OFFICE OF THE STUDENT COUNCIL

University of the Philippines Cebu

Room 165, Arts and Sciences Building
Minutes of the Meeting

Last September 23, 2014, the UP Cebu Student Council 2014-2015 had its 22nd
meeting at the Student Council office. The meeting was called to order at 6:58 PM with
10 members present, and 4 members absent. The meeting was presided by Student
Council Chairperson Dyan Gumanao.

The following were present in the meeting:
April Dyan Gumanao (Chairperson)
Angel Rose Trocio (Councilor)
Chatch Calderon (Councilor)
Vince Francis Dingding (Councilor)
Cristine Hellery Libres (4th Year Rep.)
Christine Meriz (4th Year Rep.)
Justine Raphael Balane (3rd Year Rep.)
Carmen Jonahville Matarlo (3rd Year Rep.)
Patrick Byron Gattoc (2nd Year Rep.)
Hannah Lois Tidalgo (2nd Year Rep.)

The following were absent in the meeting:
Narlyn Dura (FA Rep.) - academic concerns (plates)
Damsel Mondido (FA Rep.) - academic concerns (plates)
Darl Octa Henessa Santos (Councilor) - sick
France Kevin Degamo (Vice-Chairperson) - academic concerns (exams)


I. CALL TO ORDER
The meeting was called to order at 6:58 PM. Quorum was established.

A. AGENDA
1. Business Arising
a. Approval of the 21st Minutes of the Meeting
b. STS Campaign
2. Cookout Updates
3. PI Campaign
4. Hisgutanang Kalinaw
5. Deliberation on Org. Activities
6. Other Matters
a. DAC Report
b. SEB
c. UNISO
d. FOI
e. All UP Workers Union
f. WIFI
g. OSA Communication

Representative Gattoc motioned to approve the agenda for the 22nd meeting
and was duly seconded by Representative Matarlo.

B. ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Business Arising

a. Approval of the 21st Minutes of the Meeting
Each member of the body read the sections of the minutes. Amendments
were made on the discussions on Approval and Deliberation of Sec. Gen.,
Approval of the 20th Minutes of the Meeting, Resolution for the SEB, FOI Events,
and UP Freshies Week 2014.
Representative Tidalgo moved to approve the minutes of the meeting and
was seconded by Representative Balane.
Chairperson Gumanao inquired about the postings of the minutes.
Representative Gattoc answered that he was working on the publicity material on
the 18th minutes of the meeting. Chairperson Gumanao then reminded the body
about keeping the Student Council Facebook page updated and that each
member should share the page for the publicity of the minutes and for
information to be effectively and efficiently delivered to the student body.

b. STS Campaign
Since Councilor Trocio was not yet around during that time, Chairperson
Gumanao requested if this matter could be laid on the table until only Councilor
Trocio arrives to give the updates.
Councilor Dingding motioned that the matter be laid on the table and was
duly seconded by the body.

2. Cookout Updates

a. Updates are kept off the record for preparation purposes

3. PI Campaign
Launching of the pi campaign was on September 29, 2014, during the UP
FRESHIES NIGHT: DEKADA. Councilor Trocio, as head of the event, opened
the topic to the body. She duly recited the events which occurred during the UP
Freshies Week 2014 and the attendance of the officers during the UP FN 2014.
Officers who were present and absent are listed on the table as follows:

OFFICER SCHEDULE ATTENDAN
CE
REPORT
Dyan Gumanao 8 - 9 PM Present Present whole night
France Kevin Degamo 7 - 8 PM Present
Angel Trocio 8 - 9 PM Present
Chatch Calderon 7 - 8 PM Present Came at around 8 PM
Vince Francis Dingding n/a n/a Host for UP FN 2014
Darl Santos 7 - 8 PM Present Came earlier and helped
at the 6-7PM shift
Hellery Libres 6 - 7 PM Present **********
Christine Meriz 6 - 7 PM
Justine Balane 6 - 7 PM Stomachache
CJ Matarlo 7 - 8 PM Present Came at around 8 PM
Hannah Lois Tidalgo 6 - 7 PM Present *********
Patrick Gattoc 8 - 9 PM Present Was at the booth from
6 - 8 PM
Narlyn Dura 9 - 10 PM *********
Damsel Mondido 9 - 10 PM Present Was around for 15
minutes since
mingaw2x na
Christine Solon n/a n/a Host for UP FN 2014

For PI Campaign, most number of signatures were from the North District,
with more than 10 signatures. Signatures from the other districts amounted to 5.
Councilor Trocio reported that there were roughly 75 signatures that were
acquired during the event. Some student, mostly freshmen, were saddened that
they could not affix their signature due to age.
For the candle lighting event at the Fuente Osmena Circle, Councilor
Trocio said that she had tapped other organizations, such as NKE, UPS,
UPPSYMA, COMM UP, UPSS, and UPECS, which Councilor Trocio will follow-
up on. Councilor Trocio stated that she would introduce to the body the other
activities regarding the PI Campaign on the next meeting.
Chairperson Gumanao mentioned about the primer from Professor
Sanchez. Councilor Trocio answered that she would be presenting that matter on
the next day during NSTP. Councilor Trocio reiterated that by next week, she
would have plans for the PI Campaign.

MATTER LAID ON THE TABLE: STS CAMPAIGN
With Councilor Trocios report on the PI Campaign done, Chairperson
Gumanao requested that the matter laid on the table be discussed at the
moment, since the matter, STS CAMPAIGN, was also going to be reported by
Councilor Trocio.
Councilor Trocio reported that she had reviewed the gameplan sent to her
by Councilor Dingding. Furthermore, she stated that 14 people had seen it but no
revisions or comments were made. Councilor Trocio said that on the time frame,
the council was at the part where discussions were supposed to be given to the
different organizations about the PI Campaign.
Councilor Trocio proposed that each member of the body who had contact
details of the organizations they were assigned to should send the contact details
to Councilor Trocio and Councilor Dingding. Both councilors will be the ones to
contact the organization heads and inform them about the PI Campaign.
Councilor Trocio stated that she would review the list of organizations,
which was also posted to the facebook group, and that she and Councilor
Dingding would post updates.

4. Hisgutanang Kalinaw
The matter was opened by Councilor Trocio, who was also the head of the
event. Event was tomorrow, September 24, 2014. Councilor Trocio reported the
updates on the presentations for the event. Councilor Calderon and Councilor
Santos could not perform on the said event.
Councilor Trocio stated to the body the program flow she had created.
Councilor Trocio made Plan A and Plan B, just in case a few presentors could
not come. Chairperson Gumanao gave her suggestions for the program flow,
which were for the student council to give the opening remarks and a rationale
from Bisdak Pride and form the organizers. Councilor Trocio duly laid out the
program flow, including the speakers and the presentors. There were a few
changes, such as instead of Atty. Francis Michael Abad, Mr. Denise Abarientos
from Karapatan CenVis will be the one to give the peace talks on the event.
Councilor Trocio then assigned tasks to each member of the body.
Representative Gattoc opted to be the host of the event, with Sec. Gen. Solon as
the substitute. Documentation was going to be taken care of Representative
Matarlo and Representative Balane.
Chairperson Gumanao suggested that the VolCorps be contacted and
invited to the event. Councilor Santos was to be informed of contacting the
VolCorps.

5. Deliberation on Org. Activities
Chairperson Gumanao presented the matter to the body. She reported
that only 4 organizations had submitted their activities as of date. Councilor
Dingding suggested that the deadline be extended. Chairperson Gumanao duly
explained to the body regarding the annual procurement, which was for offices
only. Furthermore, activities to be submitted are for the academic year 2014-
2015 and should not be confused with the activities passed last academic year
2013-2014.
Representative Libres asked a question on whether it would be acceptable
to have 2 organizations for 1 event. Chairperson Gumanao answered that it was
alright. However, there should be 1 organization who will vouch for the other
organization.
Organizations who had submitted were UP Stargazers, UP CSG,
UPPsyMA, and Math (org name of math majors). Submission of activities was
extended until September 30, 2014, 12 noon. Students should send their list of
activities via Facebook or email, or hand a hardcopy of the list to any council
member.

6. Other Matters

a. DAC Report
Chairperson Gumanao opened the topic to the body. Regarding the issue
on the LIbrary, Chairperson Gumanao reported that the 20-hour free usage of the
iMacs was an old system-wide policy. Councilor Trocio manifested that the rule
was under Administrative Order PTRR 0786 (clarify), issued October 17, 2007.
Councilor Trocio conveyed to the group that the University of the
Philippines Mindanao did not have a policy such as this. Chairperson Gumanao
also asked the Student Regent, with the SR replying that he did not know about
the policy either, however, the Student Regent said that he would look into the
matter more.
Chairperson Gumanao stated that Dr. Tan, the ADA, complained that the
organizations only waived the payments and wanted to use the facilities for free.
A resolution was made during the All Orgs Summit which was to be submitted to
the ADA. Chairperson Gumanao also said that a meeting should be set with the
ADA to discuss said resolution and the matter with the usage of facilities.
Regarding the computers, Chairperson Gumanao stated that the ADA
thought the computers were for the students. The Dean told them that the
computers were for the Student Kiosk, which was a matter to be clarified.
Chairperson Gumanao stated that once the computers had a proper location,
they would not be used by any person.
Chairperson Gumanao had made an update regarding the use of the
computers while they still did not have any proper placement. Furthermore, the
matter regarding field trips was raised and Chairperson Gumanao conveyed to
the body that there was a memo from CHED, stating that field trips should be
removed from the syllabus. Moreover, a class/school should not just have any
field trips, tours, or travels. However, Chairperson Gumanao said that UP was
not under CHED. It was reported that the Dean, for safety measures, took into
consideration the memo from CHED anda letter should be submitted if a class
should want to have a field trip outside the school.

b. SEB
Chairperson Gumanao reported that the resolution from last meeting had
been passed. Furthermore, the SEB had consulted with a lawyer, Atty. Francis
Michael Abad on the amendments the SEB had discussed. According to Atty.
Abad, the extension of the terms of office was not unconstitutional and that it
would automatically follow the changes in the academic calendar.
Another provision was added to the resolution: a clause which states that
if ever the Monday would fall on a holiday, the elections will immediately be held
on the following day. Resolution was amended and approved by the SEB.
The SEB set the schedule for the First Year Elections as follows:

October 1, 2014 Deadline for filing of Candidacy
Start of Campaign Period
October 8, 2014 Grand Rally (AS Lobby)
October 10, 2014 End of Campaign Period
October 13, 2014 Election Day!

c. UNISO
Chairperson Gumanao stated that the UNISO needed to convene and
elect a UNISO Chairperson. Chairperson Gumanao said that Vice Chairperson
Degamo be reminded of this matter.

d. FOI
Chairperson Gumanao opened the matter saying that the body needed to
make a statement for the 28th, and for the International Right to Know Day.
Chairperson Guanao then proposed to the body that pointsregarding the
statement would now raised.
Representative Balane stated that the body should also deliberate on
Peoples FOI Bill, saying that the matter had been pushed back for too many
months and the deadline for the statement for the matter was drawing near.
Representative Balane reminded the body that it was still during summer when
the matter was put forth for the body to deliberate on.
Representative Balane presented to the body a digital copy of the
Genuine Freedom of Information (FOI): Senate Bill 133 by Representative Teddy
Casino and Neri Pulmonares. He also presented a position paper for the Right to
Know, Right Now Coalition that was sent to Representative Ben Evardone.
Representative Balane then consolidated the reports and, on behalf of the
Peoples FOI, made his points regarding the matter. Representative Balanes
points are as follows:
On the Genuine Freedom of Information Bill HB 133 by Rep Teddy Casino
and Rep Neri Colmenares:
1. Only exception is: "Except when it is clear that the purpose of
communication is to abet, promote or commit a crime or
wrongdoing or to engage in sheer and idle curiosity."
Exception is present in People's FOI.
Sheer and idle curiosity is dangerous
Reason for request, unless contrary to law, should not be grounds
for refusal.
Curiosity is too vague. Service can be denied on the basis that it's
none of your business
2. No exception on right to privacy, trade and commercial secrets, etc.

Why support Peoples FOI Bill:
1. It recognizes, defines and clips executive privilege
Executive privilege is a principle that respects separation of powers
It limits executive privilege only to matters of national security and
revealing the matters might seriously damage national security and
negotiations with foreign states and revelation of info might weaken
the Philippines' side during negotiations.
2. For ALL limitations, it places a PROVIDED clause that emphasizes
right of people and duty of government
It maximizes both sides of public concern that promotes the
freedom of information and safety and security of community
All limitations are according to jurisprudence

Representative Balane duly explained to the body the points
aforementioned. The main difference of Peoples FOI Bill from the Genuine FOI
Bill was, as Representative Balane stated, Peoples FOI Bill is more powerful in
the sense that it recognizes the exceptions in the advantage of the peoples right
to information and balances the duty of the government to disclose it. So more
than just asserting the right of an individual to request information from his or her
government, it places a duty of a government official to disclose it, balancing the
interest of information and the safety of the community as a whole.
Councilor Dingding manifested that if the body should have any
disagreements regarding the consensus and if deliberation on the matter should
proceed, then the body should consider that not all the council members,
specifically Vice Chairperson Degamo, were present. Furthermore, the time was
already late and deliberation on the FOI matter would be more thorough with all
the council members present.
Representative Balane implied that as long as the body was in a quorum
then a decision should be made. Moreover, Representative Balane gave the
deliberation on the STS Campaign as an example as to why the body should
make a decision on the present meeting. It was mentioned that during the STS
Campaign deliberation, the body did not wait for all the members to be present.
Also, not all the council members, namely, Chairperson Gumanao,
Representative Balane, and Representative Dura, as stated by Representative
Balane, werent there. Still, the council members present during said deliberation
still made a consensus and a statement regarding the STS Campaign.
Representative Gattoc hinted that the body was not informed that
deliberation of the FOI was going to happen on the present meeting.
Chairperson Gumanao indicated that the agenda she sent to the members
the night before that no member from the council had suggested to put FOI on
the main agenda, hence it was under Other Matters.
Representative Balane replied that he had sent a text message asking
about the deliberation on the matter to Chairperson Gumanao during the
Kapamilya, Mas Winner Ka event.
Chairperson Gumanao answered that the matter was not part of the main
agenda. She stated that, on the event that she would send via text the agenda
for the council meeting on the next day, any member of the council could reply to
her texts and suggest that an agenda be moved or added. Also, the body was
not informed ahead of time.
Representative Balane stated that he did not receive such a text the night
before and was shocked to find out that he found out about the agenda from
another council member.
Chairperson Gumanao then presented a copy of the group message she
had sent to each council member. Sheasked if anybody from the council had not
received her group message and only Representative Balane raised his hand.
Chairperson Gumanao recited to the body the message she had sent and said
that she had sent the message around 10:30 PM.
While Chaiperson Gumanao and Representative Balane were looking at
Chairperson Gumanaos phone for the copy of the message, Representative
Tidalgo manifested that the sending of the agenda should be earlier than the time
the last agenda was sent. Representative Tidalgo reasoned that if the agenda
was sent late at night or in the early hours of the morning, there might be the
tendency for some members to not be in the state of mind to think about any
matters to add or move.
Chairperson Gumanao explained that the agenda was sent late last night
due to a meeting she had attended for Cookout 2014. She reasoned that the
meeting that transpired on the previous night took a long time and Chairperson
Gumanao was waiting for any updates and matters to be added to the agenda.
Chairperson Gumanao also confirmed Representative Balanes question that she
did indeed receive Representative Balanes text regarding the deliberation of
FOI.
Councilor Calderon manifested that he was for the Peoples FOI because
the exceptions proposed to protect not only the people but also the government
offices. He said that the exceptions on the Peoples FOI offered a balance to the
flow of information. Since the FOI proposed a mandatory release of documents
pertaining to public concern, the information could be of help, for example, to the
police, and for the public to be informed. Furthermore, this can lead the people to
participate and become watchdogs as to the events concerning the
government. Councilor Calderon also said that with a little more push, this bill
could become a law.
Representative Libres wanted to clarify if there was a disclosure after the
last reading of the bill.
Representative Balane duly answered that that point was the most
advantageous point of the Peoples FOI over Genuine FOI. He said that of all
exceptions provided, that one exception compels the government to disclose
information.
Before Councilor Trocio could make her manifestation, Chairperson
Gumanao interjected and made an apology to Representative Balane after
seeing that he was not included in the group message. Chairperson Gumanao
implied that she did not do so on purpose and thought that she had sent the
message to each member of the council. Also, she addressed the body and told
them that if any one of them should experience the same, they should
immediately inform her so that she may send the message again.
Councilor Trocio stated that she appreciated Representative Balanes
explanation regarding the FOI. She said that it was not healthy to deliberate on
the matter especially with the time constraints and that some of the members of
the body had not yet eaten. Furthermore, she also said that on the deliberation
on the STS Campaign, there was a recess and at the time the members were
thoroughly oriented on the matter. The time was also an issue since it was
already very late in the evening and that the members of the council present
might not be in the state to make a consensus regarding the matter.
Representative Matarlo said that some members of the council had other
commitments and that the situation was not similar compared to the STS
Campaign deliberation, since that agenda was carefully planned. Also, she said
that the statement should be the one that the body should focus on.
Chairperson Gumanao reasoned that the time was not appropriate.
Additionally, she said that since the body was the student council, it is
understood that the council meetings would not always end early and that the
body will deliberate on certain issues.
Representative Tidalgo shared to the body that the FOI agenda had been
set aside for other matters. Also, she conveyed that the council should not wait
for the deadline of a decision on a certain issue.
Chairperson Gumanao replied that the FOI agenda is an urgent matter
and that the council should release a statement on the 28th.
Discussion regarding the importance of having a stand were manifested
by Representative Libres, and that it would be beneficial for the council to have a
stand because the issue was not only local and it was happening to other
societies as well.
Representative Balane manifested that the student council was proactive
and not just an organizer and that each member of the body was expected to be
critical and not waste the time on discussing personal matters. Also, the
arguments to be presented should be about the Peoples FOI and Genuine FOI
to make it a fruitful deliberation.
Chairperson Gumanao raised a concern that Vice Chairperson Degamo
was not present to give his side of the FOI agenda. Moreover, she said that it
would be better if both sides of the issue were heard by the body.
Representative Balane interjected that that should not be a cause of delay
on the matter at hand. Furthermore, based on previous deliberations, the
absence of one council member should not be made a reason as to why the
council could not make a stand or decide on a consensus. Representative
Balane said that it would be better if some members should manifest on behalf of
Vice Chairperson Degamo who also support the same side as Vice Chairperson
Degamo.
Representative Tidalgo said that since the topic was discussed since
summer, the members of the council should have had studied the matter and
know the differences of the Genuine FOI from Peoples FOI..
Representative Gattoc manifested that he attended a forum last Monday
about online libel. He said that the speaker on the forum had a point.
Representative Gatto said that an FOI law was not needed, since it was only a
constitution. What was needed was a mandamus.
Representative Balane said that that was a common misconception. He
stated that although a mandamus was needed, it was only a judicial issue. He
added that you only apply a mandamus in court and the process was very
technical. To quote Representative Balane, What the Peoples Freedom of
Information does is that it specifies, point by point, what you can do to make it
easy for you to request for the information.
Chairperson Gumanao then asked the body if there were any more
manifestations. Representative Balane answered that it was alright to proceed
with the voting.
Chairperson Gumanao advised the body to wait for Councilor Trocio, who
went outside, before the body would divide the house. While waiting,
Chairperson Gumanao asked who among the body could write the statement for
the 28th. Representative Matarlo was volunteered.
Representative Libres said that, in the field, one of the problems of the
people was that they do not know their own rights. She said that women dont
know their right that they can have quality health care and that the same goes
for other rights. Representative Libres also said that even the people in the
university dont know their rights and that it is the duty of the student council to
help make the people aware of their own rights. Furthermore, she said that, to
quote Representative Libres, I think na, if we, as a council, support a freedom of
information, we are asserting that, Hey, your information that is from the
government can be get by people; it is accessible. Its not, like sa student council,
nganong mag publicize man ta sa atoang minutes? Its for people to know and
most of the population dont know it is their right because the government does
not even publicize their own minutes. What we are doing in the council is a form
of transparency and I hope that with Peoples FOI, we can also do that on a
national, bigger scale that would actually affect peoples lives, that would actually
affect how this country would be run in the future generations. Sa anak sa atong
mga anak, sa future. Because as students now, our responsibility is to be the
proactive citizens that we are, especially that we are UP students.
Chairperson Gumanao said that she agreed with Representative Libres.
She then asked the body if they had any other manifestation.
A discussion arose between Councilor Trocio and Representative Balane
as to why the deliberation on the FOI should be moved due to the time
constraints of the present meeting. Furthermore, Councilor Trocio stated that this
was a shotgun deliberation and not all the members were aware that a
deliberation would take place.
Chairperson Gumanao, seeing that the hour was really late, motioned to
have a special meeting on Thursday, September 25, 2014, 7 PM at Room 165,
Arts and Sciences Building, to deliberate further on the FOI issue, to finally make
a statement regarding FOI, and to discuss the other matters laid on the table.


C. ADJOURNMENT OF THE MEETING
The motion to adjourn the meeting and to conduct a special meeting on
the 25th of September, 2014, Thursday, to continue the deliberation on FOI, to make a
consensus on the matter and to discuss the others matters laid on the table was made
by Chairperson Gumanao and duly seconded by Representative Gattoc. Meeting was
adjourned at 11:59 PM, September 23, 2014.






Prepared by:

Christine Margarette U. Solon
Secretary General