LA session deliberates on USG election code

The University Student Government (USG) Election Code was opened for reevaluation during a regular Legislative Assembly (LA) session held last July 1 at the Emilio Yap Jr. Case Room.

The LA deliberated on provisions relating to the qualifications for candidates, as well as offenses and penalties to be implemented during the campaign and election period for the upcoming General Elections (GE) in a session that lasted for five hours.

Every year, LA representatives open the Election Code for reevaluation and modification. The LA, considered to be the highest policy-making body in the University, consults the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and political parties regarding such changes. The session was preceded by Chief Legislator Patrick Alcantara. Also present were COMELEC representatives Mark Roland Rosas and Lawrence Patrick Tolentino.

On qualifications and offenses

Several arguments were laid down concerning the qualifications of the candidates, particularly the minimum 1.75 Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) requirement that was suggested to be changed to 1.50, which was claimed to be the fair standard in the University’s grading system. However, the proposal was disapproved, with 7 voting for, 9 against, and 3 abstains. It was argued that the 1.75 CGPA standard has been duly followed for the past few years.

The floor also deliberated on the allowable number of failed units for candidates. The allowable number changed from 12 units to 18 for the Ramon V. Del Rosario College of Business, Br. Andrew Gonzalez College of Education, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Science. Likewise, the number changed from 15 units to 20 in the College of Computer Studies, and from 18 units to 23 units for the Gokongwei College of Engineering and for double-degree majors. With 16 voting for, 2 against, and 2 abstains, the primary amendment was approved.

The LA also discussed minor revisions on offenses and penalties.

The revisions come weeks before the official campaigning period for this year’s GE. All dates and details regarding the elections shall be finalized once a Memorandum of Agreement has been signed between the COMELEC and the Political Parties sometime this week.

[This article has been edited to correct factual errors on the filing of Certificates of Candidacy.]