West Visayas State University

LA PAZ, ILOILO CITY

REVISED STUDENT COUNCIL CONSTTITUTION

(As Amended)
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We, the students of the West Visayas State University imploring the aid of the Almighty God,
and adhering to the principles and ideal of democracy, academic freedom, and a dynamic
society, in order to establish a truly independent Student Council to maintain the laws of good
order; maintain high standards of cooperation and unity among the student sector that shall
promote and protect students rights and welfare, and to serve as an instrument for the
articulation of our ideals and sentiments and to encourage and support all forms of worthwhile
student activities, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.
Article I
NAME
Section 1. The Constitution shall be known as the West Visayas State University Revised
Student Council Constitution.
Article II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. Principles
a) The Student Council believes that access to academic freedom in tertiary level of all
educational institutions should be guaranteed to everyone;
b) Education should be provided to every student for his self-actualization and the development
of his capacity for the service of society;
c) Education should develop mans physical, mental, emotional, social, cultural and spiritual
potential to the fullest;
d) Education should enhance reflective, critical thinking in order to make informed judgment
free of dogmas and myths;
e) Education should promote general awareness through mass interactions and other means of
communication out of divergence for the attainment of truth and justice;
f) Educational institutions should foster greater involvement in community life, since both the
university and the community are concerned with the welfare of the youth; and
g) Educational institution should provide students representation in the formulation of policies
concerning them.
Section 2. Objectives
a) To foster and facilitate students needs and interests;
b) To promote and defend academic freedom;
c) To safeguard and promote the rights and general welfare of the students;

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d) To develop the spirit of unity among students;

e) To develop and create a responsible studentry who will put educational opportunity to
optimal use;
Page | 2 f) To serve as a vital forum for the articulation of ideas and sentiments that should lead to the

matters affecting the activities of the institution in particular and the nation in general;

g) To attain an educational reform among humane, nationalist, and scientific methods of full
development of human potential;
h) To promote unity among the various sectors of society in the pursuit of common interest for
the establishment of a just and humane society; and
i) To develop social awareness and instill national consciousness among students.
Article III
MEMBERSHIP
The West Visayas State University Student Council shall be composed of the entire student
body of the University.
Student body refers to all high school, undergraduate and graduate students of the University
except elementary pupils duly enrolled on the current semester/school year. It shall be called
upon to ratify this Constitution submitted to it by the Constitutional Committee as defined in
this Constitution.
Article IV
STUDENTS RIGHTS
Section 1. Subject to the limitations prescribed by law, University policies and Regulations,
every student of WVSU;
a) Has the right to receive quality education in line with national goals, educational objectives
and standards of the University;
b) Is entitled to advisement and guidance to enable him to understand himself, make intelligent
decisions and select from the alternatives in line with his potentials;
c) Shall have the right to participate in the formulation of the policies of the university affecting
them;
d) Shall have the right to the enjoyment of the constitutional guarantees of free speech and
press, the right to express and pursue his opinion on any subject, provided that such
expression shall not disrupt the normal operations of the university;
e) Shall have the right to establish, join and participate in organizations and societies not
contrary to the law;
f) Shall have the right to avail of all student services medical, dental, libraries, etc., as well as
of reasonable protection within the University premises;
g) Shall have the right to be informed of the rules and regulations affecting them;

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h) Shall have the right to participate in curricular and co-curricular activities subject to the
existing University rules and regulations;
i) Shall be entitled to respect as a person with human dignity, full physical, social, moral, and
intellectual development and humane and healthful conditions of learning;
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j) In the tertiary and higher level, shall enjoy academic freedom;

k) Shall have the right to seek redress of grievances against any wrong or injustice committed
against him by any member of the University community in accordance with the defined
channels of authority;
l) Shall not be subjected to disciplinary actions without due process;
m) Shall have the right to access to his records for the purpose of determining his academic
performance;
n) Shall have the right to pursue his course of study therein up to graduation except in cases
of academic deficiency or violation of disciplinary regulations;
o) Shall be entitled to expeditious issuance of certificates, diplomas, transcript of records,
grades and transfer credentials;
p) Shall have the right to free expression and information to publish school newspaper or other
similar publications in accordance with the Campus Journalism Act of 1991;
q) Shall be free from any form of unreasonable search and seizure except when made at the
point of ingress or egress by authorized personnel of the University. Articles, illegal or violative
of University rules and regulations, discovered by duly authorized personnel shall subject the
student to administrative discipline. Searches can be made by duly authorized personnel even
without search warrant when the student is committing or has just committed a crime or any
serious infarction on University rules and regulations; and
r) Shall have the right to peaceful assembly subject to the regulations of the University and
existing Laws.
Article V
STUDENTS DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Section 1. Every student, regardless of circumstances of birth, shall have the following duties
and responsibilities:
a) Abide the University rules and regulations;
b) Know the history and philosophy of the University and the official University songs;
c) Help keep the University buildings and campus clean;
d) Uphold the good name of the University by practicing personal discipline; honesty, patience,
fortitude, and emotional stability, self-control and positive attitudes and values;
e) Strive to live an upright, virtuous, and productive life;

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f) Exert his utmost to develop his potentials for service, particularly by undergoing an education
suited to his abilities, in order that he may become an asset to himself and society;
g) Respect the customs and tradition of the Filipino people, the duly, constituted authorities,
the laws of the land and the principles of democracy;
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h) Participate actively in civic affairs and the promotion of general welfare;

i) Exercise his rights responsibly with due regard for the rights of others;
j) Respect and cooperate with teachers, fellow students and school authorities in the
attainment and preservation of peace and order in the University and society; and
k) Help in the observance of individual and social rights, the strengthening of freedom, and the
fostering of cooperation among nations in pursuit of progress, prosperity and world peace.
Article VI
ORGANIZATION OF STUDENT COUNCIL
Student Council is the duly authorized/recognized organization of students in the University.
Student Council represents the entire student body of the West Visayas State University except
the elementary pupils. The functions of the student councils should be such that through them
students shall be able to exercise academic freedom and to apply academic means, participate
in maintaining and improving the environment in which the freedom of each is not tempered by
equality of all, and in the process develop their leadership potentials and values needed in
nation-building.
A. University Student Council
The University Student Council is the supreme student organization of the West Visayas
State University herein referred to as the USC. The USC shall have the jurisdiction over
the entire student body of the West Visayas State University.
Section 1. The powers of the University Student Council
1.1 Exercise legislative and executive power among the student body.
1.2 Adapt its own internal rules of government.
1.3 Represent the students in all policy-making bodies of the University when so
provided by the law and the University code on all occasions and events where the
Council need representation.
1.4 Organize, coordinate and direct all student activities designed to improve the
students general welfare as well as to prepare students for constructive citizenship.
1.5 Foster and assist the students in creating a united front and concerted action in
attaining collective goals.
1.6 Promote, carry-out and conduct scientific, interdisciplinary and policy-oriented
researches, studies, training programs, scholarship, and consultancy for students and
help in the promotion and publication of worthy ideas not contrary to the law.
1.7 Make recommendations and proposals to the duly constituted authority on matters
regarding student affairs and activities.

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1.8 Assume collection, budgeting, disbursement and accountability of the Student Trust
Fund.
1.9 Exercise general supervision over College/Institute/Department Student Councils.
1.10 Manage the operations of the University Student Centers that are established for
nonacademic activities for students.
1.11 Have such additional powers and duties as the University Authority may from time
to time grant or delegate to it, consistent with its stated powers, responsibilities and
objectives.

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Section 2. Composition
The University Student Council shall be composed of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,
and eighteen (18) Councilors elected at large in a University-wide election as officers and
the entire student body as members.
2.1 The officers of the University Student Council shall be Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson,
Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Assistant Auditor,
Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, P.I.O., Assistant P.I.O., and eight (8)
Board Members which will function as the administrative officers of the USC.
2.2 Officers other that the Chairperson and the Vice-Chairperson shall be elected by the
eighteen (18) councilors from among themselves.
Section 3. Term of Office
The University Student Council shall hold office for the term of one (1) year and the
preceding summer. This will commence on the eve of the commencement exercises.
They may be elected once to the same and to a higher position on the third term.
Section 4. Structure and Functions
4.A. Administrative and Supervisory Branch The administrative and supervisory branch of
the USC is composed of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, the other elected officers
such as the Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor,
Assistant Auditor, Business Manager, Assistant Business Manager, P.I.O., Assistant
P.I.O., and Board Members.
1. The Chairperson
a. Shall be the chief administrative and advisory officer of the USC.
b. Shall have the power to issue orders or decrees subject to the approval of the 2/3
vote of the legislative body.
c. Shall preside over-all meeting of the administrative and supervisory branch of the
USC, and can call for an emergency meeting if necessary.
d. Shall sign all resolutions, documents, and communications of the USC.
e. Shall represent the council in his capacity as Chairperson on occasions and events the
Council need representation except those provided in the constitution
f. Shall serve as an ex-officio member of all committees.

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g. Shall have the power to endorse or appoint a person to related bodies of the USC
subject to the screening and approval of the Committee on Appointments.
h. Has the power to summon the legislative council onto a meeting.
i. Shall furnish the legislative with information concerning the needs of the USC.
j. May recommend measures to the legislative council for its considerations.
k. May approve or disapprove the legislative act of the Council.
l. Shall accept or reject the resignation of any member of the USC, USEC or Student
Court.
m. Shall have the power to remove any member of the University Student Council,
Student Court and University Student Electoral Committee.
n. May assign from time to time duties to any member of the administrative and
supervisory council.
o. Shall assume powers implied by his position as Chairperson of the USC in any affair of
the University Student Body.
p. May temporarily designate a person in cases of permanent vacancy in the office of the
Student Court and USEC, until such time that a qualified person will serve the remaining
term of office of the predecessor.

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2. The Vice-Chairperson shall:

a. Assist the Chairperson in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time;
d. Be the presiding officer of the legislative assembly.
3. The Secretary shall:
a. Keep the journal of the proceedings of the council;
b. Keep all papers in correspondence of the same;
c. Certify all official acts of the administrative and supervisory body;
d. Perform such other duties that the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time
to time
4. The Assistant Secretary shall:
a. Assist the Secretary in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Secretary whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
5. The Treasurer shall:
a. Act as the custodian of the deposit in the bank, the funds of the Council;
b. Keep the records of the funds of the Council;

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c. Disburse the same in accordance with the appropriation of the USC;

d. Submit financial statement or report which shall be published at the WVSU official
student publication;
e. Head the standing Committee on Finance or any student loan fund;
f. Sign clearance forms of students;
g. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to
time.

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6. The Assistant Treasurer shall:

a. Assist the Treasurer in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Treasurer whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Coordinate in mutual aid fund;
d. Be a member of the Finance Committees;
e. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
7. The Auditor shall:
a. Audit the Book of Account of the USC every semester and submit a report to the
Council;
b. Examine all disbursement of the USC;
c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to
time.
8. The Assistant Auditor shall:
a. Assist the Auditor in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Auditor whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
9. The Business Manager shall:
a. Keep an inventory and take charge of all USC properties;
b. Supervise all business and fund raising activities of the USC;
c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign to him from time
to time.
10. The Assistant Business Manager shall:
a. Assist the Business Manager in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Business Manager whenever his office is vacant by
reason of death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or
mental incapacity;

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c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.

11. The Public Information Officer shall:

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a. Release all news items regarding USC activities;

b. Answer all inquiries about the USC;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
12. The Assistant Public Information Officer shall:
a. Assist the P.I.O. in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the P.I.O. whenever his office is vacant by reason of death,
removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
13. The Board Member shall:
a. Be appointed to different colleges and curriculum councils to coordinate or monitor
their respective activities;
b. Be given a specific committee to head;
c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to
time.
4.B. The Legislative Branch
The legislative power shall be vested on the council composed of the eighteen (18)
councilors elected on a University-wide election.
The Legislative council shall:
a. Have the power to pass resolutions and memoranda or exact measures;
b. Have the power to pass appropriation for the USC;
c. Prepare the financial statement of the USC;
d. Have the power of legislative inquiry on matters that affect students rights and
welfare. The legislative council if deem necessary shall act immediately on matters that
affect the student body, the students rights and welfare and subject to the limitations of
the law. The presiding officer shall have no voting power except in case of a tie;
e. Provide a system referendum;
f. Determine its own standing committees and elect its own officers from among
themselves.
Section 5. The USC Committee
For the smooth handling of activities of the students, the Standing and Ad Hoc
Committees are stipulated.
5.1. Standing Committee There shall be a standing committee which shall be composed
of a chairperson and four (4) members, whose duties and jurisdiction are defined.

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1. Correspondence and Documentation

a. Receive all communications, letters and refer it to appropriate Committees for actions.
b. Receive and formulate all resolutions of the Council.
c. Take charge of all USC documents.

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2. Finance Committee
a. Takes charge of the Student Loan Fund.
b. Prepares the Budget and Appropriations of the Council.
c. Takes charge of the Mutual Aid Fund.
d. Prepares, disburses and collects all vouchers and receipts.
3. Cultural Committee
a. Takes charge of all cultural affairs including Literary-Musical Contest.
4. Sports Committee
a. Coordinates the Hinampang activities and participation in any sports-related activity.
5. Ways and Means Committee
a. Takes charge of the fund-raising and inventory of the Councils property;
b. Takes charge of the Refreshments and Reservations;
c. Takes charge of the accommodation, booths, and buntings.
6. Student Learning and Education Committee
a. Takes charge of the newspaper subscription;
b. Coordinates academic assistantship to students;
c. Coordinates symposia, lectures, trainings and conferences.
7. Information and Media Committee
a. Releases all information regarding the activities of the Council;
b. Distributes all communications.
8. Student Leadership Development Program(SLDP) Committee
a. Coordinates symposia, lectures for leadership training, year-end conferences.
9. Committee on Rules and Discipline
a. Takes charge of all disciplinary proceedings at the USC including warning and
impeachment.
b. Initiates the proceedings for the impeachment and pass it to the Student Court.
10. External affairs Committee
a. Takes charge of all external transactions of the USC.
11. Project Committee
a. Supervises, coordinates and plans the projects of the USC.

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5.2. The Committee on Appointments

The Committee shall be composed of a Chairperson and four (4) members as chosen
from among the eighteen (18) elected councilors.
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a. Handles all appointments of related bodies under the jurisdiction of the USC.
b. Responsible for the screening and approval of the all appointments.
c. May declare a person disqualified from an appointed position as prescribed by law.
d. May determine its own internal rules.
5.3 The Ad Hoc Committee
The Council may form an Ad Hoc committee as the need arises whose composition shall
be one chairperson and four (4) members. Provided, however, the scholarship
committee and curriculum committee shall be among these Ad Hoc committees to be
formed with prime consideration.
Section 6. Quorum and Meeting
6.1 A majority of votes cast by the Council members present, provided there is a quorum
sufficient to elect an officer and transact business. Any decision and resolution arrived at
shall be considered a valid act of the Council. The quorum shall be consists of a simple
majority of the total number of the officers of the Council.
6.2 The University Student Council shall meet at least twice a week at a place, day, and
time designated by themselves. Special and emergency meetings may be called by the
Chairperson or majority of the officers anytime as it deems necessary.
6.3 The USC shall use the semi-parliamentary or business-like procedure in conducting a
meeting.

Section 7. Vacancy
Any vacancy in the USC shall be chosen/elected from among the representatives of the
different college councils called for the purpose. Only the remaining University Student
Council officers can vote to choose the substitute in this case. If at the judgment of the
University Student Council officers no one from among the representatives is qualified to
it as officers of the USC as provided by Article VI Section 8 of this Constitution, the
University Student Council, by a vote of 2/3, may call a general special election for the
purpose of.
7.1 In case of permanent vacancy in the elected office of the Chairperson due to death,
removal, expulsion, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the office of the former and the
number one Councilor will automatically be the Vice-Chairperson. If the Chairperson and
Vice-Chairperson be unable to perform the functions of the reasons above, the 18
councilors shall elect among themselves the next chairperson and vice-chairperson.

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Section 8. Qualifications of USC Officers

No student shall be eligible/elected member of the University Student Council unless he
has the following qualifications:
8.1. He must have at least one academic year of residence in the University.
8.2. He must not have a final grade(s) of 3.0 and below and no three incomplete grades
a semester preceding the election.
8.3. He must obtain a certificate of good moral character from the College Dean or
Institute Director.
8.4. He must not be a member of the University Student Court.
8.5. He must not be a member of the Student Electoral Committee.
8.6. He must not hold any major position such as chair and vice-chair of any interest
groups, or as ROTC Corps Commander or Editor-in-Chief, Managing Editor, or Associate
Editor of any student Publication.
8.7. He must be a natural born Filipino citizen.

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A candidate is considered disqualified in running in any University Student Council

Position if he lacks any of the requirements. If after winning his post as officer of the
University Student Council he committed any disqualification from the above list of
qualifications, he shall undergo an impeachment proceeding as provided by Article X
(Accountability of Council Officers).
Section 9. Election
The Officers of the USC shall be elected by all duly registered students of the West
Visayas State University except the elementary pupils on the third week of February
every year. The student Electoral Committee is in charge of all matters pertaining to
election as defined in the election code.
Section 10. The USC Adviser
The University Student Council, shall elect faculty advisers or an adviser through a
resolution from among the WVSU full time faculty members who shall render technical
guidance or assistance to the USC. Three (3) days after the election, such
adviser/advisers shall be recommended in writing to the Director of the Office of Student
Service, who in turn, shall recommend to the president of the University for official
designation.

B.College/Department/Institute Student Councils

There shall be one (1) Student Council in every College/Department/Institute regardless
of population who shall have jurisdiction over their respective unit. They serve as
implementing arm of the USC in their respective College/Department/Institute.

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Section 1. Officers
The College/Department/Institute Student Council shall be composed of the following
officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Treasurer,
assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Assistant Auditor, Business Manager, Assistant Business
Manager, P.I.O., Assistant P.I.O., and at least two representatives for every college
regardless of population and an additional representative for every 500 students.

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Section 2. The Medicine Student Council

The Medicine Student Council shall be composed of the following officers: Chairperson,
Vice Chairperson (Internal Affairs), Vice-Chairperson (External Affairs), and five (5)
councilors elected at large, who will elect from among themselves the Secretary,
Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager and P.I.O. There shall be two (2) representatives
from the Freshmen, Sophomore and Junior and a representative from the Senior which
will serve as an ex-officio member of the council.
Section 3. Graduate School Student Council
3.1 The Graduate Education Student Council shall be composed of the following set of
elected officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business
Manager, P.I.O., and one representative to the USC.
3.2. All GEC Officers shall hold office for one year and one summer. Class/Subject
officers shall be elected every semester (and summer, in case of summer classes). All
GEC vacancies in view of absence, permanent incapability or death shall be elected by
the class/subject officers in a special general assembly. This does not include the case of
the Vice-Chairperson taking place of the incapacitated Chairperson.
3.3 The offices of the GEC shall be elected by the different class/subject officers from
among themselves during a general assembly on the third week of the first month of the
first semester. Class/Subject officers shall be elected on the first week of the first month
of classes.
Section 4. Membership
4.1 The members of the College/Department/Institute Student Council shall include all
bona fide students of the college/department/institute.
4.2 The officers of each College/Department/Institute Student Councils shall be elected
by its respective members (as in 4.1), under the independent supervision of the Student
Electoral Committee.
Section 5. Officers Specific Duties
5.1 The Chairperson shall be the chief executive officer of each
college/department/institute. He shall:
a. Preside in all meetings of the College/Department/Institute.
b. Sign all resolutions, communications, papers of the College/Department/Institute
Student Council.

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c. Call for an emergency meeting if necessary.

d. Represent the Council in his capacity as Chairperson on occasions and events where
the council needs representation.
e. Create standing/ad hoc committees and appoint its members thereof except in the
case of existing standing committee stipulated in the constitution. The members of the
ad hoc committee shall elect from among themselves a Chairperson.
f. Perform such duties as may be necessary or incidental to the discharge and
performance on the functions of his office.

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5.2 The Vice-Chairperson shall:

a. Assist the Chairperson in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
5.3 The Secretary shall:
a. Keep the journal of the proceedings of the College/Department/Institute Student
Council.
b. Keep all papers in correspondence.
c. Certify all official acts of the College/Department/Institute Student Council.
d. Head the checking of the Attendance Committee.
e. Perform such other duties that the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time
to time. 6
5.4 The Assistant Secretary shall:
a. Assist the Secretary in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Secretary whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
5.5 The Treasurer shall:
a. Act as the custodian of the deposit in the bank, the funds of the Council.
b. Keep the records of the funds of the Council.
c. Disburse the same in accordance with the appropriation of the council.
d. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to
time.
5.6 The Assistant Treasurer shall:
a. Assist the Treasurer in all matters where his assistance is required.

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b. Take over the functions of the Treasurer whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
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5.7 The Auditor shall:

a. Audit the Book of Account of the College/Department/Institute Student Council at the
end of every activity and every end of the semester.
b. Examine all disbursements of the Council.
c. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to
time.
5.8 The Assistant Auditor shall:
a. Assist the Auditor in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Auditor whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
5.9 The Business Manager shall:
a. Keep an inventory and take charge of all councils properties.
b. Supervise all business and fund raising activities of the Council.
c. Head the Ways and Means Committee.
d. Perform such other duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign to him from time
to time.
5.10 The Assistant Business Manager shall:
a. Assist the Business Manager in all matters where his assistance is required.
b. Take over the functions of the Business Manager whenever his office is vacant by
reason of death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or
mental incapacity. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him
from time to time.
5.11 The Public Information Officer shall:
a. Release all information regarding the activities of the Council.
b. Distribute all communications.
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
5.12 The Assistant Public Information Officer shall:
a. Assist the P.I.O. in all matters where his assistance is required.

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b. Take over the functions of the P.I.O. whenever his office is vacant by reason of death,
removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Council or Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
5.13 The College Representatives shall:

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a. Represent the interest of their respective College/Department/Institute to the USC.

b. Accept tasks and responsibilities, and other duties and functions which the Council or
Chairperson may assign him from time to time.
Section 6. Qualifications for Members of the College/Department/Institute Student
Council:
No student shall be elected member of the College/Department/Institute Student Council
unless he has met the following qualifications:
1. He must be a Filipino citizen.
2. He must have one academic semester residence in the College/Department/Institute
preceding the election.
3. He must not have a final grade of 5.0 or must not have incurred three (3) incomplete
grades during the semester preceding the election/application for election/application for
election.
4. Must have a good moral character as certified by the College Dean of Director of the
Office of Student Services.
5. Must not be a member of the Student Court.
6. Must not be a member of the Student Electoral Committee.
7. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall not hold any major position as the
Chairperson/Vice-Chairperson of any interest group or as ROTC Corps Commander or as
Editor-in-Chief of any student publication College/Department/Institute organ.
Section 7. Election
7.1 The officers of the College/Department/Institute Student Council shall be elected by
all duly registered students of West Visayas State University.
7.2 The officers shall hold office for a period of one year.
7.3 The date and place of election shall be governed by the Student Electoral
Committee.
Section 8. Vacancy
Any vacancy in the offices shall be filled by the immediate successor. In case, there is no
immediate successor for a position, a body of section and college curriculum chairperson
shall be called to elect a new successor for the vacant position. In case, nobody is
qualified from among the section/curriculum chairpersons, a special election may be
called by the Council to be administered by the SEC.

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Section 9. Advisers
The council is free to choose its own adviser/advisers from among the full time faculty
members of their respective College/department/Institute and recommend it to the
College Dean/ Director of Student Services for approval and designation.
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C. Curriculum Student Councils

There shall be one University Curriculum Council in every year level of the University
(Freshmen, Sophomores, Juniors and Seniors), and one College/Institute Student
Council in every year level of the college who shall be coordinating arm of the USC and
the College/Institute Student Councils respectively.
Section 1. Officers and Members
1.1 Officers
The University and College/Institute Curriculum Student councils shall be composed of
the following officers: Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Assistant Secretary,
Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer, Auditor, Assistant Auditor, Business Manager, Assistant
Business Manager, P.I.O., and Assistant P.I.O.
a. There shall be at least one officer from each section to be elected to any of the above
positions for the College/Institute Student Councils.
b. There shall be at least one officer from each college to be elected to the position for
the University Curriculum Student Council and one officer to serve as a representative to
each College/Institute curriculum Student Council.
1.2 Membership
The members of each College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils shall be
automatically become members of the University Curriculum Student Councils and shall
include all bona fide students under each curriculum.
Section 2. Powers and Functions
2.1 The University Curriculum Student Councils shall coordinate with the University
Student Council and the College/Institute Curriculum Councils.
2.2 The University Curriculum Student Councils shall exercise authority over all
College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils.
2.3 The University Curriculum Student Councils and the College/Institute Curriculum
Student Councils shall have the following powers and functions:
a. Hold activities i.e. programs, projects, for the benefit of all its members/constituents;
b. Collect funds, fees, and contributions from its members/constituents upon approval of
the University Student Council for the University Curriculum Student Councils and the
College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils for the College/Institute Curriculum
Student Councils;
c. Promulgate its own internal rules and regulations;

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d. Join any activities of the College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils and the
University Student Council.
e. Manage, direct and administer its affairs and business in accordance with the
Constitution; and
f. Execute such other functions as prescribed from time to time by the University Student
Council for the University Curriculum Student Councils and the College/Institute Student
Councils for the College/Institute Curriculum Student Councils.

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Section 3. Election
3.1 The duly elected section officers shall elect from among themselves the officers for
the College/Institute Curriculum Student Council. Officers shall elect from among
themselves the officers of the University Curriculum Student Council.
3.2 An additional set of representative, one from each College/Institute Curriculum
Student Councils, shall be elected to the University Curriculum Student Council.
3.3 The officers shall hold office for a period of one school year.
3.4 The University Student Council for the University Curriculum Student Councils and
the College/Institute Student Councils for the College/Institute Curriculum Student
Councils ad hoc committee shall take initiative to call and preside the election.
Section 4. Curriculum Advisers
4.1 the College/Institute and University Curriculum Student Councils are free to choose
their own adviser/s and shall recommend him/them to the College/Institute dean for the
College/Institute and the Director of Student Services for the University, for approval.
D. Section Organization
Section Organization is the organic unit of the Council. It shall be composed of students
enrolled and assigned by the office of the registrar to a unit of a school/college.
Section 1. Powers and Jurisdiction
The section organization has the following powers and jurisdiction:
a. Discharge of function is limited and confined within the section.
b. Act as implementing and coordinating arm of the Council.
c. Promote the general welfare of the students by organizing effective effort to attain
collective goals.
d. Manage, direct and administer its affairs and businesses in accordance with the
Constitution.
e. Enjoy the protection of the Council from direct or indirect exploitation and unjust
treatment.
f. Take necessary action when necessity arises with the approval of the Office of Student
Services.
Section 2. Officers and Members The section organization officers shall be the
Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager, and
P.I.O.

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The members of the section organization are the duly registered students of their
College/Department/Institute and assigned by the Office Registrar to that section.
Section 3. Specific Duties of the Officers:
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3.1 The Chairperson shall:

a. Represent the section in his capacity as Chairperson in occasion where the section
needs representation;
b. Preside over all meetings and assign work to his members which are beneficial to the
organization;
c. Sign all official communications and papers of the organization;
d. Take proper decision in cases where an emergency meeting is impossible;
e. Call emergency meetings if necessary;
f. Perform such other duties as the SEC code, higher authorities, constitution and
supreme Student Council may assign.
3.2 The Vice-Chairperson shall:
a. Assist the Chairperson in all matters where his assistance is required
b. Take over the functions of the Chairperson whenever his office is vacant by reason of
death, removal, illness, impeachment, resignation, absence, and physical or mental
incapacity;
c. Perform such duties as the Chairperson may assign.
3.3 The Secretary shall:
a. Keep all journals of proceedings, including official papers and correspondence of the
organization;
b. Certify all official acts of the same.
c. Perform such other activities as the Chairperson may assign.
3.4 The Treasurer shall:
a. Keep records and disbursement of the organization;
b. Have the records of the money and property of the organization;
c. Submit summary of disbursement of financial status of the organization as the
members may ask;
d. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.
3.5 The Auditor shall:
a. Present the book of account (if any) to the members;
b. Examine and audit all disbursement of the financial transaction of the organization;
c. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.
3.6 The Business Manager shall:
a. Keep an inventory and take charge of the organizations property and responsible in
supervising all business and fund-raising activities of the organization;
b. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.
3.9 The Public Information Officer shall:

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a. Release all information regarding the activities and answer all inquiries about the
organization; and
b. Perform such other duties as the Chairperson may assign.
In addition to their specific functions and duties, they will perform other works and
assignments which are beneficial to the group, as the Constitution, School policies, SEC
Code and the Chairperson may assign.

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Section 4. Qualifications for Election

Any member of the section is qualified for election provided that:
a. He/She is a bonafide student and member of the section;
b. He/She is not holding any major position in the USC or CSC.
Section 5.
Adviser The adviser of every section shall be designated by the respective Dean/Principal
from the faculty force of its college/unit. The role of the adviser must be determined and
defined by the Dean/Principal.
E. Interest Group
Section 1. Student Organization
A university student organization shall be one whose members to two (2) or more
college/units. A college student organization shall be one whose members belong to a
section in any unit of college/units.
Section 2. Supervision
A university student organization shall be directly under the supervision of the
College/Director of the corresponding unit.
Section 3. Faculty Adviser
Each university and college organization shall have at least one faculty adviser chosen
and recommended by the organization and approved by the Director of Students
Services. The faculty advisers of class organizations are designated by the College dean.
The role of the faculty adviser of the university and college organization is that of
integrator and technical guidance.
Section 4. Constitution and By-laws
No university or school/unit organization shall be recognized and allowed to function
without a Constitution and By-Laws which have been approved by the Director of
Student Services.
Section 5. Recommendation and Accreditation
The USC shall participate in recognizing and accrediting university student organizations.
The USC shall also participate in determining outstanding student organizations for the
school year.

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Section 6. Student Interest Groups shall present the groups proposed Constitution and
By-Laws to the Office of Student services for approval.
Section 7. A minimum number of 25 founding members shall be required to establish a
student organization.

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Section 8. Student organizations shall be allowed to affiliate with chapters outside the
university provided that, these organizations are in good standing.
Section 9. A student organization may be denied recognition, or may have its recognition
withdrawn should it be found, to have violated certain rules and regulations of the
University or its unit.
Section 10. As a general rule, only students of the University are recognized to establish,
to hold assembly meetings at the campus, provided that if these interest group decide to
invite other persons outside the University, they should ask permission and approval
from the University administration.
Section 11. All other activities such as elections and objectives of the interest group shall
be governed by their respective Constitution and By-Laws approved by the Director of
Student Services, provided that this does not contravene the provision of this
Constitution.
Article VII
FUNDS AND DUES
Section 1. Membership Dues
a. An annual fee shall be charged for the Student Trust Fund, the amount of which shall
be fixed by the incumbent officers of the University and College/Department/Institute
Student Councils for the college/unit, provided however, that every collection shall be
correspondingly covered by a receipt issued by the Treasurer of the USC for the
University and by the College/Department/Institute Student Council for the
College/Department/Institute, and provided further that any amount that may accrue to
the council from voluntary contributions of the members or otherwise, shall be treated
and accounted for in the same manner.
b. Other amounts to be raised by the council from sources other than membership for
specific projects shall be approved by the Council and proper resolutions covering these
should be passed by the body. Any unexpected balance shall be credited to the council
funds for projects or any other purposes the Council may decide for the betterment of
the studentry.
Section 2. Book of Accounts. The Council must have a Book of Accounts which shall
indicate all collections and disbursements properly receipted of the funds of the council.

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It may be inspected and shall be open for inspection to any member of the council when
there is a need for inspection.
Section 3. Disbursement. Any disbursement from the funds of the council shall be
accompanied by the vouchers duly verified by the Treasurer and approved by the
Chairperson for payment. Withdrawals of such amount from the depository shall be
made by any officer of the Council upon written authorization issued by the Chairperson
and signed by the Treasurer. The release of such amount will be done upon presentation
of a resolution of any officer.

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Section 4. The fund shall be deposited in a bank of good standing in the Province/City as
the case may be. The Treasurer and the Chairperson shall be the official depository in
the bank.
Section 5. The Funds shall be appropriated by the Council by means of a resolution.
Section 6. Financial Report. The Treasurer shall prepare and impart a copy of the council
financial statement every semester. Such financial statement shall be approved by the
Chairperson, noted by the Adviser and audited by the Auditor. Copy of which shall be
given to the University/College Publication, Director of Student Services and the
University Student Council.
Article VIII
THE JUDICIARY
Section 1. The judicial power shall be vested in one Student Court as established by this
constitution.
Judicial power includes the duty of the court to settle actual controversies involving
students rights which are legally demandable and enforceable, and to determine
whether or not there have been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess
jurisdiction on the part of any branch or instrumentality of the University Student
Council.
Section 2. The University Student Council shall not deprive the University Student Court
of its powers and functions, and jurisdiction over cases in Section 5 hereof.
No resolutions shall be passed reorganizing the Student Court when it undermines the
security of tenure of its members.
Section 3. The University Student Court shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Appropriations for
the Student Court may not be reduced by the University Student Council below the
amount appropriated for the previous year, and after approval shall be automatically and
regularly released.

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Section 4. The University Student Court shall be composed of seven members to be

recommended by the USC Chairperson subject to the approval of the Committee on
Appointments. The committee shall prescribe the qualifications of judging. The basis of
qualifications are as follows:
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a. A member of the Student Court must be a person of a proven competence, integrity,

probity, and independence.
b. Good moral behavior as certified by the Director of Student Services.
c. Good academic standing such as the general average 2.0 during the semester prior to
the time of his appointment.
d. Must pass the required rating in a special examination given by the committee.
e. Must be a college student within two years residence at the university.
f. No person shall be appointed member of the Student Court unless he is a natural born
citizen of the Philippines.
g. Must not be a member of any political party nor run in an election, a semester
preceding to their appointment.
h. Not a member of SEC.
Section 5. The Student Court shall have the following powers and functions:
a. Power of judicial inquiry. The Student Court has the power to declare questionable
bills, resolutions, regulations or laws unconstitutional. All cases involving the questions of
the constitutionality of bills and resolutions shall be heard and decided by the Student
Court en banc.
b. It shall have an inherent power to punish contempt as an effective means of
protecting their dignity and authority, and enforcing powerful orders.
c. Assume jurisdiction to try over the cases involving impeachment and expulsion of all
student officers and other disciplinary remedies for the students.
d. In the event of an emergency, eminent danger of violence of internal conflicts in the
student community, it shall authorize the University Student Council Chairperson to
assume necessary powers and functions to prevent, solve or counter such occurrence.
e. Promulgate internal rule and regulations in connection with the exercise of its powers
and functions.
f. Deputize or appoint qualified and responsible student officers who will assist them in
the process of receiving complaints, fact-finding investigations or research in relations to
the prevailing cases presented to them.
Section 6. All decisions, after due process of hearing of the Student Count, are final,
conclusive, irrevocable, and enforceable to every specified extent.
Section 7. The members of the Student Court shall hold office during good behavior until
the end of this two-year term, and his successor duly appointed. In cases where
permanent vacancy arises, the University Student Council shall thereafter appoint
qualified person to place the vacancy. The newly appointed member shall serve the
remaining portion of his predecessors term.

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Section 8. The member of the Student Court shall elect from among themselves the
Chief Justice, the Clerk of Court and Treasurer.
Section 9. The member of the Student Court as established by this constitution shall not
be designated to any agency performing quasi-judicial or administrative functions or any
other functions except its own function as provided hereof.

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Section 10. The student Court shall submit its year-end-report regarding its activities and
operations to the Correspondence and Documentation Committee for records and file
purposes thirty days before the end of its term.
Section 11. The Student Court shall elect faculty adviser from among the WVSU full time
faculty members who shall render technical guidance and integration.
Article IX
STUDENT ELECTORAL COMMITTEE
The Student Electoral Committee is an independent body.
Section 1. Composition.
The Committee shall be composed of University Student Electoral Committee(USEC), The
Chairperson and the SEC Chairperson in each College/Department/Institute as members.
After their appointment, the College/Department/Institute SEC Chairpersons shall
organize their respective members who shall automatically be a member of the Student
Electoral Committee.
Section 2. Appointment.
The USEC shall be appointed by the USC Committee on Appointments.
2.1 The College/Department/Institute SEC Chairpersons shall be recommended by their
respective Student Council Chairpersons.
2.2 The College/Department/Institute Student Electoral Committee Chairpersons shall
elect from among themselves the Chairperson who then be appointed by the University
Student Council Committee on Appointments.
2.3 The USEC shall assume office at the beginning of the school year.
Section 3. Term of Office
The SEC shall hold office for a term of one (1) school year and may be reappointed for
the same or higher position.
Section4. Qualifications
The Committee shall have the following qualifications:
4.1 Must obtain a Certificate of Good Moral Character from the Director of Student
Services (College Dean.)
4.2 Must not be a member of any student political party in the University.
4.3 Shall not run in any elected position created by the Student Council. 4.4 Must not be
a member of the Student Court.

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4.5 Must have no failing grade, not three (3) incomplete grades immediately preceding
his application.
4.6 Must be a natural born Filipino citizen.
4.7 Must have at least one academic year residence in the University.
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Section 5. Powers and Functions

5.1 The SEC shall set up the required machinery for the conduct of election.
a. Receive and approve the application of candidacy.
b. Count and canvas the ballots.
c. Proclaim the winning candidate.
d. Shall set the schedule of election.
5.2 It shall have he solve jurisdiction in the enforcement of the election code including
referenda and plebiscites.
5.3 It shall promulgate the election code provided that it will not contravene with any
provision of the Student Council Constitution and provided further that it will approved
by the majority of the Student Council Officers.
5.4 The SEC may recommend to the Student Council a special election for any vacancy
without any immediate successor as provided by t the Article VI Section 7 of this WVSU
Revised Student Council Constitution.
5.5 The SEC will mediate and resolve all conflicts concerning the election whose decision
could only be appealed for legality to the Student Court.
Section 6. The SEC Advisers
The Student Electoral Committee shall choose two advisers from among the full-time
faculty members of the University. They shall render technical guidance to the
committee.
Article X
ACCOUNTABILITY OF STUDENT COUNCIL OFFICERS
SECTION 1. Student office is a student trust. Student offices must serve with highest
degree of responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency and shall remain accountable to
the students.
Section2. The officers of the University, College/Department/Institute Curriculum
Councils and Section shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction
of, culpable violation of this constitution, the Student Code, bribery, other high crimes of
graft and corruption, insubordination and negligence of duties.
Section 3.
3.1 The Committee on Rules and Discipline shall have the exclusive power to initiate all
cases of impeachment.
3.2 A verified complaint for impeachment may be filed by any member of the
council/organization concerned which shall be included in the order of the business
within two meeting days and refer it to the Committee on Rules and Discipline within

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one meeting day thereafter. The committee, after hearing, and by a majority of vote of
the members shall submit a report to the council concerned within a period of one week.
Such report and decision shall be affirmed by the 2/3 of the officers of the council and
shall be coursed to the Student Court for trial.
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Section 4. No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official for
the same offense within a period of three months.
Section 5. The Student Court shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of
impeachment. When setting for that purpose, the members shall be on oath of
affirmation.
Section6. Judgment in cases of impeachment shall be limited to removal from office and
disqualification to hold any students office of honor, trust or profit in this institution, but
the party convicted nevertheless shall be liable and subject to persecution, trial and
punishment in accordance with the law.
Article XI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section1. The Constitution shall govern the West Visayas State University Student
Councils.
Section 2. For the purpose of this constitution, unless the context is indicated otherwise.
a. University signifies the West Visayas State University created by Presidential Decree
2019.
b. USC means the duly constituted student organization.
c. Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, University Councilors refers respectively to the
officers of the University Student Council
d. Student Election Code set of rules that governs the conduct of election, plebiscite,
or referenda.
e. Student Court an independent body which holds judicial power concerning the
students.
f. Students are duly registered individuals in the West Visayas State University.
g. College/Department/Institute Student Council refers to the Arts and Sciences,
Education, Agriculture and Forestry, Medicine, Graduate Education, High School,
Nursing, PESCAR Institute and Institute of Mass Communications respectively.
h. Duly Constituted Authorities refer to the BOR, DECS.
i. Council refers to the administrative and supervisory branch of the USC as
distinguished from the legislative body.
j. Council refers to the USC as a whole with its elected officers.
k. Academic Year basis of residence in the university wherein an academic year is
equal to the completion of two academic semesters.

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TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Section 1. Immediately after the ratification of the Constitution, the Student Councils
incumbent officers shall: a. Call upon the existing SEC to revise the existing Election
Code.
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Section 2. The Constitution should be within the bounds of the rules and regulations of
the University which were promulgated by the duly authorized body, the Board of
Regents.
Section 3. Immediately after the ratification of this Constitution, all student councils
should follow all provisions of this Constitution.
Section 4. The College/Department/Institute Student Councils shall promulgate their own
by-laws and/or internal rules provided it does not contravene any provision of the
Constitution.
Article XII
EFFECTIVITY AND AMMENDMENTS
Section 1. This Constitution will take effect immediately upon its ratification in a
University-wide plebiscite called for this purpose on February 23, 1996, by a majority
vote of all votes by the majority of students qualified to vote as stipulated by the
University Student Electoral Code, a copy of which shall be furnished to the University
President, Director of Instruction, and Director, Office of Student Services.
Section 2. Any amendment to or revision of this Constitution should be proposed after
four (4) years of effectivity upon ratification of this Constitution.
Section 3. The Constitution Committee shall have the original jurisdiction and sole power
to propose an amendment or revision to this Constitution after the period stipulated in
Section2 of this Article. The constitution Committee shall be composed of all
College/Department/Institute Student Council, one permanent representative from the
SEC, Vice-Chairperson as the ex-officio chairperson of the Committee.

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