REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES
UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Kabacan, North Cotabato
UNIVERSITY STUDENT GOVERNMENT
SENATE
A.Y. 2016-2017
STUDENT ACT No. 01
Introduced by Hon. Sen. Jan Clyden B. Tenorio
AN ACT INSTITUTING A SOLE CODE THAT WILL GOVERN THE
ACTIONS, FUNCTIONS, RESPONSIBILITY, ACCOUNTABILITIES OF
THE LOCAL STUDENT GOVERNMENTS OF ALL COLLEGES AND
INSTITUTIONS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MINDANAO
Be it enacted by the Senate of the University Student Government assembled:
ARTICLE I
General Provisions
Section 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the “Unified Local Student Government Code of
2016”
Section 2. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the constitutional provision that the
political subdivisions of the University Student Government and Autonomous Student
Government shall enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy to enable them to attain their
fullest development as self-reliant communities and make them more effective partners in the
attainment of the university student government goals. Toward this end, the USG shall provide
for a more responsive and accountable local government structure instituted through a system of
decentralization whereby local student government units shall be given more powers, authority,
responsibilities.
Section 3. Scope of Application. - This Code shall apply to all Local Student Governments of all
Colleges and Institutions of the University of southern Mindanao and other political subdivisions
as may be created by law, and, to the extent herein provided.
ARTICLE II
Declaration of Principles and Objectives
Section 1. The Local Student Governments recognize and uphold the Philippine Constitution as
supreme law of the land and as the expression of the sovereignty of all Filipinos.
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Section 2. The Local Student Governments uphold the democracy afforded to all by the
Constitution. Sovereignty resides in the students as Filipinos and all student government
authority imposed shall emanate from them.
Section 3. The Local Student Governments believe in the following:
a. That the essence of Filipino nationalism shall be practiced by everyone
b. That education shall mold every student’s physical, mental, cultural, socio-
political, moral and spiritual potentials to the fullest
c. That through education one may be able to conjure judgments regarding particular
situations without racism, sexual biases and any prejudice.
d. That the principles of equality, justice and freedom be afforded to everyone.
Section 4. The Local Student Governments shall at all times:
a. Define and promote the rights and general welfare of the University of Southern
Mindanao students and all the Filipino people, as well as develop social awareness
and instill national consciousness.
b. Unite the different sectors inside and outside of the colleges and institutions in the
pursuit of common interest particularly in the establishment of a just and humane
society.
c. Support the ideals of the university which are gathered towards the intellectual,
social, political, moral, culture and physical development of every student.
d. Respect academic freedom.
ARTICLE III
Composition of Constituency
Section 1. All students officially enrolled in a College or Institution shall compose the
constituency of a Local Student Government.
ARTICLE IV
Rights of the Constituents
Section 1. All students have the right to enjoy all the privileges afforded to them by the
Philippine Constitution.
Section 2. All students have the right to assemble among themselves through the formation of
organizations for the purposes other than to contradict the law. Student organizations shall have
the right to determine their policies and programs on student activities, subject to the provision of
the charter governing it.
Section 3. All students have the right to scrutinize all the actions, plans and programs of their
Local Student Government unit..
Section 4. Every student’s opinion should be heard at all times and shall be taken into
consideration before any decision, program or law is made.
Section 5. No student shall be subjected to exploitation, disciplinary action without due process
of law.
Section 6. All students have the right to a transparent and just government.
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Section 7. All students have the right to access information that are of public concern. The
students’ rights to transparency that was afforded to them by the law should never be breached.
Section 6. No student shall pay any fee that is not prescribed by law or any fee imposed without
proper consultation.
ARTICLE V
Duties and Responsibilities of the Constituents
Section 1. It is every constituent’s duty to abide by the law set by the Republic of the
Philippines and rules and regulations of the University of Southern Mindanao.
Section 2. It is every constituent’s responsibility to help create an environment fit for learning
and maintain peace and order.
Section 3. It is every constituent’s duty to attend and participate in all the activities set by the
Local Student Government unit, absences with valid reasons shall always be allowed.
Section 4. It is one’s responsibility to uphold the dignity of the Local Student Government, and
all atrocities committed by the officials should be reported to higher authorities.
ARTICLE VI
Officers and Organizational Structure
Section 1. The Local Student Government shall be headed by a Governor, Vice Governor and
Board members elected by the local constituency.
Section 2. The Local Student Government shall be composed of the Executive branch and the
Legislative branch.
Section 3. The Executive branch shall be composed of the elected Governor and his appointed
committee officers.
Section 4. The Committees shall be composed of one (1) Committee Chairperson, one (1)
Committee Vice Chairperson and three (3) Committee members. These officers shall be
appointed through processes prescribed by law.
Section 5. These Committees shall include:
a. Committee on Budget ,Finance, and Audit
b. Committee on Socio-cultural Affairs
c. Committee on Sports
d. Committee on Student Welfare
e. Committee on Extension and Outreach
f. Committee on Public Affairs and Communications
g. Committee on Health, Sanitation and Environment
h. Committee on Academic Affairs
Section 6. One (1) Executive Secretary shall be appointed through a process prescribed by law.
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Section 7. The Legislative Board shall be composed of the elected Vice Governor as the
Chairperson, the elected Board members and one (1) legislative secretary which shall be
appointed.
Section 8. A minimum of five (5) Board members shall be elected and a one (1) board member
for every three hundred (300) students or fraction thereof in excess of five hundred (500) student
population.
ARTICLE VII
Classroom Officers
Section 1. The political subdivision of the Local Student Government shall be Classroom
Officers.
Section 2. The Classroom Officers shall include:
a. Class Mayor
b. Class Vice-Mayor
c. Class Secretary
d. Class Treasurer
e. Class Auditor
f. Class Business Managers
g. Class Public Information Officer;
it shall be the prerogative of the class as a whole to add other offices not listed above.
Section 3. The qualifications of Classroom Officersshall include:
a. They shall be bona fide students of University of Southern Mindanao
b. They shall be of good moral character
Section 4. The election of the Classroom officers shall be through a majority vote. It shall be
facilitated by the Commission of Elections as much as possible.
Section 5. All class mayors of each college/institute shall elect their officer in the Mayor League
which shall take a seat in the University Student Government Senate.
ARTICLE VIII
Qualifications and Appointments of Officers
Section 1. The qualifications for LSG Governor and LSG Vice governor shall include:
a. He/ she must be a bona fide college student of USM on the day of election
b. He/ she must be a resident of the University for at least three (3) semesters
c. He/ she must have no failing grade in the preceding two semesters
d. He/ she must not be a staff of the Mindanao Tech and other student publication
e. He/she must not undergo an internship outside the campus during the term
f. Must not hold any position in other organizations
g. He/ she must be a bona fide member of the sector he/she seek to represent
h. He/ she must be must be of good moral character
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Section 2. The qualifications for LSG Board member shall include:
a. He/ she must be a bona fide college student of USM on the day of the election
b. He/ she must be a resident of the University for at least two (2) semester
c. He/ she must have no failing grade on the preceding semester
d. He/ she must be a bona fide member of the sector he seek to represent
e. He/ she must be must be of good moral character
Section 3. The qualifications for appointed officers shall include:
c. They shall be bona fide students of University of Southern Mindanao
d. They shall be of good moral character
e. They shall undergo a screening process.
Section 4. A transient Committee on Appointment composed of the elected Governor, the
elected Vice Governor, and three (3) elected Board members shall be put into action. This
committee shall prescribe a just and upright screening process in selecting appointees.
ARTICLE IX
Functions and Duties of the LSG Officers
Section 1. The Local Student Government Governor shall be the head of the Local Student
Government and shall exercise such powers, duties, and functions as provided in this code.
He/she shall:
a. Enforce all laws, resolutions and ordinances which are operative within the LSG;
b. Sign all resolutions, ordinances, communications and papers of the LSG;
c. Call and preside over the meetings of the LSG Executive, Legislative Board, and
vote to break a tie;
d. Represent the LSG in his capacity as a governor in occasion or events wherein the
participation of the unit is necessary.
e. Look after the general welfare of the LSG.
f. Appoint or replace an appointed LSG official with the aid of the Committee on
Appointment;
g. Coordinate with the University Student Government and Office of the Student
Affair for the activities of the Local Student Government;
h. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be provided in other promulgated laws.
Section 2. The Local student Government Vice Governor shall:
a. Assist the governor;
b. Take over the powers, duties, and functions of the Governor in case the Governor
is out for temporary or permanent vacancy.
c. Exercise such other powers and perform such duties and functions as may be
provided by law.
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Section 3. The Executive and Legislative Secretary shall:
a. Keep custody of all records of the executive and LSG board meetings;
b. Keep all records of all members of the local student government.
c. Keep bills, acts and other pertinent data.
d. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may
be provided by law.
Section 4. The Committee on Budget, Finance and Audit shall:
a. Keep custody of local student government properties and funds;
b. Collect and receive fees, contributions, materials and all other resources accruing
to the local student government treasury and issue official receipt therefore;
c. Disburse funds in accordance with financial procedures provided in this code;
d. Submit to the Governor a certified and detailed statement of receipts;
e. Conduct a detailed periodic audit of all funds and properties of the local student
government.
f. Meet with the USG-Commission on Audit and undergo External Auditing without
any hesitation.
g. Render a written accounting report at the end of each semester of all funds and
properties under custody which report shall be made available to the public;
h. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties as may be provided by
law.
Section 5. The Committee on Socio-cultural Affairs shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning the conduct of Socio-Cultural activities;
b. Render proper scheduling, posting and dissemination of information of socio-
cultural activities;
c. Coordinate with the USG Socio-cultural Deoartment for purposes concerning
therein;
d. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and functions prescribed by the
law and ordinance.
Section 6. The Committee on Sports shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning the conduct of Sports Activities.
b. Conduct detailed scheduling, posting and dissemination of sports activities;
c. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and function prescribe by the
law and ordinance.
Section 7. The Committee on Student Welfare shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning the welfare of their constituents.
b. Be responsible for conducting Public consultation events and echo the concerns
and opinions of the students to the Local Student Government.
c. Coordinate with the USG Student Welfare Department for purposes concerning
therein.
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d. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and functions prescribed by the
law and ordinance.
Section 8. The Committee on Extension and Outreach shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning the extension and outreach programs of
the Local Student Government.
b. Render proper scheduling, posting and dissemination of information of extension
and outreach programs
c. Coordinate with the Office of Student Affairs for permits and other requirements
for the conduct of extension and outreach programs.
d. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and functions prescribed by the
law and ordinance.
Section 9. The Committee on Public Affairs and Information shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning the dissemination of the Information
from the Local Student Government to the whole student constituency.
b. Post schedules, bills, issuances and other pertinent documents in bulletin boards
regarding activities or programs to be held by the Local Student Government.
c. Be the one to communicate to external entities regarding matters between the
Local Student Government and an external entity.
d. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and functions prescribed by the
law and ordinance.
Section 10. The Committee on Health, Sanitation and Environment shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning the health issues, sanitation management
and environmental awareness.
b. Render proper scheduling, posting and dissemination of information of programs
or activities concerning health issues, sanitation management and environmental
awareness.
c. Help promote the importance of environmental awareness among the
constituency.
d. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and functions prescribed by the
law and ordinance.
Section 11 The Committee on Academic Affairs shall:
a. Be responsible in the matters concerning promoting the importance of academics
and conduct programs in line with this.
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b. Render proper scheduling, posting and dissemination of information of programs
or activities concerning Academic issues
c. Coordinate with Academic offices for purposes concerning therein.
d. Exercise such other powers and such other duties and functions prescribed by the
law and ordinance.
Section 12. The Local Student Government Board Members shall be vested with the legislative
powers of the Local Student Government.
Section 13. LSG Ordinance and LSG Resolutions
a. Every LSG ordinance shall embrace only one subject which all shall be
expressed in the title thereof. An act must be applicable to the student government
affairs as a whole.
b. Every LSG resolution shall embrace one subject at which shall be expressed in
the title thereof. A resolution is only applicable within the ranks of the Legislative
Board or is limited to actions taken or recommendations on a specifics issue.
c. Every ordinance passed by the Legislative Board shall, before its implementation
as a LSG Ordinance, must be submitted for the Governor’s approval. If he approves,
he shall sign it, otherwise he shall veto it and return the same with his objections to
the Legislative Board. A bill may be reconsidered by the Legislative Board if
approved by 2/3 of all its members, shall be approved. The Governor shall act on
every ordinance passed by the Legislative Board within ten (10) days after the date of
receipt thereof; otherwise, it shall be approved as if he had signed it.
ARTICLE X
Meetings
Section [Link] Meetings.
a. A regular Executive meeting shall be held every first Wednesday of the month at
4:30 in the afternoon at the LSG Office.
b. A regular Legislative meeting shall be held every second Wednesday of the
month at 4:30 in the afternoon at the LSG Office.
c. In case of an absent of LSG Officer including the adviser, a proper excuse letter
should be addressed and given to the Governor before the meeting. Failure to submit
proper excuse letter is considered absent and will be given an agreed pecuniary
penalty. This penalty shall be prescribed in a written agreement or law.
Section 2. A special joint executive and legislative assembly meeting may be called by the
Governor or
upon request of at least one-tenth (1/10) of the member of the Legislative Board for important
and
special matters and the same may be held only upon notice disseminated to all members by the
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Secretary.
Section 3. The presence of 50% + 1 of the members shall be necessary to constitute a
[Link] body must be in quorum to before the meeting officially start. The body must be in
quorum before any decision is made.
Section 4. The fundamental law governing the Local Student Government is the Unified Local
Student Government Code
Section 5. The parliamentary procedure shall be used and adhered adopting the Roberts Rules of
Order.
Section [Link] Executive and Legislative secretaries shall keep the minutes of the meeting
accurately in the books of minutes which when duly signed by the secretary may be exhibited
whenever it is deemed necessary must be duly signed by the officers before the next meeting.
Section 4. The order of business in any general meeting on the Legislative Board must be strictly
followed in accordance with the agenda prepared by the Executive council or one-tenth (1/10) of
the Legislative assembly.
ARTICLE XI
Accountabilities and Tenure of the LSG Officers
Section 1. The Governor, Vice Governor, Board Members may be removed from office on
impeachment for conviction of culpable violation to the USG Constitution, violation of this
Code, bribery, graft and corruption, betrayal of students’ trust or where found guilty of any
conviction in any judicial or quasi-judicial proceeding involving moral turpitude. All other
officers may be removed from office in a manner provided by law.
Section 2. The appointed officers may be removed from office on termination for, conviction of
culpable violation to the USG Constitution, violation of this Code, bribery, graft and corruption,
betrayal of students’ trust or where found guilty of any conviction in any judicial or quasi-
judicial proceeding involving moral turpitude. All other officers may be removed from office in
a manner provided by law.
Section 3. All elected/appointed officers should hold office for one school year.
Section 4. The officers’ tenure of office shall end when the newly elected officers shall have
taken theiroath of office.
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ARTICLE XII
Local Student Government Funds
Section 1. The general funds of the Local Student Government which consist of the Local
Student Government Fee (LSG Fee) shall be made of the fees collected from each student by the
respective units during or after the enrollment period. The fixing of other fees is in accordance
with the prevailing demand of the current time and must be supported with a resolution duly
signed by authorized officers.
Section 2. The amount of the Local Student Government Fee shall be determined by the Local
Student Government before the start of classes and shall be submitted with the presumed
budgetary allocation documents to the University Student Government Senate for ratification. No
LSG Fee shall be collected unless the USG Senate approves of it.
Section 3. Fines as a disciplinary action and a deterrent to absents may be imposed, provided
that a public consultation is done prior to its imposition. The majority of the constituents must
agree to the amount or type of fine. The amount or type of the fine must coincide to the higher
laws prescribing it.
Section 4. All the monetary collections shall be deposited in the University of Southern
Mindanao Employees Credit Cooperative (USMECCO). The pass book, deposit and withdrawal
receipts shall be available for public scrutiny and external auditing of University Student
Government – Commission on Audit.
Section 5. A Legislative resolution must first be made, stating the purpose of the withdrawal and
the amount to be withdrawn, before any withdrawal transaction is made.
ARTICLE XIII
Transition of Power
Section1. The one-year term of the incumbent Executive and Legislative officers shall end the
official transition of power, that is, that the newly elected officers have officially taken their oath.
Section 2. The newly elected officers shall assume office right after the official transition of
power, whereby such assumption includes not only the title of the position but also the
corresponding responsibilities attached to each individual officer as the position demands.
Section 3. The newly elected officers shall take their oath of office at the College Acquaintance
Party and Induction of Officer of the proceeding school year.
ARTICLE XIV
Amendments and Revision
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Section 1. Any amendments of this Code may be proposed by the Legislative Board, lobbied by
the Governor to the Governor’s league and in turn the Governor’s League President shall lobby
this concern to the University Student Government Senate, upon the approval of two-third (2/3)
of the Senate, the amendment shall be granted.
Section 2. The revision of this Code may be proposed by the Governor’s League upon the
approval of two-thirds (2/3) of its members. A draft of the proposed revised version shall be
submitted to the University Student Government Senate. The Senate shall ratify the version and
upon the approval of two-third (2/3) of the Senate, the revision will be approved, and the
previous version shall immediately be repealed.
ARTICLE XV
Final Provisions
SECTION 1. Separability Clause. If any section or part of this Act is held unconstitutional or
invalid, the other section or provision not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.
SECTION 2. Repealing clause. All laws, decrees, executive orders and regulations, issuances or
any parts thereof inconsistent with the provisions of this act shall be repealed or amended
accordingly.
SECTION 3. Effectivity. This Student Act shall take effect five (5) days after the approval of
the University Student Government President.
Authored by:
(Sgd)HON. SEN. JAN CLYDEN B. TENORIO
USG SENATOR
This act was passed by the University Student Government Senate on 29th of July,
2016
(Sgd)SEC. RYAN B. TOMONAS
Standing Legislative Secretary
(Sgd)HON. NORLY LOUIS SALAZAR
SENATE PRESIDENT
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Approved by
(Sgd)HON. PRES. ANTHONY AGRAVANTE
USG PRESIDENT
Date: August 1, 2016
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