Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution

Ratified: March 2019

Constitution of the Student Body Government

Of the Laboratory Senior High School of
Palawan State University
Puerto Princesa City
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Preamble
We, the Senior High School students of Palawan State University, imploring the aid of Divine Providence, in order to
establish a strong and firm Student Body Government, foster bonds of community strengthened by fairness, respect and
unity, uphold our ideals and commitments, instil within and amongst the students the values of excellence, service,
integrity, loyalty, peace and leadership, with liberty and equity to all, allegiance to the same and to the principles in
which it stands, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

Article I
Name and Domicile

Section 1. The name of this student government shall be known as the Student Body Government of Palawan State
University Laboratory Senior High School which shall hereinafter be referred as the Student Body
Government, as established by this constitution.

Section 2. The office of the Student Body Government shall be located at the Palawan State University, Tiniguiban
Heights, Puerto Princesa City.

Article II
Student Body Government Seal

Section 1. The Student Body Government shall have a seal that will embody the holistic character and principle of
the government it wishes to have.

Section 2. The seal shall be present on all documents of the Student Body Government and it must always appear
on the uppermost right side of a document. If the University seal is present, it shall be in the uppermost
left side.

Section 3. If the document represents the Student Body Government as a whole and if its purpose is to be used
within the offices of the University then the seal must be in the uppermost center. If the document is to
be used for external purposes then the Student Body Government seal must be at the uppermost right
corner with the University seal at the uppermost left corner.

Section 4. Composition of the Seal:

a. Yellow and Grey– the neutrality of these colors represents equality among all of Student
Body Government members.
b. Laurel Wreath – Represents honor and excellence in governance.
c. Torch- represents the ability of the Student Body Government to serve as a guiding light
for others and for the ability of education to serve as the beacon of light for the youth;
d. Clenched Fist - represents the firm hold of the Student Body Government officials to the
belief and principles of this constitution; it represents the unity of the Student Body
Government in achieving the goals of their organization.
e. Two stars- Represents the two strands of students in the Laboratory Senior High School

Section 5. Any document that bears the seal shall be an official document, it must not be used to incorporate any
personal affairs.

Section 6. Any individual who uses the seal without any authorization shall be charged administratively.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Article III
Declaration of Principles and Policies

Section 1. The Student Body Government will be guided by the following:

a. The Student Body Government is a democratic and student-oriented organization where all
authority and jurisdictions stems from its members.
b. The Student Body Government is a semi-autonomous organization that enjoys semi-fiscal
autonomy and has partial control over its financial matters and administrative and political
function within the limit provided by the provisions of the student handbook and existing laws.
c. The Student Body Government is the highest representative organization of Palawan State
University Laboratory Senior High School that looks out for the welfare of the students under
its jurisdiction.
d. As an organization that looks out for the welfare of the senior high students, its goals and
objectives shall be designed to address the needs and advance the betterment of the said
students.
e. The Student Body Government believes that all officers should, at all times, remain faithful to
his/her office he/she is serving and should not in any occasion allow personal interest to
outweigh his/her fulfilment of his/her responsibility as an officer.
f. The Student Body Government recognizes the worth and role of other organization recognized
by the Laboratory Senior High School through the LSHS faculty and by the University through
the Office of Student Affairs (OSAS).
g. The Student Body Government respects the necessity to collaborate with other organizations
for the efficiency of the service to its members.

Policies

Section 2. The Student Body Government shall at all times:

a. Sustain a truly representative, autonomous, and democratic Student Government.
b. The Student Body Government shall at all times put the welfare of its members first and ensure
that all concerns and needs of the members are given attention to.
c. The Student Government, as the highest representation of the students of LSHS, shall uphold
the vision, mission, rules and all applicable regulations provided by the University.
d. The Student Body Government shall keep hold on the belief in the principle that everyone
must be given their just due and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
e. Shall make sure that its members are aware of the existing policies and keep them updated
with their rights and responsibilities as members.
f. Be responsive to the intellectual, moral, cultural, civic, spiritual, and political needs and
interest of the members and encourage them to utilize their attributes, talents, and resources to
contribute to the realization of ideals and aspirations of the university and of the country.
g. Shall keep an open environment catering to the expression and exchange of relevant ideas and
needs of its members.
h. Shall practice transparency and honesty at all times and take lawful and just measures on any
misconduct.
i. Shall make and maintain good relationship with other offices that will help promote the rights
and protection of its members.
j. Develop patriotism for the country by participating, directly or indirectly, in national issues.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Article IV
Studentship

Section 1. All bona fide students of the Laboratory Senior High School of Palawan State University shall be
automatically pronounced as a part of the student body of the Student Body Government.

Section 2. Studentship is non-revocable, not unless the member transferred to another institution.

Section 3. Studentship shall be renewed once every semester.

Article V
Bill of Rights

Section 1. All members shall enjoy their right as a Filipino citizen as embodied in Article III, Bill of Rights of the
1987 Constitution and other pertinent of laws of the Republic of the Philippines.

Section 2. Right to Academic Freedom:

a. No student shall be deprived of quality education by reason of poverty, creed, culture, race
and even those convicted of final judgement for minor felonies.
b. Right to be provided with a course syllabus on the first week of the semester.
c. Right to see midterm and final grades before it is entered in form 138.
d. Right to be provided with the proper quality of education by means of receiving professional
competence from faculty members and administration.

Section 3. Right to Freedom of Expression and Right to Dignity.

a. Right to have free and responsible countenance of opinions and suggestions.
b. Right to be treated as an individual, free from any kind of discernment, judgement and any
form of harassment.
c. Right to file a complaints against any member of the University following due process of the
law.
d. The Student Body Government shall amiably assemble and petition for redress of grievances.

Section 4. Right to Information

a. In accordance with the principles and guidance of the University, every student has the right
to seek and obtain information on matters of student concerns which include, but not limited
to, students’ academic records and evaluation. And the right to access official records, acts,
transactions, decisions, and fiscal matters, as well as data used as basis for policy formulation
which shall not the impaired.
b. Every student has the right to evaluate the performance of their teachers/professors.
c. Every students has the right to be given proper consultation by their teachers/professors by
virtue of the latter’s consultation hours.

Section 5. Right to Privacy

a. Every student has the right to confidentiality of communication and correspondence.
b. Freedom against any form of irrational searches and confiscation unless authorized by higher
authorities and unless public safety requires it.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Section 6. Rights against Excessive Fees

a. Every student has the right against imposition of excessive, irrational, and involuntary fees.
b. Every students has the right against excessive compulsory contributions for matters and
activities not included in the syllabus, projects and other expenses irrelevant to the subject
matter.

Section 7. Right to equal access to adequate and safe properties, facilities, and equipment.

Section 8. Right to Participate.

a. Freedom to participate in all activities conducted by the University unless the guidelines of
the said activity say otherwise.
b. Right to create, form and/or join organizations and to have the freedom to develop his/her
fullest potential with the intention and purpose/s of which are not contrary to the law.

Article VI
Duties and Obligations of the Student

Section 1. Every student shall uphold the constitution, aims, principles of the Student Body Government, rules and
regulation of the University and the Laboratory High School Faculty, policies of CHED/DepEd and the
laws of the land.

Section 2. Every student must take part with the development and betterment of the Student Body Government and
must therefore cooperate with the duly appointed and elected officers.

Section 3. Every student shall keep watch with the welfare, integrity and reputation of the organization and must
therefore let the Student Body Government know of the issues that might tarnish these.

Section 4. Every student shall respect the name of the Student Body Government as they are what the organization
represent and therefore should not use the name of the organization in anything that violates the
guidelines.

Section 5. Every student is responsible for evaluating the duly appointed and elected officers and their services.

Section 6. Every student shall be an ambassador of the Student Body Government and shall always observe their
actions and exert effort in following the guidelines to promote and maintain ideal environment for their
fellow members within the campus.

Section 7. Every student is required to pay their dues, Student Body Government fee, and other fees that may be
approved for collection through a resolution passed by any member of Senate subject to public
consultation or by faculty approval.

Article VII
Suffrage

Section 1. The right to vote shall be exercised by all members of the Student Body Government.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Article VIII
Composition of the Student Body Government

Section 1. The Student Body Government is the official student government of the Palawan State University
Laboratory Senior High School. It is composed of all elected appointed officers of the Executive
Department, Legislative department and the Constitutional Commission.

Section 2. The term office for officers shall be one academic year and shall commence on the day of oath taking
ceremonies until their successors have been qualified, elected, and sworn into office.

Section 3. The Student Body Government Officials and appointees shall receive annual leadership recognition as
per accordance to their qualifications stated on DepEd Order No.36, s. 2016.

Article IX
The Legislative Department

Section 1. Legislative Department-

The Legislative Department, hereafter referred to as the Senate, shall be the highest policy making body
of the Student Body Government. The senate shall be composed of the following:
a. Eight (8) Senators who shall be elected by the student body at large.
b. Senate President who shall be elected by the eight (8) Senators.
c. Senate Secretary who shall be appointed by the Senate President.

Section 2. Qualification for Office-

a. Any student enrolled in Palawan State University Laboratory Senior High School, must not
have a GWA lower than 85 from the previous academic year will be legible to run for the
elected positions.

Section 3. Sessions of the Senate-

a. Regular Sessions- shall be held one week after the oath of office of the Student Body
Government and twice a month thereafter.
b. Special Sessions- shall be called upon the President, the Senate President or upon the
request of at least fifty percent (50%) of its members as the need arises.
c. Official quorum shall be composed of a quorum of a simple majority (50%+1) of all
Senators.
d. All sessions of the Senate shall comply with the Robert’s Rule of Order in their
proceedings.

Section 4. Powers and Function of the Senate

a. The Senate:
i. Legislate laws, approve resolutions, and release other forms of orders relevant to the
Laboratory Senior High School, the Student Body Government, and its affairs.
ii. Maintain proper communication amongst the students of the Laboratory Senior High
School and between the Laboratory High School Faculty and the Students.
iii. Ensure equality, liberality, and constitutionality of the law within the campus.
iv. Create special committees or commissions as deemed necessary.
v. Submit reports to the Laboratory Senior High School Faculty as deemed necessary.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

vi. Spearhead inquiries, information campaigns, regarding relevant matters in the

Laboratory Senior High School all in aid of legislation.
b. The Senate President
i. Preside over regular and special sessions of the Senate.
ii. Call on points of order of the Senate.
iii. Assign resolution and other works of the Senate if found necessary.
iv. Maintain order and call for the creation of positions relevant to the Senate functions if
the need arises.
v. Conform and sign papers representing the decisions of the Senate.
vi. Cast a deciding vote if a tie vote is established.
vii. Exercising the power of veto on any bill approved by the Committees provided that the
reasons for veto should be provided a maximum of ten (10) working days upon receipt
of bill otherwise it would be good as approved upon arrival it would be good as
approved upon arrival of the two-thirds of the members of the senate.
c. The Senate Secretary
i. Keep records of all transactions of the Senate
ii. Maintain and supervise coordination with the Senators.
iii. Keep minutes of all sessions.
iv. Schedule meetings and provide all relevant information to the Senate.
v. Disseminate relevant information to the Senate.
vi. Submit any documentation to the Laboratory Senior High School Faculty and Students
as per necessity.

Article X
The Executive Department

Section 1. Executive Department

The Executive Department shall be the highest implementing governing body of the Student Body
Government. The executive department shall be composed of the following:
a. The President, the Vice-president, who shall be elected by the student body at large;
b. The members of the executive staff which are the Executive Secretary and Chief
Information and Public Relation Officer together with the different cabinet secretaries shall
be appointed via senatorial confirmation.

Section 2. Duties and Responsibilities

a. Executive Department-
i. Formulating and outlining student related activities, programs, and project that shall
promote students’ rights, welfare, development, women empowerment, and gender
equality,
ii. Initiating and formulating budget for the whole school year.
iii. Meeting at least twice a month so as to properly discharge the duties and
responsibilities inherent to the position.
iv. Constituting majority (50+1%) of its member to form a quorum.
v. Formulating standard operating procedures and regulation to facilitate order,
efficiency, and effectiveness in conducting student government operations.
vi. Upholding its constitution and operational documents.
vii. Initiating a student-faculty dialogue at least twice every school year.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

viii. Coordinate with organizations, people, and offices, for proper implementation of rules
and regulations of the SBG and the University.
b. The President
i. Administering the approved laws, activities, programs of the Student Body
Government; carrying them into practical operation and enforcing them;
ii. Monitoring and supervising all the program and activities of the Student Body
Government;
iii. Shall preside the overall meeting of the executive department, sign and approve
minutes if the Student Body Government Executive meetings;
iv. Exercising the power of veto on any bill approved by the Senate provided that the
reasons for veto should be provided a maximum of five (5) working days upon receipt
of bill otherwise it would be good as approved upon arrival it would be good as
approved upon arrival of the two-thirds of the members of the senate:
v. Representing the whole members of the Student Body Government in matters
requiring representation of the organization either within or outside of Palawan State
University unless otherwise the member(s) are deemed to present;
vi. Performing other task and duties required by the University and/or the Laboratory
High School Faculty provided they do not contradict with the provision stipulated in
this constitution.
vii. Participating in matters pertaining to International, National, and Local Issues through
a position paper or the like.
viii. Appointing of the following Executive Staff:
1. Executive Secretary
2. Chief Information and Public Relations Officer
3. Others deemed necessary
ix. Appointing of Cabinets Secretaries for the following Departments:
1. Department of Audit
2. Department of Treasury
3. Department of Budget and Management
4. Department of Students’ Activities and Development
5. Department of External Affairs
6. Seniors’ Constabulary Police
x. Signing all contracts, memoranda of agreement/understanding., transactions entered by
the Executive Department upon concurrence of the majority of the members of the
Senate (50%+1) sitting en banc.
xi. Signing of other agreements made by external elements with the approval of the Senate
and of the knowledge of the Student Body Government Adviser.
c. The Vice President
i. Assuming the responsibility of President in case of absence or disability, permanent
vacancy due to removal from office, resignation, death, or permanent incapacity to
discharge the function.
ii. The President may appoint the Vice President as a Cabinet Secretary given that the
appointment will be confirmed by the Commission on Appointments.

The Executive Staff

d. Executive Secretary
i. The Executive Secretary shall keep all records of the Student Body Government and
make the minutes and records available upon members’ request.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

ii.May create administrative policies to facilitate a fast, efficient, and effective daily
operation of the Student Body Government office.
e. Chief Information and Public Relations Officer
i. Shall disseminate information announcements, or any important messages from the
Executive Department to all student government officers and classroom presidents if
needed.
ii. Shall be the official presidential spokesperson.

The Cabinet Secretaries

a. Department of Audit
i. Making liquidation reports after each conducted activity by the Student Body
Government.
ii. Shall audit financial reports presented by the treasurer and sign all financial
transactions required thereof.
b. Department of Treasury
i. Collecting and keeping all funds of the Executive Department.
ii. Signing all financial transaction of the Student Body Government during general
assembly, regular and special meeting.
iii. Submitting all financial transaction at the end of every semester of his term of office.
c. Department of Budget and Management
i. Making budget proposals for activities conducted by the Student Body Government.
ii. Manage all financial transaction and records incurred by the Executive
Department
iii. Perform fiscal supervision over the organization; develop standard
procedures and disbursing procedures as legislated.
d. Department of Students’ Activities and Development
i. Shall make or compile all activities and development proposal and review them before
passing them off to the president for approval.
e. Department of External Affairs
i. Coordinating with the different accredited organization and offices outside of the
Laboratory Senior High School and of the University.
f. Seniors Constabulary Police
i. This shall be the primary peacekeeping force of the Laboratory Senior High School
and shall enforce acts and ordinances that are for the greater good.
ii. Assist the other student officers and faculty in the conduct of activities and programs.

Section 4. Qualifications
a. Any student enrolled in Palawan State University Laboratory High School, must not have a
GWA lower than 85 since the school year before, will be legible to run for the elected
position.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Article XI
The District Government

Section 1. District Governments-

The District Governments shall be the local government body of each year level, strand and class and
shall be under the direct supervision of the SBG President.

Section 2. Powers and Functions of the Districts Governments-

a. The District Governor
i. The District Governor shall be elected by their respective year level and strand.
ii. Exercise executive authority and operational jurisdiction in their respective districts and shall
ensure the continuous and standardized operations of each classroom.
iii. The District Governor would also represent their respective year level and strand as a whole in
any inquiries, meetings or any gatherings organized by either the Student Body Government,
Senior High School Faculty or any Senior High School Organizations.
iv. Exercise presiding authority in every meetings, supervise projects and activities in their
respective districts.
v. Exercise treasury powers if the need arises.
b. The District Vice Governor
i. Shall assume the office of the Governor when the Governor is out of duty or on a travel or in
case of permanent vacancy arising due to the Governor’s disqualification, removal from office,
voluntary resignation or permanent incapacity to discharge his/her functions.
ii. Shall monitor the progress of the implemented programs, projects and activities of the district in
the case of absence of the Governor.
c. Class Mayor
i. Class Mayors will be elected within their respective classes.
ii. Shall exercise executive authority in the classroom and shall ensure the class’s continuous and
standardized operations.
iii. Shall preside over class meetings, sign and approve minutes of meetings, supervise projects and
class activities.
iv. Ensure transparency and accountability of all classroom officers to the class.
d. Class Vice Mayor
i. Shall assume the office of the Mayor when the Mayor is out of duty or on a travel or in case of
permanent vacancy arising due to the Mayor’s disqualification, removal from office, voluntary
resignation or permanent incapacity to discharge his/her functions.
ii. Shall monitor the progress of the implemented programs, projects and activities of the class in
the case of absence of the Mayor.
e. Class Secretary
i. Shall keep all the records of the class, take the minutes of the class meetings and make minutes
and records available to members of the class upon request.
f. Class Treasurer
i. Shall collect and keep all the funds of the class, make financial reports at the end of every
semester of his/her term together with the Class Auditor, sign all financial transactions, report all
financial transactions to the class adviser and the SBG Department of Audit as the need arises,
and be a cosignatory to the class’s budget account.
g. Class Auditor
i. Shall audit and sign the financial report presented by the Treasurer prior to the Mayor’s and
Class Adviser’s approval.
ii. Shall submit the class semestral audit report to the SBG Department of Audit to ensure
transparency and accountability.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

h. Class Information Officer

i. Shall disseminate information, announcements or important messages from the Class Mayor or
Class Adviser to members of his/her class and make formal correspondence with the SBG Chief
Information and Public Relations Officer and other higher authorities.
i. Class Social Manager
i. There shall be one (1) classroom Social Manager that shall initiate and facilitate every classroom
based activities as per endorsement by the class Mayor and approval by the classroom adviser.
j. Class Business Manager
i. There shall be one (1) classroom Business Manager that shall initiate the procurement of
classroom equipment and materials that are necessary for classroom operations, activities and
projects upon the Mayor’s approval of the procurement.
k. Class Security and Safety Officers
i. There shall be three (3) classroom Security and Safety Officers that shall ensure safety and
discipline are present in the classroom at all times.
ii. They shall be conscripted to the Seniors’ Constabulary Police Service.

Section 3. Classroom Officers shall be elected by their respective classes which shall be facilitated by their class
advisers. Class advisers may appoint certain officers as the need arises.

Article XI
Constitutional Commissions

Section 1. Constitutional Commissions

The composition of the Student Body Government shall also include:
a. Commission on Student Election (COMSELEC)

Section 2. General Provision- the constitutional commissions which shall be independent is the Commission on
Student Election.

Section 3. Composition, Function, and Responsibilities

a. Commission on Student Election
i. There shall be a Commission on Student Election composed of a chairman who is a
student appointed by the LSHS-SBG Adviser or in the case of absences of the said
student appointee, the LSHS-SBG Adviser can take the realm as an interim Chairman
and one Student Commissioner and two facilitators from each classroom appointed by
their respective class adviser who are bona fide students and must not be running for
office or participating in the electoral campaign which shall set guidelines in this
Constitution.
ii. The Commissions on Student Elections shall exercise the following powers and
functions:
a. Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an
election, plebiscite, initiative, referendum, and recall.
b. Decide, except those involving the right to vote, all questions affecting elections,
including determination of the number and the location of the polling places,
appointment of election officials and inspectors.
c. Enforce effective measures to minimize election spending, including of places
where propaganda materials shall be posted and to prevent penalize all forms of
election fraud, offenses and malpractice, and nuisance candidates.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

iii. A free and open party system shall be allowed to evolve according to the free choice of
the students, subject to the provision of the article.
iv. Political parties shall not be represented in the COMSELEC. However, they shall be
entitled to appoint poll-watchers in accordance with the law.
v. Bona Fide candidates for any position shall be free from any form of harassment.
vi. Funds, certified by the commission as necessary to defray the expenses holding regular
and special elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda and recalls shall be provided in
the regular special appropriation, and once approved shall be released automatically
upon certification by the chairman of the commission.
vii. The Commission on Student Elections has the power to appoint officials to vacant
positions if no candidates has been elected to a position through a resolution certified
by members of the Commission.

Article XII
Funds and Disbursement

Section 1. The general fund of the Student Body Government shall consist of the amount received from the
students as a collected fee.

Section 2. The fees to be collected by the Student Body Government shall be referred to as the “SBG Fee” and
shall be legally collected by the SBG Department of Treasury or the Enrolment officers in the absence
of the said Secretary to be deposited in the Student Body Government bank account same day upon
receipt.

Section 3. The total amount of SBG fee shall be remitted to the office of the Student Body Government after two
weeks of oath taking, in care of the SBG Department of Treasury.
a. 100% of the collection from the “SBG Fund” shall go to the Student Body Government
i. 80% shall go to the Executive Department
ii. 13% shall go to the Senate
iii. 7% shall go to the COMSELEC

Section 4. The general fund shall consist of the SBG fee, revenue from income generating projects, donations and
grants, collections of special contribution, the interest gained from existing fund in bank, the
accumulated SBG fee from previous collections of the previous years and others deemed necessary.

Section 5. Deposits and withdrawals of fund shall be signed legibly by the Student Body Government President,
SBG Department of Treasury, Student Body Government Adviser, and the Laboratory Senior High
School Principal.

Section 6. The Executive Department of the Student Body Government shall formulate and adopt projects which
shall embody a work plan of program with estimated expenditures for the incoming semester to be
presented on a budget hearing and shall provide a copy of the documents for archive purposes.

Section 7. The balance of the Student Body Government fund for a specific term shall be returned as the fund of
the Student Body Government for the next or succeeding terms.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Article XIII
Accountability of Student Body Government Officers

Section 1. General Definitions-

a. Accountability of Student Officers- refers to the just responsibility and professionalism
shown by elected and appointed officers of the Student Body Government.
b. Impeachment- to charge a Student Officer before a competent tribunal with misconduct in
office.
c. Termination from Office- an executive order calling for the removal of an official within the
boundaries of the executive department.

Section 2. Student officers must at all times be accountable to the students, serve them with utmost responsibility,
integrity, loyalty, and efficiency and act with transparency and justice and live modest lives,

Section 3. Student officers must be knowledgeable of their respective responsibilities, authorities, and limitations
and must have a thorough knowledge of the constitution.

Section 4. Student Officers must understand that the sovereignty resides on the student body and all legitimate
authority emanates from them.

Guidelines for Impeachment

Section 5. The President, the Vice President, the Senate President, and the members of the Senate, may be removed
from the office through impeachment.

Section 6. They may be removed from the office if they are tried and convicted of the following:
a. Culpable violation of the Student Body Government Constitution.
b. Bribery
c. Graft and Corruption
d. Betrayal of Student Trust
e. Incompetency with the performance of one’s duty
f. Neglect of Duty
g. Violation of the signed Rules on Student Conduct

Section 7. The Senate has the exclusive right to initiate all cases for impeachment.

Section 8. The procedures to file for an impeachment complaint and trials are as follows:
a. A formal written complaint must be first filed in the Senate that states the name of the
official and the charge/s that should be filed along with the endorsement by any member of
the Senate. The complaint must be received by the Senate Secretary.
b. A special session will be then called by the Senate President two (2) days after the
complaint has been filed. A vote of 50%+1 must be reached if the impeachment trial were to
take place. The vote of each member must be recorded.
c. No impeachment complaint must be initiated against the same official more than once
within the period of one month.
d. After the complaint reaches the affirmation vote, the Senate President will then move the
motion for the impeachment trial and will set the dates for the formal trial.
e. The formal trial must happen two days after the affirmation vote.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

f. The Senate shall have the sole power to try and decide all cases of the impeachment. When
sitting for that purpose, the Senators shall be on the oath of affirmation. In any trial, the
Senate President must preside but must not vote. If the Senate President is on trial, the
Senate must appoint one of its member to preside and must not vote.
g. The members will also act as the inquiry panel while the person on trial is free to have
his/her defense and legal counsel to defend them in the trial within the boundaries of the
Student Body Government.
h. No person shall be convicted without the concurrence of the two-thirds of all the members
of the Senate with the lone exception of the Senate President.
i. If the call for impeachment reaches the required vote, then the said officer shall have a
period of five (5) working days to prepare all necessary documents for a smooth transition
to their successor.

Guidelines for Termination from Office

Section 9. Members of the Executive Department and the District Government may be removed from office
through the termination from office.

Section 10. They may be removed from the office if they are tried and convicted of the following:
a. Culpable violation of the Student Body Government Constitution.
b. Bribery
c. Graft and Corruption
d. Betrayal of Student Trust
e. Incompetency with the performance of one’s duty
f. Neglect of Duty
g. Violation of the signed Rules on Student Conduct

Section 11. The procedures to file for a termination complaint and trial are as follows:
a. A written complaint is filed to the Office of the President.
b. The President, the Senate President, and the SBG Adviser will be the ones who will have
the exclusive power to initiate and try all termination trials.
c. The Three-man panel will decide the conviction of the officer in question.
d. The Three-man panel will be the inquiry panel of the trial and the defendant is given
freedom to form his/her defense panel within the boundaries of the Student Body of the
Laboratory Senior High School of Palawan State University.
e. The inquiry and sentencing trial will last not more than three days.

Rights of the Accused

Section 12. No person shall be removed from office without the due process law.

Section 13. The accused officer is subject to the presumption of innocent until proven guilty and is convicted by a
competent tribunal.

Section 14. All accused officers is shall have the ability to form their own defense panel within the boundaries of the
Student Body of the Laboratory Senior High School of Palawan State University and must be free from
any harassment and any intimidation by other elements.
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Ratified: March 2019

Section 15. They have the right to face their accuser within the boundaries of the trial.

Section 16. The accused is subjected to their defense counsel’s most capable defense.

Article XIV
Rule of Succession

Section 1. In case of permanent vacancy in the position of the President, in the case of death, permanent
disablement, expulsion from the University, impeachment or resignation, the Vice President shall
immediately assume and take the oath of office as the President for the remainder of the unexpired term.
The Office of the Vice President shall be entrusted to the Senate President and the duties of the Senate
President are entrusted to a Senator voted amongst the members of Senate.

Section 2. In case of the permanent vacancy in the position of the Vice President in the case of death, permanent
disablement, expulsion from the University, impeachment or resignation, the Senate President shall
assume and take the oath of office as the Vice President for the remainder of the unexpired term. The
office of the Senate President shall be entrusted to a Senator voted amongst the members of Senate.

Section 3. In the case of permanent vacancy of the Position of both President and the Vice president, in the case of
death, permanent disablement, expulsion from the University, impeachment or resignation, the Senate
President shall assume and take oath of office as the President for the remainder of the unexpired term.
A Senator voted amongst the members of the Senate shall take oath as the Vice President and the
members of the Senate shall elect a new Senate President.

Section 4. The Vice President cannot, in any way, refuse the assumption of the Office of the President once a
permanent vacancy is determined.

Section 5. The Senate President cannot, in any way, refuse the assumption of either the Office of the President or
the Office of the Vice President once a permanent vacancy is determined.

Section 6. If for any reasons the office of the President is temporarily vacant, then the Vice President can act
legally as the Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President. The Vice President shall have two offices
but must discharge his duty using the title as Officer-in-Charge of the Office of the President and not as
the Vice President. As Officer-in-Charge, the Vice President has the power to approve all such
preceding documents and has the authority that is given to the position of the President.

Section 7. In the case of permanent vacancy of any of the members of the Senate, the position must be filled in
with either the 9th elected Senator from the election or in the case of the individual’s refusal or absence
in the position, an appointment of a replacement member through the appointment of the Senate.

Section 8. The Senate shall formulate a separate system which stipulates the rule of succession in the local
government.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Article XV
The Student Body Government Adviser

Section 1. The adviser of the Student Body Government of the Laboratory Senior High School shall be a faculty
member of the said office appointed by the principal and it is only through the principal that an adviser
can be appointed and be replaced to the said position.

Section 2. The Student Body Government adviser shall have the following responsibilities:
a. Advise the Student Body Government in matter pertaining to internal and external affairs.
b. Support the Student Body Government in its programs, projects, and activities.
c. Co-signatory of the Student Body Government bank account.
d. Should observe discussions of sessions and meetings.
e. Shall help the members of Student Body Government get at home with each other as
persons in order to assure overall involvement, a sense of belongingness, and an
environment of trust and respect to the government.
f. Should be an agent to encourage the immersion of the administration in the projected events
of the Government.
g. Sign communication papers and resolutions of the Student Body Government.

Article XVI
Amendments or Revisions

Section 1. Any amendments to, or revision of this Constitution may be proposed by:
a. The Senate, upon a vote of three fourth (3/4) of all its member;
b. A Constitutional Convention which the Senate may call by a majority of all votes cast. The
Constitutional Convention shall consist of all classroom mayors and the district governor.

Section 2. Amendments of this Constitution may be otherwise directly proposed by the students through an
initiative upon a petition of at least twelve per centum of the total members of the bona fide students of
the Palawan State University Laboratory Senior High School.

Section 3. Any amendment to, or revision of, the Constitution shall be valid after having been ratified by the
majority of votes cast in a plebiscite which shall be held not later than two weeks after the approval of
such amendments or medications of the Senate after a public forum.

Section 4. Any amendment under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of votes cast in a
plebiscite which shall be held not later than two weeks after the certification of the COMSELEC of the
sufficiency of the petition.

Section 5. The Senate shall review every three (3) years for possible amendments of this Constitution.

Article XVII
Student Elections

Section 1. The elections of the Student Body Government shall be held on the second Monday of the second month
of the academic year.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Section 2. Student Body Government officers shall be elected by the plurality of all votes cast by the students of
the Laboratory Senior High School of Palawan State University.

Section 3. The COMSELEC shall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity of the ballots.

Section 4. The COMSELEC shall provide mechanisms to facilitate fast, efficient, and honest Student Body
Government election.

Section 5. The oath taking of the elected officer shall be held the two (2) days after the canvassing of the votes.
The Laboratory Senior High School Principal through the SBG Adviser shall hold the oath taking of the
elected officers where students will stand as witnesses.

Article XVIII
Transitory Provisions

Section 1. To facilitate the transition of powers within the Student Body Government after this constitution
ratification:
a. All incumbent elected officers of the Student Body Government shall remain in office until
after the newly elected set of Student Body Government officers have taken their oath of
office.
b. Vacant elected position shall be on appointment basis upon the approval of the Senate.
c. All remaining funds held in trust by the incumbent administration shall be transferred over
to the new administration with new signatories.

Section 2. All laws that were passed before the enactment of this Constitution shall be properly amended to
conform to the standards set by this Constitution.

Section 3. This Constitution shall take effect immediately at the next academic year after upon its ratification by a
majority of votes cast in a plebiscite held for the purpose and shall supersede all previous constitution.
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

Constitution of the
Student Body LSHS-SBG
Government Faculty Adviser

Commission on Executive Legislative

Student Department Department
Elections

President Senate President

Vice President

District Cabinet Executive Senate The

Gov’t Secretaries Staff Staff Senators

District Department of Executive Senate Senate

Governors Audit Secretary Secretary Committees

Classroom Dept. of Budget Chief Information and

Public Relations
Governments and Management
Officer

Class Dept. of Students’

Mayors Activities and Dev’t

Classroom-based Department of
Officers Treasury

Department of
External Affairs

Seniors’
Constabulary Police
Laboratory Senior High School-SBG Constitution
Ratified: March 2019

The proposed Constitution of the Student Body Government of the Laboratory Senior High School is now hereby
approved by the members of the 2019 Constitutional Convention and validated through a Students’ Plebiscite that was
conducted on the 15TH day of March 2019 with the signatures of the students of the Laboratory Senior High School of
Palawan State University affirming this constitution and for it to take effect as a binding Constitution of the Student
Body Government. May this Constitution instil the ideas of democracy, nationalism, accountability, integrity and liberty
not only to the student officials but to the students that are under it. May this constitution act as an instrument to provide
a contextualized world where accountability and good governance are one of the key elements in creating a country that
we can look on to with pride and confidence.
Signed this 19TH day of March 2019.