Official Statement of the BUKLOD-UPLB on the GASC

BUKLOD-UPLB expresses elation at the passage of key amendments to the Codified Rules on Student Regent Selection which will ensure a more democratic and meritorious Student Regent selection.

We welcome the granting of individual votes to each student council in the selection of the Student Regent. We also welcome the inclusion of a minimum academic requirement in the criteria for Student Regent nominees, as well as the non-inclusion of the KASAMA sa UP in the
selection process. The passage of these amendments will help to ensure a more democratic and meritorious Student Regent selection.

However, in spite of these landmark amendments, BUKLOD-UPLB expresses intense dismay at the conduct of certain individuals, including the incumbent Student Regent himself at the General Assembly of Student Councils (GASC).

We condemn in the strongest terms possible the violations of parliamentary procedure and the ratified House Rules which led to a chaotic and disorderly GASC. We take specific exception to the inaction of the Student Regent in sanctioning some observers who were actually holding demonstrations while the session was ongoing and even had the audacity to demonstrate on the plenary floor; a direct violation of the house rule barring any observers from being on the
floor while the session is ongoing.

We take further exception to the repeated non-issuance of rulings by the Student Regent when the occasion called for such. As a result, the sessions were unnecessarily prolonged, thus wasting the financial resources and time of the delegates.

The most flagrant violation of all was committed by the Student Regent himself when he violated Section I of the House Rules which state that no session may be adjourned without the consent of the majority. Despite persuasions by the majority of the delegates to continue the
session, the Student Regent ignored their pleas and adjourned illegally and illegitimately, thus prompting the majority to conclude the GASC under a temporarily appointed presiding officer consistent with parliamentary procedure.

BUKLOD is one with other student councils and political formations in the advocacy for reforms in the selection of the Student Regent. The selection process must be democratic and absolutely free of any involvement of any political formation. The process must, however, not undermine the essence of student leadership: balance between one's academic obligations and serving one's constituents. No amount of mockery, insult, or childish name-calling shall deter us from
advancing this advocacy.

ISULONG ANG MAKABULUHANG REPORMA SA OSR!