VISION-MISSION

VISION

The USLS Political Science Society envisions a generation of socially active,

politically aware and God-fearing men and women who are committed to defend
and protect the marginalized members of society, adhere to the principle of
sustainable development as vanguards of the environment and lead a moral and
principled life for the future generation to emulate.

MISSION

The USLS Political Science Society, as part of the Lasallian family, aims and
commits to provide an organization that would:
1. Train and equip members to be more politically and socially active
citizens;
2. Mold individuals to be advocates of peace and;
3. Hone members to be responsible stewards of God’s creation; and
4. Groom students to be zealous Lasallian agents of change.
POLITICAL SCIENCE SOCIETY
UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE

2007 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

PREAMBLE
We, the members of the Political Science Society of the University of St. La Salle,
imploring the aid of Almighty God, realizing the need to establish an organization
by which we could effectively direct our time, efforts and resources towards the
pursuit of academic excellence, develop our attitudes, and potentials, promote
general welfare of the greater majority, and instill in our minds the importance of
justice, fairness, honesty, and integrity, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE 1
General Provisions

Section 1. This Organization shall be known as the Political Science Society.

Section 2. The Political Science Society shall be a non-sectarian socio-academic
organization.
Section 3. The Political Science Society shall abide by all laws of the Philippines
and the University of St. La Salle.
Section 4. The Political Science Society, in the pursuit of its objective and ends,
renounces all forms of violence.
Section 5. The Political Science Society maintains efficiency, honesty, and
integrity in the performance of its duties.
Section 6. The Political Science Society upholds the Filipino identity and shall
promote national ideas and aspirations.

Section 7. The Political Science Society, upon approval by a simple majority of

all its members, shall adopt an official seal. The Political Science Society,
Section 8. Any vacancy in either the Executive Committee or the Cabinet shall be
filled-in within ten (10) academic days from the date of the occurrence of such
vacancy.
ARTICLE II
Membership

Section 1. Any Political Science student who believes in the principles espoused
in this organization should be entitled for membership.
Section 2. Any member who leaves or is expelled from the Political Science
program shall automatically lose his membership
Section 3. The President, with the concurrence of at least two-third (2/3) of the
Executive Committee and the Cabinet, voting separately until the majority is met,
may grant Honorary Membership to any individual who has:
a. Significantly contributed to the welfare of the organization;
b. Strongly supported the advocacies and ideals espoused by the
organization;
c. Established himself as a person of integrity worthy of emulation.

ARTICLE III
Duties, Rights and Privileges

Section 1. A member of the Political Science Society shall have the following
duties:
(1) a. To understand and abide by this Constitution at all times;
(2) b. To attend and participate actively in all activities initiated by the
organization
(3) c. To attend in the regular General assembly;
(4) d. To pay the prescribed membership fee at the start of every semester;
(5) e. To affiliate himself to at least one (1) standing committee of his choice or
where his abilities may use best;
(6) f. To conduct himself in proper social behavior at all times;
(7) g. To abide by and implement the decisions and policies of the organization;
and
(8) h. To promote and protect the integrity of the organization.

Section 2. A member of the Political Science Society shall have the following
rights and privileges:
a. To be informed of all issues concerning the organization, its policies and
activities;
 b. To have access to documents and records of the organization;
c. To avail of the services, materials and facilities offered by the organization;
d. To move for the removal from office of any officer by filing an appropriate

complaint to the USG Student court;

e. To propose amendments to the Constitution;
f. To give suggestions and / or criticisms regarding the organization’s policies
and activities as he sees fit for the interest of the organization and its members.

ARTICLE IV
The Executive Committee

Section 1. The Executive Committee shall be composed of the President, the

Senior Vice President, the Junior Vice President, the Executive Secretary, and the
Executive Treasurer.
The President
Section 2. The President shall be the Executive Officer of the Political Science
Society.
Section 3. The President shall be elected by a majority of all votes cast by
qualified voters in general election.
Section 4. No member shall be elected President of the Political Science Society
unless:
a. He is a bona fide and active member of the Political Science Society;
b. He has not been under academic or disciplinary probation;
c. He has been a member of the Political Science Society for at least one (1)
year
preceding the general election;
d. He has not incurred a total of fifteen (15) units of failure in his entire stay at the

University.
Section 5. The President shall have the sole power to appoint Cabinet Secretaries,
subject to the confirmation by the Commission on Appointments.
Section 6. The President shall have the power to issue executive orders, summon
Cabinet Secretaries and members of the organization, and reprimand members of
the executive committee.
Section 7. The President shall have the following duties and functions:
 a. Supervise all affairs of the Political Science Society;
b. Call and preside over all Executive sessions;
c. Sign all resolutions and documents made by or on behalf of the
organization;
d. Represent the Political Science Society in meetings and functions outside the
organization.
e. Present the program of activities to the members of the organization in every
General Assembly;
f. Perform other duties and functions as may be necessary.

The Senior Vice-President

Section 8. There shall be a Senior Vice-President who shall come from the third
year level at the same time of the election and who shall have the same
qualifications and shall be elected in the same manner as the President.
Section 9. The Senior Vice-President shall be the second highest-ranking officer
of the organization.
Section 10. In case of permanent vacancy in the office of the President, the Senior
Vice-President shall assume office and serve the unexpired term.
Section 11. The Senior Vice-President shall have the following duties and
functions:
a. Assume the post of the President whenever he is absent;
b. Call and preside over all cabinet sessions;
c. Serve as spokesperson of the President;
d. Serve as coordinator among year level members through the batch
representatives;
e. Perform other duties and functions as may be necessary.

The Junior Vice-President

Section 12. There shall be a Junior Vice-President who shall come from the
second year level at the same time of the election and who shall have the same
qualifications and shall be elected in the same manner as the President.
Section 13. In case of permanent vacancy of the office of the Senior Vice-
President, the Junior Vice-President shall assume office and serve the unexpired
term. In such event, a new Junior Vice-President shall be elected in a special
election called for by the President.
Section 14. The Junior Vice-President shall have the following duties and
functions:
 a. Assist the Senior Vice-President in the performance of his duties;
b. Serve as Assistant Presiding Officer in all Cabinet sessions;
c. Serve as liaison of the President to the Cabinet Secretaries, the Constitutional

Commissions and to other officers of the organization;

d. Perform other duties and functions as may be necessary.

Executive Secretary
Section 15. There shall be an Executive Secretary who shall have the same
qualification and shall be elected in the same manner as the President.
Section 16. The Executive Secretary shall be the Secretary of the Records and
Documentation Committee.
Section 17. In case of permanent vacancy in the office of the Executive Secretary,
a special election shall be called for by the President.
Section 18. The Executive Secretary shall have the following duties and
functions:
a. Secure the records and minutes of every meeting.
b. Secure the reservations for the venue of every activities and programs;
c. Keep a journal of all events and activities of the organization;
d. Prepare announcement for all activities and meetings of the organization;
e. Take responsibility in generating the monthly, semestral, and annual
accomplishment reports;
f. Perform other duties and functions as may be necessary.

Executive Treasurer
Section 19. There shall be an Executive Treasurer who shall have the same
qualifications and shall be elected in the same manner as the President.
Section 20. The Executive Treasurer shall be the Secretary of Budget and Finance
Committee.
Section 21. In case of permanent vacancy in the office of the Executive Treasurer,
a special election shall be called for by the President.
Section 22. The Executive Treasurer shall have the following duties and
functions:
a. Take charge of the financial duties of the organization such as the preparation of
requisition or budget appropriation, disbursement, and the liquidation of all
expenses of the organization;
b. Prepare and furnish monthly budget reports of the organization to the President
and the Club Moderator;
c. Prepare financial report for the General Assembly;
d. Serve as custodian of the organization’s properties;
e. Perform other duties and functions as may be necessary.

ARTICLE V

The Cabinet

Section 1. The President shall appoint members of the cabinet who shall be the
heads of the standing committees. Such appointments shall need the confirmation
of the Commission on Appointments.
Section 2. The standing committees are as follows:
a. Committee on Budget and Finance. This shall be responsible for all matters
relating to the funds of the organization, approval of the budget, and appropriation
of funds for the payments of obligations. The Executive Treasurer shall be the
members of the committee.
b. Committee on Issues and Advocacy. This shall be responsible for all matters
pertaining to political and social issues that affect the organization’s members
directly and indirectly. It shall advocate issues relevant to the organization, the
LaSallian community and the Philippines as a whole.
c. Publication Committee. This shall furnish the official semestral journal to give
students venue for responsible expression, advocacy, and discourse. The Editor-
in-Chief of the journal shall be the Secretary of the committee.
d. Debate Committee. This shall organize and facilitate activities and programs
such as debate workshops, inter-class debates, and other activities that would
develop the logical reasoning, critical thinking and language capability of the
members.
e. Spiritual Committee. This shall organize events such as mass sponsorship by
the organization, spiritual retreats, and other activities principally related to the
spiritual development of every member.
f. Outreach Committee. This shall formulate, initiate, and facilitate outreach
programs and activities held within and outside the campus such as tree planting,
mass feeding, community visitation, and other related activities that would
promote charity and service to each and every sector of the society.
g. Sports Committee. This shall take charge of the planning of all programs and
activities that would engage the members in different kinds of sports to develop the
member’s physical and mental skills and also to promote unity and teamwork in
the organization.
h. Membership-Development Committee. This shall formulate and initiate
strategic activities that would enhance the relationship among members in different
kinds of sports to develop the member’s physical and mental skills and also to
promote unity and teamwork in the organization.
i. Cultural Committee. This shall deal with the creative affairs of the organization
in school events like the University Week and College Nights to develop the
various skills and talents of the members.
j. Records and Documentation Committee. This shall document all activities and
programs initiated and conducted by the organization. The Executive Secretary
shall be the Secretary of this committee. The Class Secretaries of all year levels
shall be the members of this committee.

Section 3. Each of the permanent committees shall be composed of a Secretary

which shall be appointed by the President with the confirmation of the
Commission on Appointments. The Secretary shall appoint his Undersecretary.
Such appointment shall need no confirmation.
Section 4. A Cabinet Secretary shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:
a. Be responsible for the performance of his committee;
b. Set regular committee meetings and call for emergency meetings on dates aside
from those set whenever the need arises;
c. Preside over his committee meetings;
d. Report to the Executive Committee on the progress of his committee activities
and;
e. Report to the Membership Committee the performance of each of his members.

ARTICLE VI
Batch Representatives

Section 1. The Class Mayor shall be the Batch Representative of his year level.
Section 2. The Batch Representative shall have the following duties and
functions:
a. Represent his batch level;
b. Attend the regular Executive Committee session and other special meetings
called by either the President or the Vice President;
c. Coordinate and consult with the Senior Vice-President on matters regarding the
activities and programs of the organization.
d. Ensure the attendance and participation in the General Assembly, other special
meetings called by the President or the Senior Vice-President, and all other
programs and activities initiated and co-sponsored by the organization;
e. Serve as liaison officer between the organization and his batchmates.

ARTICLE VII
Special Projects Commission

Section 1. There shall be a Commission on Appointments which shall be

composed of the Department Chair of the Political and Social Sciences
Department, the Political Science Society Moderator, and a member of the Political
Science Society faculty, which shall be appointed by the moderator.
Section 2. The Commission on Appointments shall have the sole power to
confirm or reject the appointments made by the President.
Section 3. The Commission on Appointments shall convene and shall confirm or
refect the appointments made by the President within three (3) weeks after the
submission of the names of the appointees.
Section 4. The Commission on Appointments shall require the appointees to
undergo an interview which shall determine the sustainability of their skills and
aptitudes to the position in which they were appointed.
Section 5. An appointee shall need the votes of at least two of the members of the
commission for him to be confirmed.

Article VIII
Commission on Audit

Section 1. There shall be a Commission on Audit which shall be composed of a

Chairman, a Vice-Chairman and one (1) member.
Section 2. The members of the commission shall be appointed by the Club
Moderator. Such appointment shall need confirmation by the Commission on
Appointments.
Section 3. The Commission on Audit shall be independent from the officers of the
organization.
Section 4. The Commission on Audit shall set its own internal rules and
procedures and shall have the following functions:
a. Submit monthly, semestral and annual audit reports to the Executive Committee
and the Club Moderator;
b. Report to the Executive Committee and to the Club Moderator all irregularities
found.
c. Perform other functions as may seem necessary.

ARTICLE IX
Meetings

Section 1. The Electoral Committee

a. The Electoral Committee shall be formed by the Executive Committee at least
two (2) months before the end of the second semester. Such appointment shall
need no confirmation.
b. It shall be composed of one (1) Commissioner and two (2) members.
c. It shall set the date for the annual elections, take charge of all proceedings, and
announce the results of the election.
d. No member of the Electoral Committee shall engage, directly or indirectly, in
any partisan political activity except to vote.
e. When all issues and matters regarding the election have been acted upon, the
Commission shall dissolve the Electoral Committee not later than the last day of
classes for the second semester.

Section 2. The annual election of members of the Executive Committee shall be

held not later than the first week of February, the exact date to be set by the
Electoral Committee at least (2) weeks before the day proper.
Section 3. The election shall be done by secret ballot.

ARTICLE X
Accountability of Officers

Section 1. Student officer is a student trust. Student officials and staff must at all
times accountable to the Political Science Society members; serve them with
outmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, discipline, honestly and efficiency; act
with justice and lead modest and peaceful lives.
Section 2. All student officials shall owe allegiance to the Political Science
Society and this Constitution at all times.

ARTICLE XI
Amendments

Section 1. Any amendments to or revision of this Constitution may be proposed

by any member of the organization by submitting such proposal to the Executive
Committee which, by sixty percent (60%) vote of all its members, may call for a
Constitutional Convention.
Section 2. Any amendment to or revision of this Constitution shall be valid when
ratified by two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Organization. The plebiscite to
this effect shall be held not later than one (1) month after the approval of such
amendment by the Executive Committee.
Section 3. The approved amendment(s) shall take effect immediately after
its/their ratification.
Section 4. No amendments under this provision shall be authorized within three
(3) years following the ratification of this Constitution.

THIS CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS SHALL TAKE EFFECT UPON THE

APPROVAL OF A SIMPLE MAJORITY BASED ON THE TOTAL VOTES
CAST IN A PLEBISCITE TO BE HELD ON FEBRUARY 20, 2007.

Certified Correct:
Sgd
Mac Lord O. Zafra
Presiding Officer
Attested:
Sgd
Val V. Verde
Assistant Presiding Officer

Sgd
Ma. Kristel L. Silagpo
Convention Secretary

Commissioners
Sgd
Karyl Ann B. Maguliman
Sgd
Ronel T. Rondublio

Sgd
Mark Anthony B. Bais

Sgd
Mark Anthony B. Bais

Sgd
Jarred Martin D. Clarianes

Sgd
Benidick J. Ledesma