University of San Jose-Recoletos

Cebu City

CONSTITUTION OF THE SUPREME STUDENT COUNCIL

PREAMBLE

WE, THE STUDENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF SAN JOSE-RECOLETOS, IMPLORING

THE AID OF THE DIVINE PROVIDENCE, IN ORDER TO ESTABLISH A STUDENT
GOVERNMENT THAT SHALL EMBODY OUR IDEALS AND ASPIRATIONS, FOSTER
BROTHERHOOD AND UNITY, PROMOTE THE GENERAL WELFARE AND
PERPETUATE LASTING RIGHTS AND VALUES, ENCOURAGE AND DEVELOP CIVIC
CONSCIOUSNES AND ACTIVE PARTICIPATION IN LOCAL AND NATIONAL
AFFAIRS, AND CONSERVE A CONTINUED MUTUAL UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN
THE ADMINISTRATION AND THE STUDENTS, DO HEREBY ORDAIN AND
PROMULGATE THIS CONSTITUTION.

ARTICLE 1

NAME, DOMICILE NATURE AND SEAL

Section 1. This organization shall be known as University of San Jose-Recoletos

Supreme Student Council. It may be referred to as the USJ-R SSC.

Section 2. The USJ-R SSC shall be the umbrella organization of all the
accredited organizations in the university.

Section 3. The main office of USJ-R SSC shall be located within the USJ-R main
campus in the ground floor of San Agustin building.

Section 4. The USJ-R SSC is an autonomous, democratic student organization of

the whole Josenian studentry which shall serve as the official student
government of the school and shall be the sole representative and
voice of the whole Josenian populace.

Section 5. The seal shall contain the symbols such as key of responsibility, gavel
of authority, USJ-R seal, laurel leaf, red star, orange star, golden
yellow star, yellow star, blue star and green star.

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 (a) the “key of responsibility” represents the authority and power
of the members of the Executive Department;
(b) the “gavel of authority” represents the authority and power of
the members of the House of Representatives;
(c) the “USJ-R seal” stands for the vision, mission, goals and core
values of the university;
(d) the “laurel leaf” represents the unifying element of knowledge
and wisdom emanate from brilliant minds of the students of USJ-
R;
(e) the “red star” stands for the College of Nursing;
(f) the “orange star” stands for the College of Engineering;
(g) the “golden yellow star” stands for the College of Information,
Computer and Communications Technology;
(h) the “yellow star” stands for the College of Commerce;
(i) the “blue star” stands for the College of Education; and
(j) the “green star” stands for the College of Arts and Sciences.

ARTICLE II

DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES

Section 1. The members of the USJ-R SSC believe that the basic principles
underlying the democratic way of life be duly secured and
perpetuated in the light and spirit of the Christian solidarity.

Section 2. The members of the USJ-R SSC believe in the policy of the state to
promote the welfare and interest of the students by defining their
rights and privileges to establish a sound relationship among them,
the faculty members, and the school administration to ultimately
prepare them for a bigger responsibility as law-abiding citizens.

Section 3. The members of the USJ-R SSC believe that the individual member’s
undivided loyalty and cooperation are subjected for the benefit of the
entire Josenian populace.

Section 4. The members of the USJ-R SSC believe that the organization would
help promote their capabilities in finding solutions to economic,
social, political and cultural problems that would make them be
aware of their vital role in nation-building.

Section 5. The members of the USJ-R SSC believe that they would develop their
potential as future leaders of the Filipino society through active
participation in the organization.

Section 6. The members of the USJ-R SSC believe that it is necessary to extend
assistance to the cause of any accredited organization that shall be
organized by Josenians, provided that this would greatly contribute
to the benefit and welfare of the studentry.

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 ARTICLE III

VISION AND MISSION

Section 1. The USJ-R SSC vision states that:

“We envision that the USJ-R Supreme Student Council to be an

excellent student council which serves as training ground for the
future leaders of the Filipino society equipped with leadership skills
and imbued with Christian values who will work for general formation
to a new world through a new youth.”

Section 2. The USJ-R SSC mission states that:

“To represent, promote and protect the rights and general welfare of
the Josenian students and to foster their development for
empowerment and holistic formation.”

ARTICLE IV

MEMBERS AND THEIR DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES AND RIGHTS

Section 1. Membership in the USJ-R SSC includes all bonafide college students
of USJ-R.

Section 2. All bonafide members of the USJ-R SSC shall have the following
duties and responsibilities:

(a) to observe the rules and obligations of this institution;

(b) to pay a membership fee of P50.00 for every regular semester
and P50.00 for every summer upon enrolment;

b.1 Any increase of the membership fee of the Supreme Student

Council must undergo due process and must not be more than
20% of the standing SSC fee.

(c) to adhere to the USJ-R SSC Constitution, and such other acts,
resolutions, orders, rules and obligations promulgated by the
President and the House Representatives.

Section 3. The members referred to in Section 1 hereof shall have the following
rights:
(a) to enjoy freedom of speech and of the press in accordance with
the law;
(b) to exercise freedom of religion;
(c) to attend meetings, sessions, and activities undertaken by the
USJ-R SSC;
(d) to participate in any election, and may be elected or appointed to
any position of the USJ-R SSC;

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 (e) to enjoy such other rights and privileges as may, from time to
time, granted by the House of Representatives;
(f) to have free access to all financial statements records and other
documents of the USJ-R SSC; and
(g) to exercise their rights with due respect to the rights of others.

Section 4. The members shall be individually and collectively entitled to:

(a) speedy redress of their grievances;

(b) organize and assemble for the purpose not contrary to law, rules
and regulations; and
(c) present their views to appropriate bodies before implementing any
policy or decision affecting their rights, interests and welfare.

Section 5. No member should be subject to exploitation and involuntary

servitude.

Section 6. No member shall be subject to any disciplinary action without due

process of law.

ARTICLE V

OFFICERS

Section 1. The officers of the USJ-R SSC shall be of two categories: the elected
officers and the appointed officers.

Section 2. The elected officers of the Supreme Student Council shall be the
following:
(a) President
(b) Vice President
(c) Secretary
(d) Treasurer
(e) Auditor, and
(f) Five representatives from each college.

Section 3. The appointed officers are as follows;

(a) House Secretary

(b) Press relation and documentation officers
(c) The Commission on Audit, and
(d) Such other officers whose positions may be created by law.

Section 4.The USJ-R SSC shall establish the following constitutional bodies:
Office of the President, Supreme Student Council; Office of the House
of Representatives; SSC Commission on Elections, and the SSC
Commission on Audit.

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 ARTICLE VI

THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS, THEIR QUALIFICATIONS, FUNCTIONS, AND

DUTIES

Section 1. The executive power shall be vested upon the President of the USJ-R
SSC.

Section 2. The Executive Department shall be composed of a President, a Vice-

President, a Secretary, a Treasurer, an Auditor and such other
officers as may be appointed by the President with the confirmation
of the Committee on Appointments.

Section 3. No student shall be elected to the Office of the President or Vice-

President unless he:

(a) is a bonafide student of USJ-R;

(b) is at least eighteen years of age on Election Day;
(c) has been a bonafide student of USJ-R for at least three(3)
consecutive semesters excluding summer immediately preceding
the day of election;
(d) has at least a general average of 2.5 during the semester
immediately prior to his election;
(e) must have no grade of 5.0 in any subject enrolled in the semester
immediately preceding the election;
(f) must have no case of disciplinary action in his stay in the
university;
(g) is enrolled with at least 15 units load; and
(h)must not be an officer of any recognized student campus
organization on Election Day.

Section 4. The duties and function of the President and Vice-President are:

I. The President shall:

(a) preside over all executive sessions;

(b) call special sessions of the House of Representatives;
(c) sign/approve all Council Acts, Resolutions, Communications and
other documents of the USJ-R SSC;
(d) have the power to veto any Council Act or Resolution that might
be prejudicial to the benefit of the students provided that failure
to take action within ten(10) days from receipt thereof, such act
or resolution shall be deemed approved;
(e) represent the USJ-R SSC in all matters affecting interest;
(f) implement or execute the policies, Council Acts, rules and
regulations of the USJ-R SSC;
(g) prepare and submit the proposed semester budget to the House
of Representatives; and
(h)perform such other duties and functions as may be authorized by
law.

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 II. The Vice-President shall:

(a) perform the duties and functions of the president in the latter’s
absence or incapacity;
(b) assist the president in supervising and carrying out the activities
of the organization; and
(c) perform such other functions as may be delegated to him by the
president or by law.

Section 5. The terms of the office of the president and the vice-president shall
be for one year without re-election. It shall commence on the noon of
the second Wednesday of March following the expiration of one year.

Section 6. The President must present a State of Council Address every end of
the semester to the Josenian populace.

Section 7. The president and vice-president of the USJ-R SSC shall enjoy 100%
and 50% discount from tuition fees only, respectively, during their
term of office. In case the president is incapacitated, the successor
shall not enjoy the privilege of the president within the semester.
Scholarships are chargeable to the SSC funds.

Section 8. The Secretary shall have the same qualifications as that of the USJ-R
SSC President. He must be proficient in typing and computer literate.

The Secretary shall have the following functions and duties:

(a) keep all the records of the USJ-R SSC;

(b) keep an official list of all the officers of the USJ-R SSC;
(c) take minutes of all executive meetings and joint sessions;
(d) prepare all monthly calendar of activities;
(e) take charge of all correspondence;
(f) be in charge of procuring office supplies;
(g) be the property custodian of the USJ-R SSC; and
(h)perform such other functions as may be delegated to him by the
President.

Section 9. The Treasurer shall have the same qualifications as that of the USJ-R
SSC President with its units in Accounting.

The treasurer shall have the following duties;

(a) keep the records of accounts of the USJ-R SSC;

(b) take charge and record all receipts and disbursements, and
submit a semestral financial report to the USJ-R SSC President,
within time fixed by law, and such other reports as may be
required by the USJ-R SSC President and the House of
Representatives;
(c) take charge of all special collections of the USJ-R SSC;
(d) deposit all collections with any bank approved by the House of
Representatives; and

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 (e) discharge such other functions as may be delegated by the USJ-R
SSC President.

All withdrawals from the bank shall be signed by the following

officers: The USJ-R SSC President, the Speaker of the House, and the
Treasurer based upon the certification and/or voucher duly signed
and accomplished by the Secretary and Auditor.

Section 10. The Auditor shall have the same qualifications as that of the USJ-R
SSC President. He must be an Accounting student with units in
Auditing.

The auditor shall have the following duties:

(a.) conduct a semestral examination and audit all receipts, fees,
funds, revenues, and/or expenditures of the USJ-R SSC;
(b.) certify the correctness of the report of the financial statement
of the USJ-R SSC;
(c.) report all financial discrepancies in the disbursements to the
funds of the House of Representatives;
(d.) deposit and deliver all papers, receipts, and other items related
to the USJ-R SSC to the office of the USJ-R SSC Treasurer;
(e.) shall cause the publication of the audited financial statement of
the USJ-R SSC in the FORWARD the official publication of USJ-
R; and
(f.) perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

Section 11. The term of Office of the Secretary, Treasurer, and Auditor shall be
for one year, with one-year re-election. It shall commence on the
noon if the second Wednesday of March following the expiration of
one year.

ARTICLE VII

THE LEGISLATIVE

Section 1. Legislative power shall be vested upon the House Representatives of

the USJ-R SSC.

Section 2. The House shall be composed of five (5) representatives from each
college.

Section 3. The term of office of the members of the House of Representatives

shall be one (1) year. It shall commence on the noon of the second
Wednesday of March and shall end on the noon of the second
Wednesday of March following the expiration of one year.

Section 4. No student shall be elected as a member of the House of

Representatives unless he:

(a) is a Bonafide student of USJ-R;

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 (b) has been a Bonafide student of USJ-R for at least two (2)
successive semesters immediately preceding the day of election;
(c) must have no case of disciplinary action in his stay in the
university;
(d) is at least seventeen (17) years of age;
(e) must have no grade of 5.0 in any of the subjects enrolled in the
semester immediately preceding the election;
(f) must have at least fifteen(15) units load; and
(g) must not be a president or chairperson in any organized campus
organization in USJ-R on Election Day.

Section 5. The House of Representatives shall hold regular session on the

afternoon of the first and third Saturday of every month within the
school calendar unless the law fixes a different date.

The USJ-R SSC President or upon written request of the Majority of

the members of the House of Representative may call for special
sessions.

No regular session shall be longer than five (5) hours and no special
session shall be longer than three (3) hours, unless agreed upon by
the Representatives present.

Section 6. The House of Representatives shall have the following powers and
duties:

(a) shall elect its Speaker of the House, Speaker Protempore,

Majority and Minority Floor Leaders and other officers as may be
provided by law.

(b) shall attend sessions and all other activities as mandated by

the law;
- for any absences, he/she shall present a valid excuse letter
to the proper authorities three(3) working days prior to the
activity;
(c) shall promulgate council acts and resolutions;
(d) have free access to all financial statement, records, and other

Section 7. Unless otherwise provided by law there shall be created in the House
of Representatives the following:

(a) Committee on Budget and Finance;

(b) Committee on Student Affairs;
(c) Committee on Justice;
(d) Committee on Ways and Means;
(e) Committee on Appointments;
(f) Committee on Insurance;
(g) Committee on Repairs and Maintenance; and
(h)Committee on Social Responsibility.

Section 8. The Speaker of the House shall have the following powers and duties:

(a) preside over the sessions of the house;

(b) implement the rules and regulations of the House;

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 (c) sign documents, acts, resolutions and correspondence pertaining
to the House; and
(d) exercise such powers and duties as may be authorized by law.

In absence or incapacity of the Speaker, his powers and duties shall

be exercised by the Speaker Protempore.

Section 9. The Majority of the House of Representatives shall constitute a

quorum to transact business, but a similar number may adjourn from
day to day and compel the attendance of the absent members in
such manner and under such penalties as the House may provide. In
case the penalty imposed is in the form of fine, it shall not be
more than twenty(20.00) pesos.

The House may determine the rules of its proceedings. It may also
impose sanctions on its members for disorderly behavior with the
concurrence of 2/3 votes of the members present.

The House shall keep a journal of its proceedings and from time to
time, publish the same, so excluding such parts as may, in its
judgment require secrecy: and the “yeas” and “nays” on any
questions shall at the request of at least five (5) Representatives, be
entered in the journal.

Section 10. Members of the House of Representatives shall enjoy per Diem of
twenty (P30.00) pesos per session. No increase in said amount shall
take effect until the expiration of the full term of the said members
approving the said increase.

Section 11. Every act or resolution passed by the House of Representatives

shall be submitted to the USJ-R SSC President for approval. If the
USJ-R SSC President vetoes the proposed act or resolution, he shall
return it with objections thereon. In case of the veto by the USJ-R
SSC President, the House may override such veto by 2/3 votes of the
total members of the House Representatives and the act shall
become effective and it shall then be submitted to the offices
concerned and copy furnished to the USJ-R SSC President. In case
the USJ-R SSC President fails to take action after the lapse of ten
(10) days from receipt thereof, the said act and/or resolution shall be
deemed approved and effective.

Section 12. No proposed act and/or resolution shall embrace more than one
subject which shall be expressed in the title of the act and/or
resolution.

No act or resolution shall be passed by the House unless typewritten

or mimeographed copies thereof in its final form are furnished to the
House Representatives at least three (3) calendar prior to the
scheduled sessions except when the USJ-R SSC President shall have
certified to the necessity of its immediate enactment.

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 Upon the reading of the proposed act and/or resolution, no
amendment thereof shall be allowed and the questions upon its
passage shall be taken immediately thereafter, and the floor will be
opened for discussions and voting.

ARTICLE VIII

COMMISSION ON AUDIT

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

Chairperson who is the External Auditor of the USJ-R SSC, and three
(3) Commissioners who are appointed by the USJ-R SSC President,
upon the confirmation of the Committee on Appointments. The
Commissioners shall hold office for a term of one year coterminous
with that of the USJ-R SSC officers.

Section 2. The members of the Commission on Audit shall have the following
qualifications:

(a) a Bonafide student of USJ-R;

(b) of good moral character; and
(c) accountancy student with units in Auditing.

Section 3. The Commission on Audit shall have the following duties:

(a) conduct a semestral examination and audit all receipts, fees,

funds, revenues, and/or expenditures of the USJ-R SSC;
(b) certify the correctness of the report of the financial statement
audited by the USJ-R SSC Auditor;
(c) report all financial discrepancies in the disbursements to the funds
of the House of Representatives;
(d) deposit and deliver all papers, receipts, and other items related
to the USJ-R SSC to the office of the USJ-R SSC Treasurer; and
(e) perform such other functions as may be provided by law.

ARTICLE IX

COMMISSION ON ELECTION

Section 1. There shall be an independent Commission on Election composed of

the following:
- Chairperson
- Vice Chairperson
- Secretary
- six (6) Commissioners,one from each college
- six (6) Vice Commissioners,one from each college

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 The Chairperson and the Commissioners shall be appointed by the
Director of the Student Affairs (DSA). Upon its formation, the DSA
shall appoint the adviser who is a faculty member of USJ-R.

Section 2. The Chairperson of the Commission on Election must be:

(a) a Bonafide student of USJ-R for at least two (2) successive

semesters excluding summer;
(b) with an average of not less than 2.5 or its equivalent in the
preceding semester; and
(c)must have no case of disciplinary action in his stay in the
university.

Section 3. The Chairperson of any of the commissioners shall have one year
term of office with reappointment. No resignation shall be approved
within two months before and three months after election.

In case of resignation, removal from office or incapability of doing

the work appointed, the vacancies created shall be filled through
appointment by the Director of Student Affairs. The new appointees
shall hold office for the unexpired term.

Section 4. The Commission on Election shall have the following duties:

(a) to promulgate rules and regulations concerning the conduct of

elections, referenda, and plebiscites, and to ensure free and
honest election;
(b) to issue and approve certificate of candidacy and post the list
of the official candidates in conspicuous places in school campus;
(c) to prepare a master list of voters;
(d) to determine and apportion the number of precincts to be
allowed to each college;
(e) to supervise the counting and canvassing of votes;
(f) to screen the profile of the candidate upon filing the certificate of
candidacy; and
(g) to present financial statement of the expenses incurred during
the Election to the USJ-R SSC.

The Commission on election shall have the following powers:

(a) to conduct and supervise regular and special elections;

(b) to maintain peace and order during the elections and to
deputize the Safety and Security Division for the purpose; and
(c) to declare the official results of the elections, referenda or
plebiscites.

The Board of Election inspectors will be appointed by the director of

Student Affairs with the approval of the vice president for Student
Welfare.

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Section 5. The COMELEC shall present a proposed budget for the election which
is subjected to the approval of the House of Representatives and the
President of the USJ-R – SSC.

Section 6. The COMELEC shall exercise original exclusive jurisdiction during

cases of Election protest. The COMELEC en banc shall decide any
election protest with the COMELEC Adviser as the presiding officer.

Section 7. The COMELEC and its duties shall not engage, directly or indirectly,
in any political activity in support of any candidate or party. Any
COMELEC official being caught shall be subjected to due process
before implementing a grave penalty.

Section 8. Any violation of the provisions of the article shall be a ground of

dismissal with due process. The same situation applies to the case of
gross negligence on the part of the commissioners.

Section 9. The COMELEC shall exercise such other powers as may be provided
by law.

ARTICLE X

IMPEACHMENT

Section 1. The USJ-R SSC President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and

Auditor maybe removed from the office by impeachment for:

(a) serious violation of USJ-R SSC Constitution, rules and

regulations;
(b) committing any act inimical to the interest of the USJ-R SSC;
(c) gross neglect of duty which may be deemed sufficient to warrant
such removal provided that the officer charged shall not be denied
due process of law;
(d) active participation in partisan politics, local or national wherein
the name of the USJ-R SSC shall have been used to support
directly or indirectly, any local or national candidate, and as
means to promote Partisan political purpose; and
(e) Serious violation of the university’s Student Manual to be
determined by the Student Affairs office.

Section 2. The USJ-R SSC Speaker of
Members of the Legislative
impeachment as provided in
(e)of Article X, and addition,
absences of the session.
the House, Speaker Protempore, and
Body may likewise be removed by
Sec. 1, Sub Sec (a), (b), (c), (d) and
for incurring three (3) consecutive

Section 3. The House Representatives shall have the power and authority to
impeach the officers mentioned in Section 1 and 2 of Article X.

Section 4. The Committee on Justice has the authority to form an ad-hoc

committee that will scrutinize the people involved in the

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 impeachment process, spearheaded by the chairman of the
Committee on Justice.

Section 5. No officer shall be impeached without due process of law.

Section 6. No officer shall be impeached without the concurrence of a ¾ vote of

the House Representatives.

Section 7. Judgment in case of impeachment shall not extend further than

removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office
of trust and honor under the USJ-R SSC.

Section 8. Any officer under trial for violation of Section 1, Sub Sec (a), (b), (c),
(d) and (e) of Article X shall automatically be suspended from office,
provided that he shall be reinstated if found not guilty.

Section 9. Suspension from office means that the officer suspended temporarily
loses all his powers.

Section 10. The members of the Legislative Body shall determine the
impeachment proceedings with the concurrence of 2/3 votes of the
House Representatives.

ARTICLE XI

VACANCIES

Section 1. A temporary vacancy means an absence of not more than thirty (30)
consecutive days without justifiable and excusable cause. A
permanent vacancy means an absence of more than 30 days.

Section 2.The case of temporary vacancy in the office of the President, the Vice-
President shall assume the vacant office. In case of temporary
vacancy of the office of either the Secretary, Treasurer, or Auditor,
the USJ-R SSC President may appoint temporary officers to assume
the vacant positions, provided they possess the same qualifications,
with the confirmation of the Committee on Appointments.

Section 3. In case of temporary vacancy in the office of the Speaker of the

House of Representatives, the Speaker Protempore shall assume the
vacant office.

Section 4. In the case of permanent vacancy in the office of the President, the
Vice-President shall assume the office. If any vacancy occurs in the
office of the Vice-President, the Speaker of the House of
Representatives shall assume the office.

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 ARTICLE XII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. The day of the election for the USJ-R SSC Officers shall be within the
third week of the month of February and every year thereafter.

Section 2. The University President shall administer the oath of office of all
elected officers on the first Wednesday of March.

(a) The newly elected officers of the USJ-R SSC shall take the
following oath of affirmation.

“I, state your name, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully and
conscientiously fulfill my duties as____________________________
of the USJ-R SSC __th Congress, preserve and defend its
constitution, execute the laws enacted by the Supreme Student
Council House of Representatives, do justice to every Josenian, and
consecrated to the service of my Alma Matter, the University of San
Jose-Recoletos. So help me God.”

Section 3. No member of the teaching and non-teaching staff shall campaign

directly or indirectly for any particular candidate or party. The
COMELEC may promulgate rules and regulations carrying into the
effect these provisions.

ARTICLE XIII

AMENDMENTS

Section 1. The constitution shall be amended by 2/3 vote of the members of the
House Representatives or by Constitutional Convention called for the
purpose. However, any revision, amendment, or modification agreed
upon the by the members thereof, should be posted on conspicuous
places in USJ-R not less than 10 days after approval thereof. Any
amendment or revision of this constitution shall be valid when
ratified by the college students and with the approval by the
University President in the succeeding article.

Section 2. The House of Representatives, by 4/5 votes, may in case of

emergency, as may be determined by them:

(a) Propose amendments to the constitution without the

ratification from the students as long as could redound to their
benefits and that there should be students’ consultation.

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 ARTICLE XIV

EFFECTIVITY

Section 1. The effectivity of this constitution shall be determined on the

following conditions:

(a) ratification of the college students during the referendum;

(b) approval by the University President.

Section 2. The USJ-R SSC 32nd and the proceeding congresses will be governed
by the USJ-R SSC 2012 Constitution.

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