May 19, 2014

USC 2014-2015 General Assembly

First Ikot USC – Kalayaan Residence Hall

Attendees Chairperson Arjay Mercado (present)Vice Chairperson JP delas Nieves (absent)

CouncilorsCouncilor Jamie Bawalan (arrives at 8:48pm)Councilor Jethro David (absent)Councilor Pola Lamarca (present)Councilor V Manalo (present)Councilor AJ Montesa (present)Councilor Miko Pangalanan (arrives at 6:58pm) Councilor Raymond Rodis (present)Councilor Reg Rodriguez (arrives at 8:20pm)Councilor Carl Santos (present)Councilor Walter Tamayo (present)Councilor Tolits Tanaka (present)Councilor Mench Tilendo (leaves at 9:07pm) College Representatives:Asian Institute of Tourism Rep. Tin Bactol (leaves around 9:20pm)College of Architecture Rep. Ralph Alba (present)College of Arts and Letters Rep. Yeye Corpus (absent)College of Business Administration Rep. Aaron Letaba (arrives at 8:48pm)College of Education Rep. Tricia Roxas (proxy arrives at 6:46pm)College of Engineering Rep. Cheryl Sy (leaves at 8:56)College of Engineering Rep. Leo Lobigan (absent)College of Fine Arts Rep. Patricia Non (arrives at 7:22pm)College of Home Economics Rep. Sarah Esguerra (absent)College of Human Kinetics Rep. Roi Marcial (leaves at 10:35 pm)College of Law Rep. Kei Garcia (present)College of Mass Communications Rep. Ben Opinion (leaves at 8:30) College of Music Rep. Gabby Tinio (present)College of Science Rep. Ryan Lintao (present)College of Social Sciences and Philosophy Rep. Allan Pangilinan (present)College of Social Welfare and Community Development Rep. Audrey Antoniano (present)National College of Public Administration and Governance Rep. Mikhail Solitario (present)School of Economics Rep. Baba Foronda (leaves at 10:43pm)School of Library and Information Science Rep. Chen Tan (leaves at --)School of Statistics Rep. IC Mendoza (present) 21 present as of roll call Absentees: 

1. VP delas Nieves2. Councilor David3. CAL Rep Corpuz4. Eng'g Rep Lobigan5. CHE Rep Esguerra

 Agenda: 

1. HIV 1012. Evaluation3. Parliamentary Procedure

4. Taskforce Orientation Preparation5. Grievance desk6. Stand-making on Bills 7. Calendaring

 General Assembly Proper Meeting officially started at 6:41pm. Agendum: HIV 101 educational discussion (6:41 pm) Discussed by Chairperson Mercado. Refer to PowerPoint Presentation.

Chair: asks the body whether it will be okay to carry the stand against mandatory HIV testing. Body: approves Motion to extend for 5 minutes: approved. Rep Sy: clarification on the mandatory testing issue.

Councilor Pangalangan arrives at 6:58pm Agendum: Evaluation (starts at --:--pm) Chair: Start with Gender events. First, IDAHOT. There were __ supporting organizations. Men's Football team released statement, clap for the College Reps for encouraging their organizations. Councilor Tanaka: yesterday was the international AIDS candle lighting memorial. PLHIVs came to give testimonies regarding discriminations, DOH reps and RITM reps shared information regarding HIV. There was also free HIV testing at the UHS, 41 went to the testing. Considering it’s a Sunday, this is an okay number although many called if there would still be available testing in the future. There were also performing orgs such as ALAY Sining, and UP Rep. There were also councils and orgs (CSSPSC and MBBSC) present as well. Lit 966 candles representing the number of HIV related deaths. Chair: are there concerns regarding the event? Councilor Tanaka:  CS Rep: kulang sa engagement in the event. Expressed concern regarding comments of some USC members during the distribution of condoms. Arki Rep: sana hindi plastic cups yung gamitin. Councilor Tanaka: noted  Chairperson: Next, evaluation of SR selection. Are there concerns? CMC Rep: good job to the USC members because they stayed until the end even if it ended late. Chair: Next, grievance desk. There were not as many questions or cases because most of the concerns were addressed in the FAQs, Freshies responded positively to the FOP. Many volunteers signed up: 200. Thank you to Cineastes for the FOP video. Also, good attendance of the USC in the FOP. On the Task Force Orientation - Councilors and committee heads, please prepare. Expected to invite from your own circles. Acknowledges presence of ACD chair in the GA. I will post a spreadsheet for course offerings for the midyear. College reps should fill it up. Calling out college reps to submit their assignments. CMC Rep: what will happen to college reps who are required in their colleges? Chair: Excused but selfie shots needed to comply with attendance.

 Agendum: Parliamentary Procedure Orientation (7:14 pm, ends at 9:14pm)

Law Rep: Introduction and explanation of Parliamentary Rules and Procedure. Why Robert Rule? General Robert in 1876. he created for his religious organization, then codified this rule for liberty in free speech.

1. Facilitate order2. Safeguard org's welfare against indi's members interests.3. To achieve impartiality and fairness in every undertaking of the org4. To promote freedom of speech

 BASIC Principles:EqualityMajority ruleMinority to be protectedSingularity of subjectFull and free debateMotion is voted uponGroup interest prevailsImpartiality of presiding officer Quorum - is that number or proportion of the members of an org which must be present at a particular meeting for the prg t legally transact. 50% plus 1 Order of Business: (must have house rules first)

1. Call to order2. Invocation (optional)3. Roll Call (Optional)4. Reading of the minutes of the previous meeting5. Reports of the standing comms6. Reports of the special comms7. Unfinished business8. New Business9. Announcements (optional)10. Adjournment

 Motions that are generally considered debatable (There is table vs house)

1. To postpone a matter2. To have further study on a matter3. To amend4. To intro new matter5. To reconsider

 Kinds of VOTEs:

Majority: (Must decide what kind of majority vote to use at the beginning of session)LegalTotal votesMembers present orAll the members

 PercentagePluralityUnanimous ***Abstain is a vote itself. Can be considered a yes vote to the status quo 

Method of Voting: Viva Voce Show of Hands By Rising Roll Call

General Consent (unanimous) Ballot Absentee Voting Cumulative

 ***The result must be announced to be official. Classes of MOTIONS:

Main Motion (priv, inci and subs can be made while there is a main motion)(See table for Main Motions Examples)  Privileged Motion (takes precedent before any other motion/questions) ***most privileged motion is undebateable***The chair can decide if there motion can be a privilege one(See table for Privileged Motions Examples)  Bring back motion Incidental motion (those that arise from another question/pending)(See table for Incidental Motions Examples)  Subsidiary motion (must be decided before main)(See table for Subsidiary Motions Examples)

  Point of INFORMATION-not an answer but a question, should not be disguised as a form of debate Point of Parliamentary INQUIRY-addressed to chair but for the speaker Point of PERSONAL PRIVILEGE-used to call attention to a violation of the rules or improper decorum Point of ORDER-pertain to person's right being hindered during the assembly, but only relative to the decorum of the body MAIN MOTION:Chair recognizes you, (except privilege, etc)Bring the motion to the assembly not to the chair. (manifestation then motion)Second or object (out of the table)Consideration of motion (manifestation, deliberations, debate, vote) Councilor Tanaka: Request for order and ask questionsCFA SC: Kung may speaker, sa chair pa rin ba ang recogniton?Law Rep: Yes.CFA SC: …  Councilor Lamarca on DECORUM in DEBATE:

Avoid personalities, relate with the topic being discussed. (In case of violation, cahir can ask the persoon to leave)

Confine oneself to questions before assembly Avoid using names of people but rather formally refer to the speaker or anyone being referred

to. If the remarks ae improper, must be stopped and speaker cant proceed Member can rise or take floor provided he rises with promptness after chair asks for motion.

(exception if it is a dilatory tactic) The chair should not recognize a member when someone has already taken the floor After question has been stated it is in the possession of the assembly to debate and motion can

no longer be amended or withdrawn.

 Econ Rep and Arki Rep on TIPS: (See PPT for full context)General Rule:

No member should be present if the motion us about him or her Silence means consent Questions... Abstentious... Motions are out… Abstentious… Motions… All persons…

 CFA SC asks questions re quorumLaw Rep answers… Councilor Rodriguez arrives at 8:20 pm ROLE PLAYING by the SLAAC members  Motion for Recess, seconded. 8:29pm CMC Rep leaves the GA: 8:30pm Recess ends at 8:44 pm Part II of 3rd Agendum is the Resolution making: Law Rep introduces the speaker, Mari Kris Guzman Councilor Bawalan and CBA Rep Letaba arrive at 8:46 from exam MK De Guzman: May be general or specific, it’s a policy statement. It is passed by the body. The speeches, debates and negotiations are supposed to lead to a resolution. There are 3 man parts: Heading, Pre-Ambulatory clauses (Whereas Clauses), Operative Clauses (include the 5 W, Who, what, where, when, why) Eng'g Rep Sy leaves the GA at 8:56pm 

Format of Resolution Writing: Number, Subject (list topic covered, one resolution for each topic), Preamble, Whereas (support information for the topic, may be as many, with one whereas clause containing one idea), Resolution clauses (Resolved that…state desired action as specific as possible. It is only a draft resolution until approved by the body)Amendments: friendly (everyone agrees on it) or unfriendly (there is a contention from the body. In the draft resolution will take note of the unfriendly amendments)

Effective Resolution: the resolution conveys the sense of the issue, provides an explanation, gives the reader enough background on the proposal.

Sample resolutions were shown There are two kinds of Operative clauses: Policy Resolves (agree to change the policy) and

Policy directives (specific action to be taken) Shows samples of resolutions with more operative clauses

 Councilor Tilendo leaves the GA at 9:07 pm Councilor Tamayo: asks a question on how to make use of the resolutions in the USC. MK: as the USC, you can use resolutions to support campaigns of other sectors... NCPAG Rep: its part of our local council rules that the SC should release resolutions. MK: has 2 proposals for the body. First, she invites the body to meet with the DSWD Secretary regarding any concern or issue that will interest the USC. Second, she also invites the body to participate in an IGP for the film Supremo. Goal of the film is to spread awareness on Bonifacio. Supremo is a a film which they are planning to bring to schools. For public schools, ticket price will be

P200. Possible to bring Alfred Vargas and family of Bonifacio to the film launch. The proposal is that the USC will sponsor the venue. In other schools, it is pegged like a movie for a cause. Chair: proposes that since MK submitted the proposal letter, WAM will consider it and be in charge of screening the film,. Law Rep leaves temporarily at 9:16pm Agendum: Stand-making on bills (start at 9:16 pm) Context: The Good Governance Committee will be proposing to the body 3 bills pending in the 16th Congress. If the body approves, the USC as an institution will support these bills and adopt them as part of its campaigns. Proposed Action Plan: EdRes will first explain the bill, using the primers distributed to the members. Then EdRes will present the arguments for and against the bill based on research. Then there will be an open forum. Discussion & Comments: Chair: AJ will discuss the issues for 15 min each  CSSP Rep leaves temporarily at 9:16, comes back at 9:19pm Councilor Montesa: gives a background on the Anti-Epal Bill. At any point in the discussion, the body is open to ask questions. "Epal" is a contraction of ma-papel. (Refer to primer given by the EdRes Community). Discusses the definition of terms: Epal, Public Officials, Public Works, Signage. Progress of Bill (SB54): it is pending at the Senate, but there are similar orders given by the executive departments. Note that last year, na-uso ang pag take ng photo of such public works and tagging the erring pub off's page on fb. 2 provisions: it is prohibited to place name or photo on any announcement of a future project, maintenance or reconstruction of a certain PW. Important word is "individual." Thus, it is allowed to affix the name of the agency. Another special provision involves the removal of existing signage within 3 months from the law's enactment. Penal provisions discussed. Arguments for the Anti-Epal Bill: Signage perpetuate patronage politics. It combats credit grabbing. These projects are funded by the people's taxes so individual politicians should not take credit. CBCP argues that we should be discreet with our accomplishments. Arguments against anti-epal bill: Give credit where its due. Recognition will make people feel that the government is working. Visibility - people will know who is working. making sure that people know who is in charge.  Chair: start the open forum (9:27pm) Are there questions? Student from CS - comments on the visibility argument. Chair: what bill are we referring to? Councilor Montesa:  Chair: let's start deciding on the principles of the bill. The provisions are very direct. Example, Leo puts his face in front of the grievance desk. This is not allowed. If the USC puts its logo, then this is allowed.  Councilor Santos: if a former government official installs this-- Chair: these will be taken out if the law is passed. Are there contentions on the principles behind the legislation? Clarifies that there is no specific bill being supported. Body approves. Law Rep: clarifies what is being approved? Chair: the principle na bawal ang name or photo. Let's go to the provisions. Are there contentions?

 Law Rep: perpetual disqualification is a grave enough penalty. Imprisonment is basic. What are the bills on this? Councilor Montesa: there are 4 similar bills filed Law Rep: maybe we should also recommend the addition of fines in the penal clauses. The idea is to use the personal funds of the politician to pay back the use of public funds. Moves to recommend the addition of fines in the penalty clause of the bill. Seconded. Councilor Tamayo: not comfortable that it is called Anti-Epal Bill. It seems so informal. Chair: bills usually have nicknames and formal names. Were you forwarding a motion? Tamayo: No, just a manifestation. NCPAG Rep: this is a way to laymanize the bill to make it appeal to the public since the term epal has been mainstreamed etc. If we're forwarding a bill such as this, then I think the name is suitable. Chair: Resolution is that the GG should provide the actual bill to be supported by the body. Let's approve? Body approves. CFA Rep: Suggestion to expose the "epal" polciticans. Chair: takes note of CFA Rep's suggestion. Councilor Montesa: the laws have been compiled, EdRes will share to the group. Chair: next is the Anti-Political Dynasty bill. Councilor Montesa: refers to two bills (by Santiago and ____) We'll use the consolidated version. Definition of terms (Political Dynasty) Many have filed but none of these were passed. Recently, HB 3587 was sponsored, Senate counterpart was tackled at the committe level. Background of political dynasties is discussed (Refer to the primer). Discussion on the provisions (it is an enforcement of the constitutional mandate, equal opportunity, social reform) Persons covered (refer to primer). Councilor Manalo: 2 questions. A person covered by this is only prohibited to run right after or simultaneously, right? And it prohibits only to the 2nd degree of affinity/cosanguinity, so how will this bill prevent political dynasties? If you have a first cousin with the same last name, it will still perpetuate the culture. Law Rep: it (the bill) also says nothing about being in different political parties? Councilor Montesa: No. Chair: clarifies that Councilor Montesa is not here to defend but only to explain the bills. Law Rep: Motion to extend discussion for 10 min.  Seconded. Councilor Montesa: continues discussions. Effect of Violation (process, COMELEC motu proprio or on verified petition by any citizen can have the candidate disqualified) Discusses the arguments. For the bill: monopoly of public resources. Discourages access to public office. Discussion on monopoly (there are barriers to enter the field) v competition (free entry and exit into the "market"). Perpetuates long stay in power through corruption. Defiance to the Constitutional mandate. Public office is treated as a family heirloom or business. Constitutional law is not self-executing so an

enabling law is needed. Culture of impunity - when there are dynasties, it is difficult to have checks and balances. Undemocratic. It perpetuates trapo, patronage. Against the bill: people should focus on the performance of the pub off so look at track record and not the family name. consistency and continutiy - long term projects are preserved through PD. Political stability. Dynasty as service - why punish people who work. Family - virtue, principle, establish rapport, training ground for the younger generations., principle of Vox populi, vox dei - voice of the people should be recognized. Banning political dynasties is not democratic. Chair: This is more complicated. Let's start with the definition which limits political dynasties to 2nd civil degree of consanguinity or affinity.  Law Rep: Discusses the concept of civil degrees of consanguinity or affinity. Chair: do we want to expand the definition? Manalo: I would like to expand the definition. For example, cousins with same family name. Philippine culture - close family ties, they can still work together as a dynasty. Law Rep: provisions against nepotism go as far as 4th. Makes a parallel argument for political dynasties. On the other side, she gets the compromise of using only a definition limited to 2 civil degrees. It was hard to pass the bill before when it included until the 4th degree since the people who will pass the bill will be prejudiced. Vox Populi Vox Dei is the heaviest argument against the anti-PD bill. 2nd civil degree minimizes the barriers for the democracy argument. But manifests that there is basis for the 4th civil degree definition as well. Manifests support for expansion of definition to 4th civil degree. CSSP Rep: Maybe our USC members from Law can help out. The Constitution contains a state policy against political dynasties which requires an enabling law, but also contains provisions for qualifications to run. The two seem to contradict each other. Law Rep: Direct response to CSSP Rep. the PD provision is in the State policies part of the consti which need enabling laws. The two are not necessarily contradicting. When an enabling law is made for the PD provision, these can impose limitations on the provision on qualifications which are not exclusive. Tamayo: POI to the Law Rep - if we put expand to the 4th civil degree it will complicate the matter for the implementing agency. Will not have complete information on the family line. Strengthens the argument on putting the limits. Law Rep: Direct response. 4th civil degree refers to first cousins. Discusses how to determine degrees of affinity. I would also like to amend my position such that we should also take into consideration political parties. What if two persons covered by the PD bill are in political parties with completely different ideologies? Chair: time's up. Motion to extend 5 minutes (By Councilor Tanaka). Seconded by Councilor Tamayo. Law Rep: just wants a reconsideration of political parties. Chair: is there an issue on 4th or 2nd? Councilor Tamayo: let's stay with 2nd. Councilor Lamarca: Manifests that this appears to be a debate on W/N to go with principle or strategy. We understand why the definition was limited to the 2nd civil degree because it was very hard to pass the bill when it was still using the 4th civil degree definition. But this is already a strategic decision on the part of the legislators. On the other hand, on principle, we also know that the 4th civil degree includes first cousins, and in Philippine culture, these are still strong family ties. They can still very well work as a dynastic family.  

Student from CS: if we argue on strategy, we will be arguing on the aspect of politics. If we wish to adopt this campaign, we should base on principle then just work hard to encourage people to support the campaign. NCPAG Rep: Is for using 4th civil degree definition. The argument on implementation can be remedied. Principles should take precedence over the strategy. Might as well aim high over setting the bar low. Law Rep: let's campaign for 4th civil degree. We can explain that hindi naman natin ito hinugot sa ere, that there is legal basis for using this definition. For instance, provisions on nepotism. How much more if in the context of political dynasties. Econ Rep: Point of Privilege, the topic for discussion is leading. We are already discussing whether or not it should be 2nd or 4th degree when we have not even discussed whether we agree with the essence of the bill or not, regardless of 2nd or 4th degree. Manifests that she is against the anti-PD bill. She believes track record should be the main basis for choosing candidates. NCPAG Rep: bad PDs severely outnumber the good ones. This is supported by studies.  Econ Rep: still stands by her position. Councilor Montesa: It is not just about individual political dynasties being bad for respective districts but the fact that PDs are bad for the democratic system. The family name already serves as a barrier to entry for other candidates who are not part of PDs. Means other aspiring candidates need to compensate in other areas such as resources. Existence of PDs as a detriment to democracy is manifested in the Constitution. CHK Rep: (before leaving the GA) CSSPSC has an event for the benefit of their varsities. USC is invited to make a team. Will post details in the group. Law Rep moves to divide the house on the motion to support an anti-political dynasty bill. Motion to Divide the House by Law Rep Garcia

Official Question/Proposal: On the motion to support an Anti-Political Dynasty bill

Vote by show of hands: Yes (20), No (1), Abstain (1) Decision: USC will support an anti-political dynasty bill. Chair: So the USC will support an anti-political dynasty billCS Rep: CHK Rep Marcial leaves the GA at 10:35 Chair: Motion to support 4th degree definition. Body approves. Chair: goes back to the manifestation of Law Rep regarding consideration of political parties. Law Rep: yes, let's consider the aspect of political parties. Would like to believe that legislators will not create a bill based solely on bloodline. If we do, we can consider extent of prohibition. For example, absolute prohibition for until 2nd degree but 3rd or 4th degree, political party affiliation can be considered. Chair: the idea here is that the difference in political parties should have a bearing. Councilor Tanaka: by considering the difference in political parties, natakakatok pa rin pakinggan, considering that the political party system is not strong. Can be used to circumvent the prohibition. 

Law Rep: concedes to this point. However, she thinks that the law should not prohibit based solely on bloodline. NCPAG Rep: Point of privilege. What we're trying to do here is to know the USC's stands on the principles. We can have a separate session focused on the specifics. Econ Rep leaves the GA at 10:43 pm CFA Rep: Chair: let's suspend the discussion on specifics but lets agree that we are for the bill. Body approves. Councilor Montesa: discusses the Political Party Development bill. Refer to the primer. Definition (political party, political turncoatism. Timeline - several house bills were filed. Consolidated into one house bill, and 2 senate bills. Discusses Background. Goals of the bill - transparency, incentivized through state funding, promote party loyalty and discipline. Encourage voters education through political parties. Process. Duties. Selection of candidates. (Refer to primer) Chair: time's up. Motion to extend for 7minutes. Seconded. Councilor Montesa: continues on nomination process. Effect of turncoatism, allowed political development acts (education, research, training of members, institution building, outreach), allowable expenses... Chair: time's up. Proposes that the bill will be uploaded to the group. Next session will be for questions from the body. Assumption that the USC members have read the bill by next meeting. NCPAG Rep: suggestion to EdRes and GG, if there are questions, should be raised already so the committees will be prepared.

Conclusion Body approves that the USC will support the Anti-Epal Bill. Body, by a division of the house, decides to support an anti-political dynasty bill. Body decides to suspend decision on The Political Party Development Act, a copy of which will

be uploaded to the group for the members' reference. Time will be allotted at the next GA for questions and discussion.

 Agendum: Calendaring (start at 11:05 pm) Chair: 7 minutes for each committee head to present for their committees during task force orientation. GASC - 26-27 May; Who will go from the USC? Hopefully there could be live stream or video. Taskforce orientation 21 May WAM Concert 31 May - please share! Also, those who have not submitted marketing proposals. Not a required event for the USC but WAM required. June 2-3 Grievance Desk, required to do 2 out of 4 shifts. LEARN convention June 2-4World Envi Day June 5 - tree walking, bird watching. Agrarian Reform Congress on June 6. Vinzons' Hall Renovation on the 14th. Councilor Lamarca: Still up for adjustment depending on agreement with Building admin and the WAM committee. Chair: Reminders, Sec: full minutes until present, MMC: brand book, Fin: committees which have not met with Fin for budgeting, College reps: assignments and course offerings  Agendum: Task Force Orientation (start at 11:14 pm)Councilor Rodriguez: discusses breakdown of volunteers Adjourn at 11:20pm

 

Important Reminders & Deliverables:

For Chair & Vice Chair :

For Councilors and College Reps: 

Sec Committee - full minutes for all GA's and semplanning until present, MMC - brand book, Committee Heads - Fin meeting for budgeting and presentation during the Taskforce

Orientation College reps: assignments and fill up gdocs for Mid-term course offerings

 Dates to Remember:

Taskforce Orientation, 21 May, 1pm Chair: 7 minutes for each committee head to present for their committees during task force

orientation. GASC, 26-27 May; Who will go from the USC? Hopefully there could be live stream or video. WAM Concert, 31 May - please share! Also, those who have not submitted marketing proposals. Grievance Desk for Mid-term Reg, 2-3 June LEARN convention, 2-4 June World Envi Day, 5 June 5 - tree walking, bird watching. Agrarian Reform Congress, 6 June. Vinzons' Hall Renovation, 14th June