Bicol University (BU) - University Student Council (USC) Internal Vice Chairperson Mark Kenneth Salcedo says that unresolved financial matters and decisions outside the council’s control drove the General Legislative Council (GLC) and succeeding sessions to a temporary halt.
In response to the growing online callouts of university and college organizations and publications on the delay of the GLC Meeting, GLC Chief Legislative Officer (CLO) Salcedo informed via Messenger the members of the GLC on the reasons for this term’s impending sessions.
“Despite the USC's directive to keep internal issues confidential, I believe it is imperative for the GLC to be informed,” he stated.
Financial Troubles
Salcedo stated that he already prepared a proposal for the GLC’s Opening Session scheduled for November 28 and 29 during the first semester of Academic Year 2023 - 2024.
However, financial challenges met by the council after Mr. and Ms. BU (MMBU) led their events to be put on a momentary stop.
“The BUtopia event, although successful, exceeded the allocated budget in the approved proposal. As a resolution, we utilized our internal funding to offset the overspending,” he said.
Additional issues regarding the council’s finances, such as the debt incurred by the USC business manager with a supplier added pressure to the financial capacity of the council to host a large on-site event.
This eventually resulted in the council’s adviser to suspend all council events and projects until the said debt is repaid, impacting the opening of the GLC.
This issue was later on clarified by USC Adviser Prof. Michael Alagaban to have already been settled by the concerned officer.
Pending Documents
In an attempt to schedule the GLC in January, Salcedo said that he tried to submit a new proposal only to have it barred due to incomplete deliverables.
“It requires approval contingent on the USC's Accomplishment and Financial Reports, which remain unavailable due to the unresponsiveness of our Finance Officer,” he stated.
According to Joevey Lechago, former USC Deputy Finance Officer and a current university councilor under the Audit Committee, they are yet to receive the needed financial reports from the finance team.
Moreover, the USC’s WAFP is still awaiting approval, which is hindering their ability to execute essential initiatives and compromising their efficient operations as per Salcedo.
Site Matters
Since the GLC will encompass a number of student leaders and journalists within the university, the council is expected to provide a forum hall where the GLC will discuss legislative issues.
Lechago said that big events such as the GLC are already discouraged “as per negotiations” with the Office of Student Affairs and Services.
On the context of funding requirements, the council also has to cover supplies needed for the program flow, hence the need to appropriate funds for the GLC.
“As far as I know, Rule IX of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the GLC states that 15% of the USC’s fund must be allocated for GLC… During the past two terms, the Work and Financial Plan (WAFP) for Student Development Fund [included] a provision for GLC for their office supplies and other supplies and materials,” Lechago added.
He also claimed that the CLO aims to guarantee productive sessions by first acquiring a signed proposal for the in-person event to be carried out.
“While we acknowledge the option for [an] online GLC Meeting, it is also essential to highlight that the opening session agenda encompasses election of GLC Officers. Despite allowing proxies, it is crucial to treat the election with high respect, recognizing the voting powers vested in each member by their constituents,” he stated.
Final Date
The council, through Chairperson and Student Regent Remee Estefany Baldorado acknowledged the delay of the GLC Meeting, confirming that the USC has insufficient funding and is working around to acquire external sources through sponsorships and IGPs.
“But then again, a mistake of one is the mistake of all. We do apologize for all this commotion and rest assured this is all being worked out. The council remains dedicated to becoming better, for the students and the university,” Baldorado stated.
Furthermore, she assured the student body that the executive officers, headed by Salcedo as their CLO will conduct genuinely productive meetings throughout the rest of the semester despite timeline delays.
“As a council, we hereby give our word that there will be General Legislative Council Meetings for this academic year as the proposal for the Opening Session has already been approved,” Baldorado concluded.
The GLC’s Opening Session will commence on February 7, 2024 at the BU Food Innovation and Commercialization Center Building in BU East Campus.
The upcoming meeting will be attended by the USC Executive Council, presidents of various student councils and university-based organizations, and editors-in-chief of the university and college publications.
The Bicol Universitarian tried to reach concerned parties for individual statements on the issue, but received no response as of writing.
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