The Legislative Assembly (LA) convened last October 23 at the University Student Government (USG) Session Hall, third floor of Br. Connon Hall, to formally appoint new magistrates of the Judiciary Department and the Chair of the Commission on Audit (COA), as well as to discuss the release of the manifesto on the closing of 55 Lumad schools, among other matters.
Bringing back the judiciary and COA
Last Academic Year (AY), the Judiciary branch was unable to fill all magistrate seats due to delays in interviews with the Executive Committee (EXECOM), a crucial step in the appointment process. While the Judiciary branch still operated despite the shortage of officers, COA was seen with no appointed officers last AY, making the branch inactive.
To finally resolve the impasse, Andre Miranda (II, BSLGL), Rafael Peña (IV, AB-ISE), and Ding Bayeta IV (II, CPE), were unanimously appointed by the LA as new magistrates, following a statement of endorsement by the EXECOM. Additionally, Maria Kaela Alocreza (V, AB-PLM) was unanimously appointed as the COA chair. The appointed officers were invited to share their platforms and plans for the coming year.
Miranda explained his focus on the interpretation of laws to ensure accountability within USG units. Instead of just six magistrates, Miranda called for an increase to eight to ensure representation of all colleges, including the Laguna campus. However, FAST2017 Batch Representative Neal Gonzales noted that deadlocks in voting procedures could paralyze . Miranda explained that in instances like these, there should be deliberation until the magistrates reach a majority vote. Chief Legislator Willem De Castro countered, arguing that in this case, the Chief Magistrate must hold the deciding vote.
Peña’s platform centered around greater publicity for the Judiciary. He stated that more publicity campaigns will be utilized by the Judiciary so that the student body will be more aware of the branch. He added that future magistrate prospects are also already being trained as he is in the last academic term before graduation.
The third magistrate appointee, Bayeta, explained that his platform aimed to “bring back the Judiciary to its roots” by setting up a proper succession plan. “Based on my observation, [the] Judiciary is only seen by students if may kailangan silang functions ng Judiciary,” he mentioned.
(Based on my observation, [the] Judiciary is only seen by students if they are in need of their functions.)
Through a publicity-centered strategy, Bayeta expressed that students will be better aware of the Judiciary’s roles as an existing branch and could even be tapped as potential officers for their arm.
Alcoreza, now COA Chair, proclaimed that the main goal of the COA now is to bring back accountability to the USG. “COA was not around last year due to problems [in the] succession process. We have already called for [the] creation of a [Human Resources] team to ensure that succession happens continually,” Alcoreza narrated.
Alcoreza also assured that the Commission will manage the financial health of the USG by conducting interim audits, aside from post-term audits, especially in the face of financial losses incurred by recent USG projects, such as those from University Vision-Mission Week 2018. Alcoreza also revealed that the Commission is working on a project together with the Office of the Secretary to assist in the creation of transparency reports.
On Lumad school closures
In a resolution presented before the Assembly, EDGE 2018 LA Representative Leonna Gula and EDGE 2018 Batch President Reeya Magtalas called for the release of a manifesto opposing the closure of 55 Lumad Schools last October 8. The Department of Education earlier ordered the closure of schools operated by the Salugpongan Tatanu Igkanugon Community Learning Center Inc. in Southern Mindanao, following allegations of rebel activity.
Gula also explained before the Assembly the manifesto’s call of action which recommends the accommodation of a Bakwit school. “We will be accomodating Bakwit school for a maximum of one month and a minimum of two weeks within this [academic] year,” according to Gula. She also added that the program has the support of the Office of the USG President.
Magtalas detailed that the Bakwit school serves as an alternative for Lumad children to continue their education in Manila. According to Magtalas, hosting a Bakwit school in the University will help the Lasallian community become aware of the plight of the Lumad community in Mindanao.
Donation drives for school supplies will also be held to assist Lumad students and facilitate their education. According to Gula, DLSU will be hosting the Bakwit school next term. After a short series of revisions and amendments, the LA approved the manifesto unanimously.
