Preamble

We, the bona fide Political Science Students of the Holy Cross of Davao College, unite our strength and force for the preservation of our rights and interests correlative with our duties and responsibilities, have agreed to establish an academic organization to be known as the Parliamentary League of Students in Politics (P-POL), which shall embody our aims and aspirations, mold our consciousness to become better rational individuals, and develop our skills and abilities as selfless servant leaders, together with our faith in the Almighty God, do hereby promulgate and pledge faithful obedience to this Constitution.

Chapter I: Constitution of Government

Article I. Name, Government, and Seal of the Organization

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be Parliamentary League of Students in Politics, hereinafter referred to as the P-POL for brevity. The organization may use the acronym P-POL in its publicity materials and issuances. The government of the P-POL shall be referred to as the Parliament.

The P-POL is a non-stock and non-profit service organization. Its principal office and business address shall be at the Holy Cross of Davao College, Sta. Ana Avenue, Davao City, Philippines.

Section 2. The form of government of the P-POL shall be in Parliamentary Democracy.

Section 3. The official seal of the P-POL shall be as follows:

The meaning of the official seal is described below:

a) The initials “PS” stand for Political Science.

b) The Latin phrase “Damnant Quod Non Intelligunt” means “They condemn what they do not understand.” It represents the diligence of the Political Science students for knowledge and learning. It calls on all the members of the organization to constantly challenge themselves in the pursuit of acquiring knowledge not only in the academe but in real life as well.

c.) The laurel wreath signifies the badge of victory, honor, and excellence of the P-POL and the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.

d) The red background of the coat of arms represents the strong faith of the Political Science students in the Almighty God grounded on the life and works of St. Thomas More who is the patron saint of the Political Science Program.

e) The fox and the lion symbolize the commitment of the Political Science students to embody bravery in words, thoughts, and deeds.

f) The yellow background of the Latin phrase “Damnant Quod Non Intelligunt” denotes the passion of the students to demonstrate and give high respect to virtue in their daily affairs.

Article II. Statement of Purposes and Principles

Section 1. The P-POL is the official academic organization of the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc. It is guided by the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church and governed by the existing laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Section 2. The P-POL is a parliamentary democratic organization founded on the principles of selfless servant leadership, dialogue, transparency, party discipline, probity, accountability, good governance, and service excellence.

Section 3. The P-POL exists to:

a) Enhance and apply the acquired knowledge of its members in the art of politics and leadership to shape them to become effective agents of social transformation.

b) Promote student engagement and empowerment through dialogue, civic involvement, cooperation, collaboration, and social volunteerism within and outside the school community.

c) Establish a sense of community where members commune with one another and are united in realizing their individual and shared interests.

d) Help the academe articulate and uphold its core values explicit and discernible in the Vision, Mission, and Goals Statement.

e) Provide necessary assistance and representation to its members on matters concerning their fundamental rights and academic freedom in the institution consistent with existing laws, school policies, and regulations.

f) Expand the knowledge and participation in politics of its members through extracurricular engagement to improve the quality of life, strengthen communities, and attain social justice.

Section 4. The P-POL shall strive to:

a) Pursue a policy that shall cultivate moral uprightness and critical thinking without impairing public morals, public safety, public health, and the general welfare of the people.

b) Guarantee full respect for the dignity and worth of all its members and promote equitable and fair opportunity for all regardless of gender, religion, academic status, race, and citizenship.

c) Uphold the principles of parliamentary democracy, in which authority resides in and emanates from the Members of Parliament.

d) Protect, respect, and promote the fundamental rights and freedoms of all students.

e) Develop social and political awareness, and instill national consciousness among its members.

f) Prioritize the growth and development of its members in physical, intellectual, psychological, moral, and spiritual aspects for the fulfillment of its raison d’etre.

Article III. Membership

Section 1. Composition. All students enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science shall comprise the membership of the PPOL. Membership in the organization is part and parcel of the academic obligation of every Political Science student with the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.

Section 2. Member in Good Standing. A member in good standing is one who complies faithfully with all the duties and obligations of a member. Every member is duty-bound to contribute to achieving the present and future endeavors of the Parliament.

Section 3. Termination of Membership. Membership shall terminate automatically upon separation from the program or the roll of undergraduate students of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., and/or expulsion under the provisions of the school’s policies and regulations.

Section 4. Membership and Renewal Fees. A new member shall pay P50.00 as a membership fee and an old member shall pay P25.00 as a renewal fee every semester. The membership fee may be increased, as may be provided by an ordinance or direct motion duly approved by the Parliament.

Section 5. Monthly Dues. A monthly due of P10.00 shall be collected from every member of the P-POL every semester, which may be increased within the first month of every semester as may be provided by an ordinance or direct motion duly approved by the Parliament.

Section 6. Contributions. The P-POL may raise funds for its programs and activities through contributions from its members, provided that, it is consistent with the will of the majority and subject to the auditing ordinance and guidelines of the Parliament.

Article IV. Organizational Structure

Article V. Organs of the Parliament

Section 1. The principal organs of the Parliament shall be the Parliamentary Assembly, the Secretariat, the Economic Assembly, and the Judicial Assembly. Each organ shall be headed by an elected official and composed of appointed Cabinet Ministers.

Section 2. The Parliamentary Assembly. The Parliamentary Assembly shall be the principal deliberative organ of the Parliament to discuss organizational matters and formulate ordinances, resolutions, policies, and programs for the collective benefit of the organization.

The Members of Parliament shall be appointed by the Prime Minister either as Chairpersons or Members of any of the following Standing Committees:

2.1 Academic Affairs;

2.2 Social and Cultural Affairs;

2.3 Policy, Research, and Public Opinion;

2.4 Election;

2.5 Finance and Audit;

2.6 Constitutional Reforms;

2.7 Parliamentary Rules and Procedures;

2.8 Public Relations;

2.9 Ethics and Discipline; and

2.10 Legislation and Codes.

A Political Science student, who is an elected or appointed officer of the Supreme Student Government or any organization duly accredited by the school, can be appointed to become a Member of a Standing Committee.

During extraordinary circumstances, the elected and appointed officers of the organs of the Parliament can also be appointed to become a Member of a Standing Committee.

Section 3. The Secretariat. The Secretariat, which is directly responsible to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Assembly Speaker, shall comprise an elected Minister-General and assisted by an appointed Minister of Communication and a Minister of Publication and Records. It shall be the administrative and clerical organ of the Parliament tasked to draft and publish official correspondences, document official activities, safekeep the records of the Parliament, and perform other related functions.

Section 4. The Economic Assembly. The Economic Assembly shall be supervised by an elected Chief Economic Minister and assisted by an appointed Deputy Chief Economic Minister and an appointed Associate Economic Minister. It shall supervise the financial matters of the organization.

Section 5. The Judicial Assembly. The Judicial Assembly shall be composed of an elected Chief Jurist, an appointed Associate Jurist for Legal Affairs, and an appointed Associate Jurist for Parliamentary Rules and Procedures. It shall be vested with the judicial power to interpret and apply the provisions of this Constitution and all other parliamentary measures; render advisory opinions on all organizational matters; review the constitutionality of a measure, policy, or act of the Parliament prior to its adoption; and to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any organ or committee of the P-POL.

Article VI. The Parliamentary Assembly

Section 1. Legislative and Executive Powers. The legislative power shall be vested in the Members of Parliament who compose the Parliamentary Assembly. The executive power shall be vested in the Prime Minister.

Section 2. Functions and Powers. The Parliamentary Assembly shall exercise the following functions and powers:

2.1 Discuss any questions or any matters within the scope of this Constitution or relating to the powers and functions of any organs hereof;

2.2 Formulate policies and take action on any issues that may directly or indirectly affect the welfare of the Parliament;

2.3 Propose any ordinance, resolution, policy, or program for the collective benefit of the organization;

2.4 Pass an ordinance, resolution, or policy following the legislative process of this Constitution and the applicable rules therefor;

2.5 Repeal an ordinance, resolution, or policy adopted by the organization;

2.6 Initiate a vote of no confidence against any elected official of the Parliament;

2.7 Approve or disapprove the semestral or annual budget proposal submitted by the Economic Assembly;

2.8 Create Ad Hoc or Special Committees as may be deemed necessary to discharge specific functions;

2.9 Examine and review the financial status of the organization based on the Financial Report of the Economic Assembly;

2.10 Refer a particular organizational matter or issue to the appropriate Standing Committee for further action;

2.11 Raise any motion for the consideration of the Members of Parliament;

2.12 Assist the Prime Minister and/or the Deputy Prime Minister in the execution of an, ordinance, resolution, policy, or program;

2.13 Propose an amendment or revision to this Constitution

2.14 Establish a Commission on Appointments, composed of not more than five (5) members, to concur via a majority vote with the appointment of a Cabinet Minister to an organ of the Parliament; and

2.15 Perform other inherent and related functions and powers.

Section 3. The Prime Minister. The Prime Minister, who is elected via a majority vote by the Members of Parliament, is the overall head of the Parliament and the P-POL. He/she shall defend this Constitution and execute all ordinances, resolutions, policies, and programs of the organization.

Section 4. 4.1 Qualifications. No Member of Parliament can become a Prime Minister unless he/she is:

4.1.1 A bona fide Political Science student of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.;

4.1.2 Has a General Weighted Average of at least 2.5 or 85% from the immediately preceding semester;

4.1.3 A member in good standing of the organization;

4.1.4 Not an elected or appointed officer of any organization within the school;

4.1.5 Not engaged in full-time employment; and

4.1.6 Not convicted of any crime or violation of any law, decree, ordinance, or regulation by any court or tribunal.

4.2 Functions and Powers. The Prime Minister shall:

4.2.1 Enforce the provisions of this Constitution and the pieces of legislation passed by the Parliamentary Assembly;

4.2.2 Manage and supervise the activities of the PPOL;

4.2.3 Debate and speak on organizational matters, concerns, and issues during assemblies, meetings, or sessions;

4.2.4 Issue an Order, Proclamation, Memorandum, and other related issuances;

4.2.5 Appoint a member to fill in a vacant elective or appointive office in the Cabinet Ministry, subject to the concurrence of the Commission on Appointments;

4.2.6 Appoint or revoke the appointment of a Chairperson or Member of a Standing Committee for a just cause;

4.2.7 Revoke the appointment of a Cabinet Minister for serious misconduct and inability to perform efficiently the duties of his/her office;

4.2.8 Certify as urgent an ordinance, resolution, policy, or program for the immediate consideration of the Parliamentary Assembly;

4.2.9 Sign all documents and such other records on behalf of the P-POL;

4.2.10 Submit and deliver a report regarding the status of the P-POL during a General Assembly at the start and before the end of every semester;

4.2.11 Collaborate and coordinate with the other organs of the Parliament for the attainment of the purposes and principles of the organization;

4.2.12 Grant clemency to an officer or member who has been sanctioned for violating an ordinance;

4.2.13 Represent and act as the official spokesperson of the P-POL in its external affairs; and

4.2.14 Perform other functions inherent in his/her office.

Section 5. The Deputy Prime Minister. The Deputy Prime Minister is the second-highest-ranking officer of the Parliament elected via a majority vote by the Members of Parliament from the same political party of the Prime Minister.

Section 6. 6.1 Qualifications. No Member of Parliament can become a Deputy Prime Minister unless he/she is:

6.1.1 A bona fide Political Science student of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.;

6.1.2 Has a General Weighted Average of at least 2.5 or 85% from the immediately preceding semester;

6.1.3 A member in good standing of the organization;

6.1.4 Not an elected or appointed officer of any organization within the school;

6.1.5 A member who has already taken the major subject Parliamentary Rules and Procedures;

6.1.6 Not engaged in full-time employment; and

6.1.7 Not convicted of any crime or violation of any law, decree, ordinance, or regulation by any court or tribunal.

6.2 Functions and Powers. The Deputy Prime Minister shall:

6.2.1 Serve as the concurrent Assembly Speaker to preside over the General Assemblies, Meetings, and Sessions of the Parliament;

6.2.2 Perform the duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister in the latter’s absence;

6.2.3 Appoint an Interim Assembly Speaker in his/her absence or if he/she is performing the duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister;

6.2.4 Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister if the latter is removed through a vote of no confidence or has resigned from office;

6.2.5 Appoint the Deputy Prime Minister/Assembly Speaker, subject to the concurrence of the Parliamentary Assembly, if he/she assumes the duties and responsibilities of the Prime Minister;

6.2.6 Recommend and endorse to the Prime Minister a potential appointee for a Cabinet Ministry or Standing Committee;

6.2.7 Collaborate and coordinate with the other organs of the Parliament for the attainment of the purposes and principles of the organization;

6.2.8 Review and examine the documents and such other records under the custody of the Secretariat;

6.2.9 Assist the Prime Minister in the execution of an ordinance, resolution, policy, or program;

6.2.10 Conduct a seminar and workshop about Parliamentary Rules and Procedures among the members and officers of the Parliament;

6.2.11 Advise the Prime Minister on organizational matters requiring immediate attention or action;

6.2.12 Ensure the orderly conduct of the General Assemblies, Meetings, or Sessions of the organization; and

6.2.13 Perform other functions inherent in his/her office or as may be delegated by the Prime Minister or the Parliamentary Assembly.

Section 7. Members of Parliament. The Members of Parliament shall:

7.1 Exercise the legislative power and compose the Parliamentary Assembly;

7.2 Attend and actively participate in the activities, meetings, and other events of the P-POL;

7.3 Propose an ordinance, resolution, policy, or program to the Parliamentary Assembly;

7.4 Uphold and embody the core values of the Political Science Program and the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.;

7.5 Defend and protect this Constitution and abide by the rules and regulations of the organization;

7.6 Settle financial obligations on time;

7.7 Adopt rules that shall govern the passage of an ordinance, resolution, or policy;

7.8 Occupy a Cabinet Ministry or a Standing Committee and perform the duties and responsibilities thereof;

7.9 Comply with the academic policies and guidelines of the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication and the Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Program; and

7.10 Perform such other functions inherent in the Parliamentary Assembly.

Section 8. Standing Committees. The following Standing Committees shall be composed of one (1) Chairperson and at least two (2) Members, all of whom are appointed by the Prime Minister:

8.1 Academic Affairs. The Committee on Academic Affairs (CAA) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on the academic, co-curricular, and extra-curricular activities and policies of the Parliament.

8.2 Social and Cultural Affairs. The Committee on Social and Cultural Affairs (CSCA) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on social and cultural affairs, programs, policies, and priorities.

8.3 Policy, Research, and Public Opinion. The Committee on Policy, Research, and Public Opinion (CPRPO) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on current and developing social, political, cultural, and economic issues in the country and around the world.

8.4 Election. The Election Committee (EleCom) shall have original jurisdiction to hear and decide election cases, administer the entire election process, and provide such other election guidelines as may be deemed necessary and practical to ensure the orderly conduct of the Parliamentary Elections.

8.5 Finance and Audit. The Committee on Finance and Audit (CFA) shall work closely with the Economic Assembly in supervising the economic aspects of the organization. It shall have exclusive jurisdiction on any proposal to lessen, increase, or create new fees. It shall prescribe the guidelines to audit the financial expenditures of the Parliament.

8.6 Constitutional Reforms. The Committee on Constitutional Reforms (CCR) shall have exclusive jurisdiction to accommodate a proposal to amend or revise this Constitution. It shall prescribe such other policies to effectively discharge its duties.

8.7 Parliamentary Rules and Procedures. The Committee on Parliamentary Rules and Procedures (CPRP) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on any proposal to amend or revise the Rules of Order of the Parliament.

8.8 Public Relations. The Committee on Public Relations (CPR) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on any proposal to affiliate the Parliamentary League of Students in Politics with any legitimate organization outside the academe. It shall be vested with the authority to establish meaningful linkages with the alumni, school offices, and other academic and nonacademic organizations, subject to school policies and such limitations that may be imposed by the Prime Minister.

8.9 Ethics and Discipline. The Committee on Ethics and Discipline (CED) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on any proposal to formulate the Code of Ethics and the power to recommend sanctions to be imposed upon an erring member or officer. It shall also provide technical support to the Judicial Assembly on litigations concerning membership, election, and violations of this Constitution and other rules and regulations of the organization. 8.10 Legislation and Codes. The Committee on Legislation and Codes (CLC) shall have exclusive jurisdiction on any proposal to amend, revise, repeal or codify an ordinance, resolution, or policy.

Section 9. Legislative Process. Unless raised through a direct motion, the following legislative process shall be observed to pass an ordinance, resolution, policy, or program, subject to such rules as may be provided by the Parliamentary Assembly:

9.1 An elected or appointed officer will file a proposed measure (e.g., ordinance, resolution, policy, or program) to the Secretariat;

9.2 The Secretariat will examine the substance of a proposed measure and endorse the same with registry number to the appropriate Standing Committee or Joint Legislative Committee, where the subject of the proposed measure falls on more than one (1) committee, for its consideration and appropriate action;

9.3 The Committee, together with the principal author or co-authors, shall study and improve the substance of a proposed measure;

9.4 At the discretion of the Committee, it may conduct a committee hearing and consider the comments and recommendations of the resource persons who have substantial interests in a proposed measure;

9.5 Subsequently, the Committee shall endorse the amended or revised version to the Judicial Assembly for review. The Judicial Assembly shall review the constitutionality thereof and submit its advice and recommendations to the Committee where the amended or revised version originated from;

9.6 Thereafter, the Committee shall incorporate the recommendations and refer the reviewed version to the Secretariat for the plenary deliberation;

9.7 During the plenary deliberation, the Prime Minister, principal author, or co-authors of the proposed measure should raise a motion to discuss and adopt the reviewed version via a majority vote of the elected and appointed officers of the Parliament present in the session;

9.8 If the reviewed version of the proposed legislation is adopted, the Prime Minister shall certify and affix his/her signature thereon. If it is not adopted, the Prime Minister may raise a motion to reconsider it via 2/3 vote of those who are present in the session;

9.9 The Secretariat shall keep a copy of the adopted legislation and furnish the Office of the Prime Minister and the Judicial Assembly; and

9.10 The Secretariat shall publish a copy of the adopted legislation on the official platforms of the Parliament.

Article VII. The Secretariat

Section 1. Composition. The Secretariat shall be the administrative and clerical organ of the Parliament. It shall be composed of an elected Minister-General and his/her appointed Cabinet Ministers, i.e., a Minister of Communication and a Minister of Publication and Records.

Section 2. Qualifications. No Member of Parliament can be elected or appointed to become an officer of the Secretariat unless he/she is:

2.1 A bona fide Political Science student of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.;

2.2 Has a General Weighted Average of at least 2.7 or 83% from the immediately preceding semester;

2.3 A member in good standing of the organization;

2.4 Not an elected or appointed officer of any organization within the school; and

2.5 Not convicted of any crime or violation of any law, decree, ordinance, or regulation by any court or tribunal.

Section 3. Manner of Election and Appointment. The Minister-General shall be elected via a majority vote by the Members of Parliament during the Parliamentary Elections. He/she should be a nominee of a political party established by this Constitution before he/she can file his/her certificate of candidacy to the Election Committee.

The Minister of Communication and the Minister of Publication and Records shall be appointed by the Prime Minister upon the concurrence of the Commission on Appointments of the Parliamentary Assembly.

All officers of the Secretariat shall be accountable to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Assembly Speaker in particular and the Parliament in general.

Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the officers of the Secretariat are enumerated below:

4.1 Minister-General. The Minister-General shall:

4.1.1 Manage and supervise the affairs of the Secretariat;

4.1.2 Prepare the agenda of every General Assembly, Meeting, or Session;

4.1.3 Determine the presence of quorum in every General Assembly, Meeting, or Session;

4.1.4 Examine the substance of a proposed measure and endorse the same with registry number to the appropriate Standing Committee or Joint Legislative Committee;

4.1.5 Provide administrative and/or technical assistance to any organ or committee of the Parliament;

4.1.6 Serve as one of the administrators of the email address and social media accounts of the P-POL;

4.1.7 Serve the notices to the elected and appointed officers of the Parliament;

4.1.8 Prepare and draft the correspondences of the P-POL;

4.1.9 Draft and review the Minutes of the Meeting and other pertinent records; and

4.1.10 Perform such other functions that may be delegated to him/her by the Prime Minister or the Deputy Prime Minister/Assembly Speaker.

4.2 Minister of Communication. The Minister of Communication shall:

4.2.1 Assist the Minister-General and the Minister of Publication and Records in the performance of their duties;

4.2.2 Prepare and finalize the Minutes of the Meeting and other pertinent records;

4.2.3 Cause the dissemination of notices, documents, and other pertinent issuances to the elected and appointed officers of the Parliament;

4.2.4 Advise the Minister-General on administrative matters needing immediate action; and

4.2.5 Perform such other functions that may be delegated by the Minister-General.

4.3 Minister of Publication and Records. The Minister of Publication and Records shall:

4.3.1 Provide assistance to the Minister-General and the Minister of Communication in the performance of their duties;

4.3.2 Cause the publication of notices, documents, and other issuances on the official platforms of the organization;

4.3.3 Safekeep all official records and documents of the P-POL;

4.3.4 Create a database and repository of official records and documents; and

4.3.5 Perform such other functions that may be assigned by the Minister-General.

Article VIII. The Economic Assembly

Section 1. Composition. The Economic Assembly shall be the principal financial and economic organ of the Parliament. It shall be composed of an elected Chief Economic Minister and his/her appointed Cabinet Ministers, i.e., a Deputy Chief Economic Minister and an Associate Economic Minister.

Section 2. Qualifications. No Member of Parliament can be elected or appointed to become an officer of the Economic Assembly unless he/she is:

2.1 A bona fide Political Science student of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.;

2.2 Has a General Weighted Average of at least 2.7 or 83% from the immediately preceding semester;

2.3 A member of the organization in good standing;

2.4 Not an elected or appointed officer of any organization within the school; and

2.5 Not convicted of any crime or violation of any law, decree, ordinance, or regulation by any court or tribunal.

Section 3. Manner of Election and Appointment. The Chief Economic Minister shall be elected via a majority vote by the Members of Parliament during the Parliamentary Elections.

He/she should be a nominee of a political party established by this Constitution before he/she can file his/her certificate of candidacy to the Election Committee.

The Deputy Chief Economic Minister and the Associate Economic Minister shall be appointed by the Prime Minister upon the concurrence of the Commission on Appointments of the Parliamentary Assembly.

All officers of the Economic Assembly shall be accountable to the Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister/Assembly Speaker in particular and the Parliament in general.

Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities. The duties and responsibilities of the officers of the Economic Assembly are enumerated below:

4.1 Chief Economic Minister. The Chief Economic Minister shall:

4.1.1 Be the official Financial and Economic Officer of the Parliament;

4.1.2 Prepare the annual or semestral budget of the Parliament;

4.1.3 Oversee the economic aspects of the P-POL including but not limited to, the collection, auditing, disbursement, and safeguarding of funds;

4.1.4 Prepare and deliver the Economic and Financial Semestral Report for the Parliament;

4.1.5 Keep detailed records of all expenditures of the organization;

4.1.6 Advise the Prime Minister on the financial status and needs of the P-POL; and

4.1.7 Perform such other functions inherent in his/her office.

4.2 Deputy Chief Economic Minister. The Deputy Chief Economic Minister shall:

4.2.1 Assume the duties and responsibilities of the Chief Economic Minister in the latter’s absence;

4.2.2 Assist the Chief Economic Minister in the performance of his/her duties and responsibilities; and

4.2.3 Perform such other functions that may be delegated by the Chief Economic Minister.

4.3 Associate Economic Minister. The Associate Economic Minister shall:

4.3.1 Provide assistance to the Chief Economic Minister and the Deputy Chief Economic Minister in the performance of their duties;

4.3.2 Conduct a semestral forecast of the financial needs and requirements of the organization; and

4.3.3 Perform other duties and functions that may be assigned by the Chief Economic Minister.

Article IX. The Judicial Assembly

Section 1. Judicial Power. The judicial power is vested in the Judicial Assembly, which is the judicial organ of the Parliament tasked to interpret the provisions of this Constitution and all other parliamentary measures; render advisory opinions on all organizational matters, either motu propio or upon receipt of a formal request from any organ or committee of the Parliament; review the constitutionality of a measure, policy, or act of the Parliament prior to its adoption; and to determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any organ or committee of the P-POL.

Section 2. Composition. The Judicial Assembly shall be composed of an elected Chief Jurist and his/her appointed Cabinet Ministers, i.e., an Associate Jurist for Legal Affairs and an Associate Jurist for Parliamentary Rules and Procedures.

Section 3. Qualifications. No Member of Parliament can be elected or appointed to become an officer of the Judicial Assembly unless he/she is:

3.1 A bona fide Political Science student of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc.;

3.2 Has a General Weighted Average of at least 2.5 or 85% from the immediately preceding semester;

3.3 A member in good standing of the organization;

3.4 A member who has already taken the major subject Parliamentary Rules and Procedures;

3.5 Not an elected or appointed officer of any organization within the school; and

3.6 Not convicted of any crime or violation of any law, decree, ordinance, or regulation by any court or tribunal.

Section 4. Manner of Election and Appointment. The Chief Jurist shall be elected via a majority vote by the Members of Parliament during the Parliamentary Elections. He/she should be a nominee of a political party established by this Constitution before he/she can file his/her certificate of candidacy to the Election Committee.

The Associate Jurist for Legal Affairs and the Associate Jurist for Parliamentary Rules and Procedures shall be appointed by the Prime Minister upon the recommendation of the Chief Jurist and the concurrence of the Commission on Appointments of the Parliamentary Assembly.

All officers of the Judicial Assembly shall be accountable to the Parliament.

Section 5. Functions and Powers. The Judicial Assembly, sitting en banc, shall:

5.1 Adopt its Code of Internal Procedures and Judicial Rules;

5.2 Interpret and apply the provisions of this Constitution and the ordinances, resolutions, and policies of the Parliament;

5.3 Render advisory opinions on all organizational matters, either motu propio or upon receipt of a formal request from any organ or committee of the Parliament;

5.4 Review the constitutionality of a measure, policy, or act of any organ or committee of the Parliament prior to its adoption;

5.5 Determine whether or not there has been a grave abuse of discretion amounting to lack or excess of jurisdiction on the part of any organ or committee of the P-POL;

5.6 Rule on motions for reconsideration and appeals from any officer, member, committee, or organ of the Parliament within a reasonable period;

5.7 Review, sustain, modify, or reverse, if warranted, an election case appealed by a petitioner and decided with finality by the Electoral Tribunal;

5.8 Prescribe judicial doctrines that shall set the limits of powers of the organs of the Parliament;

5.9 Participate in all activities and affairs of the organization; and

5.10 Exercise such other functions and powers inherent in the Judicial Assembly within the purview of this Constitution.

Article X. The Moderator

Section 1. The Parliamentary League of Students in Politics shall have a Moderator from among the Faculty Members of the Political Science Program.

Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities. The Moderator shall:

2.1 Serve as the adviser of the organization;

2.2 Oversee the activities conducted by the P-POL;

2.3 Attend all meetings and activities of the organization;

2.4 Check the financial condition of the organization;

2.5 Maintain a good relationship with the members and officers of the organization;

2.6 Be impartial and independent in dealing with intra-organizational conflicts and issues; and

2.7 Exercise other incidental functions germane to the position.

Article XI. General Assemblies, Meetings, and Sessions

Section 1. General Assembly. A General Assembly is a meeting conducted online, face-to-face, or a combination of both of all the organs of the Parliament.

There shall be at least two (2) General Assemblies conducted per semester. The schedule shall be fixed by the Prime Minister and the other elected officers.

A notice stating the agenda, date, time, and place of the General Assembly shall be disseminated by the Secretariat at least three (3) days before the conduct thereof.

No General Assembly can be conducted without a quorum and due notice to the elected and appointed officers of the Parliament.

Section 2. Meeting. A meeting, which can be either regular or special, is a gathering of a specific organ/s or committee/s of the Parliament to discuss and decide a subject matter within the scope of its/their mandate under this Constitution.

A notice stating the agenda, date, time, and place of the meeting shall be disseminated by the Secretariat upon consultation with the concerned organ/s or committee/s.

The presence of the Chairperson/s and Member/s of the concerned organ/s or committee/s shall constitute a quorum of a meeting.

Section 3. Session. A session is a meeting or series of meetings of the Parliamentary Assembly to transact business. This includes but is not limited to the exercise of its functions and powers under Article VI, Sections 2 and 7 of this Constitution.

Unless otherwise fixed by the Prime Minister, a session shall be conducted every Tuesday and/or Thursday during the activity period.

A majority of all the members of the Parliamentary Assembly shall constitute a quorum in every session. No session shall be conducted without prior notice.

Section 4. Decorum. Once the Assembly Speaker calls to order an assembly, meeting, or session, all elected and appointed officers of the Parliament shall observe decorum.

Anyone who violates the rule on decorum shall be given a warning by the Assembly Speaker. On the third warning, the Assembly Speaker shall submit the name of the elected or appointed officer to the Committee on Ethics and Discipline for the imposition of the appropriate sanction.

Section 5. Absences. The failure of an officer or member to attend an assembly, meeting, session, or any activity organized by the Parliament shall constitute an absence.

5.1 Excused absence/s. An officer or member is considered excused from an assembly, meeting, session, or any activity if he/she has submitted a prior notice to the Secretariat or the Moderator.

5.2 Unexcused absence/s. An officer or member is considered unexcused from an assembly, meeting, session, or any activity if he/she has not submitted a prior notice to the Secretariat or the Moderator. Unexcused absence/s shall be sanctioned, as may be provided by an ordinance or upon agreement of all the organs of the Parliament.

Section 6. Tardiness. An officer or member who arrives fifteen (15) minutes after an assembly, meeting, session, or any activity has officially commenced shall be considered tardy. Tardiness shall be sanctioned, as may be provided by an ordinance or upon agreement of all the organs of the Parliament.

Article XII. Rules of Order

Section 1. Parliamentary Authority. The Parliament shall adopt the Robert’s Rules of Order in the conduct of its assemblies, meetings, and sessions. Unless the procedural rules prescribe, the Parliament may conduct its assembly, meeting, or session conventionally.

Section 2. Motion. A motion introduces a business to a body for its consideration. A main motion can only be made when there are no other pending motions. A main motion yields to the subsidiary, incidental, and privileged motions.

Section 3. Handling of a Motion. Following the order of precedence, no motion shall be disposed of unless a movant or proponent obtains the floor, raises a motion, and the same is duly seconded by a member, stated by the Assembly Speaker, debated by the participants, put into a question by the Assembly Speaker, voted upon by the participants, and the result and effect thereof are properly announced.

Section 4. Orders of the Day. Unless suspended or the procedural rules specify, the Orders of the Day shall be:

4.1 Reading and Approval of the Minutes of the Meeting

4.2 Reports of Officers, Organs, and Standing Committees

4.3 Reports of Special Committees (Select or Ad Hoc)

4.4 Special Orders

4.5 Unfinished Business and General Orders

4.6 New Business

Section 5. Fundamental Principles. The Parliament shall observe and comply with the following basic principles of the Robert’s Rules of Order in the conduct of its assembly, meeting, or session, subject to such limitations as may be provided by the procedural rules:

5.1 No member may speak until recognized by the Assembly Speaker.

5.2 When two or more members rise at the same time, the member whose name is first called by the Assembly Speaker shall be recognized.

5.3 No participant shall be recognized to speak while in seat.

5.4 All remarks and concerns must be addressed to the Assembly Speaker only. Cross debate is not permitted.

5.5 All participants of an assembly, meeting, or session shall observe civility, decorum, and professionalism.

5.6 All discussions must be relevant to the immediately pending question.

5.7 The debate must address issues not personalities. No one is permitted to make personal attacks or question the motives of other speakers.

5.8 Voting shall be by show of right hand, or as determined by the Assembly Speaker.

5.9 Voting shall not be interrupted, except on a question of quorum.

5.10 The participants shall address the Presiding Officer by his/her title (e.g., Mr. Assembly Speaker or Madam Assembly Speaker).

5.11 In all matters considered in, and by, the Parliament, the results of the voting on a particular motion shall prevail unless properly reconsidered in accordance with Parliamentary Rules and Procedures.

5.12 The Assembly Speaker shall observe independence, professionalism, and decency while presiding over a General Assembly, Meeting, or Session.

5.13 The Assembly Speaker must relinquish the chair to participate in a debate and cannot reassume the chair until the pending main question is disposed of.

5.14 The Assembly Speaker should let the floor alternate between those speaking for and against the motion.

5.15 The Assembly Speaker should ensure the presence of quorum before transacting business, introduce business in proper order and recognize speakers, employ unanimous consent when appropriate, maintain order and determine if a motion is in order, and put motions to a vote and announce the result and effect thereof.

Section 6. Order of Precedence. The Parliament shall adhere to the following hierarchy of parliamentary motions:

Article XIII. Elections

Section 1. Right to vote. The right to vote shall be exercised by all eligible Members of the Parliament unless disqualified by the Election Committee for a lawful cause.

The Election Committee shall issue a memorandum enumerating the grounds for disqualifying a member from exercising his/her right to vote.

Section 2. Election Committee. The Election Committee (EleCom) shall secure the sanctity of votes and administer the Parliamentary Elections. The composition of the EleCom established by this Constitution may be increased as may be deemed necessary by the Prime Minister. The EleCom has the discretion to seek the assistance of the school’s Commission on Elections in the conduct of the Parliamentary Elections.

Section 3. Omnibus Election Code. The EleCom shall have the power to enact an Omnibus Election Code, subject to the concurrence of the Parliamentary Assembly.

Section 4. Electoral Tribunal. The EleCom shall sit as an Electoral Tribunal where a candidate or political party files an election complaint against another during or after the Parliamentary Elections. Subject to such limitations as may be provided by an Omnibus Election Code, the Electoral Tribunal shall have the power to issue the rules governing the litigation of an election case and render its decision thereon in not more than three (3) days. An election case decided with finality by the Electoral Tribunal can be appealed by a petitioner before the Judicial Assembly.

Section 5. Candidacy. The filing and distribution of the certificate of candidacy shall commence at least one (1) week before the schedule of the Parliamentary Elections. The certificate of candidacy shall be distributed by and filed only to the eligible members of the EleCom.

The certificate of candidacy shall indicate that the person filing it is announcing his/her eligibility to run for an elective office with his/her signature affixed thereon. Any misrepresentation indicated on the certificate of candidacy shall disqualify a candidate.

Should a candidate withdraw his/her candidacy, the Party Leader should substitute him/her before the commencement of the campaign period.

Section 6. Publication of Official List of Candidates. The EleCom shall publish the official list of candidates immediately after the closing of the filing of the certificate of candidacy on the official platforms of the organization.

Section 7. Bi-Party System. No member shall be eligible to run for an elective office unless he/she is a nominee of either of the two political parties established by this Constitution.

The first political party shall be hereinafter named as “Partido Lakas ng Kabataan (Lakas Party).” The second political party shall be called “Partido ng Makabayang Kabataan (Makabayan Party).” The party names may be amended upon submission of a formal request to and subsequent approval of the EleCom.

Each political party shall determine its principles, purposes, ideologies, and programs of government.

Each political party shall conduct a Party Caucus, at least three (3) days before the filing of the certificate of candidacy, to nominate its candidates for the Parliamentary Elections.

Section 8. Campaign Period. The schedule of the campaign period shall be fixed by the EleCom.

Section 9. Miting de Avance. The EleCom shall determine the schedule of the Miting de Avance. It shall be participated by the candidates for the position of Prime Minister from each political party.

Section 10. Parliamentary and Special Elections. The EleCom shall fix the schedule of the Parliamentary Elections. The Parliamentary Elections can be conducted by ballot, online, or raising of hands, whichever is convenient and effective.

The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister shall be elected via a majority vote from the same political party. The Minister-General, the Chief Economic Minister, and the Chief Jurist shall be elected via a majority vote from either of the two political parties.

In case of failure to reach the majority vote for an elective office, the EleCom shall convene a Special Election.

Section 11. Creation of the Parliament. Immediately after the Parliamentary or Special Elections, the newly elected Prime Minister shall submit a List of Nominees for the Cabinet Ministries to the Commission on Appointments of the Parliamentary Assembly for its confirmation.

The Commission on Appointments shall deliberate upon receipt of the list and submit its letter of confirmation not later than the schedule of the Final Examinations.

After the confirmation, the Prime Minister shall issue a memorandum to notify the school community and the Parliament of the newly elected and appointed officers of the organization. They shall then take their oath of office before the Moderator of the P-POL.

Section 12. Dissolution of the Parliament. The Parliament shall be dissolved after the newly elected and appointed officers have taken their oath.

Section 13. Oath of Office. The newly elected and appointed officers shall take the following oath before the Moderator:

“I, (name), having been elected or appointed to the position of (state the position) of the Parliamentary League of Students in Politics (P-POL), do hereby solemnly pledge and swear, that I will conscientiously and faithfully discharge to the best of my ability the duties and responsibilities of my office; that I will uphold and defend the Constitution and bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I will obey and enforce the ordinances, rules and regulations, and policies of the P-POL; that I will actively participate and support all activities, programs, and projects that shall benefit the P-POL in general; and that finally, I shall impose this obligation upon myself voluntarily and without mental reservation or purpose of evasion. So, help me God.”

Section 14. Term of Office. All elected and appointed officers of the Parliament shall serve for one (1) academic year only, which shall begin after the oath of office and end after the dissolution of the Parliament.

Section 15. Vacancies. Except for the Standing Committees, the Prime Minister shall appoint a Member to fill in a vacant elective or appointive office, which shall take effect upon the concurrence of the Commission on Appointments.

Section 16. Transition of Functions and Powers. The incumbent officers shall extend the necessary assistance to ensure the orderly transfer and smooth transition of functions and powers to the newly elected and appointed officers.

Article XIV. Accountability

Section 1. All elected and appointed officers shall be accountable to the Parliament. They must serve the organization with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.

Section 2. Accountability of the Elected Officers. The elected officers of the Parliament can be terminated from office for graft and corruption, loss of trust and confidence, and other serious offenses through a vote of no confidence initiated by the Parliamentary Assembly.

To initiate a vote of no confidence against an elected officer, a motion of no confidence should be raised by an appointed officer. A majority vote of the Parliament shall be required to approve a motion of no confidence.

An approved motion of no confidence cannot be appealed nor reconsidered. A motion of no confidence cannot be initiated and raised more than three (3) times in a semester.

An elected officer removed from office through a vote of no confidence can be appointed to a Cabinet Ministry or a Standing Committee.

Section 3. Accountability of the Appointed Cabinet Ministers. An appointed Cabinet Minister of the Parliament can be removed from office upon revocation of his/her appointment by the Prime Minister for serious misconduct and inability to perform efficiently the duties of his/her office.

A Cabinet Minister removed from office shall be appointed to a Standing Committee.

Section 4. Accountability of the Appointed Officers of the Standing Committees. The Prime Minister can revoke the appointment of an appointed officer of a Standing Committee for a just cause.

Just cause refers to any of the following:

3.1 Willful disobedience to perform lawful orders;

3.2 Gross and habitual neglect of duties; or

3.3 Fraud or willful breach of the trust reposed on him/her by the Prime Minister.

A Chairperson or Member removed from a Standing Committee shall be reappointed by the Prime Minister to another Standing Committee.

Section 5. Any violation of the rule on decorum shall be dealt with by the Committee on Ethics and Discipline. Unexcused absence/s and tardiness during an assembly, meeting, session, or program organized by the organization shall be sanctioned as may be provided by an ordinance or upon agreement of all the organs of the Parliament.

Chapter II: Constitution of Liberty

Article I. Bill of Rights

Section 1. Every member of the P-POL has the right to invoke the rights, immunities, and privileges that he/she possesses from existing and future laws and those that can be found in the Philippine Constitution.

Section 2. Every member of the P-POL has the right to conduct scholarly research and to publish, discuss, and exchange findings and recommendations for the purpose of academic advancement.

Section 3. Every member has the right to be protected from any form of physical violence, cyber harassment, psychological and emotional abuse, sexual misconduct, discrimination, excessive fees, exploitation, involuntary servitude, violence, and cruel or inhumane punishment.

Section 4. No person shall be denied admission to the Political Science Program on account of his/her physical handicap, socioeconomic status, gender identity, and political or religious beliefs.

Section 5. The right to academic freedom of every member of the PPOL shall not be abridged, except in the interest of national security, public safety, public policy, or public health.

Section 6. Every member has the right to information and access to records.

Section 7. Every member has the right to representation in and through the P-POL. Section 8. Every member has the right to a balanced and healthful ecology.

Article II. Bill of Duties

Section 1. Every member has to respect, defend, and protect the Philippine Constitution, existing laws, rules, and regulations.

Section 2. Every member has the duty and obligation to respect and abide by the policies, rules, and regulations of the Holy Cross of Davao College, Inc., the College of Humanities, Social Sciences, and Communication, the Bachelor of Arts Program, and the Parliamentary League of Students in Politics.

Section 3. Every member has the duty to participate in all activities conducted by the P-POL.

Section 4. Every member has the duty to settle his/her financial obligations on time and respect the school authorities.

Section 5. Every member has the duty to cooperate in building a community that fosters recognition and respect of the inherent dignity of every person.

Chapter III: Constitution of Sovereignty

Article I. Transitory Provisions

Section 1. The Constitutional Committee and the succeeding officers of the Parliament shall conduct an orientation to all members of the organization about the contents of this Constitution.

Section 2. The incumbent Prime Minister and concurrent Chairperson of the Constitutional Committee shall have the power to issue an order to appoint the members of the Election Committee and set the date of the Party Caucus, filing of the certificate of candidacy, publication of the official list of candidates, campaign period, Miting de Avance, and the 2021 Parliamentary Elections.

Article II. Amendments or Revisions

Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be proposed in a General Assembly, or any meeting called for the said purpose by:

1.1 The elected officers of the Parliament upon a vote of two-thirds (2/3); or

1.2 The appointed officers of the Parliament upon a vote of at least one-fourth (1/4).

Section 2. The Committee on Constitutional Reforms, whose composition may be increased by the Prime Minister, shall convene to draft any amendment to or revision of this Constitution.

Section 3. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution shall be approved and ratified upon a majority vote of all bona fide Political Science students through an online platform, ballot system, or raising of hands.

Article III. Effectivity

Section 1. A copy of this Constitution should be made available to all Political Science students and the school community at large.

Section 2. If any provision of this Constitution is declared invalid, the remainder thereof shall not be affected.

Section 3. All orders or other issuances, or part thereof inconsistent with any of the provisions of this Constitution shall be repealed accordingly.

Section 4. This Constitution shall supersede all previous Constitutions.

Section 5. This Constitution shall take effect when approved and ratified by a majority vote of all bona fide Political Science students cast in a plebiscite.