Last July 12, Rem Serrano, previously counsel officer, was appointed as Chief Magistrate under the Judiciary branch for this AY 2013-2014. The counterpart who ran for the position was Mark Wong, the incumbent Ramon V. del Rosario-College of Business (RVR-COB) magistrate.
Maintaining equal power
The final appointment of Chief Magistrate, as stated in the University Student Government (USG) Constitution, is jointly decided by the Executive Committee (EXECOM), Activities Assembly (AA), and Legislative Assembly (LA), presided by the USG President, after interested candidates for the position meet the qualifications set by LA and present the Vision and Mission of Judiciary and Plans of Action for the branch.
Asked if external branches selecting the Chief Magistrate compromise the independence of the branch, Serrano justifies otherwise, “The Legislative [branch] makes the qualifications on who can be Chief Magistrate, and the Judiciary in turn can monitor both the legislative and executive [branches] to make sure that they’re not doing anything that is unconstitutional. So it’s our way of making sure that powers [of each branch] are equal and the same on all aspects.”
Continuing the feat
According to Serrano, one of his major plans is to introduce the branch to De La Salle University – Science and Technology Complex (DLSU-STC).
However, as of press time, Judiciary branch is still in preparation on the specifics of the plans to introduce in STC campus.
Aside from introducing the branch to STC, Serrano plans to make the branch more aware to the students in DLSU through room-to-room campaigning and through re-launch of its website again. In addition, it plans to announce hearings and make the documents regarding court decisions and cases available in its website to ensure transparency in the branch.
He also plans to strengthen the ties between Commission on Election (COMELEC) and Commission of Audit (CoA), with its jobs of deciding electoral exercises in the University and of auditing and examining the financial aspect in the operation of USG units, respectively.
Miguel Adriano, the Chief Magistrate last academic year, also shares the problems his branch encountered and the things that need to be improved this academic year.
“The main problems we faced last year were leftovers from the previous administration (academic year 2011-2012) while getting the recognition of the branch from the student body. The standing problems mainly laid in the structure of the branch [ever since its first formation], and this [problem] went on for the first three years of its existence. When it was my turn, at the behest of the department, my fellow magistrates and I decided to reorganize the branch.”
Although the operation of the branch has smoothened since its organizational restructure, still, he believes many improvements should be made.
Asked what the current roster of magistrates and the Chief Magistrate should focus on, Adriano says, “I would have to say, the leftovers of my administration: mainly the office of the Student Advisers, which aims to help students in Student Discipline and Formation Office (SDFO) and grievance cases, as well as the office of the Ombudsman.”
The magistrate roster
The Ombudsman is tasked to investigate and gather evidences that are to be submitted to the panels, and the magistrates, along with Chief Magistrate, are tasked are tasked to reach the verdict for a case, whose votes represent each of the colleges they represent. Currently, all the magistrates are complete except for the College of Education (CED).
For STC magistrates, the branch is still in preparation, as the application for the magistrate should come from STC students themselves, before they go through Magistrate Training Program (MTP), after which the applicants will be screened. According to Serrano, the introduction of the branch should be prioritized prior to having the magistrate.
Regarding the vacancy of CED magistrate, Serrano explains, “Unfortunately, during the recruitment process and the training process, we weren’t lucky to have an applicant from CED, so the position is vacant until now.” Since the seat of the CED magistrate is vacant, the Chief Magistrate is required to handle the cases regarding CED.
The branch is still trying to fill the magistrate position for CED, as having a full roster of magistrates is crucial for judging a case impartially. Quorum should be reached for the verdict to be validated with no less than two-thirds vote of the members present, each vote coming from the magistrates for each college. More votes of magistrates ensure the verdict to be more accurate and impartial.
Currently, magistrates in position are Mark Wong of Ramon V. del Rosario-College of Business (RVR-COB), Marc Englis of College of Computer Studies (CCS), Sermae Pascual of School of Economics (SOE), Lyssa Placido of College of Science (COS), Sheena Better of Gokongwei College of Engineering (GCOE), and the Chief Magistrate Rem Serrano representing College of Liberal Arts (CLA).
23 replies on “New Chief Magistrate vows to reform inactive USG branch”
amusing.
As if Miguel Adriano is not a leftover.
It’s College of Computer STUDIES, not Computer Science! Ilang taon nang ganyan yan 😐
Wow I had no idea Miguel was a member since 3 years ago to witness all that.
“leftovers from the previous administration” Is it safe to assume that the heads of the Judiciary are blaming the previous administration for their problems? So how is the Judiciary better now than it was before? Blaming the previous administration is like absolving yourself of all sins by pointing fingers at other people. Accountability much huh? Oh and I know for a fact that Miguel Adriano was a member of the previous administration. Go figure.
Haters gonna hate.
So how is the Judiciary better now?
Yes.
Maybe I am a member? Maybe I’ve been in the Judiciary way before you have been. Maybe I know that what you guys are now is a far cry from before. Maybe also, I’ve already stated these concerns to you guys but none of you have listened. Food for thought.
You probably gave some sh*t advice and we didn’t take it. You must be fun at parties? Go back to mommy you inbred.
Yes.
Oh and btw, I expected more from a former Chief Magistrate.
Obviously, you have no idea what it’s like setting up something from nothing. Stating that there are leftovers from the previous administration is a fact. There will always be leftovers to take care of; and that’s what any organization will try to build upon. And you should know, if you’re a part of any organization, that power is concentrated on those seated. It always will be. That’s reality. ‘Yan ang hirap sa mga ignorante. Makapagsalita lang. Sigh.
Really? When you joined, did you guys start from nothing? As I recall, the Judiciary has been established since 2010. That makes what? 3 years and still you claim you started from nothing? Wow. As a matter of fact, you’re a member of the Judiciary. Anything you do or say in public or private is a reflection of your character as a leader and a lot about the organization you are representing. So word of advice, maybe you could show a little prudence and respect when you speak. I’ve had my differences with Alexyss Alip before, and she never said anything like, “‘Yan ang hirap sa mga ignorante. Makapagsalita lang.” And even if you’re continuing what the previous generation did, you should be building the organization up, not bringing it down.
You really think a whole branch of government would be able to stand on its own in just three years? Get out of your own head. It takes five years to even just start setting up the foundation of such an entity. Ask anyone who would know. And don’t give me the other branches of the USG as an example for that. We’ve had the SC long before that was even established. What makes you think we’re bringing it down? What would you know? In fact, you’re the one who’s trying to bring it down. As for my reply to the other things you said, refer to my comment on the other article.
Oh and, I’m not gonna reply anymore. I know that these type of arguments usually end up in circles. It’s either you guys listen to me or not. Some of them were a test to see how you guys would react. You guys already answered that question for me. But anyway, feel free to reply to my comments. And maybe, just maybe, you’d try to think about them openly rather than saying I’m narrow minded. Now I’m going back to Outworld to fight Shao Kahn and french kiss the grim reaper.
No, you really are narrow-minded you basement-dweller. You trolled with the wrong people. I don’t care who you are or what you possibly did for the Judiciary. Maybe you were one of the previous magistrates or just some other lowlife with nothing to do. But whatever the case, the Judiciary stands stronger than ever. You assume too much, it’s sad that La Salle accepted someone like you. Go suck a bag of d*cks.
Why is the Chief Magistrate the only one to give a comment on the status of the Judiciary? Maybe it would be better if all the Magistrates could give their views on this development.
I don’t have to explain myself. People who hide behind the veil of anonymity and call out others are cowards. Tell that to my mustache next time.
You kinda do have to explain. You’re the one being interviewed and you ARE a former Chief Magistrate. For the record, no one is calling anyone a coward.
Really? A vote down? I’m just saying that as a FORMER CHIEF MAGISTRATE, whatever he does or say is a reflection of the branch. Seeing as I am voted down just means you guys take things too personally.
I’m calling you a coward you MK freak. Go back to writing your SubzeroXScorpion sexual fanfics. If you want answers from the former chief magistrate, be a man and show yourself. I don’t deal with nobodies. We take things personally because the Judiciary, and the USG in general is like family to us. Nobody f*cks with family.
How very disappointing.