THE U.P.

LAW STUDENTS’ CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We, the students of the University of the Philippines College of Law, desirous to establish an
autonomous student government that shall embody the highest aims and ideals of a free student body,
and in order to unite the students of the College, to develop a responsible leadership and to promote
the general welfare of the student body, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE I
THE LAW STUDENT GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The Law Student Government. --- The Law Student Government shall be the sole official
autonomous and highest representative organ of the student body of the College of Law of the
University of the Philippines and shall consist of the constituted bodies under this Constitution.

Section 2. Source of Authority. --- The authority of the Law Student Government shall emanate solely
from the students of the College.

Section 3. Duties and Functions. --- The Law Student Government shall promote the general welfare
of the students and shall ensure the protection of their rights. It shall be the duty and function of the
Law Student Government to develop a responsible and empowered student body, and to foster in
them a sense of service and responsibility for the welfare of their fellow students and the society.

ARTICLE II
THE CENTRAL BOARD

Section 1. Powers and Functions of the Central Board. --- The Central Board shall have the following
powers and duties:
(1) To make policy decisions on matters affecting the students of the College;
(2) To formulate and implement a general program of action for the current academic year;
(3) To create committees, boards, and other bodies as are necessary to implement the Board’s
policies and programs, provided, that unless otherwise expressly stated, such committees,
board, and other bodies created shall only exist during the term of the Central Board that
created it;
(4) To make available to all students a copy of this Constitution, as well as information on the
powers, duties and functions of the Law Student Government;
(5) To represent the students in all matters affecting student rights and welfare;
(6) To advocate for extensive student consultation in the College’s formulation of academic rules
and policies, to serve as the student body’s voice in the formulation and implementation of
all such policies and regulations, and to advance full student participation in the College’s
formation of non-academic rules and policies affecting the rights, duties, and welfare of the
student body;
(7) To solely exercise the power to issue any statement on behalf of the entire student body;
(8) To promote social awareness and instill national consciousness among students;
(9) To collect a fee of One Hundred Pesos (P100.00) from each student every semester, subject
to adjustment by the Central Board when necessary, and after consultation with the student
 body. The Central Board shall provide a discount or exemption from payment to any student
based on the discount granted under the Socialized Tuition System or any subsequent
socialized tuition scheme to be implemented by the University;
(10) To open and maintain its own bank account for the purpose of receiving funds solicited in
the name of the Law Student Government;
(11) To provide logistical support, upon request for assistance, for programs and projects of the
constitutional bodies mentioned herein;
(12) To promulgate its own rules and procedure for the efficient and effective performance of its
powers and functions, including the imposition of disciplinary measures for members of the
Central Board, provided, that the Central Board shall have the power to remove its own
members only on grounds expressly provided by this Constitution; and
(13) To exercise such other powers and functions as may be necessary and incidental to the
exercise of the powers and functions herein conferred.

Section 2. Composition and Membership. --- A President, Internal Vice-President, External Vice-
President, Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations Officer, two Senior Batch Representatives, two Third
Year Batch Representatives, two Second Year Batch Representatives, two First Year Batch
Representatives, two Evening Program Representatives, and four BGC Campus Representatives (two
Day, two Evening) shall constitute the elected members of the Central Board.

The College Representative to the University Student Council shall be an ex-officio voting
member of the Central Board.

Section 3. Qualifications and Disqualifications. --- No student may file a certificate of candidacy and
consequently be elected as an elective member of the Central Board unless he is currently registered
as a student in the College. Furthermore, no student may file such certificate for any elective post,
unless he has obtained a general weighted average of at least “2.75” for the courses completed in the
U.P. College of Law, and is not on probationary status.

Moreover, the following shall be requirements for the Batch, Evening and BGC Campus
Representatives during the regular elections:
a. Both Senior Batch Representatives: at least a third year student who is part of the Day
Program of the College at the time of his election;
b. Both Third Year Batch Representatives: a second year student who is part of the Day
Program of the College at the time of his election;
c. Both Second Year Batch Representatives: a first year student who is part of the Day Program
of the College at the time of his election;
d. Both First Year Batch Representatives: a first year student who is part of the Day Program
of the College at the time of his election;
e. Both Evening Program Representatives; a student who is part of the Evening Program of
the College at the time of his election;
f. Four BGC Campus Representatives; two students who are part of the Day Program and two
students from the Evening Program of the College in the BGC Campus at the time of his
election;

No student of the BGC campus may run for any position mentioned in letters (a) to (e) hereof.
 No member of the Central Board shall hold office as a member of the University Student Council,
or as Editor-in-Chief of any student publication, or as Corps Commander of the U.P. R.O.T.C., or as
a member of the University Student Electoral Board, or as a Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the
Editorial Board of the Philippine Law Journal, or as member of the Student Tribunal, or as a member
of the Electoral Commission, or as a member of the Executive Board of the Bar Operations
Commission without automatically forfeiting his seat in the Central Board. Furthermore, no Evening
Program Representative may shift to the Day Program or the BGC Campus, nor may a Senior, Third
Year, Second Year, or First Year Batch Representative shift to the Evening Program or the BGC
Campus nor may a BGC Campus representative shift to the Diliman campus during his term without
automatically forfeiting his seat in the Central Board. Automatic forfeiture shall take effect upon
acceptance of any of these enumerated offices or upon approval of the transfer to the other program
or campus, as the case may be.

No student who has been convicted of an impeachment charge under the provisions of this
Constitution may file a certificate of candidacy and consequently be elected member of the Central
Board. The qualifications and disqualifications for the position of College Representative shall be
governed by the Constitution of the University Student Council.

Section 4. Manner and Date of Election. --- The President, Internal Vice-President, External Vice-
President, Secretary, Treasurer, and Public Relations Officer shall be elected at large by the students
included in the roll of students of the College in an election held for that purpose. Each Batch
Representative shall be elected by the members of his class registered in the Day Program of Diliman,
while each Evening Program Representative shall be elected by the students registered in the Evening
Program of Diliman in the same election. Each BGC Campus Representative shall be elected by the
students registered in the Day and Evening Program of said Campus, provided that the elections for
the First Year Batch Representatives shall be held separately and within a period of forty-five (45) to
ninety (90) days from the first day of classes of each academic year.

The duly-certified candidate who has received the highest number of votes for each of the
positions shall be proclaimed as the winner. If more than one duly-certified candidate received the
same highest number of votes for a certain position, the Electoral Commission shall conduct a special
election within fourteen (14) days from the date of the elections, which shall be limited to those
candidates who received the same highest number of votes. If after the special elections there remains
a tie, the tie shall be resolved amongst those receiving the same highest number of votes either by coin
toss or by lot, as may be deemed best and appropriate by the Electoral Commission.

Representatives of each candidate shall not be prohibited from observing the entire process of
the elections, provided that the actual votes cast by each voter shall remain absolutely secret and
confidential.

The Electoral Commission may set, through their published electoral rules, the period for
electoral protests against violations of the said rules. Protests or actions questioning the validity of
election and returns shall prescribe fifteen (15) days from the date of proclamation by the Electoral
Commission of the election’s official results. The regularity and validity of elections shall nonetheless
be presumed until proven otherwise.

The election of members of the Central Board, except that of the First Year Batch
Representatives, shall be held simultaneously with the University Student Council elections, unless the
latter is to be conducted within fifteen (15) days or less before the final examination period of the
second semester of the academic year, in which case the Electoral Commission may set it at an earlier
date. To accommodate the Evening students of the College, the Electoral Commission may conduct
the elections for the positions of the Central Board until eight o’clock in the evening of the Election
Day, provided that extension may be given until ten o’clock in the evening when the need arises.

The election of the members of the Central Board, although held simultaneously with the
University Student Council elections and may be conducted using the same system, shall be deemed
a separate activity and shall not be governed by the same rules and regulations. It shall remain within
the exclusive jurisdiction of the Law Student Government through the Electoral Commission.

Only currently registered students in the U.P. College of Law shall be allowed to participate and
vote in the election. Expulsion, dismissal, withdrawal, or graduation from the College of Law shall
automatically result to the loss of all rights and privileges incidental to being a student of the College
as granted by this Constitution. No other person shall be allowed to physically vote on behalf of the
voter-student.

Section 5. Conduct of Elections. --- All votes cast in a Central Board election shall constitute at least
a majority of all the registered students in the semester during which the election is to be conducted.
Otherwise, the Electoral Commission shall declare a failure of elections and conduct another election
not later than fifteen (15) days after the declaration.

The candidates with the highest number of votes will be declared the winners, provided that for
positions wherein two candidates may be elected, the candidates with the two highest number of votes
will be declared the winners; provided further, that in all cases the abstain votes do not constitute a
majority of the votes cast.

Section 6. The President. --- The President shall have the following powers and duties:
(1) To convene and preside over meetings of the Central Board;
(2) To direct the implementation of the programs and policies of the Central Board;
(3) To supervise the performance of the other officers of the functions given to them by this
Constitution and the Central Board;
(4) To appoint, with the concurrence of the Central Board, any Member of the Central Board
as head of committees, boards, and other bodies created by the Central Board, as student
representative to College and University bodies, unless otherwise provided, as well as to
outside institutions;
(5) To approve or confirm all official communications of the Central Board;
(6) To represent the Law Student Government, except with respect to the University Student
Council; and
(7) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be necessary for
the effective and efficient performance of the powers and functions of the Central Board.

Section 7. The Internal Vice-President. --- The Internal Vice-President shall have the following powers
and duties:
(1) To act as the chairperson of the Students Rights and Welfare Committee;
(2) To act as the coordinator of the Central Board with the College Registration Committee;
(3) To succeed the President in case of permanent vacancy, subject to Section 18 of this Article;
 (4) To discharge the functions of the President in case the latter is absent or temporarily
incapacitated;
(5) To assist the President in supervising the other officers;
(6) To act as chairperson, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(7) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be assigned by the
President or the Central Board.

Section 8. The External Vice-President. --- The External Vice-President shall have the following
powers and duties:
(1) To act as chairperson of the Sports and External Affairs Committee;
(2) To act as the ex-officio convenor of the Association of College of Law Organizations
(ACLO) and preside over meetings thereof;
(3) To succeed the President in case of permanent vacancy, subject to Section 18 of this Article;
(4) To act as the official representative of the Law Student Government in the Association of
Law Students of the Philippines and develop partnerships with other law schools for
common purposes and advocacies;
(5) To represent the Central Board in all meetings, bodies, associations, federations and the like,
external to the College, except with respect to matters or meetings taken up or attended
exclusively by the President as delineated by the Board, the meetings of the University
Student Council, and such meetings otherwise delegated by the Central Board to another one
of its members on a case-to-case basis;
(6) To maintain constantly open channels of communication with other student councils,
especially with that of the other colleges in the university, that of other colleges of law in the
Philippines, and, in case of the absence of or removal of the College Representative as a
member of the Central Board in accordance with this Constitution, the University Student
Council;
(7) To act as chairperson, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(8) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be assigned by the
President or the Central Board.

Section 9. Secretary. --- The Secretary shall have the following functions and duties:
(1) To act as chairperson of the Basic Services Committee;
(2) To certify all acts of the Central Board, duly approved or confirmed by the President;
(3) To call all members of the Central Board to the regular meetings and to such special meetings
called upon by the President or at least one-third (1/3) of the members of the Central Board.
(4) To prepare the agenda of the meetings of the Central Board and distribute it to the members
of the Board;
(5) To keep a record of the proceedings of the meetings of the Central Board and post it in the
Central Board Bulletin Board;
(6) To receive all correspondence to the Central Board and to keep a systematic and orderly file
of all official records of the Central Board;
(7) To keep an inventory and take charge of all non-monetary properties of the Central Board,
ascertain the maintenance and orderliness of the Law Student Government office, and ensure
that the said office always has adequate office materials;
 (8) To prepare and submit to the Central Board for its approval the annual Law Student
Government report at the end of the academic year and to post the same on the Central
Board Bulletin Board for the information of the student body;
(9) To act as chairperson, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(10) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be assigned by the
President or the Central Board.

Section 10. Treasurer. --- The Treasurer shall have the following functions and duties:
(1) To act as chairperson of the Finance and Marketing Committee;
(2) To collect all monies and fees accruing to the Law Student Government;
(3) To effect custody of the Law Student Government funds by depositing them in a duly
established banking institution in the name of the Law Student Government;
(4) To sign, together with the President, any disbursement of funds authorized by the Central
Board;
(5) To prepare a budget proposal at the beginning of the academic year and to submit the same
to the Central Board;
(6) To propose, for the approval of the Central Board, and implement viable projects and
undertakings to generate funds for the use of the Board;
(7) To prepare and submit to the Central Board, for its approval, a monthly financial report, and
to post a copy of the financial report on the Central Board Bulletin Board within a reasonable
time;
(8) To act as chairperson, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(9) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be assigned by the
President or the Central Board.

Section 11. The Public Relations Officer. --- The Public Relations Officer shall have the following
functions and duties:
(1) To act as the chairperson of the Public Relations Committee;
(2) To afford publicity to all statements, projects, and activities of the Central Board by utilizing,
among others, public mass media and the internet;
(3) To provide an avenue, in the form of a feedback mechanism, for students to air out their
concerns, sentiments and grievances;
(4) To maintain the Central Board Bulletin Board and to act as administrator of the online
accounts of the Central Board;
(5) To act as chairperson, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(6) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be assigned by the
President or the Central Board.

Section 12. Batch, Evening, and BGC Campus Representatives. --- The Batch, Evening and BGC
Campus Representatives shall have the following functions and duties:
(1) To create and administer programs and activities beneficial to their constituents;
(2) To bring to the Central Board’s attention the problems affecting their constituents and to
recommend appropriate courses of action;
(3) To assist the Public Relations Officer in disseminating information on all projects and
activities of the Central Board requiring publicity;
 (4) To act as chairpersons, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(5) To perform such other functions as may be assigned to them by the President or the Central
Board.

Section 13. College Representative. --- The College Representative shall exercise such functions and
duties in addition to those prescribed by the University Student Council Constitution:
(1) To serve as the official liaison officer of the Law Student Government to the University
Student Council;
(2) To bring to the attention of the Central Board all matters being taken up by the University
Student Council;
(3) To act as chairperson, upon appointment by the President, in the committees as may be
constituted by the Central Board; and
(4) To perform such other functions assigned by this Constitution or as may be assigned by the
President or the Central Board.

Section 14. Standing Committees. --- Without prejudice to the right of the Central Board to create,
for the duration of its term, ad hoc Committees, the Central Board shall have five standing
committees, namely: the Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee, the Basic Services Committee, the
Finance and Marketing Committee, the Sports and External Affairs Committee, and the Public
Relations Committee.

The Standing Committees of the Central Board shall have the following functions and
responsibilities:

a. Students’ Rights and Welfare Committee:

(1) To consolidate student concerns, and channel these concerns to the Central Board, to the
student body in general, and to the College faculty and administration;
(2) To formulate methods for safeguarding, increasing, and promoting the rights and welfare
of the students of the College of Law;
(3) To propose campaigns and activities towards an active and progressive promotion of the
well-being, welfare, and rights of the students;
(4) To provide for further empowerment and community involvement of the students of the
College;
(5) To advocate academic excellence on the part of the students of the College; and
(6) To plan, promote, and coordinate actual actions of the students regarding the
abovementioned issues.

b. Basic Services Committee

(1) To identify basic services concerns of the students of the College and submit proposals
to the Central Board for the provision of the same;
(2) To maintain an adequate supply of office supplies, first aid, equipment and other
necessities which will be made available to the students;
(3) To propose policies to the Central Board for the proper use of the Student Lounge and
other utilities and effectively implement such policies;
(4) To promote the use of the Student Lounge by the students; and
(5) To ensure the cleanliness and maintenance of the Student Lounge as well as the
responsible use of the utilities provided the Central Board.
 c. Finance and Marketing Committee
(1) To initiate revenue-generating projects to augment the general funding of the Central
Board;
(2) To recommend other income-generating projects to be implemented by the Central
Board;
(3) To assist the Treasurer in preparing the monthly financial reports and to ensure that all
funds are accounted for; and
(4) To find sponsors and partners in funding the projects of the Central Board.

d. Sports and External Affairs Committee

(1) To organize athletic competitions among the students of the College;
(2) To coordinate with other associations, organizations, and federations outside the College
in organizing events, campaigns, and athletic competitions where the students of the
College can participate in;
(3) To coordinate with the representatives of the student varsity teams of the College and to
provide logistical support during athletic competitions in which they represent the
College; and
(4) To receive invitations and proposals from outside institutions for possible partnerships
and tie-ups with the Central Board.

e. Public Relations Committee

(1) To research and study issues affecting the nation and the Filipino society, especially those
that have legal impacts;
(2) To promote discussion and/or scholarly debate among Law students on the said issues
to ensure a multi-perspective and progressive Law Student Government and student
body;
(3) To advocate for social justice and the protection of human rights through the responsible
use and interpretation of the law for the benefit of the Filipino society;
(4) To help foster the social, political, and cultural awareness of the students; and
(5) To plan, promote, and coordinate actual actions of the students regarding the
abovementioned issues.

Section 15. Association of College of Law Organizations (ACLO). --- The Association of College of
Law Organizations (ACLO) is composed of all college organizations convened and presided by the
External Vice President for the purpose of information dissemination, consultation, and efficient
coordination of activities.

The ACLO shall create and promulgate rules and regulations that will govern its membership,
powers, functions and conduct of proceedings.

Section 16. Meetings, Quorum, Voting and Attendance. --- The Central Board shall meet in regular
sessions at least twice a month on a day and hour to be fixed by the Board. It may also meet in special
sessions called by the President or by one-third (1/3) of its members upon due notice.

Upon due notice to all members of the Board, a majority of all the said members shall constitute
a quorum to transact business and the affirmative votes of a majority of the members present and
constituting a quorum shall be sufficient to pass any motion, affirm a resolution and effectuate any
business; provided that a meeting validly called with due notice to all members, but which lacks
quorum may pass resolutions, by an affirmative votes of a majority of the members present, solely on
matters recognizing the absence of the absent members and imposing such penalties, as the Board’s
internal rules shall provide, and to compel their attendance. The Board shall provide in its internal
rules for the procedure to be taken in case of a tie.

The President may call the Central Board in an emergency meeting, but only in exigent
circumstances. The Central Board, convened in an emergency meeting, may transact business
pertinent to the emergency even without a quorum, insofar as due notice is made to all members of
the Board and that at least one-fourth (1/4) of all the members of the Central Board are in attendance,
provided that in case there is no quorum, no motion may be passed nor resolution be affirmed unless
it is affirmed unanimously by all the members present therein.

A member of the Central Board who incurred four consecutive unexcused absences of the regular
sessions, or such a number of absences equivalent to a majority of the Board’s regular sessions and
mandatory activities, may be removed by the Central Board, by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all its
Members. Such removal shall not affect the said member’s right to run again for any future election
in the Central Board.

The College Representative may also be dismissed under the procedure in the preceding
paragraph, although its effect shall be limited to the removal of his status as a member of the Central
Board, his entitlement to a seat in its meetings, his chairpersonship over any committee of the Central
Board, and the right to represent himself as a member of the Law Student Government. It shall be
the duty of the Central Board to inform the University Student Council, in writing, of said dismissal,
within seven (7) days from promulgation of the decision. Absences caused by overlapping schedules
between meetings of the Central Board and General Assemblies of the University Student Council
shall not be counted in determining the liability of the College Representative for removal under this
provision.

Section 17. Term of Office. --- Every member of the Central Board shall hold office for one academic
year. They shall assume office upon turnover by the outgoing Central Board, which shall be held no
earlier than the last day of final examinations in accordance with the University calendar, nor later
than seven (7) days therefrom, and shall serve for the full academic year until their turnover to the
incoming Central Board, provided that the First Year Batch Representatives shall hold office from the
date of their proclamation until turnover by the outgoing Central Board; provided further, that the
term of office of the College Representative shall be determined by the Constitution of the University
Student Council.

Each incoming member of the Central Board shall take the following oath to the President of the
outgoing Central Board, except the First Year Batch Representatives whose oath will be administered
by the sitting President, on the date he begins to hold office:

“I, (herein declare your name), do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and
conscientiously fulfill my duties as (herein declare your position), preserve and defend
the Constitution of the University of the Philippines Law Student Government, and
consecrate myself to the service of my fellow students.”

An oath-taking ceremony shall be held for this purpose on such date that the incoming Central
Board begins its term. The details of such ceremony shall be disseminated to the students at least one
(1) week prior to the event. The actual taking of the oath is a requisite for the validity of the term of
all members, with incoming members except the College Representative, although any member who
fails to attend the ceremony may take his oath at a later date and in the presence of the sitting members
of the Central Board.

Section 18. Vacancies. --- A position shall be deemed vacant upon a failure of election on such
position, resignation, dismissal, removal, conviction from impeachment, permanent incapacity or
disqualification of any member of the Central Board, or when such member otherwise ceases to be a
student of the College. A member shall be removed upon dismissal, leave or suspension for more than
thirty (30) days from the college. It shall be the duty of the President to notify the Electoral
Commission of any vacancy within three (3) days from the happening thereof.

Vacancies shall be filled in the following manner:

a. If the office vacated is that of the President, the Internal Vice-President shall automatically
assume office as the President, or, in case such position is also vacant, the External Vice-
President shall automatically assume office. However if the latter position is also vacant, the
Central Board shall select from among its members, as its internal rules shall provide, an
Acting President who shall serve only until an Internal Vice-President has been chosen,
provided that the succeeding President shall hold office only for the unexpired portion of
the term of the Presidency.
b. If the office vacated is that of the Internal Vice-President or the External Vice-President,
either because of the officer’s assumption as the President or by such circumstances
mentioned in the preceding paragraph, or that of the Secretary, Treasurer, Public Relations
Officer, or that of the Batch, Evening Program or BGC Campus Representatives, it shall be
filled by special election called by the Electoral Commission for that purpose, which in no
case shall be conducted beyond thirty (30) days from its receipt of the notice of vacancy,
except that no special elections shall be held if the unexpired portion of the term is thirty
(30) days or less; provided that the student elected to fill the vacancy shall hold office only
for the unexpired portion of the term of the position at issue; provided further that in case
of the Batch, Evening Program and BGC Campus Representatives, no student shall be
allowed to run for such vacant position unless they are currently of the same year level and
shift-program as that of their constituents; provided, finally, that no member of the Student
Tribunal may run on such special election when the vacancy occurred, whether directly or
indirectly, by conviction from impeachment.

Vacancy with respect to the College Representative, and the filling of such vacancy, shall be
governed by the Constitution of the University Student Council.

ARTICLE III
THE STUDENT TRIBUNAL

Section 1: The Student Tribunal. --- The Student Tribunal shall have the following powers:
(1) To exercise original jurisdiction over impeachment cases filed against the members of the
Central Board, the Electoral Commission, and the Executive Board of the Bar Operations
Commission;
(2) To exercise appellate jurisdiction over cases filed in and decided by the Electoral
Commission;
 (3) To hear and decide cases regarding application and interpretation of the provisions of this
Constitution.
All complaints or grievances against any member of the Central Board, the Electoral Commission,
and the Executive Board of the Bar Operations Commission, on grounds not contemplated upon by
the provisions pertaining to the impeachment of such member, such as those pertaining to minor
lapses, shall be filed to the concerned body, subject to the latter’s disciplinary powers. Such complaint
shall be acted upon immediately by the concerned body.

Section 2: Composition of the Student Tribunal. --- The Student Tribunal is a collegial body composed
of five (5) Student Magistrates, four (4) Magistrates will represent students in each of the Senior, Third
Year, Second Year, and First Year levels in the Day Program, and one (1) Magistrate to represent the
students of the Evening Program; provided that for the purposes of this Article, no distinction shall
be made between students from the Diliman and BGC Campuses.

Section 3: Selection of Magistrates. --- The Student Tribunal Appointments Council shall be composed
of the First Magistrate as its ex-officio chairperson, the Chairperson of the Electoral Commission, the
President and Internal Vice-President of the Central Board and the Bar Operations Commissioner.

The Student Tribunal Appointments Council shall appoint, in all cases and with due consideration
to length and quality of service in the Student Tribunal, the First Magistrate, who shall be responsible
for administration of the Tribunal and presiding over the hearing of cases.

The Council shall be responsible for appointing members of the Student Tribunal when vacancies
occur due to end of term of office, to resignation, conviction on impeachment, and any other such
incapacity of the Magistrate that prevents him permanently from performing his duties. The Council
shall annually convene every third Monday of the first semester for the purposes of new appointments
and review of the qualifications of incumbent Magistrates, provided that the Council may be convened
to fill in vacancies of the Tribunal when necessary.

The selection of the Magistrates shall be through application of interested applicants, which will
be evaluated and adjudged by the Council. The application shall be in writing, stating therein that the
applicant has all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications. Such application shall be
submitted to and filed with the First Magistrate, who shall thereafter inform the Council by giving
them a copy of the application and calling a meeting for the discussion thereof. The Council shall
promulgate its internal rules and regulations in the application and evaluation of the applicants, guided
by the principle of transparency, and the standards of proven competence, integrity, probity, and
independence.

Section 4. Security of Tenure. --- The Student Magistrates shall hold office in the Tribunal for their
entire stay in the College, provided they continue to possess the qualifications and none of the
disqualifications.

Section 5: Qualifications and Disqualifications. --- No student may file an application for appointment
as Magistrate unless he is currently registered as a student in the College.

The Magistrate should maintain a yearly General Weighted Average (GWA) of at least “2.75” and
must not be on probationary status. Failure to maintain the said requirements shall be a ground for
forfeiture of the student’s membership to the Tribunal. The Appointments Council shall assess
compliance by the incumbent Magistrates with the said requirements during their annual convention.

No student may become a member of the Tribunal unless the student submits a certification from
the Student Disciplinary Council that there is no pending administrative case against him and that no
sanctioned university body has never rendered judgment finding him guilty of any violation of the
University’s student rules and regulations.

All the affiliations with any student organization, fraternity or sorority of each applicant for the
position of Magistrate must be disclosed by the applicant. Incumbent members shall likewise have the
responsibility to immediately inform the Tribunal, in writing, of any new affiliations that they may
acquire in the course of their tenure as a Magistrate of the Student Tribunal.

No two magistrates shall be affiliated with the same organization, fraternity, or sorority. Should a
Magistrate at any time during his tenure become affiliated with a student organization, fraternity, or
sorority so as to produce the effect that two (2) Magistrates are affiliated with such organization,
fraternity or sorority, the seat of the member who so becomes affiliated shall automatically be
forfeited.

Section 6. Forfeiture of Membership and Removal. --- The following are grounds for automatic
forfeiture of membership in the Tribunal:
(1) Filing a certificate of candidacy for any position in the Central Board and the University
Student Council;
(2) Holding office as an impeachable officer in other Constitutional bodies;
(3) Dismissal, leave or suspension for more than thirty (30) days from the College, or otherwise
ceasing to be a student thereof;
(4) Failure to maintain a yearly GWA of 2.75, or being in probationary status

A member may also be removed by impeachment, which impeachment may be initiated through
a written complaint filed with the Central Board by any student registered in the College, upon the
following grounds:
(1) Willful violation of the Constitution or any major policy of the Law Student Government;
(2) Gross neglect or dereliction of the Constitution or any major policy of the Law Student
Government;
(3) Any grave offense or misconduct which constitutes a violation of University and/or College
rules punishable by suspension or expulsion from the University or College.

The (STAC) Council, upon the recommendation of the Student Tribunal, may cause disciplinary
proceedings to be instituted, or cause the removal of a Magistrate, when there is a showing that a
Magistrate has failed to live up to the standards of proven competence, integrity, probity, and
independence. This is however, without prejudice to the disciplinary power of the Tribunal over its
members for violation of the Tribunal’s internal rules.

Section 7. Quorum and Proceedings. --- Quorum, which is comprised of three (3) magistrates, is
necessary for conducting official business.
 All complaints, petitions, and appeals filed with the Tribunal shall be in writing and must be
published in the bulletin board of the Central Board. Supporting documents must also be attached to
such complaint, petition or appeal. The Tribunal shall study the complaint and convene to deliberate
and decide, which complaint, petition or appeal shall be decided by three (3) concurring votes,
provided that there is a quorum. The decision, which shall be in writing, expressing therein clearly and
distinctly the facts and the law on which it is based, and posted on the board of the Central Board,
and at a corresponding location in the BGC Campus, shall be final. The Tribunal shall decide all cases
and controversies within fifteen (15) days from the filing thereof.

The Student Tribunal shall create and promulgate rules of procedure governing cases filed before
the same as well as internal rules of their proceedings and administration.

Section 8. Allocation in Law Student Government Funds. --- The Student Tribunal shall enjoy fiscal
autonomy. It shall be entitled to an amount equivalent to two per cent (2%) of the student fees
collected, which amount shall be released by the Central Board to the Student Tribunal not later than
thirty (30) days from the end of enrollment of each semester, provided that an additional budget may
be granted upon request of the Student Tribunal when necessary; provided further that all amounts
not expended shall be returned to the funds of the Law Student Government; provided further that
the Student Tribunal shall release an annual financial report of their budget and expenditures; and
provided finally that failure to submit said annual financial report within two (2) weeks from the last
day of the final exams, in accordance with the University calendar, shall be cause for withholding the
funds of the Tribunal for the next academic year until compliance therewith

ARTICLE IV
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS

A. Common Provisions

Section 1. The Constitutional Commissions, which shall be independent, are the Electoral
Commission and the Bar Operations Commission.

Section 2. No impeachable officer of a Constitutional Commission shall, during his tenure, hold any
other office in the Law Student Government.

Section 3. The Constitutional Commissions shall appoint their officers and recruit their volunteers in
accordance with this Constitution and the rules and regulations duly promulgated by them.

Section 4. The Commissions shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Their approved annual appropriations, if
any, shall be automatically released, provided that all amounts not expended shall be returned to the
funds of the Law Student Government; provided further that the Commissions shall submit an annual
financial report in accordance with the rules prescribed by the Central Board. Failure to submit a
financial report shall be a ground for the Central Board to withhold said funds until compliance
therewith.
 B. The Electoral Commission

Section 1. Powers and Functions. --- The Electoral Commission shall have the following powers and
functions:
(1) To prepare and conduct Central Board elections, plebiscites and referenda provided in this
Constitution, without prejudice to its powers and functions that may be given to it by the
University Student Council Constitution and the UP Diliman Student Election Code;
(2) To exert all efforts to ensure a speedy, accurate and secure method for protecting the sanctity
of the ballot, preferably through automated elections, among others;
(3) To promulgate, enforce, and administer all rules and regulations relative to the conduct of
an election, plebiscite or referendum;
(4) To have original and exclusive jurisdiction over election protests and controversies;
(5) To promulgate its own rules of procedure in the discharge of its powers and functions.
(6) To publish the results of the elections and to proclaim the winners thereof.

Section 2. Composition and Membership. --- The Electoral Commission shall be an impartial body
composed of fifteen (15) permanent members. In no case shall one-third (1/3) or more of the
members belong to the same student organization, fraternity or sorority. Should a member of the
Commission voluntarily join a student organization, fraternity or sorority at any time during the said
member’s term so as to produce the effect that one-third (1/3) or more of the Commissioners belong
to such organization, fraternity or sorority, the seat in the Commission of the member who so joins
shall automatically be forfeited. A member of the commission is deemed to belong to another student
organization, fraternity or sorority if said member is recognized as an official member thereof based
on the latter’s existing rules or practice.

All the affiliations with any student organization, fraternity or sorority of each candidate for
membership must be disclosed by the candidate to the Electoral Commission. Members have the
responsibility to immediately inform the Chairperson of any new affiliations that they may acquire in
the course of their tenure as a member of the Electoral Commission.

Only members of the Administrative Group, as provided hereunder, having the qualifications
and none of the disqualifications prescribed in this Constitution, may be candidates for membership
in the Commission. The sitting Commissioners shall nominate candidates for membership in the
Commission. Each vacant position shall be filled by a majority vote of the sitting Commissioners;
provided that a separate voting shall be held for each vacant position; provided further, that in case
of multiple vacancies, there can be multiple voting in a single meeting called for that purpose. The
newly selected Commissioner/s shall automatically be a voting member of the Commission.

Any vacancy in the Commission by reason of resignation, disqualification, impeachment or

permanent incapacity during the academic year shall be filled by its members in the same manner
prescribed in the next preceding paragraph. Such vacancy must be filled within thirty (30) days from
the occurrence thereof, except during the thirty (30) day period immediately preceding the regular
elections, in which case the vacancy shall only be filled after five (5) days from the proclamation of
the winners.

Section 3. Administrative Group. -- For the purposes of carrying out its functions, the Commission
shall create an Administrative Group, which shall be composed of volunteers; provided that there be
at least three representatives from each first year block in the College.
Section 4. Qualifications and Disqualifications. --- No student may become a member of the
Commission unless said student has obtained a general weighted average of at least “2.75” for the
courses completed in the U.P. College of Law during the semester immediately preceding his selection,
and he is not on probationary status.

Furthermore, no student shall be eligible for membership in the Commission unless he has been
a member of the Electoral Commission Administrative Group for an uninterrupted period of at least
one (1) year or two (2) consecutive elections immediately preceding his selection.

Finally, no student may become a member of the Commission unless he submits a certification
from the Student Disciplinary Council that there is no pending administrative case against him and
that no sanctioned university body has ever rendered judgment finding the student guilty of any
violation of the University’s student rules and regulations.

Failure to maintain and possess these qualifications during the student’s tenure shall cause the
forfeiture of said student’s membership in the Commission.

No member of the Commission shall hold office as a member of the University Student Council,
or as Editor-in-Chief of any student publication, or as Corps Commander of the U.P. R.O.T.C., or as
a member of the University Student Electoral Board, or as a Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson of the
Editorial Board of the Philippine Law Journal, or as member of the Student Tribunal, or as a member
of the Executive Board of the Bar Operations Commission without automatically forfeiting his seat
in the Commission.

Section 5. Forfeiture of Membership and Removal. --- The following are grounds for automatic
forfeiture of membership in the Commission:
(1) Filing a certificate of candidacy for any position in the Central Board;
(2) Holding office as an impeachable officer in any other Constitutional body;
(3) Dismissal, leave or suspension for more than thirty (30) days from the College, or otherwise
ceasing to be a student thereof; or
(4) Other grounds provided in the preceding section.

A member may also be removed by impeachment, which impeachment may be initiated through
a written complaint filed with the Student Tribunal by any student registered in the College, upon the
following grounds:
(1) Willful violation of the Constitution, any major policy of the Law Student Government, or
the elections rules set forth by the Commission;
(2) Gross neglect or dereliction of the Constitution or any major policy of the Law Student
Government;
(3) Any grave offense or misconduct which constitutes a violation of University and/or College
rules punishable by suspension or expulsion from the University or College.

Section 6. Term of Office. --- Each Commissioner shall hold office from the time he assumes the
same until such member resigns, or is disqualified, removed by impeachment or permanently
incapacitated.
Section 7. Meetings. --- The incumbent Chairperson of the Commission shall, not later than the first
week of the first semester of every academic year, convene a meeting for the purpose of electing new
officers.

Every political party duly recognized by the Electoral Commission and every independent
candidate shall have the right to appoint one representative to sit in all meetings and deliberations of
the Commission on all election matters. However, they shall have no voting rights. A political party
fielding a set of candidates shall be automatically recognized by the Commission for purposes of this
section.

Section 8. Quorum. --- A majority of all Commissioners shall constitute a quorum to transact business
and the affirmative vote of a majority constituting a quorum shall be sufficient to pass any motion,
affirm any resolution, or effectuate any other business.

Section 9. Officers. --- The Commission shall elect from among its members a Chairperson, a Vice-
Chairperson, a Secretary and a Treasurer. Each duly elected officer of the Commission shall serve as
such from the time of his election until the end of the academic year. The election of the next set of
officers shall not be later than ten (10) days after the start of the succeeding academic year.

Section 10. Powers and Functions of Officers. --- The officers of the Electoral Commission shall have
the following powers and functions:

a. The Chairperson shall:

(1) Preside over all meetings of the Commission;
(2) Supervise the performance of the other officers of the functions given to them by this
Constitution and the Commission;
(3) Create committees necessary for the effective performance of the Commission; and
(4) Exercise such other powers inherent in this office and those necessary for the efficient and
effective discharge of the functions of the Commission.

b. The Vice-Chairperson shall:

(1) Assist the Chairperson in the performance of the latter’s duties;
(2) Preside over meetings of the Commission in the absence of the Chairperson;
(3) Succeed to the position of Chairperson in case of the latter’s permanent incapacity,
resignation, disqualification or removal; and
(4) Perform such other functions prescribed herein and those that be assigned by the
Chairperson.

c. The Secretary shall:

(1) Keep a record of the proceedings of the Commission, and all petitions, documents, and
papers submitted thereto;
(2) Certify all official acts of the Commission, together with the Chairperson;
(3) Post notices, including those regarding rules or decisions of the Commission on the Law
Student Government and Electoral Commission Bulletin Boards, and otherwise disseminate
information to the student body, when necessary; and
(4) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson.
 d. The Treasurer shall:
(1) Have custody of the funds of the Commission;
(2) Authorize, together with the Chairperson, any disbursement of funds duly allocated by the
Commission; and
(3) Render an annual financial report to the Central Board as to the use of the student funds as
provided for in Section 4, Article IV-A; and
(4) Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the Chairperson.

Section 11. Rules and Decisions. --- No rule or decision of the Commission shall be valid and effective
unless in writing, duly certified that it was adopted with the requisite number of votes, posted on the
Electoral Commission Bulletin Board, and duly served upon all the parties concerned.

The Commission shall decide all cases and controversies regarding disqualification and electoral
protests brought before it within thirty (30) days from filing thereof. Any decision of the Commission
may be appealed to the Student Tribunal within fifteen (15) days from receipt of decision. Within
fifteen (15) days from the lapse of the thirty (30) day period without any action by the Commission,
the controversy may be elevated to the Student Tribunal for resolution.

The Commission sitting en banc and by majority vote of all its members shall decide cases and
controversies regarding disqualification, and electoral protests, brought before it, appealable in all
instances to the Student Tribunal.

Section 12. Allocation in Law Student Government Funds. --- The Electoral Commission shall be
entitled to an amount equivalent to 4% of the student fees collected, which amount shall be released
by the Central Board to the Commission not later than thirty (30) days from the end of enrollment of
each semester; provided that the Electoral Commission may request for additional funds from the
Central Board whenever necessary.

C. The Bar Operations Commission

Section 1. Powers and Duties. --- The Bar Operations Commission shall spearhead the student body’s
centralized operations for providing holistic support to the College’s alumni-bar candidates.

The Commission shall employ all necessary means and exercise such powers necessary for
formulating and implementing policies desirable for the convenience and benefit of such bar
candidates. It shall have the duty of soliciting funds, generating revenue, organizing lectures, preparing
materials and conducting necessary operations during the month of the bar examinations including
but not limited to: hotel operations, transportation operations, day and night operations, food
operations and attending to other reasonable requirements with the aim of ensuring a successful
examination for every candidate. Its work shall be continuous and shall not be interrupted at any time
during the calendar year.

The Commission shall enact its rules and regulations governing membership selection, internal
organization and other matters necessary and incidental to the implementation of its powers and
duties.
 The Commission shall function independently of the Central Board, shall not be under its control
or supervision, but shall regularly apprise and coordinate with the latter in respect of the performance
of its duties.

Section 2. Officers and Term of Office. --- The Bar Operations Commission shall be headed by a
Commissioner, who shall be selected not later than 45 days from the last day of the Bar Examinations.

Such Commissioner shall be selected from a list of nominees, submitted by the members of the
Bar Operations Commission through the incumbent Commissioner. No student may be nominated
without his consent.

Upon receipt of the list of nominees, the President shall immediately inform the graduating class
of such list, through the Senior Batch Representatives, and a general assembly of the graduating class
shall be called for. During the general assembly, members of the graduating class shall vote for their
preferred nominee. The nominee with the most number of votes shall be selected as the
Commissioner.

The members of the graduating class may also vote to abstain. In case that Abstain garners the
most number of votes, a new list of nominees, which may include those previously nominated,
provided they comply with the nomination process again, shall be submitted by the members of the
Bar Operations Commission and a new general assembly shall be called for the purpose of selecting
the Commissioner.

The day of selection shall mark the beginning of the Commissioner’s term.

Upon selection, the Commissioner shall immediately appoint, from among the currently
registered students of the College not otherwise holding any impeachable office in any of the bodies
of the Law Student Government, the following members of the Executive Board of the Bar
Operations Commission: two (2) Deputy Commissioners, a Secretary, a Treasurer, and an Auditor.
The Commissioner, as the head, shall be part of the Executive Board. The terms of office of the
Deputy Commissioners, the Secretary, the Treasurer, and the Auditor shall be co-terminous with that
of the Commissioner.

Section 3. Automatic Forfeiture of Office. --- The members of the Executive Board shall automatically
forfeit their post upon his filing of a certificate of candidacy for any position in the University Student
Council during his term, or upon his graduation, dismissal, leave or suspension for more than thirty
(30) days from the College, or otherwise ceasing to be a student thereof.

Section 4. Ban from Membership in Other Bodies of the Law Student Government. --- No member
of the Executive Board of the Bar Operations Commission shall be allowed to be appointed or elected
into another impeachable office among the bodies of the Law Student Government.

Section 5. Vacancy. --- Automatic forfeiture, voluntary cessation of office, or any such other
circumstance resulting in a permanent vacancy in the position of Commissioner shall be filled by either
of the Deputy Commissioners, as Acting Commissioner for the remainder of the term, upon majority
vote of all the members of the Executive Board. The Acting Commissioner shall perform and
discharge all the functions of the Commissioner.
Any permanent vacancy created in the like manner among the positions in the Executive Board shall
be filled by appointment of the Commissioner.

Section 6. Finances. --- The Bar Operations Commission shall have the right, power and duty to create,
maintain and improve its finances separately from the Central Board and for this purpose, to open
and maintain its own bank account, to solicit funding using the name of the Bar Operations
Commission, and to organize its own projects for the purposes of increasing revenue.

The Bar Operations Commission and the Central Board shall, as far as practicable, agree on such
terms and conditions so as to prevent competition between their respective revenue-generating
projects and activities. The two bodies may enter into joint ventures with each other. In no case may
either or both the Bar Operations Commission and the Central Board be prevented from using the
name of the Bar Operations Commission in soliciting funds, provided that funds thus solicited shall
specifically pertain to the body to which it was intended for.

A financial statement must be produced by the Treasurer, as certified by the Auditor, no later
than sixty (60) days after the end of their term. The Treasurer or Auditor must respond, within one
(1) month from the date of notice, to a written demand for accounting supported by the signatures of
one-third (1/3) of the current members for the term or made by any alumni-bar-candidate.

ARTICLE V
REMOVAL BY CONVICTION FROM IMPEACHMENT

Section 1. Impeachable Officers and Grounds for Impeachment. --- The members of the Central
Board, the magistrates of the Student Tribunal, the members of the Electoral Commission, and the
Executive Board of the Bar Operations Commission may only be removed from office through a
conviction of impeachment charges, although the members of the Central Board may also be removed
via Section 15, paragraph 4 of Article II of this Constitution. Other Officers in this Constitution,
unless otherwise provided by this Constitution, may be removed by their respective appointing
authority.

Any impeachable officer may be impeached for, and be convicted of, any of the following
grounds:
(1) Willful violation of the Constitution;
(2) Gross neglect or dereliction of their duties;
(3) Any grave offense or misconduct which constitutes a violation of University and/or College
rules punishable by suspension or expulsion from the University or College.

Moreover, the Student Tribunal and the Electoral Commission may provide in their rules and
regulations additional grounds for the discipline, of their own members, such as, but not limited to,
any violation of its election rules in the case of the Electoral Commission.

Section 2. Impeachment of an Impeachable Officer. --- Any currently registered student of the College
of Law may file a written impeachment complaint with the proper impeachment court. The said court
shall then, within three days, post the complaint on conspicuous places with the College and open it
for signatures for thirty days. An impeachable officer is impeached once the impeachment complaint
has been signed by at least one-sixth (1/6) of all students of the College; provided that with respect to
the class and program representatives, they shall be deemed impeached only when the impeachment
complaint has been signed by at least one-third (1/3) of all their constituencies. A complaint not
sufficiently signed within thirty (30) days shall be dismissed. The proper impeachment court shall
ascertain the number and validity of the signatures within seven (7) days after it has been signed by
the proper number of students. No member of the Student Tribunal may initiate or sign any
impeachment complaint except with respect to its own members.

Section 3. Trial of an Impeached Officer. --- A trial shall commence not later than ten (10) days after
the verification by the impeachment court, which shall, as far as practicable, run no longer than thirty
(30) days. The trial shall be prosecuted by the student/group of students currently registered in the
College, selected by the signatories of the impeachment complaint. The trial shall be heard either by
the Student Tribunal with respect to the members of the Central Board, the Electoral Commission
and the Executive Board of the Bar Operations Commission, or the Central board, with respect to
members of the Student Tribunal. No impeached officer shall be convicted of impeachment charges
except upon a vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all the members of the respective impeachment
court en banc. The right of the impeached officer to be heard by the impeachment court shall be
accorded and respected.

Section 4. Effects of Conviction. --- Any impeached officer who has been convicted by the proper
impeachment court shall automatically be removed from his office. Furthermore, no such convicted
officer may be allowed to file a certificate of candidacy for any position in the Central Board nor may
he be appointed as a member of the Student Tribunal and of the Constitutional Commissions,
provided that such officer shall still be allowed to run as College Representative except as otherwise
provided by the USC Constitution.

Section 5. Effects on the College Representative. --- The College Representative may also be
impeached and be convicted thereof under the provisions herein, although its effect shall be limited
to the removal of his status as an ex-officio member of the Central Board, his entitlement to sit in its
meetings, his chairpersonship over any committee of the Central Board, his right to represent himself
as a member of the Law Student Government, and to be qualified to run in any position in the Central
Board or to be appointed as a Member of the Student Tribunal and the Constitutional Commissions.
In no case shall such conviction remove him as College Representative to the University Student
Council, unless otherwise stated by the University Student Council Constitution. It shall be the duty
of the Student Tribunal and of the Electoral Commission, jointly, to inform, by writing, the University
Student Council of the said conviction, and the effects thereof, within seven (7) days from the
promulgation of the decision.

Section 6. Effects of Acquittal. --- Any impeached officer acquitted by the proper impeachment court
may not be impeached for more than once for the same act.

Section 7. Prohibition from Resignation. --- No impeachable officer who has been impeached may
resign from office until acquittal from the impeachment charges. Such officer may, however, take a
voluntary leave of absence from the time said officer has been impeached until a decision has been
rendered. The impeachment court may also order that the impeached officer be placed in preventive
suspension from his office within the same period.
 ARTICLE VI
AMENDMENTS OR REVISION

Section 1. Proposal. --- Amendments to or a revision of this Constitution may only be proposed by
the Central Board, upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the voting members of the Central Board, or
by a petition of at least one-third (1/3) of all students currently registered in the College.

A petition to amend or revise the Constitution by the students shall be submitted to the Electoral
Commission, which shall have the duty of ascertaining the validity of the signatures in the petition and
determining whether the required number of signatures have been attained. The petition shall be
deemed valid if the Commission does not find any defect therein within two consecutive weeks
immediately after the petition has been tendered to it. Once the validity of the petition has been
ascertained, the Commission shall subject the proposal to a plebiscite.

Section 2. Ratification. --- The proposed amendment or revision shall take effect upon its ratification
by a majority of the votes cast, provided that a majority of all students voted in favor of ratification;
provided, further, that at least one-fifth (1/5) of all the students of the Evening Program and one-
fourth (1/4) of all the students of each batch of the Day Program voted in favor of ratification in a
plebiscite held for that purpose by the Electoral Commission. Plebiscites for such proposals shall take
place no earlier than fifteen (15) days nor later than thirty (30) days after the Central Board submits it
to the Electoral Commission or the petition by initiative has been ascertained to be valid. It shall be
the duty of the Central Board to inform all students of the College about the proposed amendments
or revision before the plebiscite.

No plebiscite to approve a proposed amendment or revision shall run for more than three days,
excluding holidays or suspension of classes.

Section 3. Certification and Proof. --- In case this Constitution is amended, a certification of the true
text of the ratified amendment shall be attached to all the original copies of this Constitution within
thirty days after such ratification. The fact and date of any ratified amendment to this Constitution
shall also be noted at the bottom of the first page of subsequent copies of this Constitution produced
after its ratification. A copy of the ratified Constitution shall be submitted by the Central Board to the
Chancellor or the President fifteen (15) days after its ratification.

Section 4. Limitations. --- No proposed amendment or revision of this Constitution shall be made by
the Central Board or by petition at any time within forty (40) days before the last day of any semester.

Furthermore, no proposed amendment or revision of this Constitution shall be made by the

Central Board within a period of three (3) years from the approval of this Constitution. During such
period, however, an amendment or revision of this Constitution may still be proposed by petition of
at least one-third (1/3) of all students currently registered in the College.
 ARTICLE VII
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 1. Effectivity. --- This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a
majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite held for that purpose.

Section 2. Incumbent members of the Central Board. --- The incumbent members of the Central
Board shall continue serving in their capacities until turnover to the incoming Central Board, which
shall be held no later than the last day of final examinations of the academic year, in accordance with
the University calendar, nor later than seven (7) days therefrom. The College Representative shall
remain an ex officio member of the Central Board until the said College Representative’s term ends
in accordance with the University Student Council Constitution.

Section 3. Chairpersons of the Public Affairs Committee and the Sports Committee. --- The
incumbent External Vice-President of the Central Board shall continue to serve as chairperson of the
Public Affairs Committee, while the Public Relations Officer shall continue to serve as chairperson of
the Sports Committee until the end of their term.

Section 4. Incumbent members of the Electoral Commission and the Student Tribunal. --- The
incumbent members of the Electoral Commission and the Student Tribunal shall continue serving in
their capacity, provided that the incumbent Magistrates at the time of the effectivity of this
Constitution shall enjoy security of tenure for as long as they continue to possess the qualifications
and none of the disqualifications as laid down by the 2012 Students’ Constitution; provided further
that said incumbent Magistrates at the time of the effectivity of this Constitution shall be given
reasonable period of time to comply with other qualifications that may be laid down by the new
Constitution.

Section 5. BGC Campus Representatives. --- Elections for BGC Campus Representatives shall be held
after the ratification of this Constitution. The elections shall take place as soon as practicable,
preferably contemporaneous with the elections for First Year Batch Representatives immediately
following the ratification of this Constitution. The elected BGC Campus Representatives shall be
sworn into office at the same time as the First Year Batch Representatives.

Notwithstanding the number of BGC Representatives provided in Article II, Section 2, there shall
only be two BGC Representatives during the first two years of the effectivity of this Constitution.

Section 6. Bar Operations Commission Members and Structure. --- The effectivity of this Constitution
shall not affect the tenure of the incumbent officers and members of the Bar Operations Commission
nor the Commission’s existing structure.

Section 7. Impeachment Procedure. --- The incumbent members of the Central Board, Electoral
Commission, Student Tribunal, and the Commissioner of the Bar Operations Commission may only
be removed through the impeachment procedure provided by the 2012 U.P. Law Students’
Constitution until the last day of the final examinations of the academic year, after which the procedure
delineated by this Constitution shall become operative.
Section 8. Elections of the first members of the Central Board. --- The Electoral Commission shall
conduct elections for the members of the Central Board under this Constitution, in accordance with
the said Constitution, simultaneously with the University Student Council elections. It shall be the
duty of the Commission to inform the student body of the duties and functions of the Central Board,
and its individual members and committees under this Constitution.

Section 9. Duty of the Constitutional Bodies to Amend and Publish its Internal Rules of Procedures
and Conduct. --- The incumbent members of all Constitutional bodies must, within ninety (90) days
from effectivity of this Constitution, adjust their Rules of Procedure in accordance with the changes
in the Constitution and publish the same on the Law Student Government’s Bulletin Board.

Section 10. Petition Against Representation in the Central Board by Law Students from the BGC
Campus. The BGC Campus Representatives shall continue to represent its constituents in the Central
Board until such time when students therein desire autonomy. Such desire shall be manifested by a
petition duly signed by two-thirds (2/3) of all students currently registered therein, provided that this
right shall not be exercised within two years from the effectivity of this Constitution. Upon verification
by the Electoral Commission of the signatures, or upon the lapse of thirty (30) days from submission
of the petition to the same, whichever comes earlier, the positions of the BGC Campus
Representatives shall be declared vacant and shall not be counted for purposes of determining whether
a quorum exists, and the population of students currently registered in the law program of the BGC
Campus shall not be considered in determining voter turnout in College elections.

Section 11. Mandatory Constitutional Review. Should major policy changes be effected by either the
Administration or other major interest groups, the Constitution shall undergo mandatory review by
the Constitutional bodies, subject to the same procedure for amendments or revisions.

Section 12. Repeal of the 2012 U.P. Law Students’ Constitution. --- The 2012 U.P. Law Students’
Constitution shall be repealed upon effectivity of this Constitution. However, provisions of the 2012
U.P. Law Students’ Constitution referred to by the provisions of this Constitution, whether expressly
or impliedly, shall remain operative until the last day of the final examinations of the academic year.

Section 13. Repository of this Constitution. --- Original copies of this Constitution shall be deposited
with the Library of the College of Law of the University of the Philippines, the Library of the BGC
Campus, and the Central Board within thirty (30) days from effectivity of this constitution.