Investigative
Decade of perplexity: A closer look on BSU’s Committee on Election
by Mendegorin, Aubrey G. |Category: Investigative Journalism |Originally published as an Entry to Philippine Journalism Research Conference 2024
Independence is the foundation of an organization to play its significant role in creating a just and
democratic society, especially to foster its jurisdiction.
iSipnayan Society is a micro-organization in our university where I am an incumbent officer. As a
student leader, I am aware that my organization is under the highest student organization of our university.
I got curious to what more is presented for me, thus I am one of the attendees in our university’s annual
Miting De Avance presented by the Benguet State University-Comelec. But I was surprised to see that not
20% of our current population attended the said event.
I wanted to know why BSU-Comelec failed to administer an important event for students to know
more of the running candidates. It is with this activity that should have guided the students with their vote
during the election. While walking with my disappointments, I stumbled upon a 2013 column of The
Mountain Collegian about how the election and voter’s turnout had happened during the said year.
I spent two weeks gathering all the resources I needed to answer my curiosity. From collecting
newspaper articles from the past decade stating how low the turn of votes were, to interviewing key
personnels both from the BSU-SSG to BSU-Comelec, where past and present coincide, and extending
further to compare the CBL of BSU-SSG from other universities.
As I unravel unsolved problems over the years, it led me to several questions that clouded my mind.
“Why is BSU-Comelec under the supervision of BSU-SSG wherein fact they are the primary resources to
be watchdogs in conducting the election?”, “What really is the role of BSU-Comelec in changing the
leadership amongst the students that will be the hope of a better society in the future?”, “Why are there
appointees in the Executive and Legislative Board that did not run during the campaign period and even
violated some of the essential requirements in being part of the BSU-SSG, yet they are seated at the very
important positions?”, “What are the impacts of these to students? Are they really careless to the supposed
government that should serve them with integrity and credibility,” and “If my organization can be
independent from the mother council, why can’t BSU-Comelec attain its liberty from the government that
they should examine closely and thoroughly?”.
With these questions, I started to investigate the on-going crisis at the BSU-Comelec and most
importantly to the students. Attached at the last page is the list of acquired data during which this
investigation started. I sat down with thoughts empty and facts in my hand and now I am about to present
the findings of the constant battle of being independent.
Decade of perplexity: A closer look on BSU’s Committee on Election
Mendegorin, Aubrey G.
What was deemed to be an engaging yet crucial Miting De Avance in a humid afternoon of April
1, 2024 to scrutinize the platforms of the incoming set of officers of Benguet State University-Supreme
Student Government (BSU-SSG) for the Academic Year (A.Y.) 2024-2025 turned into a disheartening
event with only 15 students attending out of the estimated 13,000 undergraduates officially enrolled in
BSU’s La Trinidad campus.
Miting not advancing: A photo of the incomplete line-up of the next SSG for AY 2024-2025 (Photo Courtesy from The Mountain Collegian Facebook Live)
To facilitate a just and fair election for the next set of student leaders that will represent the voices
and grievances of the studentry to the university administration, the BSU-Comelec organizes its annual
election for the BSU-SSG and even the Federation of Supreme Student Government (FSSG), where the
presidents of the three campuses – Bokod, Buguias, and La Trinidad vie for the chair of student regent of
the university administration. Ironically, however, as the BSU-Comelec is supposed to play a significant
role in determining the anticipated members of the highest student organization, its independence still
leaves a big question mark even to its commissioners to date.
Declared as an Administrative Committee in the BSU-SSG Constitution and By-laws (CBL), the
Committee on Election or Comelec is mandated to cover all election processes from the filing of Certificate
of Candidacy (COC) of interested students to run for their desired position in the body until to the
proclamation of winners. In the course of one month, the Comelec examines the running candidates
rigorously and guides the students in their decision-making through various activities. This includes
interviewing students from different colleges, encouraging them to inspect the candidates, and even urging
them to attend the Miting De Avance ensuring the shaping of a competent community of student leaders in
the campus.
General and specific qualifications for the aspiring applicant are displayed in the publication
materials posted on the official Facebook page of the BSU-Comelec. Even the polling precincts and the
remaining hours left for voting are posted and updated at intervals of two to three hours to ensure the
student’s awareness of what impact they can make with their votes. With BSU-Comelec’s aim to create
responsible and informed voting, unfortunately, the body’s pivotal part has made them a floating board with
them being left with no clear duty to conform after elections.
LOST COMELEC CBL
With no clear map to start fishing for answers in light of the vagueness of BSU-Comelec’s status,
led to Former Commissioner Chairperson Diostonee Balinte-Tamawa (former Diostonee Balinte), the
chairperson of BSU-Comelec in 2015. As she recalled her stay, she stated that she was part of BSUComelec since freshman year where she then later served two terms as the chairperson of the Committee.
In a gloomy afternoon, where the smell of coffee swarms the dark aura of the environment, the
interview via Google Meet gave light as she started with how strict BSU-Comelec was during her
incumbency. Mostly, there were more than one party aiming to be part of BSU-SSG. She explained that
aside from the independent candidates, there were two more parties advocating for their action plan and
selling themselves to students to hear their proposed plans.
“Kasi nung time namin, medyo mainit. Talagang election talaga siya. May mga fine, magagaling
silang gumawa ng resolutions, konting ano lang, resolution na agad. Nung time namin, may dalawang party
tapos independent. Kung gusto nilang mag-isa lang sila, puwede. Kaya ang sabi nila, it was also the time
na na-challenge ang Comelec,” she elucidate. She also added that during meetings of BSU-SSG, the
commissioner chairperson of Comelec is invited to attend and listen to the presented agenda by the student
government.
However, she emphasized that BSU-Comelec has its own CBL ratified in what she can remember
from 2010-2011. This CBL that they followed was what she called their BIBLE, religiously needed to have
adhered to execute a just and fair election. In addition, this CBL is passed down to newly elected members
of BSU-Comelec. She further described that the Election Code was just a part of their CBL and had freedom
from the BSU-SSG.
“The BSU-COMELEC has its own CBL as well as the BSU Federation COMELEC (three
campuses) that was passed on to newly elected officers, ratified I think mga 2010 or 2011. It is an
independent body to my knowledge during my term. Though partial of the budget is coming from the SSG.
During my time the election code under SSG was just a part of the BSU-COMELEC CBL. Copy paste lang
namin yung Election code as far as qualification/requirement is concern. Pero naka detail sa CBL ang
mandate nito with mission, vision and it has its own set (of) officers. I’m curious bakit nawala kaya yung
CBL? Kasi ininterview din kasi nung past Chairperson with the CBL in her hand,”
Yet, the former and current BSU-Comelec members who succeeded Tamawa’s term have no idea
that there is an existing CBL. Current BSU-Comelec member Joshua D. Osben admits that there were no
papers handed over to them thus BSU–SSG still holds their liberty.
“Walang naipasang papers. Hindi kami aware na may CBL ang Comelec. Hindi ko rin siya narinig
sa mga kasama ko sa Comelec na mas matagal. Kasi ayun nga kasi nandoon yung attempt namin na ihiwalay sana ang Comelec sa SSG,” Osben simply implied.
FLAWED SSG CBL
The system however does not favor the current BSU-Comelec to be independent from the highest
student organization of the university. Under the ratified 2013 Constitution and By-laws that the
organization complies with, Article XX Section 7 of the constitution and Article V of the By-laws
respectively state that Comelec is a committee under the wing of BSU-SSG. Moreover, Section 2 under
the same article stressed that the President should sit as the vice chairperson of the committee handling the
election. This gives him an ultimate power in choosing who and what kind of student leaders will then sit
next in line.
Column published in The Mountain Collegian (January-March 2013)
As the day came to an end, where the laughter and noises the university created has pierced through
the four corners of the room, current student regent and BSU-SSG President of La Trinidad campus,
Lorenzo S. Acosta III alongside two of his confidants sat to expound how the CBL affects the BSUComelec.
“Hindi pwedeng maging independent yung Comelec from SSG kasi the Comelec should also be
bound by the CBL. Kasi kapag tumataliwas na yung CBL nila sa CBL namin, pano na ‘yun? Ang sabi ko
sa kanila, you’re making Comelec as a private organization. You can be independent na kapag na establish
na ng SSG yung powers nila. Kasi as you can see right now, yung SSG yung power niya, hindi siya actually,
doesn’t cover lahat ng orgs. ‘Di niya nga kayang masabihan (ang isang) organization na ganto ang gawin.
‘Pano pa kaya ang Comelec ‘pag hiwalay na yung function niya is very vital for the organization itself,
pano ‘pag gumawa sila ng isang policy na disregarding the CBL,” Acosta explained.
This is far different from well-known universities in Baguio. Saint Louis University (SLU),
according to a Facebook post on the SLU Commission on Election page clearly stated that “The
Commission on Elections of Saint Louis University is an independent and quasi-judicial body of the Kataastaasang Sanggunian ng mga mag-aaral/Supreme Student Council (KASAMA/SSC).” The 2018
KASAMA/SSC Omnibus Code also stated that Comelec should be composed of the Electoral Boards from
the different schools of the said university, the Information Technologists Committee, volunteers, and other
officials appointed by the Comelec Chairperson.
Excerpt from SLU KASAMA/SSC Official Facebook Page
Meanwhile, in the University of the Philippines-Baguio (UPB), their respective Comelec is under
the university’s official student publication. The University Student Council (USC) of UPB recognizes the
independence of Comelec with its Electoral Code and Implementing Rules presented. Their Comelec is
composed of a University Registrar or a faculty appointed by the chancellor, two faculty members per
college, and two student representatives with no political affiliation. Even the Philippine Constitution under
its 1935 constitution amended in 1940 admits the independence of Comelec from its three main branches
of the government – executive, legislative, and judiciary to ensure a fair and transparent election.
A disparate scenario of the greater organizations has put the BSU-Comelec’s freedom from the
student government far from being set to reality.
While there exists a revised 2017 and 2023 CBL and even a Charter Change for the outdated 2013
CBL was proposed, the ratification process takes time for these changes to be implemented. According to
Senator Janwin V. Laklaki, it will take 2-3 years for this to be properly mandated. Although an Electoral
Code created in August of 2023 is being followed by the Comelec, ambiguities are still evident.
However, an excerpt from the 63-page proposed new CBL on 2024 details the role of BSU Comelec
from the highest governing body of the studentry of the university.
Article VIII Section 22 acknowledges the power, authority, and duty to administer all laws and
regulations relative to the elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recalls. BSU Comelec is given
the power to promulgate its own rules and regulations given that it shall not cause havoc to the studentry
and its administration. Moreover, Section 23 of the same Article clearly states that the Executive President
of the BSU-SSG shall appoint the new chairperson of the Commission of Election removing itself from the
body handling the election.
However, with every term’s agenda, Acosta does not see changing the CBL of BSU-SSG to answer
the real problem at the moment. He discussed that the Legislative Board is obligated to create practices that
will efficiently work for the system. Practical revisions should be suggested so that even the Comelec may
gain their independence Nevertheless, he does not see the immediate liberty of the Comelec for the coming
years.
“Yes, payag naman ako (maging independent ang BSU-Comelec) if it’s really establish yung power
ng SSG. Kasi ngayon pa nga lang, part ng SSG ang Comelec pero it’s contradicting (what) the CBL says.
Siguro kung magfofocus talaga ang SSG sa CBL nila, kaso kulang kami. 32 lang yung officers tapos
senators are supposedly the one doing the pagrerevise. Pero one year or 10 months of looking at the CBL,
revising it, putting the limited knowledge of the people. Kasi ang problema namin ngayon the population
of students exploded so mahihirapan na tayo to craft a CBL within 10 months or 9 months. So establish
muna yung SSG CBL, bago yung CBL ng Comelec. Siguro 3-5 years kapag tinutukan talaga ‘pag yun
talaga yung priority ng SSG to really enhance the CBL,” justified Acosta.
COMELEC VS SOVEREIGNTY
The evening conversation with former Comelec commissioner Kenneth M. Aroco fitted the missing puzzle
piece. He disclosed that one of the major problems that the Comelec used to encounter is the fact that its
stance is a committee of the SSG and not an external force that would watch over and police them.
“After the election, pwede lang pala siya iby-pass. Na parang in a way, all the efforts gone to
waste,” Aroco added.
With the creation of the Officers Selection Committee of the current government, the said
committee appointed several former aspirants as part of the highest organization. Although discussed by
Acosta that this is accepted under the BSU-SSG CBL, implying that the BSU-SSG should immediately be
allowed to appoint students to fill in positions of vacant officers after the elections.
This statement contradicts what holds in the said CBL. As stated in Article XVI Section 4,
immediate appointees should only hold if an officer drop-out, transfer, voluntary resignation, or
impeachment took place.
Excerpt from BSU-SSG CBL 2013
In addition, some qualifications are not being met by aspirants thus BSU-Comelec is enforced to
screen such applicants. Grade requirements, officerships in other RSOs, and candidates for graduations are
mostly violated by the current student government. Hence, the screening becomes useless with appointees
done. This was the dilemma BSU-Comelec had to face.
Being independent RSO requires an action plan consisting of at least ten (10) activities in an AY.
The Office of Student Services (OSS) cannot proclaim an organization without having a concrete Action
Plan presented. BSU-Comelec thought of way by proposing to be a mother Comelec for all the Comelec
under different colleges but the idea came to be idealistic thus independence is still a blur on when they
could attain such freedom.
STUDENT VOTER’S RESPONSE
Excerpt from the official post of BSU-La Trinidad Committee On Elections
The past decade manifests the students’ lack of concern regarding the student administration. In a
column published by The Mountain Collegian in 2013, there were a total of 3,660 collected votes from its
approximately 7,000 students, amassing 52.29% at that time.
Additionally, in a news article by The Mountain Collegian in 2015, there was a notable drop in
students who voted for this school year’s election. Out of its approximated 7,000 students, 2,521 students
voted from the one party vying for the positions in BSU-SSG. In 2019, BSU-Comelec noted a 1,478 voter’s
turn-out from it’s 5,501 total population.
Moreover, according to the official proclamation of the BSU Comelec, 1,320 students out of about
12,000 officially enrolled students in the academic year 2022-2023 voted during the said election. In the
following academic year, 36%, or 4,619 out of its 12,831 officially enrolled students participated in the
election by exercising their votes. A lower percentage for the upcoming academic year, 2024-2025 once
again was presented by the Comelec. Compared to the previous 36%, a total of 2,473 or 19.02% of students
from the current population were recorded to vote for the next student leaders.
The statistics showed a low voter turnout over the past years when the election took place. Several
published articles in The Mountain Collegian issues around the years 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2019 suggested
student apathy resulting in a low number of students exercising their right to vote.
Acosta also implied the effect of students’ response to BSU-SSG where he sees that the low interest
of students resulted in affected and limited participation of the students in activities proposed by the
organization. Despite that, Aroco believes that student apathy is just an underlying issue to a bigger problem
both BSU Comelec and BSU-SSG face.
“While you could say yes na may apathy talaga from the students but at the same time, it’s not
entirely, straightforward na parang ayaw lang talaga nila mag-vote. I feel like, there’s (a) bigger factor
behind pa. Let’s say for example, performance ng mga RSOs (Registered Student Organizations),
connection ng SSG with the students, or even the confidence of the students to the people they are voting
(for) right? These things are bigger things behind yung apathy. Because if you just say yes na ‘yes all the
students are apathetic’ it’s not giving context to what is actually happening,” Aroco explained.
He further discussed that students felt closer with their respective RSOs because they have an effect
compared to BSU-SSG, a university-wide organization where students cannot recognize the importance of
the highest organization.
With just one party running every year, the election suggests that the election is an announcement
for formality’s sake, thus students of the academy conclude no concern over the government that should
serve them.
HOPES FOR FUTURE INDEPENDENCE
“Hindi ko masasabing magandang suggestion, pero ito kasi ginagawa namin, mentoring. Noong
nagraduate ang mga members ng Comelec, iniinvite namin or gagawa kami ng paraan para mainvite namin
yung past commisioners para i-guide nila yung incoming,” Tamawa said.
With the current situation of the Comelec’s unclear place as a committee, Tamawa believes that
old practices of BSU-Comelec should be returned, primarily mentoring future BSU-Comelec members,
learning from the past to create a strong and just body playing a necessary role in the elections. On the other
hand, both Aroco and Osben mainly hoped for the independence of BSU-Comelec in the future, a separation
from the highest organization that governs the studentry.
“First and foremost, mabago sana yung contents ng CBL ng SSG. Buwagin na lang ‘tong
committee at gawin na lang siyang Commission on Election. Maiiwasan natin yung pagiging ambiguous
ng existence ng Comelec. Maiiwasan din natin yung pagiging bias and maeensure natin yung fair and just
election,” explained Osben.
Aroco added that he hoped for the new Comelec to be separated or to be able to establish their
entity from the SSG, that as well be capable of calling out the said body for their invalid and incorrect use
of power. “Even after elections, sana magawa pa rin nila na macall out nila yung mga mali na ginagawa
ng SSG even if officially wala na silang power para maipakita nila na hindi lang present ang Comelec na
magbabantay ng polling stations,” he remarked.
With such, Aroco also suggested that training of different college Comelecs would help in
highlighting and protecting the sanctity of ballots and reporting anomalies that the future administration
may create.
In a student’s perspective as well, Anna (not her real name), pointed out the importance of an
independent Comelec. “Alam mo pag naririnig yung salitang Comelec lalo na kapag makikita mo yung sa
facebook page nila, para silang under ng SSG. Ang pangit na Comelec under SSG. Kasi ang labas noon
parang hawak ng SSG ang Comelec. So parang asan yung credibility ng Comelec. Ang pangit lang kasi
noong image na nageelect tayo ta’s yung election na yun ng under SSG. Alam mo yung feeling na parang
joke lang yung Comelec if under sila ng SSG. Kaya I really hope na maging independent na ang Comelec
para makita natin yung significance ng Comelec. What’s the point of voting if SSG lang din makikinabang.
Kasi Comelec, sila yung grounds para sa better SSG natin,” she hopes.
BSU-Comelec, as an embodiment of fair and democratic election each year, with hopes and ideas
of freedom from the BSU-Supreme Student Government should be catered and addressed to create an
autonomous university with a vote playing a primary role in carving the student leadership
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