SSC Prexy outlines council priorities, transparency measures to ‘restore student trust’

Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila Supreme Student Council (PLM SSC) President Jahna Par sought to restore student trust as she outlined the council’s priorities and transparency measures for Academic Year 2026-2027 during her presidential address at the Justo Albert Auditorium (JAA), July 22.

She began her speech by acknowledging the challenges the council faced during the start of the term, such as forming their executive board and core committees, the declining student civic engagement, and unresolved financial concerns inherited from the previous SSC administrations. 

Marking a “fresh start,” the council also unveiled its new official emblem that carries symbols embodying the PLM values of Karunungan, Kaunlaran, and Kadakilaan. Par described this new identity as a representation of a council that is “palaban, matapang, at sentro ang masang estudyante.”

“Para maibalik ang tiwala ng mga estudyante”

A major part of the address focused on restoring student trust through stronger financial systems following the council’s three consecutive years of receiving a Disclaimer of Opinion from the Student Commission on Audit (SCOA).

The council acknowledged the 44 audit findings and said it is closely coordinating with the previous administration to address and resolve the concerns. Par also clarified that the Disclaimer does not necessarily indicate fund misuse but reflected insufficient documentation and supporting records. 

She pointed out how the audit findings identified by SCOA were not limited to only one administration, citing 11 findings from previous terms that include unpaid obligations, unliquidated funds, missing records and memoranda, and lack of turnover. 

“Hindi natin ito binabanggit upang maghanap ng masisisi o umiwas sa pananagutan. Binabanggit natin ito upang mailahad nang tapat ang reyalidad ng ating minana at ang kontekstong ating kinakaharap,” she said.

Par also revealed that the council is still waiting for the formal turnover of funds from the previous council. “Hinihintay din natin ang pormal na turnover ng mga pondong nasa ilalim pa ng accountability ng dating SSC administration upang maisama ang mga ito sa reconciliation at opisyal na financial records ng konseho.”

New transparency measures in place

To prevent the recurrence of past issues, the council presented its management action plan that addresses each finding in the audit, such as the retrieval of documents and standardized processes. Among these, the council aims to push for a Full Disclosure Policy, which would require transparency reports after every event and each semester.

In line with this policy, the council released its first liquidation report for PLM’s 61st Founding Anniversary that used ₱137,469.80 of the allocated ₱173,970.50. The report revealed that the funds were allocated for three events: ₱100,253.40 for Binibini at Ginoong Pamantasan; ₱15,723.60 for Palarong Pangfunmantasan; and ₱21,492.80 for the “Big 3” which includes the college exhibits, parade, and torch lighting ceremony. 

“Ang ulat na ito ay sumasalamin sa nais naming itaguyod: isang pamamahalang bukas, responsable, at may mataas na pagpapahalaga sa bawat pisong pinagkakatiwala ng mga estudyante.”

Strengthening internal systems

The council also highlighted that it seeks to rebuild its organizational systems by revising its structure, establishing clearer responsibilities among officers, and strengthening its legislative body. “We believe that a strong student council is built not only through successful projects but through sound governance, transparent processes, responsible financial management, and genuine representation.”

Upon review, they have identified laws that need immediate revisions to allow a smoother implementation, leading to the signing of the SSC’s first Executive Order that creates a committee for the revision of the council’s Constitution and Bylaws.

The council has also begun conducting town hall meetings with the college student councils (CSCs) and commissions for a more coordinated and organized process. Moreover, Par revealed that the council has been taking steps in establishing a process to return unused funding to CSCs for their respective programs and initiatives. She also mentioned that they aim to develop an institutionalized budget framework for the CSCs to ensure a fair and sustainable system.

Students at the Center

To address declining student participation, the PLM SSC will open its ad hoc committees for major events, allowing students the opportunity to actively participate and share their capabilities with the student body. At the same time, the council will launch KaSSCangga 2.0, an initiative from the previous term, to gather student concerns and recommendations.

Other student-centered initiatives include the use of the elevator in Gusaling Lacson for all students, especially those with medical conditions and accessibility needs; dedicated rent-free spaces for student-sellers during events; inclusion of interfaith prayers in programs; Muslim-friendly or Halal food indicators in the canteen; and stronger support for student performers and volunteers.

Upcoming initiatives of the council include Freshie Week activities, officer recruitment, and a future State of the Council Address.

Par's presidential address marked the first time in recent years that the PLM SSC formally presented its priorities and initiatives for the academic year to the student body.