THE APPROVED CONSTITUTION OF THE SUPREME STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Republic of the Philippines SUPREME STUDENT GOVERNMENT Mindanao State University Marawi City
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We, the students of the Mindanao State University, Marawi City, imploring the aid of the Divine Providence desirous to establish an autonomous, democratic and representative Student Government, to protect our rights and promote our welfare in order to develop nationalism and social consciousness in the ranks of the youth and student sector; to advance our educational, social and cultural well-being through collective efforts in the spirit of unity, justice, liberty, and equality, do ordain and promulgate this constitution.
Article I
NAME, OFFICE AND SEAL
Section 1. The organization of the Mindanao State University College Studentry shall be named SUPREME STUDENT GOVERNMENT.
Section 2. The office of the Supreme Student Government shall be located at the Student Center, Mindanao State University, Marawi City.
Section 3. The University Student Assembly shall adopt its official seal which must be reflective of mordancy, vigilance, unity, justice, honor, self-rule, knowledge and freedom.
Article II
PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The Supreme Student Government shall be the highest and legitimate Student Government of the University.
Section 2. The Supreme Student Government affirms that the studentry is an important sector of the University.
Section 3. The Supreme Student Government shall endeavor to organize and consolidate the local governments and the campus organizations.
Section 4. The Supreme Student Government upholds:
a.)That education is a right, thus, access to it shall be afforded to everyone.
b.)That education should develop critical thinking and creative growth.
c.)That education should instill national consciousness, social awareness and sense of responsibility.
d.)That education should be mass-oriented and scientific.
Section 5. The Supreme Student Government shall encourage campus journalism and community extension services, support government programs and objectives and maintain inviolate the freedom and rights of the students.
Section 6. The determination of policies, programs and activities in accordance with this Constitution and existing laws shall be the sole prerogative of the Supreme Student Government.
Section 7. The Supreme Student Government shall have the right to directly participate in the determination of University policies.
Section 8. The Supreme Student Government shall aim to establish alliance and solidarity with other organizations whose purposes are not contrary to law.
Section 9. The Supreme Student Government shall aim to:
a.)Advance the interest of the studentry.
b.)Maintain an environment conducive to the attainment of academic excellence.
c.)Promote unity and understanding among the studentry.
d.)Serve as a forum for the expression of ideas and sentiments of general significance.
e.)Ensure a well-rounded intellectual, socio-cultural and physical development of the studentry.
f.)Train and develop the studentry for leadership roles.
g.)Develop strong sense of responsibility and consciousness with the end in view of contributing to the establishment of a just and humane society.
h.)Contribute to the attainment of University objectives.
Section 10. The majority rule shall always be respected and majority roles shall be decisive.
Section 11. In the application and interpretation of this Constitution, the Constitution of the Philippines and the University Code shall be considered always.
Section 12. Membership of the Supreme Student Government shall not be for self-aggrandizement but for the general welfare and collective interests of the studentry.
Article III
DUTIES, RIGHTS AND PREVILEGES OF THE STUDENTS
Section 1. The students shall have the rights to:
a.)Form organizations or alliances independently determining their own policies and programs.
b.)Freely express their opinions in speech or in writing subject to existing laws adopted by duly constituted authority.
c.)Assemble peaceably for redress of grievances.
Section 2. No student shall be suspended, expelled, and dismissed from the University unless for legal cause and with due process of law.
Section 3. The rights of the students impose upon them the correlative duty to exercise them responsively with due regard to the rights of others.
Section 4. It shall be the duty of the students to:
a.)Observe at all times the law of the land, the University Code and the provisions of this Constitution.
b.)Maintain the highest standard of honesty, good faith, fairness, integrity and fidelity.
c.)Help bring about an atmosphere of unity and understanding among the different sectors of the University.
d.)Actively participate in all University activities and programs geared towards the development of the general welfare of the student body.
Section 5. Every student shall have the right to vote in every election of officers of the Supreme Student Government and Local governments.
Section 6. To inform the Supreme Student Government of any matter worthy of attention shall be likewise the duty of every student.
Section 7. Free access to the records of the Supreme Student Government shall be guaranteed to every student.
Article IV
ORGANIZATION AND OFFICERS IN GENERAL
Section 1. The student government shall have three levels of offices enumerated in the order of importance:
a.)Supreme Student Government
b.)Local Governments
c.)Council of Campus Organizations
Section 2. The Supreme Student Government shall be composed of the following officers:
a.)President
b.)Vice-President
c.)Ten (10) Councilors
d.)One representative from each local government
e.)Two representatives from the Council of Campus Organizations
Section 3. The set of officers of the local governments and the Council of Campus Organizations shall be determined by their respective constitution or standing rules subject to such regulations as the Student Assembly may hereafter determine.
Section 4. The President, the Vice-President, and the Councilors shall be directly elected by the students in a University-wide electoral contest which shall be held not later than every second week of August in accordance with the rules that may be promulgated by the Committee on Elections.
Such elections shall be held simultaneous with the election of the local government officers.
Section 5. The elected Councilors and the Representatives who shall be chosen in accordance with their constitution or standing rules shall function as the legislative body of the Supreme Student Government which shall be known as the University Student Assembly.
Section 6. Except for local government and Council of Campus Organization Representatives, no student shall become an officer of the Supreme Student Government unless he possesses the following qualifications at the time of the filing of his candidacy.
a.)He must be a full time student.
b.)He must have been a student of the University for at least one (1) year.
c.)He must not possess any of the disqualifications mentioned in Article IX at the time of the filing of his candidacy.
Section 7. The Supreme Student Government officers shall have a term of one (1) year which shall begin from the time of their proclamation and shall end on the day their successor shall have been electoral qualified.
In no case shall a student serve as an officer of the Supreme Student Government for more than two (2) consecutive terms.
Section 8. In case of disqualification, death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of the President, the Vice-President shall become the President of the Supreme Student Government and shall serve the unexpired term of the President.
In the same manner, the councilor who obtained the highest vote in the immediately preceding election shall assume the office at the Vice-President and serve the unexpired term thereof.
Section 9. In case a vacancy arises for the same reason in the University Student Assembly, the President shall fill the same by appointment with the concurrence of the two-third (2/3) of all the remaining members of the assembly: provided, that in vacancies created by the representatives, the same shall be filled in accordance with their rules on succession.
Section 10. Except for local government and Council Campus Organization representatives no officers in hold any other office involving the exercise of discretion on decision-making in any organization about forfeiting his position or seat nor shall an officer directly or indirectly be interested in any contract where the other party is the Supreme Student Government or its agency or instrumentality.
Article V
COLLEGE COUNCIL AND COUNCIL OF CAMPUS ORGANIZATIONS
Section 1. Every college s
Section 2. Local governments and campus organizations may group themselves or consolidate and coordinate their efforts, services and resources respectively for purpose commonwealth beneficial,
Section 3. Local governments and campus organizations may group shall be allowed to promulgate and approve their respective constitution and by-laws which shall in no case contravene the provisions of this Constitution.
Section 4. Local governments and campus organizations shall have the power to create the own sources of funding subject to such limitations as the Supreme Student Government may determine.
Article VI
CONSTITUTIONAL BODY
A.COMMON PROVISIONS
Section 1. There shall be independent Constitutional Bodies composed of a Chairman and at least four (4) members.
Section 2. The Constitutional Bodies shall be the Committee on Elections (COMELEC), the Students’ Rights and Welfare Board (STRAW Board), and the Spiritual, Economic, Social, Physical, Educational and Moral Board (SESPEM Board) which shall be co-equal and coordinate with one another.
Section 3. The Chairman of each constitutional body shall be elected by and from among the members of the University Student Assembly subject to the provision of Section (b) of Article XII except the Committee on Elections which shall be constituted in accordance with the provisions of Section 1 subtitle B hereof.
Section 4. The Constitutional Bodies shall be empowered to promulgate their respective rules and regulations and to determine the programs and activities appropriate to their nature.
B.THE COMMITTEE ON ELECTIONS
Section 1. The Committee on Elections shall be composed of the Director of the Division of Student Affairs (DSA), the Director of the Legal Services Division, or their duly authorized representatives, two (2) faculty members and two (2) students of known probity, integrity and honesty who shall elect from among themselves their chairman and vice-chairman.
The Division of Student Affairs Director and the Legal Services Director or their duly authorized representatives shall jointly appoint the other members referred to in the first paragraph of this section.
Section 2. The Committee on Elections shall have the following powers and functions:
a.)Execute and administer all rules and regulations as it may promulgate relative to the conduct of elections.
b.)Decide on all matters affecting the qualification of candidates to elective positions.
c.)Record and make known the conduct and manner and the result of any elections.
d.)Exercise jurisdiction over all cases involving election protest and similar controversy.
e.)Proclaim winning candidates immediately after the canvass of election returns.
f.)Fix the number and location of voting centers, provided that the same shall be located in each and every college.
g.)Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions inherent to its nature.
C.STUDENTS’ RIGHTS AND WELFARE BOARD (STRAW BOARD)
Section 1. The Students’ Rights and Welfare Board shall be composed of a Chairman who shall be elected in accordance with the provision of Section 3 subtitle
A hereof; and at least four members appointed by him pursuant thereto.
Section 2. The Students’ Rights and Welfare Board shall have the following powers and functions:
a.)Serve as the Judicial Body of the Supreme Student Government.
b.)Promulgate rules governing its procedures.
c.)Exercise jurisdiction over cases involving violation of this Constitution, except impeachment and suspension of officers and cases falling within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Committee on Elections.
d.)Serve as the Conciliatory Board over all disputes involving purely student affairs.
e.)Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions inherent to its nature.
D.SPIRITUAL, ECONOMIC, SOCIAL, PHYSICAL, EDUCATIONAL, AND MORAL BOARD ( SESPEM BOARD)
Section 1. The Spiritual, Economic, Social, Physical, Educational and Moral Board (SESPEM Board) shall be composed of a Chairman who shall be elected in accordance with the provision of Section 3 subtitle A hereof, and at least four (4) members appointed by him pursuant thereto.
Section 2. The Spiritual, Economic, Social, Physical, Educational, and Moral Board (SESPEM Board) shall have the following powers and functions:
a.Promote the spiritual values of the students.
b.Protect the economic interest of the students.
c.Encourage solidarity and social interaction among students.
d.Promote sportsmanship and encourage physical development of the students.
e.Facilitate the implementation of co-curricular and extra-curricular activities of the University Student Assembly.
f.Encourage the maintenance of highest standard of honesty, good faith, fairness and fidelity.
g.Exercise such other powers and perform each other functions inherent to its nature.
Article VII
POWERS AND FUNCTIONS OF THE OFFICERS
OF THE SUPREME STUDENT GOVERNMENT
Section 1. The President who is the head of the Supreme Student Government shall have the following powers and functions:
a.)Call such special or emergency meetings/sessions as the need arises.
b.)Appoint from among the members of University Student Assembly a Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Press and Information Officer and such other officers as may be necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Supreme Student Government; Provided, that only elected councilors, as far as practicable, be qualified for appointment; and; Provided further, that the appointee shall not loss his seat in the assembly.
c.)Be responsible to the University Student Assembly for the programs of the government.
d.)Exercise supervision over the affairs of local governments.
e.)Exercise control over all other offices of the Supreme Student Government, except the Constitutional Bodies.
f.)Initiate the implementation of approved programs and activities.
g.)Represent the Supreme Student Government in its business transactions and sign in its behalf all obligations, correspondence and official documents.
h.)Assist in the enforcement of the University rules and regulations.
i.)Recommend measures to the University Student Assembly which may be necessary to safeguard the interest of the students.
j.)Act on proposed student ordinance of the University Student Assembly within 3 days, otherwise it shall be deemed approved. Should be disapproved the same, he shall return it to the University Student Assembly with all his objections. If the University Student Assembly decides to pass the proposed student ordinance, it shall by two thirds (2/3) vote, override the objection of the President and student ordinance shall become valid as if signed by the President.
k.)In coordination with the University Student Assembly, the President shall announce to the students all matters of conditions affecting them.
l.)Participate in the proceedings of the Student Disciplinary Board and perform such other functions as the said rules and regulations of said Board allows.
m.)Represent the students in all for a, conventions, meetings and similar
gatherings inside or outside the University as may be determined by the University Student Assembly.
n.)Approve vouchers relating to the disbursement of Supreme Student Government funds.
o.)Enter into and sign contracts for and in behalf of the Supreme Student Government pursuant to paragraph 1, section 3 of this article; Provided, that the said contract shall be co-terminus with the regular term of the University Student Assembly.
p.)If for any cause or reason the University Student Assembly cannot be convened or shall fail to act on certain matter which requires immediate action as determined by the Students’ Rights and Welfare Board (STRAW Board), the President may be authorized to act or meet such emergency.
q.)Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as are necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Supreme Student Government.
Section 2. The Vice-President shall have the following powers and functions:
a.)Preside over all meetings/sessions of the University Student Assembly and such special meetings/sessions called by the President.
b.)Assist the President in all matters where his assistance is necessary.
c.)Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as may be assigned to him be the President.
Section 3. The University Student Assembly shall have the following powers and functions:
a.)Enact such students ordinance as may be necessary to promote the purposes and objectives of the Supreme Student Government.
b.)Act or approved the proposed programs of government or official policy endorsed by the President.
c.)Fix and define the functions and powers of the Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor and Press Information Officer and such other officers as the University Student Assembly may hereinafter appoint.
d.)Assist in the organization and promotion of fraternities, sororities, and campus organizations for the purpose of improving the conditions and well-being of their members.
e.)Organize regular lectures, symposia and programs to enlighten the students on the socio-cultural, moral, civic, political, educational, and other issues of interest to the students.
f.)Determine and formulate the rules of its own proceedings.
g.)Act on the resignation on the members or other officers of the Supreme Student Government, except those exclusively appointed by the President.
h.)Hold fund-raising activities, accept or solicit money, materials and voluntary labor for Supreme Student Government projects or activities.
i.)Upon two-third (2/3) vote of all members, authorize the President to enter into contracts.
j.)Cause the resignation in the Supreme Student Government of all fraternities, sororities and campus organizations. And for that purpose, it may charge or collect reasonable free
k.)Conduct inquiries in furtherance of the purposes and objective of the Supreme Student Government at the instance of any University Student Assembly member.
l.)Keep a journal of its proceedings, and from time to time, make the same known to the students.
m.)Extend monetary assistance to the bereaved family in the vent of death of any student and facilitate the transportation of his remains to his home address. It shall likewise extend similar assistance to any student in distress.
n.)Subject to availability of funds and such terms and conditions as may be imposed and determined by the University Student Assembly, sponsor fellowship grants to poor but deserving students.
o.)Exercise such other powers and perform such other functions as are necessary to carry out the purposes and objectives of the Supreme Student Government.
Section 4. the duties, powers and functions of the local governments and the Council of Campus Organizations shall be fixed by their respective constitution or standing rules subject to such regulations that the University Student Assembly may hereinafter provide.
Article VIII
MEETINGS/SESSIONS
Section 1. The Supreme Student Government shall hold regular sessions at least twice a month. The President may, however, call a special or emergency session as the need arises: Provided, that notice thereof shall be effected to all officers and members of the University Student Assembly.
Section 2. The majority of all officers of the Supreme Student Government shall constitute a quorum to do business, but a smaller attendance of absent officers in such manned that the University Student Assembly may provide.
Section 3. A general assembly shall be held at least once every three months for consultation and other similar purposes.
Section 4. There shall be question hour as often as the rules of the University Student Assembly may provide during which any officer of the Supreme Student Government may be required to appear and answer questions and interpellations by the members of the University Student Assembly.
Section 5. All meetings of the Supreme Student Government shall be held in the place mentioned in Section 2, Article I.
Article IX
SUSPENSION AND REMOVAL OF OFFICERS
Section 1. Any officer of the Supreme Student Government may be impeached by two-third (2/3) vote of the University Student Assembly on any of the following grounds:
a.)Gross neglect or dereliction of official duties or responsibilities.
b.)Willful or culpable violation of this Constitution.
c.)Acts of immorality.
d.)Conviction of a crime involving moral turpitude.
e.)Disloyalty to the Supreme Student Government.
Section 2. Any officer of the Supreme Student Government shall be suspended for a period not exceeding thirty (30) days by a majority vote of the Supreme Student Government on any of the following grounds:
a.)Failure to attend three (3) regular meetings/sessions without prior notice.
b.)Disorderly behavior.
c.)Habitual drunkenness.
d.)Violation of the Dangerous Drug Act of 1970 and other similar laws.
e.)Other circumstances analogues to the foregoing.
Section 3. Any officer who has been previously impeached in accordance with Section 1 of this article shall be perpetually disqualified from running in any Supreme Student Government elections.
Section 4. The perpetual disqualification referred to in this preceding section shall also apply to any officer who has been suspended for three (3) times or oftener.
Article X
FUNDING
Section 1. The Supreme Student Government shall sell ten pesos (P10) from each student every semester.
Section 2. The ten pesos (P10) student fee collected by the Supreme Student Government every semester shall constitute its general funds; Provided that fifty percent (50%) thereof shall after collection be immediately turned over to Mindanao Varsitarian.
Section 3. Only authorized Supreme Student Government officer or representative in coordination with the Mindanao Varsitarian Editorial Staff can undertake the collection of student fees.
Section 4. The Supreme Student Government shall have absolute control of its own funds. No money shall be paid out of the Supreme Student Government treasury, except in pursuance of an appropriation made by the University Student Assembly and approved by the President.
Section 5. Proceeds derived or realized from fund-raising activities, income-generating projects and other sources shall accrue to the general fund of the Supreme Student Government.
Section 6. Subject to availability of funds and upon the approval of the majority members of the University Student Assembly, the Supreme Student Government may extend subsidy to college councils and campus organizations in proper cases.
Section 7. The Supreme Student Government shall accept gratuitous donations from lawful sources in cash or in kind and the same shall pertain to its funds.
Section 8. The Supreme Student Government funds shall be deposited in a reputable banking institution in its own name to be represented or signed by the President, the Treasurer, and the Adviser.
Article XI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. All campus organizations shall be registered with the Supreme Student Government every academic year.
Section 2. In the formulation and implementation of its programs and policies, the Supreme Student Government shall consider the general welfare and interest of the studentry.
Section 3. There shall be two (2) advisers of the Supreme Student Government whom the University Student Assembly shall, by a majority vote, chose one each from the University faculty and staff in accordance with the criteria the University Student Assembly may impose.
Section 4. The Supreme Student Government officers hold positions of trust. As such, they shall always remain accountable to the studentry and shall serve with the highest degree of honesty, integrity and efficiency.
Article XII
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Section 1. Upon the ratification of this Constitution, the Committee on Elections shall immediately be constituted and thereafter promulgate its rules and regulations and call the elections of the Supreme Student Government in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.
Section 2. The Interim Student Council shall be deemed dissolved upon the effectivity of this Constitution. The Supreme Student Government shall not be held responsible for the acts, undertakings, contracts and other obligations of the Interim Student Council.
Section 3. Other bodies or individuals recognized by the University representing the general interest of the students shall cease to hold office upon the effectivity of this Constitution.
Section 4. Student Representation to the Board of Regents shall be decided by the studentry through consultation with the proper student officers of the different units of the Mindanao State University System.
The Agreement among said officers on the choice of student representative to the Board of Regents shall form part of this article.
Section 5. Upon the dissolution of the Interim Student Council in accordance with the provision of Section 2 of this Article all properties shall be inventories and money shall be liquidated. Thereafter the Interim Student Council officers shall formally turn them over to the Supreme Student Government officers.
Section 6. The provisions of this Constitution to the contrary notwithstanding all newly elected local government officers shall continue to hold office and discharge their duties and functions until their successors shall have been elected in accordance with the provisions of Section 2, Article IV.
Section 7. In case of conflict between section 2 and 8 of Article X and other provisions of this Constitution with any existing rules, regulations or resolutions of the MSU-Board of Regents involving purely student affairs, the former shall be considered as the paramount expression of the sovereign will of the student body.
Article XIII
AMMENDMENTS AND EFFECTIVITY
Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of this Constitution may be proposed by the University Student Assembly upon two-third (2/3) vote of all its members, or by a convention.
Section 2. The University Student Assembly may, by a two-third (2/3) vote of its members, call a constitutional convention or by a vote of majority of all its members submit the questions of calling a convention to the studentry in general.
Section 3. Any amendment to, or revision of this Constitution shall be effective when ratified by a majority of votes cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose.
Section 4. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon ratification by the majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite called for the purpose.
