(Committee on Constitutional Revision 2014)Page |1

Northwestern University
College of Law
Laoag City
CONSTITUTION
PREAMBLE
We, the students of the College of Law of Northwestern University,
imploring the aid of Almighty God, believing in the principles of democracy,
do hereby make a commitment to create a governing body that shall
advance our common good, to intensify and promote our interest in the
study of law in accordance with the highest ethical standards, to encourage
every member in the search for the law and to enhance our active
participation in nation-building under the dominion of honesty, diligence,
perseverance and equal justice to all, do ordain and promulgate this
Constitution.
ARTICLE I
TITLE, ADDRESS, LOGO
SECTION 1. This organization shall be called the Law Student
Organization.
SECTION 2. The place of office of the said organization shall be at the
College of Law Office, Northwestern University, Laoag City.
SECTION3. There shall be an official logo of the organization, which
shall be designed and voted upon by the Commission on Representatives.
ARTICLE II
OBJECTIVES
SECTION 1. To provide healthier environment for studying for all the
students in the College of Law.
SECTION 2. To endow with an easier way of settling disputes or any
grievance which may arise during the fiscal year.
SECTION 3. To advance transparency in the organization.
SECTION 4. To promote and encourage productive activities that inure
to the general welfare and interest of the students in the college of law.
SECTION 5. To enhance active participation, collective effort and
unified doings on matters concerning the search for law and applying it
correctly in the community.
SECTION 6.To support the objectives of the Supreme Student Council
and the Northwestern University.
ARTICLE III
BILL OF RIGHTS
SECTION 1. Students who are duly enrolled in the College shall not be
deprived of the right to membership nor be denied the equal protection of
the laws of this organization.
SECTION 2. Every member shall have the right to due process.
SECTION 3. Every member shall have the right to access the official
documents of the organization, at his or her own expense.
SECTION 4. Every member shall have the right to question the validity
of any rule, regulation and resolution of the Law Student Council to the
proper authority.
SECTION 5.There shall be no rule or regulation passed abridging the
right of the members to petition the organization for redress of grievances
nor there shall be a rule or regulation which is repugnant to the members
and organizations interest.

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SECTION 6. Every member shall have the right to petition the LSC for
any proposed activity, policy, or any rules and regulations through the
Commission on Representative.
ARTICLE IV
THE LAW STUDENT ORGANIZATION
SECTION 1. There shall be an organization of law student, which shall
be called the LAW STUDENT ORGANIZATION, LSO for brevity.
SECTION 2. The LSO shall be composed of all the law students enrolled
in the College of Law.
SECTION 3. For all purposes, all student contained in the masters list
provided by the Office of the Dean shall be the official count of students in
each year level.
ARTICLE V
THE LAW STUDENT COUNCIL
SECTION 1. There shall be officers of LSO, which shall be called LAW
STUDENT COUNCIL, LSC for brevity.
SECTION 2. The officers of the LSC shall be the President, Vicepresident, Secretary, Treasurer, Business Manager, and Public Information
Officer.
SECTION 3. The election of LSC officers shall be held annually as may
be provided by the Commission on Election, in coordination with the Office of
the Dean.
SECTION 4. The officers shall be elected by the members of the
organization through popular vote.
SECTION 5. The qualifications of the candidates and conduct of election
shall be governed by the law and rules which shall hereinafter promulgated
by the Commission on Election.
SECTION 6. The officers shall take their oath of office before they
exercise their powers and perform their duties.
SECTION 7. The tenure of office of the elected officers shall take effect
immediately after oath of office and until the succeeding officers shall be
elected and inducted.Provided however, that in cases of vacancy in any
office by virtue of incapacity, resignation, impeachment, or death , the LSC
President with the consent of the other officers, through a resolution, shall
appoint an officer who shall continue the tenure of the said officer.
SECTION 8. Officers of the Law Student Council shall not be eligible to
be members of the Commission on Audit immediately preceding their tenure.
ARTICLE VI
POWERS OF THE LAW STUDENT COUNCIL
SECTION 1. To develop, promulgate and enforce policies, rules and
regulations that are designed to benefit the students and College.
SECTION 2. To adopt and/or amend or revised such policies, rules and
regulations when circumstances warrant, so long as they are germane to the
objectives of this organization. Provided that, such adoption, amendment or
revision shall be with the ratification of the majority of all the members of the
LSO.
SECTION 3.To make a list of Mandatory Activities and Optional
Activitiesand coordinate with the Dean of the College regarding the
administration of activities it tends to undertake. Provided that, the list of
mandatory activities must be approved by the LSC Adviser and the Dean of
the College of Law.
Provided further, that an activity is considered to be Mandatory when
such is annually held by the College and the attendance of all the LSO is a
must.Provided finally, that an activity is considered to be Optional when such

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is proposed by any member of the LSO and consented to by majority vote in

accordance with the rules promulgated by the Commission of
Representatives.
SECTION 4. To act on petitions for changes in policies, rules and
activities of the organization after majority consent from the officers and/or
students has been obtained and after proper and necessary steps have been
undertaken in lieu of the same purpose.
SECTION 5. To propose annual membership fee to be collected upon
enrollment, provided that the amount is ratified by the majority vote of the
LSO, through the Commission of Representatives.
SECTION 6.To develop the annual plan of the LSO and adopt legal
strategies in augmenting its resources subject to existing rules and
regulations. Provided that, the proposed budget allocations shall be in
accordance to the disbursements of the previous school year or taking into
consideration the current market prices and additional expenses which may
be incurred during the current school year.
SECTION 7. To determine and impose sanction/s to members for any
violation of existing rules or policies of the organization, subject to
consolation with its adviser together with the Dean of the College. Provided,
that any member shall have a right to due process before the imposition of
the said sanction/s.
SECTION 8. To act and represent the students of the College in all
activities with the administration in threshing out problems affecting the
studentry and the organization itself.
SECTION 9. Any activity or policy passed by the LSC and duly approved
by the Dean, or the Director of Student Affairs or the University President, as
the case may be, shall only be obliged to respect and follow the same.
ARTICLE VII
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
SECTION 1. The General assembly shall be in the nature of a
mandatory activity.
SECTION 2.The LSC shall have the power call a general assembly.
Provided, that, in order not to affect the classes, it shall only be done once
every semester. Provided further, that the LSC may request an additional
general assembly if the need arises. Provided finally, that such an additional
general assembly shall be with the approval of the Dean of the College.
SECTION 3. There shall be no General Assembly without due notice to
all members of the LSO. Notice shall be in the form of general announcement
by posting in the LSC bulletin board indicating the time, place and agenda of
such general assembly, in the LSO bulletin board and which should be done
one
(1)
week
prior
to
the
proposed
general
assembly.
SECTION 4. The LSC shall promulgate the order of business regarding
the intended general assembly.
SECTION 5. The LSC shall appoint an officer who shall record the
proceeding during the General Assembly.
SECTION 6. To constitute quorum, at least fifty-one percent (51%) of
the total number of the students are present.
(The General Assembly shall only be for the purpose of introduction
and campaign of the aspiring officers of the LSC, for the introduction of the
new students and the former students, and for the presentation of the LSC
financial and achievement reports.)
ARTICLE VIII
RESOLUTIONS, FINES, ACTIVITIES
AND OTHER RULES AND REGULATIONS
SECTION 1. In order for resolutions, fines, activities and other rules and
regulation to be considered valid, it must be signed by the LSC president or

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his representative, the LSC Adviser, and the Dean of the College. Provided
that, the said resolution, fines, activities and other rules and regulations shall
be posted in the bulletin board at least one (1) week before its
implementation.
SECTION 2. There shall be a resolution from the LSC before acting in its
official capacity, specifically in transactions involving the general fund of the
LSO.
ARTICLE IX
TRANSPARENCY
SECTION 1. Any member of the LSO who is in-charge of any activity
which includes disbursement of any amount coming from the general fund of
the LSO shall be responsible to record each disbursement and shall report to
the LSC the amount of actual disbursement incurred.
SECTION 2. As much as practicable, at the end of each semester, the
Commission on Audit shall post a copy of all the disbursements incurred
during the semester in the bulletin board in order to inform each member of
the LSO about the disbursements made during the semester.
ARTICLE X

INDEPENDENT COMMISIONS
COMMON PROVISIONS
Section 1.
The independent commissions are the Justice Commission, the
Commission on Audit, the Commission on Election and the Commission of
Representatives which shall be independent from the LSC.
Section 2.
Each of the commission shall be composed of a Chairman and
two (2) members. Provided however that the composition of the Commission on
Justice and the Commission of Representatives is subject to the provisions of
Section 16 and Section 18 hereof.
Section 3.
The term of each chairman and member of the Commission shall
be one year without reappointment in the same Commission. Provided that, no
officer of the LSC is eligible to be a member of the Commission on Audit for the
school year immediately preceding his term.
Section 4.
No chairman or member of any commission shall serve for more
than one term in the same commission during his enrolment in the College of Law.
Provided, that no member of the Independent Commissions, during his tenure, shall
hold any other office in the LSC. Provided further, that any chairman or member of
the Independent Commissions can run for or be appointed in an office in the LSC
after his term has already expired.
Section 5.
The Independent Commission shall enjoy fiscal autonomy. Their
annual appropriations shall be automatically and regularly released upon approval
by the LSC.
Section 6.
Each Commission, after appointment of the chairman and
members thereof, shall promulgate rules and regulations concerning its proceedings
on any matters within its jurisdiction. Provided that such rules and regulations, shall
not diminish, increase, or modify substantive rights of the members of the LSO.
Section 7.
Each Commission shall decide by majority vote any case or
matter brought before it within five (5) days from the date of its submission for
decision or resolution. A case or matter is deemed submitted for decision or
resolution upon filing of the last pleading, brief, or memorandum required by the
rules of the Commission or by the Commission itself. Unless otherwise provided by

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this constitution or their rules, any decision, order or ruling of each commission may
be brought on appeal to the Office of the Dean by the aggrieved party within two (2)
days from the receipt of the copy thereof. The Dean shall resolve the appealed
decision within three (3) days from receipt of the copy of the appeal. The resolution
of the Dean in the appealed case may be made orally or in writing, in his discretion,
and shall be immediately executor.
Section 8.
Each Commission shall perform such other functions as may be
provided by law or resolution of the Office of the Dean or the LSC.
Section 9. Each Commission shall submit to the Office of the Dean and to
Commission on Audit a semestral report covering the financial condition,
achievement and operation report of their office. It shall submit such other reports
as may be required by the Law Student Organization, thru the LSC, and the Office of
the Dean. Provided that, the Commission on Audit shall submit its annual report to
the Office of the Dean and the LSC.
Section 10. Appointment to any vacancy shall only be for the unexpired
portion of the term of the predecessor. In no case shall any member be appointed or
designated in a temporary or acting capacity.
Section 11. For purposes of fines and responsibilities in the organizations
activities, members of the independent commissions are considered officers.

THE COMMISSION ON AUDIT

Section 11. The Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and two (2)
members who are students of the College of Law, and must not have been an
officer of the LSC for the immediately preceding school year.
Section 12. The members hall be appointed by the LSC President through a
resolution with the approval of the LSC.
Section 13. The Commission shall have the following powers, authority and
duties:
a. To examine, audit, and post the reports in the LSO bulletin board pertaining to
the revenue or receipts, and expenditures or disbursements of funds and
property, owned and held in trust by the LSC in favor of the LSO and those of
the other Independent Commissions. The Commission shall also have the
duty to see to it that the statement of accounts, especially those pertaining
to expenditures or disbursements are posted in the bulletin board at least ten
(10) days after each activity conducted by the LSC or the LSO; and
b. To promulgate accounting and auditing rules, subject to limitations provided
for by law or resolution, including the recommendation of the disallowances
of irregular, unnecessary, excessive, extravagant, or unconscionable
expenditures, or uses of organizations funds or properties.

THE COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS

Section 14.The Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and two (2)
members who are students of the College of Law and duly appointed by the LSC
President through a resolution with the approval of the LSC;
Section 15. The Commission shall have the following powers, authority and
duties:
a. Conduct annual elections for the LSO and other special elections as the need
arises;

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b. Promulgate rules and regulations pertaining to the conduct of the election;

c. Deputize any student of the LSO for the purpose of ensuring free, orderly,
honest, peaceful, and credible elections;
d. Enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of an
election, plebiscite, initiative and referendum, and recall; and
e. Supervise and regulate the enjoyment and utilization of all possible means of
equal campaigning of the candidates to ensure equal opportunity, time and
space for public information campaigns and forums among candidates in
connection with the objective of holding free, honest, peaceful, and credible
elections.

THE JUSTICE COMMISSION

Section 16. The Commission shall be composed a Chairman and three (3)
members. Provided that, there shall be at least one (1) representative for each
class, who shall be appointed by the class representatives with the approval of the
LSC President through a resolution.
Section 17. The commission shall have the following powers, authority and duty:
a. To exercise jurisdiction over all disputes or actions which may arise from

interpretation or enforcement of this Constitution, any rules and regulations

which are promulgated by the LSC and over any grievances on the imposition
of fines or membership fee or petition for collection and enforcement of fines
or membership fee instituted by any member of the LSO. Provided however,
that the Commission cannot assume jurisdiction over cases in violation of any
rules and regulations promulgated by the school or any case which is
cognizable by the school;
b. To exercise original jurisdiction over petition or complaint against any other
Independent Commission or the LSC, including any member or officer thereof;
and
COMMISSION OF REPRESENTATIVES
Section 19. The representative shall be elected from each class. Provided
that, if the class population is at least nine (9) students, the representative shall be
entitled to two (1) votes in the Commission and if the class population is at eighteen
(18) students, the representative shall be entitled to three (2) votes. Provided
finally, that a representative shall be entitled to a maximum of three (3) votes when
the number of students in a class exceeds eighteen (18).
Section 20.The Commission may convene and hold sessions whenever it may
deem necessary. Provided that a majority of the Commission shall constitute a
quorum to do business, which shall be determined by the number of votes each
member represents.
Section 21. The commission shall have the following powers, authority and duty:
a.

The Commission shall be vested with the legislative power of the LSO.
Pursuant thereto, the Commission shall promulgate its rules of proceedings
and establish implementing guidelines in the conduct of class assembly and
commission sessions it may conduct whenever necessary.
b. The Commission, upon its own initiative shall propose projects for the LSO
subject to the approval of the LSC President, the LSC Adviser, and the Dean of
the College of Law.

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Section 22. The member representatives shall have the following duties:
a. Inform students in their respective year level regarding resolutions,
memoranda, activities and functions;
b. Assist the treasurer in the collection of funds;
Section 23. Each representative shall hold a class assembly three (3) days before
each session to determine the position of the class in any question on policies,
programs and plans of the LSO affecting their rights and interest. Provided that the
representative shall be prohibited to take a stand opposite to what has been voted
upon.

`
ARTICLE XI
AMENDMENTS
SECTION 1. Any amendment to, or revision of this Constitution may be
proposed by the LSO, through the Commission of Representatives, upon a
vote of not less than of its members; or upon a petition signed by at least
50% of all the member of the LSO; or a constitutional convention.
SECTION 2. Any amendmentor revision of this Constitution shall be
valid when ratified by a majority of the votes cast in a plebiscite which shall
be held after the approval of the proposed amendments or revisions.
SECTION 3. Amendments or revisions of the Constitution shall only be
made once every year and during regular semester of the year.
ARTICLE XII
SCOPE AND EXTENTION
SECTION 1. The Constitution and By-laws shall take effect upon its
ratification by a majority vote of all the students.
SECTION 2.Promulgated by the members of the Promulgation
Committee this __________ 2014.Ratified by the students of the College of
Law of Northwestern University on the _______ day of ___________ 2014.

MAE JEAN A. PEDRO

MONALIZA ANTONIO

FRANCIS R. DAYO

JAMAILA A. SOLLER

MARSHALL ELLIS M. DIEGO

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COLLEGE OF LAW
LAW STUDENT COUNCIL
BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I
POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE OFFICERS
SECTION 1. The President shall have the following powers and duties:
a.) To enforce provision of the Constitution and By-laws and other rules and
regulations promulgated;
b.) To lead the Student Council in realizing the objectives of the organization;
c.) To administer and preside over meetings, assemblies and council and sign
pertinent resolutions and papers concerning the function of the LSC;
d.) To authorize cash disbursement upon the approval of simple majority of
the LSC officers necessary in carrying out the activities, events and
projects of the council;
e.) To coordinate with the LSC Adviser, the Dean of the College of Law, and all
other person concerned in any official transactions of the LSC adn the
College of Law;
f.) To hear and decide the rationality of the reason of any member who failed
to attend a mandatory activity of the college, which includes pardoning or
lessening of the amount of fine imposed upon such member;
g.) To perform all other duties incidental to the nature of his office;
SECTION 2. The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall:
a.) Assume the powers and duties of the President in the latters absence or
incapacity;
b.) Act as overseer in all activities, specially, in connection with the
Foundation day activities and any matter involving the internal affairs of
the LSC;
c.) Perform other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.
SECTION 3. The Vice-President for External Affairs shall:
a.) Assume the powers and duties of the President in the absence or
incapacity of the latter and the VP for External Affairs; in case the
President, the VP for Internal Affairs and the VP for External Affairs are
absent or incapacitated, the other members of the Council shall elect an
acting President;
b.) Supervise all activities, specially, in connection with Bar Exam Operations
and all other external activities of the Council;
c.) Perform other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.
SECTION 4. The Secretary Shall:
a.) Take custody of all records, documents and papers of the LSC;
b.) Record the minutes of the proceeding of all meetings and all conference of
the LSC as well as the minutes of any assembly made during the school
year;
c.) Performs other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.
SECTION 5. The Treasurer shall:
a.) Have custody of all funds of organization;
b.) Take charge of all collections and disbursements approved by the Council;
c.) Prepare financial statements;
d.) To post the names of all the delinquent members of the LSO including
their fines, if there are any, in the bulletin board;
e.) Perform other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.
SECTION 6. The Auditor shall:
a.) Audit all financial records of the organization;
b.) Monitor all receipts and disbursements of the LSC;
c.) Perform other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.?????

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SECTION 7. The Business Manager shall:

a.) Direct projects undertaken by LSC;
b.) Assists the President in transacting business, or entering into contracts;
c.) Perform other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.
SECTION 8. The Public Relations Officers shall:
a.) Handle publicity, advertisements and promotion of the activities of LSC;
b.) Disseminate information as to all notices of the organization regarding
meetings and conferences;
c.) Perform other duties assigned by the President or by the Council.

ARTICLE II
VACANCIES AND HOLDOVER POSITIONS
SECTION 1.Vacancy in any office by virtue of incapacity, resignation,
impeachment, or death, the LSC President with the consent of the other

officers, through a resolution, shall appoint a new officer who shall continue
the unexpired term of his predecessor, as early as one week after the vacancy;

SECTION 2. Any officer with valid ground may resign from office by written notice
submitted to the LSC and the LSC Adviser. Said resignation shall take effect one
week after due notice to LSC and LSC Adviser.
SECTION 3. A petition for impeachment of any officer of the Council shall be made
by majority of all officers or 1/3 of all members of the LSO. Said petition shall be
filed to the Commission on Justice. The Commission shall recommend the
impeachment of the officer sought to be impeached, provided that the
recommendation shall be concurred with bymajority of its members.
SECTION 4. Any officer shall be removed from office after due process, by
impeachment on any of the following grounds:
a) Willfull violation of the Constitution and By-laws;
b) Grave abuse of authority;
c) Culpable neglect of official duty;
d) Gross insubordination;
e) Immoral conduct;
f) Unexcused absences incurred from meetings;
g) Failing Grade;
ARTICLE III
SELECTION OF LSC ADVISER
SECTION 1. The adviser shall be any of the faculty members of the College of Law;
SECTION 2. The adviser shall be selected by the LSC officers through a resolution.
The LSC shall notify the Dean or Associate Dean;
SECTION 3. The selected adviser shall have a term of one year;
SECTION 4. In case of resignation or death, the Dean or the Associate Dean shall act
as the pro tempore adviser until a replacement shall have been chosen.
ARTICLE IV
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF THE LSC ADVISER
SECTION 1. The LSC Adviser shall:
a) Serve as consultant on matters pertaining to the acts of the LSC;
b) Be informed of all the activities and projects of the LSC.

ARTICLE V
DUTIES AND FEES
SECTION 1. The LSC after due notice, hearing and deliberation shall propose any
fees to be collected from the members of the LSO for legitimate projects or
activities, in accordance with the provision of the Constitution.

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SECTION 2. The LSC after due notice, hearing and deliberation shall determine the
fine to be imposed. Provided, that before the imposition the requirement laid down
in the constitution should be followed.

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College of Law
ELECTION CODE
ARTICLE I COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS
SECTION 1.The Commission shall be composed of a Chairman and two (2)
members who are students of the College of Law and duly appointed by the
incumbent LSC President through a resolution with the approval of the LSC.Provided,
that the chairperson of the said election shall come from the fourth year class.
SECTION 2. The commissioners shall have a term of one (1) year.
SECTION 3. The COMELEC, in relation to the provisions of Article X, Section 15
of the LSO Constitution, shall have the following additional duties;
a) To promulgate additional rules it may deem necessary for a clean,
effective and orderly conduct of elections in consultation with the
parties and/or candidates;
b) To assist, publish and enforce the rules relative to the conduct of
the LSC elections; and
c) To take written complaints, protest or questions and decide over
other matters on the conduct of elections, which decisions shall be
final and irrevocable.(pakicheck nu adaagconflict!haha!)
ARTICLE II
NOTICE AND DATE OF ELECTIONS OF LSC OFFICERS
SECTION 1. There shall be posted notice of election at the bulletin board and
two (2) other conspicuous places within the College, at least three (3) days before
the filing of certificates of candidacy to the COMELEC.
SECTION 2. The officers shall be elected during the annual election called for
by the Dean or Associate Dean on the third Saturday from the beginning of classes
or at any day convenient to all the students and faculty. Provided that the exact
date of election will be decided by them in consultation with the COMELEC.
SECTION 3. The officers shall be elected by the duly constituted members of
this organization and shall be declared elected by popular vote.
ARTICLE III
ELIGIBILITY OF CANDIDATES
SECTION 1. For the President and Vice President:
a) He must be a bona fide student of the Northwestern University;
b) He must have at least one year residency in Northwestern
University immediately prior to his candidacy;
c) He must not have been subjected to any disciplinary action in his
stay at the Northwestern University with a punishment or more than
five (5) days suspension; and
d) He must be able to hold office for one school year.
SECTION 2. For other positions:
a) He must be a bona fide student of the Northwestern University;
b) He must not have been subjected to any disciplinary action in his
stay at the Northwestern University with a punishment of more than
five (5) days suspension; and
c) He must be able to hold office for one school year.
SECTION 3. Cases involving questions of eligibility of any candidate shall be
brought to and decided by the COMELEC. Its decision shall be final and
irrevocable.
SECTION 4. No student shall be allowed to run for any office of the LSC unless
he files a certificate of candidacy within the scheduled days of filing such.
SECTION 5. A student who has filed a certificate of candidacy may withdraw
the same by submitting a declaration of withdrawal prior to the election.