Proposed PLM-SSC CBL revisions seek to limit college reps’ roles in CSCs

The proposed Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council (PLM-SSC) Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) revisions seek to limit college representatives’ roles in their respective college councils, as discussed during the first public hearing at Gusaling Emilio Ejercito - Audio Visual Room (GEE-AVR), Oct. 7.

Section 8 of Article VIII (Powers, Duties, and Functions of Officials) proposes that college representatives shall only maintain a liaison role with their respective college student councils (CSCs) and shall not hold administrative roles therein. 

The College of Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences Student Council (CHASS-SC) Acting President Kath Guevara appealed this provision for due consideration. She argued that this might limit the manpower of the CSCs.

Constitutional Revision Committee (CRC) Chairperson and SSC Vice President Jovert Mendoza explained that the provision aims to “avoid burnout” among college representatives by clearly defining their responsibilities. He also clarified that their mandates would derive from the SSC, while their participation in their respective CSCs would be limited to an “ex officio” role, citing Sections 7(a) and 8.

Accordingly, SSC President Jahna Par added that the revision must also clearly define “ex officio” to clarify the scope of college representatives’ responsibilities within their respective CSCs.

The College of Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment Student Council (CASBE-SC) Acting President Gianna Wong also questioned whether this revision will substantially change the CBL of all CSCs.

“Ideally…yes, magbabago po,” Mendoza said in response.

Par also suggested generalizing the terms and rules in the revision stating that CSCs mainly pattern their CBL on that of the SSC. 

Mendoza assured all participants that these concerns will be taken into consideration by the CRC for the second drafting and deliberation.

Executive Order No. 1 of the PLM-SSC established the CRC to review the council’s CBL and draft proposed amendments. The order also appointed Mendoza as the committee’s chairperson.

The CRC includes 14 college representatives to the SSC, with one representative per college. The committee elects its vice chairperson and secretary from among its 14 members.