11 February 2015

To the Magistrates of the Student Judicial Court

Greetings!
As a response to the petition filed by Mr. Christian Dy, the Commission wants to clarify the reasons behind
requiring candidates to submit a campaign plan and having their paraphernalia approved before distribution.
First, the Department of Student Welfare and Services (DSWS) has certain rules and guidelines for any
promotional materials that can be issued by students in the Loyola Schools. However, since COMELEC is
taking charge of the preparations for elections, it would be more practical if the approval of the candidates
paraphernalia will be coursed through the Commission. But still, we abide by the guidelines set by the DSWS.
We only added an instruction of putting the election dates. The Commission does not, in any way, discard
paraphernalia that follow the guidelines set by DSWS and the Office of Student Activities (OSA) .
Moreover, we require candidates to first submit a campaign proposal and have their paraphernalia checked
through soft copy to prevent wastage as opposed to having them printed already. This wastage could be brought
about by not following the specific sizes of materials based on the guidelines of DSWS. Quantity ceilings are
also observed to prevent too much generation of paraphernalia to that extent that the election becomes about
luxury.
Furthermore, activities, including campaigning, must be in accord with the rules set by OSA. The Office must
be informed of the events to be conducted by students in the Loyola Schools. It is through their plans that
COMELEC is able to inform OSA of these activities, if there are. We also align with the protocol of Office of
Administrative Services (OAS) to maintain order in student activities. So, there is a need to monitor the conduct
of campaign.
Thus, the authority of the Commission to check paraphernalia is justified with the rules, guidelines and principle
of the offices and units that monitor student activities. The Commission is open to discuss other concerns
regarding this matter. Thank you.

Respectfully,
(Sgd.) Marlex O. Tuson
Chief Commissioner
Human Resources Commissioner

(Sgd.) Audrey Joyce A. Lorilla

Secretariat Commissioner

(Sgd.) Patricia Jude R. Adolfo

Communications Commissioner

(Sgd.) Pamela Lizelle F. San Luis

Finance Commissioner

(Sgd.) Keith Nealson M. Penado

Logistics Commissioner