petition the
Institute Legislative Body for reconsideration of the decision.

Section 2

Suspension. The following are grounds for suspension:

a1. Insubordination to the higher-ranking officer;
a2. Habitual drunkenness;
a3. Smoking during sessions;
a4. Unruly conduct during sessions;
a5. Violation of Dangerous Drug Act of 1970 and any similar laws;
a6. Failure to submit a financial report three (3) days after the activity;
a7. Carrying of deadly weapons inside the campus; and
a8. Violation of the Code of Discipline and Institute rules and regulations.
c. If an officer fails to attend four (4) consecutive regular meetings of the Institute
Legislative Body/Executive without any valid reason/s, he/she shall automatically be
dropped from the poll of officers. He/she shall henceforth cease to be an officer of the
KASAMA.
d. An officer dropped from the KASAMA may be reinstated into office only upon
justification of his/her side and upon approval by at least two-thirds (2/3) of the total

membership of the Institute Legislative Assembly, provided, that if there is already

someone occupying his/her post, the Institute Legislative Body, shall decide where
he/she shall be placed.
e. A KASAMA officer shall be impeached only once for the same offense or ground.
Section 3

Any officer who has been impeached in accordance with Section 1 of this article shall
be perpetually disqualified from being elected and appointed for any position in the
KASAMA.

ARTICLE XI
FUNDS OF THE KASAMA
Section 1

The funds of the KASAMA shall be derived from the following:

a. Membership fee;
b. Share of the revenues from College or Department with respect to Institute activities to
be fixed by the Institute Legislative Body;
c. A portion of the institute annual business permit fees and a percentage of the annual
gross sales of all existing and future businesses in the Institute at a rate to be
determined by the Institute Legislative Body subject to Institute policy/policies as
approved by the MSU Board of Regents;
d. Revenue from investment projects;
e. Proceeds of fund raising campaign/s;
f. Donations, grants and other bequeaths; and
g. Proceeds of loans for duly approved business and other development projects.

Section 2

General funds of the KASAMA

a. The general funds of the KASAMA shall consists of membership fees collected by the
administration during every regular registration period, and other revenues as stated in
Section 1 (subsection b to g) shall be transferred and deposited in a reputable bank,
with the following as bankbook signatories:
a1. President of the KASAMA;
a2. Secretary of Finance of the KASAMA; and
a3. Adviser for Finance of the KASAMA.
b. Withdrawal of funds shall always be done by all of the above-mentioned signatories
provided that semestral reports thereof shall be submitted with copies furnished to the
Department of Student Affairs.
c. All money collected by authority of the KASAMA for a special purpose shall be treated
as a special fund and shall be paid out for such purpose only. If the purpose of the
special fund created has been fulfilled or abandoned, the balance, if any, shall be
transferred to the general funds of the KASAMA.
d. The Institute Executive Body shall formulate and adopt a budget that shall embody work
plan programs and projects with estimated expenditures for the incoming year to be
approved by the Institute Assembly. A copy of budget shall be sent to the Office of the
Chancellor for his review through the Director of the Department of Students Affairs who
shall endorse the same with respect to the legality of the projects and the sufficiency of
funds from the KASAMA fees.

e. No money shall be paid out from the funds of the KASAMA except in the pursuance in
appropriation authorized by the Institute Legislative Assembly and approved by the
KASAMA President.
f. The balance of the KASAMA general funds for a specific term shall be returned as
funds for the next or succeeding term.
g. All expenditures of the KASAMA shall be audited by the Commission on Audit of the
KASAMA.
j.

All proceeds from the fund-raising projects and solicitations/donations shall cover up
any budget deficiencies that may be incurred.
k. All disbursed cash from the general funds of KASAMA shall be liquidated and submitted
by the recipients of cash advances to the outmost of three days after each event or
activities held.
l.

The excess money from the cash advances shall be returned to the Secretary of
Finance of the KASAMA to the outmost of three days after the event with the supporting
liquidation. Failure to return the money until the said deadline means the recipients have
used the money for personal purposes and shall be liable to return the amount at once.

m. All money collected from the sanctions/penalties shall be added to the general funds of
the KASAMA.
n. Regular Statement and Account of the Receipts and Expenditures using the general
funds of KASAMA shall be published from time to time through the official KASAMA
website/newsletter.

ARTICLE XII
KASAMA NEWSLETTER
Section 1

KASAMA Newsletter shall be the official publication of the KASAMA.

Section 2

The KASAMA Newsletter shall consists of Publication Secretary who shall serve as
Editor-In-Chief, two (2) members who shall be appointed the same by the KASAMA
President, and College Publication Committee Chairman.

Section 3

Funding of the KASAMA Newsletter shall be determined by the KASAMA Executive

Body.

Section 4

Implement the editorial policies as approved by the KASAMA President.

Section 5

The Editor-Chief of the official college student publication shall not be eligible for
election or appointment to any position in the KASAMA, Institute Official Publication
and/or College Executive Council.

Section 6

Perform such other duties as may be assigned by the KASAMA President.

ARTICLE XIII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1

All department organization shall have one faculty adviser who shall possess a
permanent status of appointment at the time of his/her designation. The department
adviser shall always be a co-signatory in any cash withdrawal and in any department
organization, a financial report of which shall be submitted to the DSA before the end of
the school year.

Section 2

Existing and future institute-based student organizations shall adhere to the KASAMA
Constitution and policies, rules, plans, programs duly adopted or approved in
consonance thereto.

Section 3

Policies, rules, procedures, and programs/projects adopted/approved by the College

Executive
Councils
(or
any
student
body/organizations)
shall
uphold
pertinent/applicable, policies, rules, etc. adopted/approved by the KASAMA; provided
that where inconsistencies exist, those adopted/approved by the KASAMA shall prevail.

Section 4

There must be two (2) General Assemblies within every academic year.

Section 5

The newly elected officers shall assume their offices on the last Monday of March.

Section 6

The Editor-Chief of the official college student publication shall not be eligible for
election or appointment to any position in the KASAMA.

Section 7

College student means a student enrolled in the undergraduate programs of the

Institution.

ARTICLE XIV
AMENDMENTS
Section 1

The Institute Legislative Assembly may propose amendments to this constitution or any
part hereof by at least two-thirds of vote of the members.

Section 2

At least two-thirds of the total membership of the KASAMA may propose amendments
to this constitution or any part hereof, by petition.

Section 3

Any amendments to, or revision of, this constitution shall be valid when approved by the
Chancellor of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology and ratified by a simple majority of
votes cast by the College Executive Council officers and Department officers of the
Institute in a plebiscite called for this purpose.

ARTICLE XV
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS AND EFFECTIVITY
Section 1

The next set of KASAMA Officers under this Constitution shall be elected on the 3rd
Friday of the month of February, 2011.

Section 2

The new set of officers shall promulgate the rules and regulations in pursuant to the
provisions of this constitution.

Section 3

This amended Constitution and By-Laws shall be deemed effective and in force upon
approval by the MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology Chancellor and its ratification by the
College Executive Council officers and Department officers of the Institute called for this
purpose.

WHEREOF, we have hereunto set our hands at the City of Iligan, Philippines this 6th day of November
2010, convened to consolidate the amendments of the Constitution and By-Laws of Kataas-taasang
Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral of MSU-Iligan Institute of Technology, these officers were responsible
of the amendments of the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral.

INSTITUTE LEGISLATIVE BODY

AMANNIE HUSSEIN
KASAMA Senator

GERVIN RINO D. HALILI

KASAMA Senator

KRISTINE A. SASA
KASAMA Senator

ARDITH CASTRO
KASAMA Senator

JORDAN JUANDAY
KASAMA Senator

JOSE GLEN OPOG

KASAMA Senator

JAN MICHAEL EVANGELISTA

KASAMA Senator

____________________
KASAMA Senator

_____________________
KASAMA Senator

_____________________
KASAMA Senator

____________________
KASAMA Senator

_____________________
Assembly Person, CASS

____________________
Assembly Person, CASS

____________________
Assembly Person, SET

_____________________
Assembly Person, SET

_____________________
Assembly Person, CON

____________________
Assembly Person, CON

_____________________
Assembly Person, SCS

_____________________
Assembly Person, SCS

____________________
Assembly Person, CBA

_____________________
Assembly Person, CBA

_____________________
Assembly Person, CED

____________________
Assembly Person, CED

COLLEGE EXECUTIVE COUNCIL

VINAFLOR VIAJANTE
SCS Governor

SEDDIK U. MAGADAPA MONEM ABANGAD

CASS Governor
SET Governor

ANDREW ARCENAS
CBA Governor

RODEL ALINDOGAN
CED-IDS Governor

____________________ _________________
CSM Governor
COE Governor

_________________
CCON Governor

VERIFIED:

FATHMA SONNAYA MINAGA

KASAMA Senate President
AY 2010-2011

CERTIFIED:

KAREN SHIELA T. FLORES

KASAMA Vice-President
AY 2010-2011

SHEILA MAE P. MAGCANTA

KASAMA President
AY 2010-2011

Recommending Approval:

MELVIN S. ROSCOM
Director
Department of Student Affairs

Approved:

OFFICIAL SEAL
MSU-IIT

OFFICIAL SEAL
KASAMA

MARCELO P. SALAZAR, Ed.D.

Chancellor
Mindanao State University
Iligan Institute of Technology