NQUIRY
yearly
election supplement
COMELEC to implement Res. No. 004 s. 24-25, allows declaration of no winners.
“ Then, there will be no proclaimed winner for that position,” COMELEC Chairperson Hon. John Earl T. Benzon said.
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Folly of Democracy. Who should you vote for? Why should you vote for them? So many choices that promise that your life would be much easier the moment you mark their name on the ballot. But among the many faces... PAGE 2
COMELEC, IT dep’t ready for October polls, modify voting system. In line with the preparations of the Saint Louis University Commission on Elections (SLU COMELEC) for the upcoming Kataas-taasang Sanggunian...
The
KASAMA/SSC
of White & Blue, the official student publication of Saint Louis University
‘24 KASAMA/SSC candidates: 3 polpar, 1 independent found in ExeCom slate
T
he Saint Louis University Commission on Elections (SLU COMELEC) released the official list of candidates for the 2024 Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) General Elections on September 12, 2024, through their official Facebook page.
Among the participating political parties include Reporma ng mga Mag-aaral ng San Luis - Alliance of Concerned Students (REPORMA-ACS), Democratic Alliance of Students for Integrated Governance (DASIG), and Responsible and Intelligent Governance Highlighting Transparency and Studentry (RIGHTS).
COMELEC Chairperson Hon. John Earl T. Benzon expressed the organization’s happiness with the number of candidates this year and hoped that the participants were driven to serve the student body instead of pursuing personal advantage.
“Kami sa Commission on Elections, napakasaya namin noong makita namin na dinumog tayo ngayong taon ng mga gustong tumakbo para sa KASAMA/SSC General Elections. Sana nga lang, lahat ng mga tumatakbo ngayon ay talagang para sa sangkaestudyantehan, hindi ‘yong tumatakbo lamang dahil sa kasikatan,” Hon. Benzon said.
REPORMA-ACS, RIGHTS lead ExeCom
For this year’s election, REPORMA and RIGHTS present six candidates out of the seven
positions in the ExeCom slate.
When asked about the factors that contributed to REPORMAACS’ strong presence, Presidential Candidate Angel Heleana B. Galang cited their electoral success since 2019, highlighting their continuous commitment to developing competent leaders and extending its presence beyond the election season.
“Simula noong taong 2019, tuloy-tuloy ang pagwagi ng REPORMA-ACS sa eleksyon dahil sa pagkakaroon ng mga dekalidad na lider-estudyante… Ang REPORMA-ACS ay patuloy na nakatuon sa paghubog ng aming mga miyembro, hindi lamang sa panahon ng eleksyon kundi pati na rin sa araw-araw na aktibidad. Ito ay hindi lamang isang political slate, isa itong tahanan ng mga lider na handang makibahagi sa mga adbokasiya at makinig sa mga hinaing ng ating komunidad,” Galang stated.
Moreover, RIGHTS Vice Presidential Candidate Mardrig C. Matias explained the need for development in ExeCom and underscored their efforts to gather student leaders from diverse backgrounds.
“We believe that KASAMA/
SSC as a whole needs to ascend and evolve, most especially on the issues that were faced by the assemblies and the Executive Committee. We need an Executive Committee that puts serving the studentry to its core… We’ve reached out to students from different backgrounds, clubs, and organizations, and have been able to build a broad base of support [which] enabled us to present a more united and cohesive front, ascending above divisions,” Matias said.
DASIG returns
Meanwhile, DASIG returns after a one-year absence from the KASAMA/SSC elections, with three candidates vying for ExeCom positions.
Presidential Candidate Heaven Nicole M. Tayaban shared the organization’s goal to serve the studentry regardless of political positions, stating that although they were not found in last year’s lineup, DASIG remained present in social causes brought up within and outside the university.
“After a year of recalibration and reflection, DASIG is back with an increased sense of purpose and a stronger call for a decisive, relevant, and
COMELEC to implement Res. No. 004
allows declaration of no winners
“Then, there will be no proclaimed winner for that position,” COMELEC Chairperson Hon. John Earl T. Benzon said.
In line with the upcoming Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) General Elections 2024, the Saint Louis University Commission on Elections (SLU COMELEC) released “Resolution No. 004 s. 24-25,” a resolution prescribing guidelines for voting abstention for this year’s general elections.
“For the previous elections, the abstain button in our system has nothing to do with the proclamation of winners… But, with Resolution No. 004 s. 24-25, we are giving power to abstain voting, wherein if the number of abstain votes is higher than the vote of a
candidate/candidates, then there will be no proclaimed winner for that position,” stated Hon. Benzon in an interview.
As per the resolution, it is stated that the abstain votation is “at par with a vote for a candidate or candidates” and “in case where two or more candidates vying for the same position, there shall be no proclaimed winner for that position if the abstain votes are higher than the individual votes garnered per candidate.”
Further, Hon. Benzon emphasized that the guidelines for abstaining from voting will allow students not to be confined to the premise of “no-choice” in this election.
“...To give our Lousian student-voters more options in the upcoming elections. Hindi
‘yong nakukulong na lang sila sa premise na ‘no-choice’ sa pagpili ng susunod na magiging mga lider,” he said.
COMELEC Central Committee Chairperson Hon. Frances Faye Mallillin also added that in line with this year’s theme, “KAKAILIAN: Leadership through Honor and Inclusivity,” the abstain voting will exemplify the importance of showing ‘honor.’
“We’re encouraging students to show honor by withholding their vote if they feel no candidates live up to their expectations. This is a step to holding everyone accountable and ensuring moral leadership,” she stated.
In line with this, Hon. Benzon further highlighted KASAMA/ SSC’s importance and encouraged Lousians to exercise their right to
integrated governance. Despite DASIG’s temporary absence from school politics, the organization demonstrated that its mission extends far beyond elections… This is more than our return—it’s about actively shaping a future, a space, an institution where every student is heard, every concern is addressed, and every student feels empowered,” Tayaban stated. Independent candidate emerges
Moreover, Drandreb B. Justiniane appeared in ExeCom as an independent candidate for the presidential position. He expressed that being independent is “empowering,” further encouraging his fellow Louisians to be brave in stepping up even without the support of established political parties.
“It’s a bold statement that leadership isn’t tied to political affiliations, but to conviction and purpose… While running independently presents its challenges, I believe in the strength that comes from carrying the genuine call of the people. Though I may be independent, I am far from alone—I am running with the strength and spirit of the Louisian community,” Justiniane said.
s. 24-25,
vote.
“Ang KASAMA/SSC sa Saint Louis University ay ang boses ng sangkaestudyantehan sa ating paaralan— ang susunod na administrasyon ang magiging sandalan natin magkaroon man tayo ng problema bilang estudyante,” the chairperson said.
“Kung kaya responsibilidad din natin ang bumoto at pumili ng tamang mga magiging lider sa darating na eleksyon. Naniniwala ako na mababawasan ang mga problema ng mga estudyante sa ating paaralan kung maganda ang mga panukala ng susunod na administrasyon ng KASAMA/SSC,” he added.
The said resolution is applicable for this year’s general elections unless adopted for the following elections.
By Penelope Dela Cruz and Faith Revaño
By Keziah Mae Tingga-an
PolPar shares thoughts on ExeCom vacant positions; finance secretary bet unopposed
Following the release of the official list of candidates of the Saint Louis University Commission on Elections (COMELEC) for the 2024 Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) General Elections, the participating political parties were unable to file candidates for all Executive Committee (ExeCom) positions.
The political parties include Reporma ng mga Mag-aaral ng San Luis - Alliance of Concerned Students (REPORMA-ACS),
Democratic Alliance of Students for Integrated Governance (DASIG), and Responsible and Intelligent Governance Highlighting Transparency and Studentry (RIGHTS).
Three political parties are represented for the positions of Executive Secretary and Secretary for Public Relations; however, only two political parties are vying for the positions of President, Vice President, Secretary for Audit, and Secretary for Business Affairs. Meanwhile, only one political party
was able to file a candidate for the position of Secretary for Finance.
In an interview, Angel Heleana B. Galang, REPORMA-ACS’ Presidential candidate, expressed that they ensure candidates who run from their party are qualified and capable of doing the responsibilities handed to the position.
“Hindi kami nagtatakbo ng kandidato basta-basta… Ang layunin natin ay matiyak na ang mga kandidato ay tunay na kwalipikado at handa sa mga
COMELEC, IT dep’t ready for October polls, modify voting system
In line with the preparations of the Saint Louis University Commission on Elections (SLU COMELEC) for the upcoming Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) General Elections, its Information Technology Committee modified their voting system to ensure a smooth and issue-free voting process.
COMELEC Chairperson Hon. John Earl T. Benzon explained that there have been changes in the voting system for this year’s elections, but the process of voting is still the same.
“Regarding the voting system for this year’s election, as per our IT Department Head Mr. Louie Miguel Mejia, there have been some changes; however, the process for how a voter casts their vote remains the same,” the COMELEC chair stated.
Hon. Benzon added that the modifications include a revamped user interface (UI), for better user experience; an onboarding process that includes videos on how to vote and other instructions; logic update wherein it will prevent accidental submissions and promote voter accountability to make sure that all votes, including abstentions are
accurately counted; and improved security and overall performance.
To initially test the performance of the voting system, the Commission conducted a program testing last September 28 at H510A, Otto Hahn Bldg.
“The program testing serves as the initial testing of the website or voting system that our IT department has devised for an automated election. The Commission conducted this testing to identify the problems and challenges, should there be any, to mitigate those problems and be given further improvements so that in the general election, we will have a smoother voting experience with minimal to no problems at all regarding our website,” Hon. Benzon said.
Meanwhile, IT Dept. Head Mejia emphasized that their committee
has contingency plans regarding the issues that may resurface to prevent the disruption of the general elections.
“We do have contingency plans regarding the issues that are coming. So, one issue is that the overloading. Our contingency plan on that is that we had a load balancing [that] the users cannot see, but it’s a load balancing so that when there is an influx of users, the system won’t shut down immediately so that each voter can continue,” IT Dept. Head Mejia reiterated.
Further, he assured that this year’s general elections will be smooth as compared to last year.
“I give you my full assurance that this year’s voting will go smoothly compared to last year,” the IT dept. head stated.
hamon ng posisyon,” Galang said.
Further, Heaven Nicole M. Tayaban, DASIG’s Presidential candidate, underscored their rigorous screening process, and just like in the previous years, no candidate met the qualifications for the vacant positions this year.
“DASIG thoroughly screens each applicant to make sure they are capable of carrying out the duties of the positions they are applying for and have the necessary qualifications. Regretfully, none of the aspiring candidates this year passed the screening process for these important positions, just like in one past years,” Tayaban stated.
Vice Presidential Candidate Mardrig C. Matias of RIGHTS also shared that the organization’s vacancy of a presidential candidate does not reflect their shortcomings; rather, it shows how they value each position in the ExeCom slate.
“The decision to leave the presidential position vacant is not a negative reflection on our organization. Instead, we focus on the unique value each role brings to our mission of serving the student body through transformative leadership. By doing so, we’re able to broaden our knowledge and expertise in student leadership,” Matias said.
As the only aspiring candidate for the position of Secretary for Finance, Gerom S. Soriano of RIGHTS shared that his drive to run for the said position is the “pursuit for transparency and accountability.”
“The things that pushed me to run for this position [are] my pursuit for transparency and accountability. As Secretary for Finance, it is essential to be equipped with these traits in order for us to run the office smoothly,” Soriano said.
Soriano also assured that through his “Kalatas: Bilis, Tapat at Organisado (The Full Disclosure Tracker)” platform, the discrepancies from the previous term will not be repeated.
“My predecessor may have discrepancies in their term, but I believe that through my platforms, I would be able to do something for these issues not to be repeated again,” he said.
“Through my proposed Kalatas: Bilis, Tapat at Organisado (The Full Disclosure Tracker), we can monitor and speed up the paper processing and project implementation within the school assemblies and other offices,” Soriano added.
I.T. AT WORK. The IT Department attempts to resolve technical issues during their mock elections and program testing alongside SLU COMELEC at Room 510 Computer Laboratory, Otto Hahn Building last September 28, 2024.
By Penelope Dela Cruz, Kamal Khaled Kamal Khedr, and Keziah Mae Tingga-an
By Paul David Bermudez
Photo by Gener Mike Capistrano
We are expecting a higher voter turnout — COMELEC chair
By Keziah Mae Tingga-an
As the Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC) General Elections 2024 commences with the theme “KAKAILIAN: Leadership through Honor and Inclusivity,” Saint Louis University Commission on Elections (SLU COMELEC) shared insights and changes for this year’s election.
“‘Tulad din ng dati, iisa lang naman ang hangarin ng SLU COMELEC— ito ay ang magkaroon ng maayos na eleksyon para sa Louisian community na kung saan mas mabibigyan natin ng pagkakataon na usisain ng mga estudyante ang iba’t-ibang mga kandidato at makapili sila nang maayos na mga bagong mga lider-estudyante para sa ating Unibersidad,” stated COMELEC Chairperson Hon. John Earl T. Benzon.
Further, he also added that the Commission expects a high voter turnout for this year’s election given the high number of candidates.
“Due to the large number of candidates for this election, we are also expecting a higher student engagement in our elections since marami na ngang tumatakbo and most candidates [ay] may kalaban,” Hon. Benzon added.
In line with this, as per COMELEC Memorandum no. 005 s. 24-25, the original five-day voting period on October 7 to 11 was revised to October 9 to 11 instead. The supposedly two-day voting period on October 7 to 8 was allotted for an additional campaign period in the revisions.
“There was an adjustment of the election and voting period to provide candidates with more opportunities to engage with the student body and present their platforms while ensuring the electoral process remains fair and transparent,” the statement read.
Despite the adjustments in the original voting and election period, the COMELEC expects no changes in the predicted voter turnout.
“Our expected voter turnout, even after the release of Memorandum No. 005 s. 24-25, is still the same because most of
KASAMA/SSC elected positions have candidates as well as opponents for the elections,” Hon. Benzon stated. “The Memorandum is an adjustment of polling period to add more campaign time for the candidates and reach more number of student-voters that will, in turn, manifest in our voters turnout.”
On the other hand, Hon. Benzon shared possible plans for regulating black propaganda on social media platforms given the rise of “freedom walls.”
“With the rise of ‘freedom walls,’ though wala namang affiliated with our university, we are anticipating that this is a potential avenue for black propaganda and inappropriate campaigning, such as tarnishing one’s reputation and such that goes against our Omnibus Election Code of 2018 as well as pertinent university policies.” Hon. Benzon said.
“The Commission on Elections, through its Legal Affairs Department, is still trying to figure out how are we going to regulate those kinds of election-motivated black propaganda in social media platforms,” he added.
How to Vote for the Upcoming KASAMA/SSC Elections
Illustrated by Jon Vincent de Guzman
Election season is at hand once again. The Saint Louis University (SLU) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced the candidates who will be vying for several positions for the A.Y. 2024-2025 last September 12. Despite the decent number of running candidates, the issue of a low voter turnout is starting to become a worry again.
In the previous two KASAMA/SSC polls, COMELEC tallied voter turnouts of 26.36% for the 2023 elections and 29.26% for the 2022 elections, respectively, from the university-wide perspective. This overall translates only to less than 10,000 out of 23,000 enrolled students who exercised their right of suffrage.
Josiah Jeshua Bruno
WhoThe threshold of COMELEC for a valid election is to successfully reach a 25% voter turnout from the currently enrolled population. Given the previous election turnouts, it seems like there is a problem regarding the involvement of students in the political setting of the university despite the efforts being provided to increase the engagement of students.
The visibility of the recent administration might be a factor that may potentially lower the turnouts this year. Posting publication materials that encourage students to go out and vote can only do so much in this campaign, as there should be a drive that will lead the students to the voting precincts since encouraging students to vote is a collective effort of the entire Louisian community.
COMELEC should push for more concrete actions, such as what the 2019 COMELEC did by having National Service Training Program (NSTP) volunteers create election promotional videos or even room-to-room campaigns to encourage students to vote for the elections during the election week. There is a need to involve more students in this matter as obviously, they get to choose the leaders they desire.
For us students, we should realize the importance of choosing a leader who we will be putting in their position to serve and listen to us. The council needs a major change, and we need more than just concerts and entertainment projects. We now need a better and more proactive council that has the guts to traverse the rough and raging seas, who can truly lobby for the issues, and truly fight for what is right for the entire studentry.
We, the students, hold the power to shape the council we need and dream of. It is easy for us students to endure three hours of standing when attending a concert, and it should also be easy for us to cast our votes in the designated voting precincts to choose the leaders we desire.
As the election draws near, we should realize the value of exercising our right to suffrage, scrutinize our choices well, and inform ourselves of the set of leaders we need who are fit to be seated in the positions they are running for, and who is truly always for the studentry. 25% is not enough to represent the collective choice of the Louisians.
RABULIONE
Folly of Democracy
should you vote for? Why should you vote for them? So many choices that promise that your life would be much easier the moment you mark their name on the ballot. But among the many faces that debate and fight for that right ingrained on your thumb, what exactly should you base your vote on?
As a country consistently bringing home medals from pageants and beauty contests, the face card is an indisputable element in our society. But does good looks equate to good governance?
While captivating eyes and a charming smile may make it easier to look at posters and other campaign materials, the real measure of a leader is not found in appearances but in their ability to govern effectively. When we cast our votes, we are not just choosing someone to represent us, we are entrusting them with the future of our communities, whether they be within the university or for our nation. Should we then rely on the same standards we use for beauty contests to elect those who will make policies and lead us through difficulties?
If not face, then surely popularity would be a better basis, right?
After all, if many people know and support a candidate, then they must be doing something right. But popularity, much like physical appearance, can be deceiving. It can be quite easy to be excited by charismatic personalities, catchy slogans, and well-crafted publication materials. Yet, being liked by many doesn’t always mean a leader is capable of addressing pressing issues, dealing with unexpected crises, and paving a progressive future.
The glitz and the glamour can be a dangerous criteria when it overshadows the importance of competence, experience, and principles. Leadership is not about who is most liked or who looks the best on a poster—instead, as cliche as it may sound, we must look deeper and beyond superficialities.
We must examine their track record, scrutinize their platforms, and question their plans for the future. Do they actually have a history of public service, or are they merely bark but no bite? Have they demonstrated integrity and accountability, or do they have skeletons in their closet? And, perhaps most importantly, do their policies reflect genuine concern for the people, or are their platforms only good on paper?
Democracy is not perfect, but it is the best we have. In a world where the loudest voices and the brightest smiles garner publicity and enamor attention, it is up to us to cut through the noise and elect the leaders best fit for the positions. It may be our right to vote, but it is our responsibility to vote properly. Let your vote be guided by substance over style and principles over popularity. The future is in your hands.
Editorial Board 2024 - 2025 working staff for this issue
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
STAFF WRITERS
Paul David Bermudez, Kamal Khaled Kamal Khedr, Faith Revaño, Heleina Taeza, April Beverly Caigas, Mary Angelyn Ebenezer, Franz Xylo Fernando, Kelsey Kitana Mabborang, Ernesto Nodado III, Deo John Rosario, Stephen John Sabadao, Maria Christina Tuaban, Leslie Bridget Anzia, Jim Clark Abella, Josiah Jeshua Bruno, Honey Keith Cabela, Kurt Russel Marquez, Lauren Jullienne Pasagoy, Christianne Angel Payang
LAYOUT ARTISTS
Jhenel Cao, Shennah Dulay, Justine Kyle Galvez, Aliyah Jenelle Javier, Russel James Manucdoc, Dave Adrian Ortiz, Jaivan Stiephen Ringor, Jennifer Viado
PHOTOJOURNALISTS
Hannah Cangoy, Gener Mike Capistrano, Chanice Guitang, Maxin Angelo Musni, Micko Nieves, Matt Ceazar Sanio
CARTOONISTS
Clarence Jhay Agustin, Maria Lea Ancheta, Naomi Bumal-o, Isamarie Cerezo, John Patrick Leandado, Arens Licoben, Justine Lucas, Karen Faith Nuguid, Vernon Otoman, Via Patricia Rivera, Ricxielle Shaina Velicaria
John Patrick Mapili
Aiming to hold authority, these aspiring student leaders should recognize and embrace the attached responsibility thereto. As early as now, they ought to prove that they are able to balance academics and serving the students. They are expected to put in a lot of effort, regardless of scale and visibility, to prove that they are capable of leading and serving the studentry. During these times, we see how far they can go just to get the position they are vying for.
In the course of the campaign period, we often see them in different classrooms laying out their platforms, asking students to vote for them with an assurance that if they win, they will do everything to carry out all their plans, an acknowledgement that they need the students before the
students need them.
The rooms will never go silent during this period, they amplify their platforms through memorized scripts and flowery words to appeal to the students’ interests and make them believe in what they can do.
Nonetheless, it is also important to highlight the role of journalism as an echo chamber and a direct line to the students.
at present, the candidates have put these things on hold due to academic reasons, a demonstration of incapacity to effectively manage their time.
This might not measure their capabilities as a leader, but this is part of their commitment to the studen-
The onus is on you to ensure their competence,
Throughout the years, journalism has played a crucial role in the university elections to introduce the future leaders and their platforms. Through forming questions to further know the candidates, promote their platforms, and help the students choose the best leader. However,
Keziah Mae Tingga-an
It is irrefutable to say that a student’s “apolitical” or “apathetic” stance resulted in a low percentage of voter turnout for the past elections for each academic year. To reiterate, these are conscious decisions on the student’s end, indicating a disinterest during election season. Now, the question in mind is, will these attitudes of the studentry persist, or will there be a turning point for this year’s election?
With the upcoming Kataas-taasang Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral/ Supreme Student Coun-
PATSOY
To Lead is to Lend Time
prioritize the minor concerns of the students after this election, as their present actions serve as a mirror of what they can do in the future.
positions of power should never be conferred upon incompetent leaders.
try, an evaluation of their responsiveness. This serves as a reflection on how they view even the smallest parts of their campaign. If they can defer small tasks now, we cannot expect them to
To lead is to lend time notwithstanding any inconvenience it might cause them. Upon their election, they will assume greater responsibilities thus, it is unacceptable for them to set aside their duties due to overwhelming academic schedules. This year, it is unfortunate that the campaign period and the examinations coincided but this should not be an excuse not to step into their roles. Although students before becoming leaders, they
must not forget that, aside from their passion in leading students and the causes they are standing for, no one forced them to run. The act of filing candidacy itself is evidence of their commitment to take on the added challenges and duties that comes with student leadership regardless if they win or not.
Louisians, it is in your hands to elect those who deserve to lead the students, if there are any. Should you deem these candidates incapable, especially those unopposed, exercise the power of abstain voting. The onus is on you to ensure their competence, positions of power should never be conferred upon incompetent leaders. Know them, read and ask about their platforms and make your vote count.
Be the hope: Break the cycle of apathy & apolitcisim
cil (KASAMA/SSC) elections, it is expected that students will exercise their rights to vote. However, it is a recurring issue that the voter turnout for the past academic year has been low— a letdown. Based on last academic year’s statistics, a 26.36% (6,364 out of 23,741 students) voter turnout concluded the elections, which is a close call to declaring the election results as a “failure.” Still and all, it met the minimum threshold of 25% turnout of votes as per the Omnibus Election Code of 2018. The rise of the SLU
Freedom Wall Facebook page allowed students to amplify and voice their concerns, sentiments, and opinions on particular issues, with some even suggesting an academic break, suspension of classes, or revisions in class schedule addressed to the council. While the FB page serves as an avenue for Louisians to express their concerns, it is expected that the students' sentiments will only be addressed effectively if legal steps are taken into consideration. It is ironic that students want change to happen but are reluctant to participate in one of the most essential steps during an election which is exercising their right to vote.
Given the vast population of Saint Louis University (SLU), the revision of the Dress Code Policy is an indicator that the council listens to and addresses student concerns— it was
indeed a remarkable step toward suggesting changes within the administration. However, there is little to no assurance that this will increase student participation during this voting period. In fact, previous programs implemented by the council are still not felt by the studentry, suggesting students’ obliviousness not only to the programs but also to those who are seated. Furthermore, given last year’s Executive Committee (ExeCom) slate, where no one ran for the positions aside from REPORMA-ACS, it was a contributing factor for the students to not engage during the votation. However, it is a waste that the students overlooked the option to abstain from voting for the elected candidates, which could have boosted the student’s engagement. With the current positions for ExeCom no longer
dominated by one party and an allotted five-day voting period compared to last year’s three-day voting period, a glimpse of a turning point to increase student engagement is most likely to happen.
The success of this year’s election lies within the studentry’s decision— it is crucial that as the election period draws to a close, we should not remain apolitical or apathetic. I don’t think now is the time to distance ourselves from engaging in this election. Some might think watching from the sidelines is easier, right? However, staying on the sidelines is a chain reaction, which in the long run will be a burden to the current and succeeding Louisians. Exercise your right to vote whether you choose a candidate or abstain from voting for a position.
After all, hope still lies within us.
MEOW MYTHOS
Iridescent Bubbles: Unvote a Candi-ditch
Zhiann Andrei Remnor Abendan
o you remember the first time you laid eyes on a bubble? That moment when it took shape out of thin air, rotating gracefully as light reflected and refracted across its surface. You drew near, mesmerized, maybe even tried to reach out and hold on to it. Then, pop, it is gone instantly, leaving nothing but a fleeting memory. In many ways, this is how candidates for student leadership emerge every year, full of promise, only to vanish just as quickly once the elections are over.
As campaign season begins, the campus becomes alive with color and sound. Banners drape the walls, vibrant with slogans that aim to inspire. Chants and cheers echo through the halls, each group louder than the last. It is a scene we have grown accustomed to, a yearly reminder of the elections ahead. From choreographed skits to flashy uniforms, candidates from different political parties pull out all the stops, vying for the attention of the Louisian community. They smile, they wave, they repeat the familiar refrain: "Para sa sangka-estudyantehan."
At first, it is exciting. The ideas are creative, the energy is infectious, and we might even believe that change is on the horizon for a moment. But what happens after the votes are counted and the title is secured? What happens to the promises that were made? More often than not, those promises, like iridescent bubbles, burst into thin air, leaving behind nothing but a faint whisper of what once was.
The ideas that once seemed innovative become a little more than words lost in the wind. It's time we, as voters, recognize this recurring cycle. Too often we invest our hopes in the vibrancy of campaigns, only to watch as the momentum dies out the moment the election dust settles. We may need to rethink the way we elect our leaders. Should we not look beyond the flashiness of campaign season and assess the candidates on their actions and experience rather than their words?
TAPE RECORDER
“What area of concern would you like the administration and future KASAMA/SSC leaders to address this acad. year?”
INTERVIEWEE 1: BS CE 2
The very platforms they once stood on to proclaim progress turn into obstacles. “
The national government continues to be confronted by several issues and challenges, somehow mirroring how student councils must continue to take on the urgent concerns within their community.
The responsibility does not lie solely with the candidates. It also falls on us, the student body that votes, cheers, and participates in this yearly spectacle. We have the power to demand more. Instead of settling for empty promises and surface-level solutions, we must hold our leaders accountable for the change they vowed to bring. We can no longer afford to elect individuals who, like bubbles, look promising from afar but disappear when the real work begins.
I look forward to a better enrolment system. We've seen it ourselves these past few enrolment seasons: the portal crashing, students having to wake up at 3 in the morning and go to school even before the proverbial early bird catches their worm, irregular students waiting hours in line hoping to enlist only to find out that their subject isn't even available anymore, pre-enrolment favoring those with faster internet, the enrolment tab going online earlier than it should, leaving students to fight for the blocks with good schedules, and much more.
INTERVIEWEE 2: BSBA FINMAN 4
They should focus more on the mental health of the students, as I can see that there are a lot of students [who] are still struggling. I’ve been browsing a lot on the SLU Freedom Wall, and I can see that there are a lot of freshies who are still homesick. I can also see some students who are in need of guidance and some people who they can talk to. I hope the SSC [will] help these students who are in need.
INTERVIEWEE 3: BA COM 2
This pattern is all too common. After the campaign season ends, some candidates get to work, enthusiastically fulfilling their roles. But others who once declared themselves the agents of change seem to fade into the background. The national government continues to be confronted by several issues and challenges, somehow mirroring how student councils must continue to take on the urgent concerns within their community. The very platforms they once stood on to proclaim progress turn into obstacles. They sit in positions of power, yet things remain stagnant.
We must break this cycle if we genuinely want a progressive and thriving campus. We must be more critical in our choices, more demanding in our expectations, and more vocal in our discontent when promises go unfulfilled. Only then will we move beyond the iridescent bubbles of the campaign season and towards lasting, meaningful progress.
The power is in our hands; if we keep choosing candidates that vanish, we'll be left with nothing but the ghost of a promise that never was: go for CANdidates, not CANdi-DITCH.
“What improvements do you expect from the upcoming KASAMA/SSC officers, considering the efforts of previous
DAHOY!
INTERVIEWEE 1: BS Psychology 4
For the soon-to-be KASAMA/SSC officers this school year, I expect them to have more engagement with the Lousian body for them to increase their visibility and to let the students be more familiar with the council's projects and contributions to the university. It would also help them to be open to the concerns faced by the studentry and to act on them fast and appropriately. Considering the efforts of the previous leaders, I am also expecting to see improvements in how the officers handle issues and mitigate conflicts within the university.
As a student performer, one of our biggest struggles when it comes to preparing for a performance, both for inside and outside school events, is the strict process of reserving rooms on our campus, and usually, it is denied. This leads to us practicing in generally uncomfortable places after class, such as Sunshine Park, or we end up paying for rehearsal places to rent. This feels unfair [on] my part, considering that we are performing for the school or representing it. I hope that the SSC can be more hands-on in helping the other organizations in [the] school, not just the performing groups, to be able to utilize our school’s resources for us to be able to produce quality outputs.
INTERVIEWEE 2: BA Political Science 4
Honestly, I expect a lot more from the upcoming KASAMA/SSC officers than what we’ve seen in the past. While previous leaders did some decent work, there was always this sense that they weren’t doing enough. Transparency was lacking—half the time, we didn’t even know where our fees were going or what decisions were being made behind closed doors. I also felt like they were out of touch with the majority of students. Engagement was minimal, and they rarely went out of their way to get input from students who weren’t already active in school politics. Inclusivity is another issue. It often felt like the same voices were being heard while others were sidelined. Mental health initiatives were barely scratching the surface, and the academic support offered didn’t really address the growing pressures we face. I really hope the new officers step it up and don’t just recycle old ideas. They need to break out of that “status quo” mindset and actually listen to what we, as students, need. Otherwise, it’ll just be another year of missed opportunities.
INTERVIEWEE 3: BA Political Science 4
This is not targeted toward any previous officer or any aspirant, pero sawa na kami sa trapo ‘yong galawan. Oo may magaling sa PR and maganda pubs. May magaling magsalita para masway ‘yong voters. May maraming clout at baka nga meron pang mahaba pa sa resibo ng grocery ‘yong CV eh. Pero what does their work ethic look like? Mahaba nga ‘yong CV pero were they actually efficient during their terms? Can they deliver on what they promise? Or can they at least exceed the bare minimum sa job description ng positions na tinatakbuhan nila? Honestly, look at the grassroots, sa classroom ba may ambag sila? We give student leaders too much grace and too little accountability. It's about time to set a higher standard for student leaders and elect those who can actually deliver on their promises.
Written by | Josiah Jeshua & Nadz Aldrin
Jeshua Bruno, Xylo Fernando Aldrin Benico
Written by | Leslie Mon, Christina Tuaban, Zhiann Remnor Abendan, Christianne Angel Payang & John Patrick Mapili
Written by | Christianne Angel Payang, John Patrick Mapili, Leslie Mon & Jim Clark Abella
Written by | Jim Clark Abella, Xylo Fernando, Josiah Jeshua Bruno, Chrishia Mariz Mariano & Christianne Angel Payang “
COVER ART by Clarence Jhay Agustin