THE CONSTITUTION OF THE SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS STUDENT COUNCIL UNIVERSITY OF THE PHILIPPINES DILIMAN PREAMBLE
We, the students of the School of Economics of the University of the Philippines Diliman, united in the desire to establish a Student Council that shall provide a responsible, competent, and dynamic leadership, representative of the interests of the students, advance and protect the students’ rights and welfare, and uphold the importance of the study of economics and youth empowerment as a precursor of social change, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution. ARTICLE I NAME, NATURE, AND SYMBOL Sec 1. This Student Council shall be known as the School of Economics Student Council or SESC. Sec 2. The SESC shall be the official student government of the UP School of Economics (UPSE), composed of duly elected and appointed members. Sec 3. The SESC is a non-stock, non-profit, political organization duly recognized in the UP School of Economics and in the University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Sec 4. The SESC shall be based in the School of Economics, University of the Philippines Diliman, Quezon City. Sec 5. The SESC shall adopt as its official logo a square with a curved ray of light in the lower left portion. The origin of the ray of light shall be in the center of the square. ARTICLE II GENERAL PROVISIONS Sec 1. This Constitution shall be known as the “Constitution of the School of Economics Student Council.” Sec 2. This Constitution shall govern the School of Economics Student Council. Sec 3. For the purpose of this Constitution, unless the context indicates otherwise: a. “School” signifies the UP School of Economics in Diliman. It may also be termed “UPSE” or “SE.” b. “Council” refers to the duly elected and appointed members of the UP School of Economics student body. It may also be termed “SESC.” c. “Members” refers to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Councilors, Batch Representatives, the UP School of Economics Representative to the University Student Council (UPD-USC), and Ad hoc Chairperson/s. They may also be termed as “Council members.” d. “Students” refers to the bona fide students of the UP School of Economics. It may also be referred to as the “School of Economics student body.”
e. “Permanent vacancy” exists when the office of a Council member has been vacated for reason of resignation, impeachment, expulsion from UPSE, illness preventing him or her from performing the functions of his or her office, any reason that closes the possibility of the resumption of his or her duties before the expiration of his or her term of office, or death. f. “Temporary vacancy” exists when the office of a Council member or a member has been vacated by reason of temporary mental or physical incapacity, official temporary leave of absence, or any reason that leaves open the possibility of the resumption of his or her duties before the expiration of his or her term of office. g. "Present and voting" means members present and casting an affirmative or negative vote. Members who abstain from voting are considered as not voting. h. “Ad hoc Committee” is a committee made for a specific purpose as deemed necessary by the Chairperson. ARTICLE III DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES
Sec 1. The SESC believes in the following: a. that there exists within the school a plurality of beliefs, ideas, principles, and interests and that each student shall respect the inclination of others; b. that the study of economics is an integral part in understanding social phenomenon, especially in the context of Philippine society; and c. that the issues and problems of the Filipino people are of direct concern to the SESC and the School of Economics student body. Sec 2. The SESC shall at all times be committed to: a. promote and protect the rights and welfare of the students and the Filipino people; b. unite the students, faculty, and personnel of the School of Economics in the pursuit of common interests; c. serve as an effective forum for the expression of student ideas and sentiments; d. develop social awareness and instill national consciousness within the student body; e. develop a sense of responsibility and service among the students; f. promote the significance of economics as a powerful tool of social analysis; and g. uphold the tradition of honor and excellence of UPSE and the University. ARTICLE IV COMPOSITION AND MEMBERSHIP Sec 1. The SESC shall be composed of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, the UP School of Economics Representative to the UPD-USC, eight (8) Councilors, two (2) Senior Representatives, two (2) Junior Representatives, two (2) Sophomore Representatives, two (2) Freshman Representatives, one (1) Graduate School Representative, and appointed Ad hoc Chairperson/s. Sec 2. The Graduate School Representative is considered a batch representative and is an official member of the SESC. The current graduate school student body shall decide whether to have a Graduate
School Representative, who shall be selected through (i) regular elections, (ii) special elections, or (iii) appointment. Sec 3. All elected members of the SESC shall hold office for one (1) full term. The term for appointed officials would be the period starting from their formal appointment up to the turnover of power to a new roster of officials that have resulted from the next election. Sec 4. All members of the SESC shall not be allowed to hold executive committee positions in any other UP-based organization, fraternities, sororities, and other alliances. In the case of the UP School of Economics Representative to the University Student Council (UPD-USC), positions may be accepted only from the University Student Council. ARTICLE V THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE SESC Sec 1. As the official student government of the UP School of Economics, the SESC shall have under its direct and exercisable jurisdiction students enrolled in degree programs offered by UPSE. Sec. 2. The SESC shall have jurisdiction over student matters, affairs, and activities that affect enrolled students of the school. The SESC shall coordinate with the pertinent student councils and college administration on affairs involving students not enrolled in the school, but are involved with organizations in the School. Sec. 3. It shall be the duty and power of the SESC to: a. adopt its own internal rules of student government; b. organize and coordinate student activities designed to improve the general welfare involved with the school, whether they are enrolled or not under the school. c. represent the School of Economics student body in any policy-making body of the University when so permitted by laws, rules, and regulations or any authorized individual or group; d. advise and make recommendations to the Dean of the School of Economics and the appropriate school officials regarding student matters, affairs, projects, and activities; e. represent the School of Economics in external student activities; f. have such powers and duties as the school authorities may, from time to time, grant or delegate to it, consistent with the provisions of this Constitution; and g. carry the stand of the SESC. ARTICLE VI THE FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SESC Sec 1. The Chairperson shall: a. b. c. d.
be in charge of directing and overseeing the activities of the SESC; sign all communications, resolutions, and official papers of the SESC; preside over and prepare the agenda of all the meetings of the SESC; be the official representative of the SESC to the League of College Councils (LCC) and to any event that needs representation. In cases wherein he or she cannot perform this function, he or
she can appoint any member to be the representative; e. supervise the recruitment and screening of the SESC Core; f. Create Ad hoc Committees for non-academic activities and appoint respective chairpersons subject to the approval of the Council; and g. perform duties as may be necessary or incidental to the discharge and performance of his or her office functions.
Sec 2. The Vice-Chairperson shall: a. assist the Chairperson in all his or her Council duties; b. assume the position of the Chairperson in cases of failure of the latter to perform his or her duties; c. convene the School of Economics Advisory Council, the body in charge of organizational matters within UPSE, and head all of its activities; d. review all communications, resolutions, and official papers of the SESC as signed by the Chairperson; e. organize activities that would foster unity within the Council; f.
shall oversee the auditing of the financial report of the Finance Councilor and when practicable, shall delegate said task to an independent auditing body
g. take charge of conducting internal performance evaluations of the members and events of the SESC at least once per semester. Sec 3. The UP School of Economics Representative to the University Student Council (UPD-USC) shall: a. in addition to his or her capacity as a member of the SESC, represent the School of Economics in the USC, and vice versa; b. act as link between the SESC and the USC; c. inform and involve the SESC and its stakeholders regarding the current events and other issues in the USC on a regular basis; and d. carry the stands on issues and decisions made by the SESC to the USC. Sec 4. The Councilor for Secretariat shall: a. record minutes of the meetings of the Council and release them on a weekly basis; b. be tasked with collecting documentation of all available forms for all the activities and projects of the SESC, including handling all paperwork; c. keep and file all pertinent documents and papers of the SESC; d. be the link of the SESC to the UPSE Administration and Staff; e. coordinate with the School Administration and the School’s Registration Volunteers Corps on the conduct of the College Briefing held during the advance registration period for incoming freshmen students; and f. have jurisdiction over matters and issues that concern the SESC office including:
i. acting as the disciplinary officer of the SESC; and ii. taking charge of all SESC properties. g. Conduct school-wide performance evaluations of the members and events of the SESC at least once per semester.
Sec 5. The Councilor for Finance shall: a. be tasked with collecting all types of fees and dues from the students and members of the SESC during registration and from other persons with accounts due to the SESC; b. be tasked with generating funds; c. acts as keeper and signatory of the SESC bank account, along with the Chairperson, and as the custodian of all funds; d. review expenses jointly with the Chairperson and design controls and disbursement systems for the approval of the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson; e. evaluate and recommend appropriate budget for all activities of the SESC; and f. produce financial statements at least once per semester or upon formal request of any of the members of the SESC and students under its jurisdiction. Sec 6. The Councilor for Marketing and Alumni Relations shall: a. be tasked with obtaining sponsorships, donations, and solicitations; b. head the coordination, negotiation, and establishment of partnerships with different institutions outside UPSE; c. act as the link of the SESC to the UPSE alumni; and d. be tasked with turning over all funds generated to the Councilor for Finance. Sec 7. The Councilor for Media and Publicity shall: a. take charge of all forms of promotions and publicity to ensure participation in all SESC activities, with specific emphasis in information dissemination; b. manage press releases of the SESC; c. take charge and manage all forms of online media of the SESC; d. be responsible for the media documentation of all activities of the SESC; and Sec 8. The Councilor for Internal Affairs shall: a. organize activities that would foster unity, communication, and coordination among the students, faculty, alumni, personnel, and UPSE Community; b. serve as the head of Freshie Initiatives, including Freshie block handling and preparation for the Freshie Welcome Assembly, until the election of the Freshie Batch Representatives; c. spearhead Economics Week; d. coordinate with and assist the Vice-Chairperson regarding SEAC activities; and e. convene the Constitutional Commission (ConCom) that would evaluate and/or amend this Constitution, when the need arises.
Sec 9. The Councilor for Education and Research shall: a. Create services and initiatives that will strengthen the overall academic development of the students; b. initiate activities that will heighten the social involvement and national consciousness of the students; c. spearhead and draft SESC resolutions and stands regarding issues of social significance; d. be in charge of conducting educational discussions for the SESC. Sec 10. The Councilor for Sports, Arts, and Culture shall: a. spearhead projects that shall enhance the students’ skills in sports; b. take charge of all arts and culture-oriented activities; c. form and manage the School of Economics varsity teams and other arts and cultural groups; and d. promote the awareness and appreciation of sports, arts, culture, health, and wellness. Sec 11. The Councilor for Students’ Rights and Welfare shall: a. be tasked with spearheading campaigns and promoting the rights and welfare of the students; b. create venues for the appreciation and celebration of the existence of diverse beliefs, principles, interests, and culture within the school; c. establish a platform for students’ grievances and feedback reports to be submitted to the SESC; and d. execute projects that shall promote environmental awareness, orderliness, and cleanliness in the college premises. Sec 12. The Batch Representatives shall: a. b. c. d.
represent their batches in the SESC; cater to the general welfare and betterment of their batches; organize activities that would foster unity within their respective batches; ensure the proper consultation and information dissemination of significant issues to their batch; and e. create programs suited for their respective batches. ARTICLE VII MEETINGS AND QUORUMS Sec 1. Official SESC meetings shall be held regularly every week and must have a quorum. a. The day, time, and place of such meetings shall be agreed upon by the Council. b. Fines and dues may be imposed on the SESC members for tardiness and absences, as agreed upon by the Council.
Sec 2. Special and emergency meetings may be called by any member of the SESC as the need may arise. Sec 3. Workshops may be called by any SESC member to prepare for projects and activities. Sec 4. A quorum is a simple majority of 50% plus 1 of the total members of the SESC excluding the Ad hoc Committee Chairpersons. Only when a quorum has been reached can a formal session commence and proceed. Sec 5. In all decisions of the SESC, the Chairperson, as presiding officer, and Ad hoc Committee Chairpersons have no voting power. Moreover, the Chairperson shall have no veto power and all decisions of the Council shall be made through a vote. Sec 6. In all decisions of the SESC except for stands on issues, a majority decision shall consist of a simple majority of 50% plus 1 of the total number of SESC members present during the voting process. The decision of the majority shall be deemed as the collective decision. Sec 7. For stands and positions on issues of social significance, a majority decision shall consist of twothirds (2/3) of the total number of SESC members present during the voting process. Sec 8. SESC meetings shall be ended with the singing of “UP Naming Mahal.� ARTICLE VIII RESIGNATIONS AND VACANCIES Sec 1. In cases of vacancy in any position of the SESC during the term of office, the following guidelines shall be followed: a. Should there be a permanent vacancy in the Office of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson shall assume the position. In case the permanent vacancy occurs in the Office of the ViceChairperson, the members of the Council shall elect among the councilors a new ViceChairperson. Should there be a permanent vacancy in both the Office of the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson, the members of the Council shall elect among the councilors a new Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. b. Should there be a permanent vacancy in the Office of the UP School of Economics Representative to the UPD-USC, the members of the Council shall elect among the councilors a new the UP School of Economics Representative to the UPD-USC. c. If a permanent vacancy occurs in the councilors and/or one of the batch representatives, the Council shall have the power to fill the said vacancy through appointment. d. Should the Office of the Chairperson be temporarily vacated, the Vice Chairperson shall be the acting Chairperson. Likewise, should the Office of the Vice Chairperson be temporarily vacated, the members of the Council shall appoint amongst themselves an acting Vice Chairperson, whilst performing the functions of his/her permanent Office. If both offices shall be temporarily vacated, the members of the Council shall appoint amongst the Councilors an acting
Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. All of whom shall relinquish their appointed positions upon the return of the permanent officers. e. Should the Office of the UP School of Economics Representative to the UPD-USC be temporarily vacated, the members of the Council shall appoint amongst themselves an acting UP School of Economics Representative to the UPD-USC, whilst performing the functions of his/her permanent Office. The acting officer shall relinquish his/her appointed position upon the return of the permanent officer. f. If a temporary vacancy occurs in the councilors and/or one of the batch representatives, the remaining members of the Council shall decide among themselves who shall temporarily exercise the said office/s, all of whom shall relinquish their position/s upon the return of the permanent officer/s. g. Any simultaneous vacancy in the Office of the batch representatives of the same year level would entail a special election whereby a new pair of batch representatives shall be elected.
Sec 2. The general steps to be observed in appointing any individual for any Council position shall be as follows: a. b. c. d.
extend an open invitation to all students interview each applicant by a panel composed of the members of the Council deliberation of the interview/s actual appointment
Sec 3. Any member of the Council may resign from office on any ground he or she deems justifiable provided that the resignation is expressed in written form, addressed to the SESC Chairperson and the Councilor for Secretariat. Sec 4. Any resignation will officially take effect two (2) weeks after the date the SESC Chairperson and the Councilor for Secretariat receives the resignation letter. This is to allow the Council ample time to look for a replacement for the vacant position. ARTICLE IX DISCIPLINARY MEASURES FOR SESC MEMBERS Sec 1. A petition for disciplinary action, either in the form of a suspension or expulsion, against any member of the Council can be raised by any individual, group, or organization under the jurisdiction of the Council and must be submitted in written form to the Councilor for Secretariat. The petition must specify the Council member/s concerned, the charges, supporting evidence, and other relevant information. The Councilor for Secretariat must notify the Council as soon as a petition for suspension is received. Sec 2. Suspension shall mean temporary loss of membership. The following shall be grounds for suspension:
1. three (3) consecutive unexcused absences from official Council meetings wherein two (2) accumulated unexcused tardiness is equivalent to one (1) unexcused absence; 2. five (5) accumulated absences from official Council meetings per semester; 3. gross negligence of duty; or 4. other grounds as determined by the Council.
Sec 3. The Council shall decide on all cases involving suspension. The Councilor for Secretariat, in his or her capacity as the disciplinary officer of the Council, may also impose a suspension order on an erring Council member subject to the majority approval of the Council, present and voting, within three (3) days after the imposition of the suspension. Sec 4. The period of suspension shall not be less than fifteen (15) days but not more than forty-five (45) days after which the suspension shall be automatically lifted. Sec 5. Suspension may be lifted when the concerned party pledges to abide by and respect this Constitution and to perform his or her duties to the best of his or her ability. The pledge may only be done one (1) week before the minimum number of days required for suspension is reached, and the acceptance of such pledge shall be subject to the majority approval of the Council, present and voting. Sec 6. Any Council member may be expelled on the following grounds: a. b. c. d.
failure to lift second suspension within the specified term in office; gross violation of this Constitution; gross negligence of duty; commission of acts deemed by the Council as highly detrimental to the integrity, credibility, or unity of the Council; or e. other grounds deemed sufficient, as determined by the Council. Sec 7. Expulsion cases shall be heard in a special meeting convened for the purpose, which must take place not later than two (2) weeks after the official receipt of the petition for expulsion. The Councilor for Secretariat, or any Council member appointed by the Council, for such purpose as the case may be, shall preside over the hearing. The Council member/s concerned shall have no voting rights in the hearing. The Council member/s concerned shall not be present during the hearing, except when asked for his/her/their statement and/or defense, if necessary. Sec 8. Expulsion from the Council may be done with a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all Council members present and voting in a meeting called for the purpose. Sec 9. An expelled Council member may appeal to the SESC for a reversal of the decision. Such appeal must be expressed in written form addressed to the Chairperson and the Councilor for Secretariat, and must be submitted not later than one (1) week after the date of the special meeting referred to in Section 7 of this Article. ARTICLE X ELECTIONS AND QUALIFICATION
Sec 1. The officers of the Council shall have the power to appoint (2) Council members who are not running for office and unaffiliated with any political formation to head the School of Economics Electoral Board (SEEB), or as advised by the College Secretary. Sec 2. The elections of the SESC shall be held simultaneously with the UPD-USC elections. However, the election of the two (2) Freshman Batch Representatives and election of the Graduate School Representative, provided the Council chooses to do so under Section 2 of Article IV of this Constitution, shall be held at most two (2) weeks after the start of classes for the first (1st) semester of the Academic Year (AY). Sec 3. General qualifications for candidates of any SESC position shall be as follows: a. must be, in good faith and as of date of filing of candidacy, a bonafide student enrolled in a degree program offered by UPSE. b. must not be on dismissal as determined by the School; or if a candidate is under probation as determined by the School, must seek the consent of the Office of the College Secretary or pertinent administrators to engage in this activity; c. must be of good moral character as determined by the School; and d. must not have filed or be holding any executive committee position in any UP-based organization, fraternity, sorority, and other alliance at the time of application until the time the results are announced. In such case, a leave of absence must have been filed from the existing position. Sec 4. The candidate for Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and the UP School of Economics Representative to the University Student Council (UPD-USC). a. must possess the qualifications under Section 3 of this Article; and b. must be at least an incoming third year student. Sec 5. Aside from satisfying all the qualifications under Section 3 of this Article, candidates for the position of Batch representative should run for a position in accordance with their academic standing, which, in the School of Economics, is based on the number of units completed and subjects required to be taken, for the term of their candidacy. ARTICLE XI FUNDS OF THE COUNCIL Sec 1. The funds of the SESC shall be derived from the Council fees, gifts, donations, benefits, or fundraisers. In the case of Council fees, a certain amount agreed upon by the SESC shall be collected at the beginning of every semester. Sec 2. The disbursements of cash must be based on a system designed by the Councilor for Finance and approved by the Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson. Sec 3. For all reimbursement needs, an official receipt must be presented to the Councilor for Finance.
Sec 4. The signatories of the SESC bank account shall be the SESC Chairperson and the Councilor for Finance. Sec 5. The balance of the SESC funds for a specific term shall be added to the funds of the succeeding SESC. Sec 6. As an institution, debts incurred and unpaid for by the outgoing SESC for its projects and activities shall be assumed by the incoming SESC. ARTICLE XII AMENDMENTS AND EFFECTIVITY Sec. 1. The Constitution may be subject to further amendments only if the following conditions are met: a. the Constitution may be amended once every two years after its ratification; and b. there must be two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of all the members of the SESC in favor of amending the Constitution. Sec 2. Amendments to the Constitution may be initiated by any member of the SESC or by at least ten (10) students of the School of Economics who are not members of the Council granted that it is expressed in written form to the Councilor for Internal Affairs. Sec 3. The Councilor for Internal Affairs shall be the convener of the Constitutional Commission (ConCom) which shall take charge of amending the Constitution. The Councilor for Internal Affairs shall preside over its proceedings. Sec 4. The ConCom members shall be composed of sectors of at most two representatives each. The sectors shall include the year levels, including the graduate school, and all existing local organizations, including the SESC. a. The sector representatives of the year levels shall be chosen by the corresponding Batch Representatives. b. The sector representatives of the local organizations shall either be appointed by the executive committee or elected by the members of the organization. c. Sector reps shall not represent more than one sector. Sec. 5. A majority of 50% plus 1 of the Concom representatives shall constitute the quorum of the ConCom proceedings. Sec. 6. Failure to provide a sector representative shall nullify the voting power of the said sector. Sec. 7. Each sector shall be entitled to one vote, regardless of their number of representatives. Sec. 8. The required number of votes to pass a motion to amend would be two-thirds (2/3) of all sectors present in case of a single motion and a simple majority of all present in cases of two or more motions. Sec. 9. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification in a schoolwide plebiscite
called for the purpose, by a majority vote of all the votes cast by the students. ARTICLE XIV SESC Core Sec 1. The SESC Core shall be composed of bona fide students of the UPSE who are part of the various projects and initiatives of the SESC. Sec 2. Applications for the SESC Core will be spearheaded by the Chairperson every semester. The SESC will set an application and screening process to determine the composition of the SESC Core. Sec 3. The tenure of the SESC Core shall be the period starting from the formal announcement of the roster of members for the semester up to the end of the semester as stated in the University’s Academic Calendar. Sec 4. Structuring of the SESC Core will be done on a departmental basis with each councilor heading the core for their respective departments. Sec 5. It shall be the duty and power of the SESC Core to: a. adopt its own internal rules of government on a per core basis; b. organize and coordinate student activities designed to improve the general welfare of students along with the SESC; and c. advise and make recommendations to the SESC with regard to student matters, affairs, projects, and activities. Sec 6. The members shall be accountable to their respective councilors and the Council as a whole. ARTICLE XV UPSE GRADUATION COMMITTEE Sec 1. The UPSE Graduation Committee shall be in-charge of the official yearbook, HARAYA, the UPSE Recognition Rites, and other graduation matters. Sec 2. The creation of the UPSE Graduation Committee shall be facilitated by the SESC Senior Batch Representatives. Sec 3. It shall be the duty and power of the UPSE Graduation Committee to: a. adopt its own internal rules of government; and b. organize and coordinate graduation-related activities along with the SESC. Sec 4. The UPSE Graduation Committee shall publish their plans regarding any and all graduation related matters to their batch.