2022 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
2022 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
Section 1. Official Seal. The official seal of the BISCAST-Supreme Student Council consists of the following elements:
The LAUREL WREATH symbolizes power and authority, honor, and peace.
The SHIELD symbolizes stability and strength.
The SIAMESE CROCODILE symbolizes unity in diversity.
The SCALE symbolizes justice and equality.
The GEAR symbolizes progress, work, and innovation.
The PEARL symbolizes wisdom gained through experience.
The SSC MOTTO “Res, non verba” is a Latin phrase meaning deeds, not words.
The official SSC colors shall be Maroon and Golden Yellow which are the official color of the College, depicting its journey from a trades school to a full-fledged university.
Section 2. Official Name. The highest student government in the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology shall be known as Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology - Supreme Student Council or BISCAST-SSC.
Section 3. Guiding Objectives
To promote the interest and the general welfare of the student and the school in general.
To support and protect the rights of students in pursuit of quality education, help in the development of their character, behavior, and values necessary in creating a peaceful and harmonious society.
To coordinate and collaborate with various government and non-government agencies/organizations with similar purposes and objectives, in accordance with law.
To boost the morale of each student-member and encourage them to freely exercise their rights and privileges in every undertaking and accept responsibilities as members of the organization.
To augment various student organizations whose objectives are not contrary to the law, public order & morals, and college policy; and enhance student leadership, civic consciousness, sense of responsibility, and dedication to nation-building.
To strengthen and protect the students’ democratic rights and privileges.
Represent the student body in matters concerning administrative or academic in nature, such as but not limited to drafting a new curriculum, student handbook, reviews or amendments of policies, and other actions of the institution affecting student rights and privilege.
Counsel and represent students in dealing with redress of grievances against any school personnel, faculty, or official and submitting the same to appropriate authorities in a manner conducive to mutual understanding and resolution leading to cooperation within the ambit of legality, cordiality, and professionalism.
Represent the school in local, regional, national, and/or international inter-student activities.
Amidst diversity, strengthen student unity.
Section 1. The Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology - Supreme Student Council is the highest student government established to represent the student body in formulating projects and initiatives to enhance and empower students in leadership, civic consciousness, and development in accordance with the law.
Section 2. The BISCAST-SSC adheres to the principles of democracy where decisions and sovereignty reside on the students and the student government authority emanates from them.
Section 3. The BISCAST-SSC is a democratic, non-sectarian, and autonomous organization.
Section 4. The BISCAST-SSC is a non-partisan organization and shall not participate and sponsor in any political rally of a political candidate in local or national elections.
Section 1. The right of the students to information on matters of public concern shall be recognized. Access to official records, to documents, and papers pertaining to official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to student government funds shall be afforded to the student, subject to the limitation as may be provided by law.
Section 2. No student shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
Section 1. Attend and participate in all undertakings of BISCAST-SSC requiring their attendance and participation.
Section 2. Settle financial obligations due to BISCAST-SSC in the time set forth for such obligations. Further, return any borrowed tools and/or equipment of the BISCAST-SSC adhering to the Borrowers Contract.
Section 3. Report to the BISCAST-SSC any form of abuse, negligence, and/or violation of laws or policies promulgated by the institution and competent authorities of the State.
Section 4. Maintain and enhance amongst themselves academic integrity, civic consciousness, and responsibility.
Section 5. Practice due cordiality and respect to school officials, faculty and staff, visitors and students, and help in maintaining the sense of community in the school environment.
Section 6. Do not engage in any unlawful, immoral acts, and those others that are against public morals.
Section 1. Suffrage may be exercised by all student-members of BISCAST not otherwise disqualified by law.
Section 2. The right and obligation to vote of qualified members shall not be impeded by reason of program, course, or other substantive requirements.
Section 3. Disqualification of any student to exercise the right and obligation of suffrage shall be vested under the power of the legislative assembly.
Section 4. The right to file candidacy for any position in the University Student Council during their general election shall be governed by the School Election Rules and Regulations according to law.
Section 5. Every student has the right to enjoy all privileges entitled to him under this Constitution.
Section 6. The right to form, assist, or join any campus organizations, alliances, or federation for their physical, intellectual, moral, cultural, civic, religious, or political interests shall not be abridged.
Section 7. The right to express his opinion on matters concerning the student government shall not be infringed, provided that such action is within the legal limitations of the College Code and the laws of the land.
Section 1. The executive branch may from time to time issue a memorandum, proclamations, or announcements concerning the standing of the University Student Council.
Section 2. The PRESIDENT. No student shall serve as the BISCAST-SSC President unless he/she has been elected at large by the student population of the College in a general/special election conducted for such purpose.
Section 3. Duties and Responsibilities of the BISCAST-SSC President. The President shall be the Head of the Executive Branch of the University Student Council and the Official Student Trustee, representing all students in the Board of Trustees of this College. Among others, he/she shall exclusively:
Promote the interest and welfare of the students and the BISCAST-SSC in general.
Call and preside at all meetings of the Executive Branch and Students General Assembly and perform such functions and duties which are inherent to the office and are delegated to him/her by the College and/or this Constitution.
Sign and order the release of any amount from the BISCAST-SSC treasury for purposes approved by the Student Council.
Shall initiate programs that involve no more than five thousand pesos (Php 5,000.00) worth of BISCAST-SSC Fund. Provided that he/she shall submit a liquidation report to the legislative branch one week after the conclusion of the program.
He/she may designate lawful, humane, and specific functions to any officer or member of the executive branch.
He/she may veto any proposition from the legislative branch provided that he/she shall submit a reason in writing for such veto.
Implement policies, programs, and projects in accordance with existing policies and regulations of the school involving academic affairs and school funds.
He/she may represent the BISCAST-SSC in taking appropriate legal action against any officer or member of the BISCAST-SSC who committed illegal acts that may endanger the students of this College.
Remove or otherwise discipline officers of the Supreme Student Council as may be provided by law.
No treaty or agreement involving the welfare of the BISCAST-SSC as a whole shall be valid and effective unless concurred in by at least two-thirds of all the members of Congress.
Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or legislative action, any memorandum and/or order from the higher authority, and those delegated by the law.
Section 4. The VICE PRESIDENT FOR ADMINISTRATION. The Vice President for Administration shall perform the following:
The Vice President for Administration or VPA shall exercise the duties of the President in case the latter is incapacitated and/or the President delegated to him/her such specific task on his/her behalf.
He/she shall be exercising the powers, rights, duties, and responsibilities of the Office of the President in case of impeachment, resignation, or incapacity to perform the presidential duty and responsibility of the incumbent President.
Shall preside over any executive, committee, or a general meeting, in the absence of the President or when the latter delegated such obligation.
Shall directly report to the President the status of the BISCAST-SSC administration and its linkages with the various College Student Councils.
Formulate programs and initiatives involving the internal stakeholders of the BISCAST-SSC in cooperation with various student organizations.
Section 5. The VICE PRESIDENT FOR LEGISLATION. The Vice President for Legislation shall perform the following:
Shall be the official representative of the executive branch in the legislative hearings of the legislative branch, both general and committee meetings, excluding those in the legislative meetings invoking the legislative privilege.
Shall act as lobbyists to the legislative branch on matters concerning the executive’s agenda.
Shall be the representative of the President in submitting to the legislative branch his/her annual legislative.
Section 6. The VICE PRESIDENT FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS. The Vice President for External Affairs shall perform the following:
Lead initiatives that build and execute BISCAST-SSC branding, strengthen external relations and networking, foster strategic partnerships, and expand relationships with policymakers, industry leaders, other influencers, and stakeholders.
Create, implement, oversee, and measure the success of a comprehensive, culturally competent marketing and communications advocacy program.
In coordination with the Public Relations Officer, shall devise and manage a robust digital and social media platform and marketing capability to cater the needs of the student population.
Section 7. The SECRETARY-GENERAL. The Secretary-General shall perform the following:
Keep the minutes of the meetings in an official book provided for this purpose.
Coordinate with the Secretary of the legislative branch for records and documents necessary for the implementation of projects or programs mandated by the BISCAST-SSC.
Delivers all official notices of regular meetings three (3) days before the scheduled date or 12 (twelve) hours for special or emergency meetings.
Keep all the records of the BISCAST-SSC executive branch and accept letters of suggestion or other forms of correspondence duly signed and submitted to the legislative branch for legitimate deliberation and approval.
Prepare all forms necessary for the conduct of registration, and communication of the BISCAST-SSC.
Perform all duties incident to the office hereto not mentioned and such other duties as may from time to time be assigned by the President.
Section 8. The TREASURER. The TREASURER shall perform the following:
Receive all money collections and issue the corresponding receipts.
Deposit all funds of the BISCAST-SSC at the bank designated by the BISCAST-SSC.
Keep and have charge of the book of accounts of the association which shall be opened to inspection by the Commission on Audit and/or Legislative Branch for purposes of auditing and investigation in aid of legislation.
Disburse the funds of the BISCAST-SSC for specific purposes authorized by either a Legislative Act and/or the Executive Act.
Collect and receive contributions, donations, and materials intended for public use for and on behalf of the BISCAST-SSC.
Take custody of all the property and funds of the association not otherwise transferred its claim to another entity as may be provided by law.
Submit to the executive or legislative branch a certified and detailed statement of income and expenditures at the end of every month and for times required by the law.
Perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law.
Section 9. The AUDITOR. The AUDITOR shall perform the following:
Examine the financial transactions and submit the books of records of the Treasurer and certify to its veracity before submitting the same to the Commission on Audit, Legislative Branch, or other office demanding such transparency as may be provided by law.
Inherent power in inventory and inspection proceedings. He/She shall be the official custodian of the BISCAST-SSC.
Suspend or withhold payments of accounts in accordance with the adopted policies of the BISCAST-SSC.
Perform all duties inherent to the Office of the USC Auditor and such other duties as may from time to time as may be provided by law.
Section 10. The PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER. The PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER shall perform the following:
Responsibly take charge of any information that comes out of the BISCAST-SSC for public use.
Take charge of the information/dissemination to the members of any information concerning the activities of the BISCAST-SSC.
Accept queries and suggestions from any member and answer the same in a rightful informative manner.
Shall have the authority to use mass media in disseminating or advertising the BISCAST-SSC programs/policy provided that the information to be disseminated as may be provided by law.
Perform all duties inherent to the Office of the USC Public Relations Officer and such other duties as may from time to time as may be provided by law.
Section 11. The BUSINESS MANAGERS. There shall be two (2) Business Managers directly elected through General Elections. They are tasked to perform the following:
Supervise any Income Generating Projects (IGP) of BISCAST-SSC.
Chair the Ways-and-Means Committee.
Assess and identify new opportunities for growth in current and prospective markets beyond the College.
Together with the VP for External Affairs, shall supervise marketing strategies that will uplift the reputation of BISCAST-SSC.
Perform all duties inherent to the office and such other duties as may from time to time, be provided by law.
Section 12. Executive Standing Committees. They shall perform the following:
The Committee shall be composed of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, and three (3) members. Members of which are under the prerogative of the President.
It is under the discretion of the executive branch to form standing committees that will only be used to address present conditions or perform present tasks requiring immediate action.
Standing committees shall perform their definite functions for a specified period only, and the dissolution of the same shall be provided by law.
Section 1. The Legislative Branch shall be known as the House of Representatives of the BISCAST-SSC or simply the House of Representatives.
Section 2. The power to formulate policies, programs, and/or projects governing or instituted by the Supreme Student Council, except to the extent reserved to the student population by the provision on initiative and referendum, shall be vested in the legislative branch without prejudice to Section 1 of Article VI of this Code.
Section 3. The Legislative Branch shall be composed of duly elected representatives of the student body during the general election, specifically:
One (1) Program Representative
[] Bachelor in Drafting Technology (BDT)
[] Bachelor of Elementary Education (BEED)
[] Bachelor of Engineering Technology (BET)
[] Bachelor of Secondary Education (BSED)
[] Bachelor of Science in Architecture (BSA)
[] Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering (BSCE)
[] Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering (BSEE)
[] Bachelor of Science in Electronics and Communication Engineering (BSECE)
[] Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship (BS-Entrep)
[] Bachelor of Science in Exercise and Sports Sciences (BSESS)
[] Bachelor of Science in Entertainment and Multimedia Computing (BSEMC)
[] Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology (BSIT)
[] Bachelor of Science in Food Technology (BSFT)
[] Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering (BSME)
[] Bachelor of Technical-Vocational Teacher Education (BTVTEd)
[] Bachelor of Technology and Livelihood Education (BTLEd)
Two (2) Year Level Representatives
Two (2) College Student Council Representatives
Section 4. Parliamentary immunity shall be vested upon the members of the legislative department and shall not be questioned nor be held liable in any place for any speech or debate in the assembly or any committee thereof. Provided that such freedom is within the bounds of the policy of the Institution and the land.
Section 5. The legislative branch and the executive branch shall convene once per year, one (1) week after the opening of classes, unless otherwise determined by law, for purposes of the conduct of the Student Annual Assembly.
Section 6. The legislative department shall elect from amongst themselves a Speaker of the House and shall act as their chief and preside over meetings conducted by the legislative department. Further, a Deputy Speaker, Secretary-General, Finance Official, and Public Information Officer shall also be designated, unless otherwise provided by law.
Section 7. They shall determine the rules of its proceedings, punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, with the concurrence of two-thirds of all its members, suspend or expel a member. A penalty of suspension, when imposed, shall not exceed thirty (30) days.
Section 8. The records and books of accounts of House of Representatives shall be preserved and be open to the public in accordance with the law.
Section 9. The House of Representatives or any of its respective committees may conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in accordance with its duly published rules of procedure. The rights of persons appearing in or affected by such inquiries shall be respected.
Section 10. All appropriations, and bills authorizing utilization of BISCAST-SSC funds more than five thousand (5,000) pesos shall originate exclusively in House of Representatives, but the executive department may propose or concur with amendments. Further, a special appropriations bill shall specify the purpose for which it is intended and shall be supported by funds available as certified by the SSC Treasurer or to be raised by a corresponding revenue proposal therein.
Section 11. Discretionary funds appropriated for officials shall be disbursed only for public purposes to be supported by appropriate documents, audits, and subject to such guidelines as may be prescribed by law.
Section 12. Policies concerning membership funds of the University Student Council shall be vested in the legislative branch. Provided that the amount of membership fund shall be uniform, humane, and equitable. Provided further, it shall evolve a progressive system of collection.
Section 13. The Congress, may, by law, authorize the President to collect a fixed amount of funds other than the membership fee from among its members, and accept sponsorships or donations. Provided that the policy for such collection of funds, sponsorships, or donations states the purpose of such act and is subject to established auditing procedures.
Section 14. No money shall be paid out of the treasury except in pursuance of an appropriation made by law without prejudice to Section 3, Article VI of this Code.
Section 15. No law shall be passed increasing the jurisdiction of any branch of government as provided in this Constitution without its concurrence.
Section 1. The Special Judicial Branch or SJB, shall act as:
Adjudicator of the constitutionality of laws passed by either the legislative branch or executive branch.
Intermediary and provide a mechanism for the resolution of disputes between branches of government, and/or members hereof.
Settle actual controversies involving rights that are legally demandable and enforceable.
Perform judicial review on whether there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any branch of the student government.
Section 2. The Special Judicial Branch shall notify both parties involved and arrange an immediate hearing on the case presented following a preliminary examination and consideration of a written complaint.
Section 3. The Special Judicial Branch shall be composed of: the Director of Student Development Services, the Student Affairs Moderator, the SSC Adviser, the Guidance Counselor, and the College Disciplinary Board Chairperson.
Section 4. Members of the Special Judicial Branch shall be designated by the Office of the President of the Institution.
Section 5. The term of office of the members of the Special Judicial Branch shall be under the supervision of the Office of the President of the Institution.
Section 6. The Special Judicial Branch shall only settle disputes that are beyond the capacity of the internal rules and procedures of the BISCAST-SSC upon the recommendation of the SSC Adviser.
Section 1. There shall be one legitimate College of Student Council (CSC) from each duly instituted College of the Institution namely, CSC-Graduate School, CSC-College of Education, CSC-College of Trades and Technology, CSC-College of Arts and Sciences, and CSC-College of Engineering and Architecture.
Section 2. In the same term of office, a College Student Council official may not be elected as a BISCAST-SSC official, and vice versa.
Section 3. The College Student Council shall formulate their own governing Constitution and By-laws; provided that their Constitution and By-laws or part thereof shall be inferior to the Constitution of the University Student Council and other legal decree, orders, ordinances, and laws passed by higher office.
Section 4. Every College Student Council shall have their elected President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, and Public Relation Officer which shall constitute the executive branch of the organization and shall be the representative of the student body of their College.
Section 5. They may establish amongst their College a Board of Representatives, provided by law, where governing internal rules and procedures of the College Student Council shall be made with respect to Section 3 of this Article.
Section 6. The College Student Council shall select from amongst themselves two (2) representatives that shall act as their representatives in the University Student Council Legislative Branch.
Section 7. The College Student Council shall be under the direct regulation, supervision, and intervention of the University Student Council. Provided that regulation and intervention shall be in accordance with the law.
Section 8. The College Student Council may initiate a policy on the membership fee and/or any financial obligations to their members subject to the approval of their student body, duly recognized by their College Dean.
Section 9. Annual dues shall be provided for the University Student Council, wherein the amount shall be provided by law.
Section 1. The BISCAST-SSC Adviser shall be designated directly by the SUC President and shall be under the supervision of the Student Development Services. Provided that the designee is a regular faculty of the College and is not holding advising positions of more than two (2) school-based organizations.
Section 2. He/she shall serve for the term expressed within his/her designation by the SUC President.
Section 3. The BISCAST-SSC Adviser is outside the jurisdiction of the University Student Council; thus, he/she must be given an invitation and access to enter any committee hearings, legislative hearings, and/or executive meetings. Provided that such privilege shall not go beyond observation and counseling as may be demanded. Provided further, the principle of confidentiality must not be violated.
Section 4. He/she shall have a consultative relation herein contemplated which is entirely a unifying affair and is to be conducted with each principal officer separately or in groups and is to relate only to the duties of their respective offices and/or matters concerning the BISCAST-SSC such as but not limited to programs, initiatives, and regularities.
Section 5. Provide guidance and direction for program progress and initiatives toward student development aligned to the institution’s Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives.
Section 6. Act as a buffer, moderating the vastness of ideas and principalities of BISCAST-SSC to maintain cordiality and unity.
Section 7. Recommend to the BISCAST-SSC policies and initiatives required by the administration in the attainment of its mandate, subject to the approval of the BISCAST-SSC.
Section 8. The BISCAST-SSC Adviser shall attest documents for approval of the College and its instrumentalities.
Section 9. The designation of the BISCAST-SSC Adviser may be retracted by the prerogative of the SUC President or upon the recommendation and approval of the executive branch and legislative branch in a joint session called for the purpose.
Section 1. Commission on Audit
The Commission on Audit shall be composed of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and two (2) Commissioners, who are bonafide students of the Southeast Asian University of Technology.
The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Commissioners shall be appointed by the BISCAST-SSC President.
The Commission on Audit shall have the power, authority, and duty to examine, audit, and settle all finances of the BISCAST-SSC. They shall inspect the receipt and disbursement of funds of the Committee on Finance.
The Commission on Audit shall have exclusive authority to define the scope of its audit and examination, promulgate auditing rules and regulations including those for the prevention and disallowance of unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable expenditures of funds.
The Commission on Audit shall submit to the executive and legislative branches a monthly report covering the financial condition and operation of the government throughout the term. They shall submit other reports that may be delegated by the BISCAST-SSC President and/or promulgated by the Constitution.
Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term. In no case shall any member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.
Section 2. Commission on Election.
There shall be a Commission on Elections composed of a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and five (5) Commissioners who are bonafide students of the Southeast Asian University of Technology.
The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, and Commissioners shall be appointed by the BISCAST-SSC President.
The Commission on Elections shall exercise the following powers and functions:
Shall spearhead the conduct of general and special elections.
Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an election and plebiscite.
Shall determine the qualifications of the aspiring candidates in the executive and legislative positions, decide all questions affecting elections including the appointment of election officials and inspectors, and registration of voters.
No incumbent SSC Official, either executive or legislative, shall be disqualified from running for any vacant positions due to impeachment, unless otherwise the official was proven guilty. Unless otherwise, that same official resigns from office.
In case of death, permanent disability, removal from office, or resignation of the President, the Vice President for Administration shall become the President to serve the unexpired term until a new President through special elections has been elected. Provided that the unexpired term is not less than three (3) months before General Elections.
In case of vacancy, a special election shall be held for such positions.
An appointment by the President or any member of the SSC for other positions duly confirmed by the legislative branch may be made if the position is vacant three (3) months before a General Election.
Appointment to any vacancy shall be only for the unexpired term of the predecessor. In no case shall any member be appointed or designated in a temporary or acting capacity.
Section 1. Source of Funds
The fund of the BISCAST-SSC shall be composed of the BISCAST-SSC fee to be paid by all students and a membership fee to be paid by all incoming first-year students and transferees upon enrolment.
The BISCAST-SSC fee shall be Sixty Pesos (Php 60.00) to be paid by all students upon enrolment per semester. The membership fee shall be sixty pesos (Php 60.00) to be paid by all incoming first-year students and transferees.
The BISCAST-SSC fee and membership fee shall be collected by the Committee on Finance at the Supreme Student Council- Committee on Finance only. Issuance of an official receipt upon payment shall be necessary.
The amount collected by the council shall automatically be deposited at the Bank of the Philippines Islands - Caceres Branch whose official signatories shall be the SSC President, SSC Treasurer, and the SSC Adviser.
Section 2. Appropriation of Funds
No BISCAST-SSC funds shall be expended without the majority (50% plus 1) approval of the present voting members of the House of Representatives or by the SSC President. Expenditure reports shall be presented to the House of Representatives by the SSC Treasurer during House of Representatives meetings.
All budget requests for any project, program, or other expenditure of the BISCAST-SSC shall be presented by the SSC Treasurer to Congress for approval unless otherwise specified in this Constitution and By-laws.
Upon majority (50% plus 1) approval of the present voting members of the House of Representatives, a petty cash fund may be established for the BISCAST-SSC Executive Branch which is under the SSC President’s discretion. The amount and duration of the fund shall be determined by Congress.
The semestral fund for the House of Representatives shall be 10% of all the funds of the BISCAST-SSC in a semester. The allocation of the fund shall be for things that are necessary for House of Representatives businesses only. The fund allocation and approval of disbursement shall be left to the discretion of the Speaker of the House.
Section 1. Norms of Conduct. Every student leader shall observe the following as standards of personal conduct in the discharge and execution of official duties:
Nationalism and patriotism. Every student leader shall at all times be loyal to the Republic and the Filipino people. It shall be the duty of every student leader to show respect to our national flag as a symbol of our country. He/She must attend the flag-raising ceremony every Monday and the flag retreat scheduled every Friday afternoon.
Commitment to student interest. Every student leader shall uphold the interest of the students above all. Student leaders must at all times be accountable to the students, and serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency. It shall be the duty of every student leader to extend prompt, courteous, adequate service to the students, and uphold the Constitution.
Professionalism and excellence. Every student leader shall perform their duties with the highest degree of excellence, professionalism, and integrity. They shall enter their respective office with utmost devotion and dedication to duty. They shall endeavor to discourage negligence to duty.
Justice and equality. Every student leader shall remain true to the student body at all times. They shall act with justness and sincerity, provide service to everyone with a fair consideration, and shall not discriminate against anyone. At all times, they shall respect the rights of others and shall refrain from doing acts contrary to good morals, customs, and policy.
Active participation. Every student leader shall participate actively in school activities and civic matters for the development of the institution and community. They shall represent the BISCAST-SSC in local, national, and international out-of-campus activities.
Courtesy and discipline. Every student leader shall practice courtesy and discipline when dealing with school officials, faculty, employees, and fellow students. They shall practice the cleanliness and orderliness of the classroom, the surroundings, and the facilities. Further, they shall also strive for academic excellence and abide by the school regulations pertaining to their responsibilities
Section 2. Duties of Officials. In the performance of their duties, all student leaders and their respective offices are under obligation to:
Act promptly on letters and requests. Every student leader and their respective offices shall, within seven (7) working days from receipt thereof, respond to letters and other means of communication sent by other offices and students.
Process documents and papers expeditiously. All official documents and papers must be processed and completed within a reasonable time from the preparation thereof. In the absence of duly authorized signatories, the official next-in-rank or officer in charge shall sign for and on their behalf.
Section 3. Prohibited Acts and Violation. The following shall constitute prohibited acts.
Financial or material interest. Officials shall not, directly or indirectly, have any financial or material interest in any transaction requiring the approval of their office.
Disclosure or misuse of confidential information. Officials shall not use or divulge confidential or classified information officially known to them by reason of their office and not made available to the public either.
Any executive and legislative officials who violate the provision of the Constitution and Bylaws and misconduct shall be subjected to disciplinary proceedings.
Every official subject to disciplinary proceedings shall have the right to be heard and to present evidence on his behalf before an impartial body.
The presumption of innocence shall be observed. He shall be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. If proven guilty, he/she shall be removed from office.
The legislative branch shall have the exclusive power to initiate all cases of impeachment. They shall promulgate its rules on impeachment to effectively carry out the purpose of this section.
A verified complaint about impeachment may be filed by any student or any member of the Congress upon a resolution of endorsement by any member which shall be included in the order of business. Thereafter, the Congress shall submit and report the corresponding resolution of the complaint.
A vote of at least one-third (⅓) of all the members of the Congress shall be necessary either to affirm a favorable resolution with the impeachment or override its contrary resolution. The vote of each member shall be recorded.
No impeachment proceedings shall be initiated against the same official more than once within a period of one year.
Judgment in cases of impeachment shall not extend further than removal from office and disqualification to hold any office in the institution.
Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of this Constitution may be proposed by the legislative branch upon the agreement of three-fourths (¾) of all its members.
Section 2. Amendments to this Constitution may likewise be directly proposed by the students through initiative upon a petition of at thirty percent (30%) of the total number of bona fide students of the institution. No amendment under this Article shall be authorized within five years following the ratification of this Constitution nor often than once every five years thereafter.
Section 3. The legislative branch may, by a vote of two-thirds (⅔) of all its members, may call for a Student Constitutional Convention or Student Legislative Assembly provided that no such action shall be done twice a year for such purpose.
Section 4. The conduct and proceedings of the Constitutional Convention called for the purpose shall be determined by the Commission on Election and/or Special Judiciary Branch.
Section 5. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a special election which shall be held for the purpose and shall be effective fifteen (15) days after publication.
Section 1. If for any legitimate reason, any part or provision of this Constitution and Bylaws shall be held to be unlawful or invalid as contrary to the College Code, Vision, Mission, Goals, and Objectives, or the legitimate laws made by an authority superior to BISCAST-SSC, other parts of provision hereof which are not affected shall continue to be in full force and effect.
Section 1. The retroactive effect of this Constitution and Bylaws is prohibited.
Section 2. The incumbent BISCAST-SSC Officials shall continue to exercise legislative power until the first Student Government under this Constitution is convened.
Section 3. This Constitution will continue using the name of the institution - Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology until the full approval and transition to Southeast Asian University of Technology under RA 11585. Thereafter, the highest governing body shall be known as the Southeast Asian University of Technology-University Student Council or simply SEAUTech-USC.
Section 4. This Constitution shall take effect fifteen (15) days after the publication and posting on three (3) conspicuous places in the College, ratified by the majority of the student population in the General Student Legislative Assembly held for the purpose, and signed by the SUC President, shall supersede all previous Constitutions and By-laws governing the BISCAST-SSC.