Beyond green and yellow

Earlier this academic year, we were introduced to a revamped system in the highest student-governing body, the University Student Government, which was previously referred to as the University Student Council. Aside from its renaming come changes in functions and duties in student governance, which brings about a surplus of positions to uphold student welfare in the University. 

Now, we cannot deny that the authors of this Constitution only wanted the best for its students to progress as they vye for student inclusion and representation. But we may share the same thoughts: why the shift? In this governance that’s so-patterned to the proposed Federal system of government, even politicians in the Philippine government had to rethink, and rethink, whether the shift is feasible. Although it is important to note that the USG Constitution isn’t completely based off it.

I speak for everyone to say that at this time, we are all transitioning. One of the many imperatives of the shift to USG is that it comes along with the adjustments brought by the implementation of the K-12 program. It’s not just the University that has to suffer from the loss in effect of the drop in students for some time, but particularly students who had to, as they are expected, step up and take major roles in student organizations and governments.

It is my observation that, being in the frontlines of what’s going on in the University, we are faced with a problem: student governance is transitioning, they are not impeachable—which you may consider an excuse to fulfill their responsibilities. 

we may share the same thoughts: why the shift?

With that, it is, likewise, evident that student politics in the University is heating up, with the recent call for impeachment from the College of Liberal Arts and Communication Student Government to USG, which is actually a call for the highest body to improve and reassure Constitution enforcement.

It is also important to note, which has already been a vicious cycle passed from generations of student leaders, that as student leaders, they should be the one to  lead students in taking a stance on issues and not just merely followers of the system. We cannot blame them, however, as they are brought about by the circumstances to take over; they focus on the more vital issues such as constitutional provisions, event planning, etc. We didn’t vote for them after all. 

For that reason, everyone, in this incoming primary election, should head to the polling stations and (this time, with the opportunity to) vote—vote not solely basing off credentials and past achievements—but based on who they think is capable enough to actually “reinforce” the new Constitution.