UMak Student Congress replaces the USC Constitution & By-Laws
The revision of the Constitution and By-Laws of the University Student Council became a debatable issue last October 2023 due to the lack of legality and review from the student body.
After almost two years, the University of Makati 5th Student Congress, the highest policy-making body of the University Student Council (USC), has presented its proposed 2025 Constitution and By-Laws for the students of the University of Makati (UMak) through Resolution 2025-001: A Resolution Proposing a New Constitution to Revise and Supersede All Previous Student Constitutions in the University.
It aims to establish more straightforward guidelines for student governance, promote fairness, and protect students’ rights and interests. According to the UMak Student Congress, these changes are designed to foster a more inclusive and progressive environment for the student body.
One of the significant highlights in the reformed constitution is Article X, Section 5, which states: “The President, Vice President, and Executive Secretary are the Executive Officers elected by direct vote of all the students of different colleges, facilitated by the Commission on Student Election, and shall have the corresponding duties and responsibilities.” This revision replaces Article VII, Section 2 of the 2019 constitution, which limited the election of USC Executive Officers to a vote by the College Student Councils. Under the new proposal, all UMak students will have the right to elect their student leaders directly.
The refinement follows the 2023 controversy over the 2019 USC Constitution, which faced criticism for lacking a proper legal review and student body participation. To advance constitutional reform for fair student governance, the 5th Student Congress worked closely with the Commission on Student Elections (COSEL), the Student Judicial Council, and the USC, maintaining communication and respecting each other’s jurisdictions throughout the process.
A plebiscite to ratify the proposed 2025 Constitution is scheduled for February 24, 26, 27, and 28, 2025. At least 8,000 approval votes from bona fide UMak students are required to implement the new constitution. As of this writing, COSEL has not yet announced the voting modalities.
The UMak Student Congress encourages students to review both constitutions before voting. The documents can be accessed through the following links:
Proposed 2025 Student Constitution:
With the plebiscite approaching, students are urged to make an informed decision, as their participation will shape the future of student governance at the University of Makati.
Written by Alanis Kate Aguirre & Mica Ella Rivero
