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CONTENTS
Constitution
By-Laws
TERTIARY SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION & BY-LAWS

PREAMBLE


We, the Faculty and Staff of the Tertiary School of De La Salle Lipa, Lipa City, in our collective desire to bind ourselves into one professional Association of teachers and workers, working towards the common good for those whom we serve, and securing for themselves and their posterity, the blessings derived from our work under the Rule of Law of the land, the principles and tenets of Christian living and Professional Ethics, and belief in Jesus Christ, Lord and Savior, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution. We, therefore declare our Constitution and By-Laws as a Justice and Welfare Constitution.

ARTICLE I
Official Name and Address of the Association

Section 1. The Association shall be known officially as the De La Salle Lipa Tertiary School Faculty and Staff Association or DLSL-TSFSA, with official address at De La Salle Lipa, 1962 President Jose P. Laurel Highway, Lipa City.
Section 2. The Official Website Address is http://www.lasalipa.ph. The Official Website Address may be changed on recommendation and concurrence of the Officers Council and Committee on Constitutional Review of the Association.
Section 3. The Office of the TSFSA is located at the Tertiary College of De La Salle Lipa, Lipa City.
Section 4. The name of the Association shall not be used in any other project, activity, or program without the due consent of its members.

ARTICLE II
Official Seal of the Association


Section 1. The Official Seal of the TSFSA is a Torch Light, a Christian Cross, a Book, and a Person, with the Latin word Meritissimus.
Section 2. The official presentation and declaration of meaning of the signs and symbols of the Official Seal is within three (3) months from the date of the ratification of this Constitution, spearheaded by the Officers Council.

ARTICLE III
Nature, Purpose, and Objectives of the Association

  1. Nature of the Association
    Section 1. The DLSL-TSFSA is by nature a dynamic, justice-and-welfare centered Association of professional workers and educators committed to excellence in the teaching of minds, touching of hearts, and transforming of lives, in scholarly advancement in the field of research and technology, and in professional and skills development.
    Section 1-A. The TSFSA is a socially-oriented Association that is critically sensitive to our human conditions, to the national and global agenda, and particularly concerned with issues involving human rights, justice, peace, equality, freedom, and gender sensitivity.

  2. General Purpose of the Association
    Section 1. The Association is primarily established to effect and bring to the fullest a harmonious, professional, and humane relationship among all its members and partners in education and office services, in the promotion of its foundational and fundamental aims of human development, in extending needed assistance to its members, in insuring a healthy and just working environment, and in serving as effective role model for students to whom they render professional services.

    Section 1-A. The Association is likewise duty-bound to help the Institution realize its Vision and Mission, its Goals and Objectives, particularly those that are geared towards the common good of its most important resources the students, workers, and teachers.

  3. Aims and Objectives of the Association
    Section 1.

    1. To promote camaraderie, professionalism, socio-civic and religious responsibility, and cooperation among its members.
    2. To develop among its members a sense of responsible and active participation, involvement, and commitment on matters of concern to the Association, to the Institution and the larger community.
    3. To work for the promotion and protection of the rights and integrity of its members as persons and as workers with both legal and inalienable rights.
    4. To promote and preserve professional, ethical, moral, and spiritual discipline among its members for reason of harmonious relationship, common good, general welfare, posterity, justice, and peace.

ARTICLE IV.
The Magna Carta of the Association

The Magna Carta of the DLSL-TSFSA is a declaration and enumeration of beliefs and principles, rights and duties, obligations and responsibilities, and mutual aids and benefits.
Section 1. The Association shall at all times promote justice, peace, equality, and freedom in all phases of its endeavor.
Section 2. The Association values the dignity of every individual member and guarantees full respect for human rights and privileges.
Section 3. The Association shall protect and promote the right to health of its members and instill health consciousness among them. The Association is duty-bound to provide the necessary medical and bereavement benefits and assistance to its members.
Section 4. The Association shall maintain honesty, integrity, and autonomy in providing services, take positive and effective measures against acts of coercion and cruelty, suppression or violation of rights, acts of dehumanization or degradation, conduct unbecoming of a person, unfair labor practices, and sexual harassment
Section 5. The Association recognizes the value of professional and total human growth and development, particularly in the field of education, research, science and technology, community involvement and outreach, culture and sports, so as to foster camaraderie, patriotism, nationalism, and cohesiveness among its members.
Section 6. The Association recognizes the indispensable role of educators and staff in building a truly excellent academic and Christian institution.
Section 7. The Association is duty-bound, within the confines of its Constitution and By-Laws, to provide all the necessary help and assistance to any of its member on matters of concern, legal or spiritual with the due process of law.

Section 7-A. The Association guarantees the following rights, duties, and responsibilities accorded to its members;
  1. The rights and privileges, and benefits of an individual member arising from his/her work, occupation, or profession, and those guaranteed by the Philippine Constitution. Among them, are: the natural rights, constitutional rights such as civil, political, social, economic, and statutory rights.
  2. The right to expression or freedom of expression and speech, right to be heard, right to information and petition on matters of concern.
  3. The right to professional, legal, medical, ethical, moral, and spiritual assistance.
  4. The right to due process and equal protection of the law.
Section 7-B. The duties and responsibilities accorded and expected of its members, are;
  1. The member is responsible and duty-bound to attend and take active part in all meetings, assemblies, gatherings, activities, and projects of the Association.
  2. Responsible membership determines the status and benefits accorded to a member, either as Active or Inactive.

Section 8. The Association recognizes the right to peaceful assemblies and Workers Initiative for purposes of vigilance, redress of grievances and non-violent crusade against any form of human and labor rights violation and injustice.

ARTICLE V
Membership in the Association


Section 1. Faculty and Staff are terms denoting membership in the TSFSA, which membership implies, reciprocally, the duties of participation and allegiance on the part of the member and duty of protection on the part of the Association.
Section 2. The following are the members of the TSFSA:

  1. Those who are office workers and office staff, part time, full time, and permanent workers and faculty of the Tertiary School of De La Salle Lipa, at the time of the adoption of this Constitution.
  2. Those who voluntarily applied for membership through formal completion of the Official Membership Form of the Association.
  3. Those who regularly pay their membership fees, and such other fees and contributions prescribed in the By-Laws of this Constitution.
  4. Those who actively attend and participate in all meetings, assemblies, projects and special activities of the Association.

Section 3. Membership in the Association, as provided for under Sections 2, 3, and 4 of this Article, is determined according to the following status:
  1. Active Membership Status
  2. Inactive Membership Status

Section 3-A. A Members Status determines the monetary aids and benefits accorded to a member by the Association, as well as the Graduated Fine System or GFS imposed on him/her.

ARTICLE VI
Withdrawal, Suspension, Expulsion, and Termination of Membership

Section 1. Any member of the TSFSA may lose his/her membership in the Association through any of the following:

  1. Voluntary Withdrawal
  2. Suspension
  3. Expulsion
  4. Termination or Retirement/Resignation

ARTICLE VII
The Officers and Terms of Office of the DLSL-TSFSA

Section 1. The following are the elected officers and constitute the Officers Council of the Association:

  1. President
  2. Vice-President Faculty
  3. Vice-President Staff
  4. Executive Secretary
  5. Assistant Secretary
  6. Treasurer
  7. Public Relations Officer
  8. Auditor
  9. Unit Representatives of Colleges

Section 2. The following are the appointed officers of the Association:
  1. Chairpersons and Members of the Constitutional or Autonomous Bodies
  2. Committee Chairpersons, Secretaries, and Members of the Executive Council
  3. Council of Advisers (2)

Section 3. The time and manner of their election and appointment shall be provided for in the By-Laws of this Constitution.
Section 4. The term of office of all elected officers shall be two (2) consecutive years from the time of their election.

Oath of Office of Elected and Appointed Officers


Section 1. Any member of the Commission on Elections shall administer the oath taking of the elected officers, using the Constitutional Oath of Office. Any TSFSA officer may administer the oath taking of the appointed officers, using the Constitutional Oath of Office.
Section 2 The Official Oath of the Officers

I, _____________, _______________(state name and position), of the Tertiary School Faculty and Staff Association, of De La Salle Lipa, solemnly swear that I will uphold at all times and at all cost, and to the best of my ability, without fear or favor, without reward or compensation, the Constitution and By-Laws of this Association. That in the execution of my duties and responsibilities, and for all intent and purposes, God be my witness, my guide, and my strength, I shall do it solely to the best interest and for the common good and general welfare of our Association, of my fellow workers and co-members, and of our students. So help me, God. rvi.

ARTICLE VIII
Constitutional Autonomous Bodies and Committees: Compositions, Appointments, Scope and Liabilities and Terms of Office

Section 1. The following are the Autonomous Bodies, known hereto as the Constitutional Commissions of the Association:

  1. Officers Council (elected TSFSA officers)
  2. Commission on Elections
  3. Commission on Constitutional Review and Interpretation
  4. Ombudsman

Section 2. The following are the Committees of the Association, under the Executive Council.
  1. Membership Committee or Memco
  2. Finance Committee or Finco
  3. Audit Committee or Audco
  4. Socio-Cultural and Sports Committee or Soculco
  5. Welfare and Benefits Committee or Welfco
  6. Grievance Committee or GrivCo
  7. Education, Research, and Professional Development Committee or EduPro
  8. Legal Justice Committee or Lejusco
  9. Archives and History Committee or Histoco

Section 3. The general and specific functions, responsibilities, scope and liabilities of the Autonomous Bodies and the Committees shall be provided for in the By-Laws of this Constitution.
Section 4. The formation and organization of the Autonomous Bodies, and the respective appointments of its members, shall be accomplished within two (2) months from the time of election of the elected Officers Council. Their terms of office shall be indefinite and at the pleasure and confidence of the Association.
Section 5. The formation and organization of all the Committees, and the respective appointments of its members, shall be accomplished within three (3) months from the time of election of the elected Officers Council. Their terms of office shall be indefinite and at the pleasure and confidence of the Association.
Section 6. The (elected) Officers of the Association, who comprise the Officers Council, are duty-bound to form and organize all constitutionally-mandated Autonomous Bodies and all the Committees, including the appointments of their respective members, within the period provided for under Articles VII and VIII of this Constitution.
Section 6-A. The appointments of the members of the Autonomous Bodies, specifically the Commission on Elections, Ombudsman, and Commission on Constitutional Review, shall be with the concurrence and approval by the members of the Association.
Section 7. The term of office of the Members of the Commission on Elections and Commission on Constitutional Interpretation and Review shall be at the pleasure and confidence of the majority members of the Association, who concurred and approved of their respective appointments, as provided for under the preceding Sub-Section 6-A of this Article.

ARTICLE IX
General and Regular Assemblies and Quorum of the Association

Section 1. A General Assembly is a business or social gathering or convocation of the majority of the members and officers of the Association to deliberate and decide on matters of utmost concern and importance to the Association.

Section 1-A. A quorum in a General Assembly constitutes fifty percent (50%) + one (1) of the members present, and for practical purposes, with attendance of not less than 50 active and/or inactive members.
Section 2. A General Assembly is convened annually or semi-annually, preferably on the last day of either the Mid-Term Exam or Final Exam of the college students.
Section 3. A Regular Assembly refers to the Regular Assembly Meeting, or Special Assembly Meeting, or Emergency Assembly Meeting of the Association, convoked or assembled together to deliberate and decide on matters of immediate concern and importance to the Association.
Section 3-A. A quorum in a Regular Assembly or its Regular, Special, or Emergency Meetings, during the semester, constitutes 50% + 1 of the members present, and for practical purposes, with attendance of not less than 40 active and/or inactive members.
Section 3-B. A quorum in a Regular Assembly during summer classes, constitutes 50% + 1 of the members present, and for practical purposes, with attendance of not less than 20 active and/or inactive members.
Section 4. A Regular Assembly is held any time of the semester or school year, and is called upon by the President and Officers Council of the Association.
Section 5. Quorums in meetings of the Autonomous Bodies and Committees constitute 50% + 1 of the members and officers present.
Section 5-A. Meetings of the Autonomous Bodies are called only their respective Chairpersons or Commissioners.
Section 5-B. Meetings of the Committees are called by the Executive Council, headed by the President of the TSFSA, and to which all the Committees are a part of.

ARTICLE X
Elections and Plebiscites

Section 1. Elections of the Officers of the TSFSA are any of the following:

  1. Regular or General Elections
  2. Special Elections
Section 1-A Regular or General Elections of Officers of the Association shall be held every two (2) years from the time of the last elections, in the month of August.
Section 2. The Commission on Elections, or Comelec, is the sole Autonomous Body mandated and empowered by this Constitution to govern, administer, conduct, supervise, and produce all the necessary election policies and guidelines, tabulate and declare election and plebiscite results, and execute final decision arising from them.
Section 2-A. The Comelec shall provide the Association with the Official Guidelines and Directives governing both election/s and plebiscite/s.
Section 2-B. The Comelec is empowered to declare the nullity of election/plebiscite results and to determine the specific number of electorate required to participate for a valid and effective exercise. However, as a general rule, it shall not be less than 60% of all the active and inactive member-participants of the Association.
Section 2-C. In cases of election protest, the Comelec may upon request, be assisted by the Grievance Committee and the Legal Justice Committee on its deliberation. The final decision however remains with the Comelec.
Section 3. Official Filing of Candidacy with the Comelec shall be within one (1) month prior the date of the regular or general election, thereupon , the qualified official candidate is allowed to proceed to his/her election campaign.
Section 3-A. In cases inevitable to the Association, the Comelec, with the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Association present in an assembly or meeting, called for that purpose, may decide on popular nomination and election or plebiscite, i.e., the raising of hand, based on the principle of viva voce.
Section 4. Failure and/or Suspension of Election is officially declared by the Comelec only in the following cases:
  1. Lack or absence of official candidates
  2. Electioneering and/or election fraud
  3. Occurrence of natural and/or man-made calamities
  4. Unexpected holidays
  5. Failure to meet the required number of voters
  6. Election protest/s
  7. Gross violation of Election Guidelines
    Section 4-A. In cases of failure or suspension of election or plebiscite, the Comelec is duty-bound to call for a Special Election or Special Plebiscite.

    ARTICLE XI
    General, Special, and Trust Funds of the Association

    Section 1. The funds of the Association shall be deposited in a reputable bank within the City of Lipa, in the name of the Association, the TSFSA President, and Treasurer.
    Section 2. The members of the Association shall regularly be informed of the current TSFSA financial standing, including all expenses, disbursements, and collections made.

    ARTICLE XII
    Review and Revisions, Amendments and Framing

    Section 1. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Association is subject to review, revisions or amendments, or framing a new one, on the third year, from the date of its adoption.

    Section 1-A. Failure to review the Constitution and By-Laws after the first three (3) years of its adoption, the same may be reviewed a year after its third year, on the initiative of the majority of the members of the Association and as endorsed by the Committee on Constitutional Review.
    Section 1-B. Failure to do this or initiate the above provisions, ipso facto makes the Constitution and By-Laws effective for another three years, from the time of its initial review.

    ARTICLE XIII
    Effectivity

    Section 1. The Constitution and By-Laws of the DLSL-TSFSA shall take effect on the midnight hour of the following week, from the time of its ratification.

    Section 1-A. The Committee on Constitutional Review and Interpretation, together with the Commission on Elections, shall be the responsible bodies to announce the effectivity of the Constitution.
    Section 1-B. The Officers Council is duty-bound to register the Constitution with the proper and appropriate government institution.
    Section 2. All members of the Association shall each receive or be given a copy of the Constitution and By-Laws by the Officers Council.

    TERTIARY SCHOOL FACULTY AND STAFF ASSOCIATION
    BY-LAWS

    ARTICLE I OF THE BY-LAWS
    On The Official Name and Official Address

    Section 1. There shall only be one Official Name and Official Address of the Association as provided for in the Constitution.

    Section 1-A. The Name and Official Address shall be reflected in all official or business transactions of the Association, internal and external.

    Section 2. Any change in the Name of the Association can only be done through an amendment in the Constitution, calling for such alteration or change. This can be done only after the lapse of the first complete year from the date of ratification of the Constitution.

    Section 2-A. Any change in the Name of the Association shall be done through official resolution and majority approval by the TSFSA members present in a meeting and/or an assembly specially called for it.
    Section 2-B. Any change in the Name of the Association may constitute change/s in some provisions of the Constitution and By-Laws. If so, changes in certain provisions, arising from a change in the Official Name of the Association, shall be considered part of the regular review and revision of the Constitution, as herein provided. Until such time, all affected Constitutional provisions shall remain as historic but insignificant part of it.

    Section 3. Any change in the Official Website Address shall be with the majority concurrence of the Officers Council and Committee on Constitutional Review, sitting en banc, and subject to the final approval by the President of the Association.

    Section 3-A. Any change in the Official Website Address does not need a special constitutional plebiscite.

    Section 4. The TSFSA, through its President and Officers Council, must secure a decent and appropriate Office of its own located at the Tertiary College of DLSL.

    Section 5. No one for whatever reason and purpose shall use the name of the Association in projects, activities, programs, outside of the Association without the full consent of the its members convoked together for that purpose.

    ARTICLE II OF THE BY-LAWS
    On The Official Seal

    Section 1. The Official Seal of the TSFSA may be changed or altered through the initiative of and with concurrence and approval by the Officers Council and the Committee on Constitutional Review, sitting en banc.

    ARTICLE III OF THE BY-LAWS
    On The Nature, Purpose, and Objectives

    Section 1. To fully realize and attain the purpose and objectives of the Association, as envisioned in the Constitution under Articles III and IV, it is the primordial duty and responsibility of the Officers Council, the Autonomous Bodies, and the Committees under the Executive Council, may consider certain projects and activities helpful and useful to the professional and integral human development of its members. Among them, are:

    1. Symposia and forums (Politics, Economics, Health, Education, Culture, Religious Trends, et al)
    2. Exchange Faculty Programs through Federation and Confederation with other Faculty Organizations
    3. Public Lectures
    4. Research (including the History of TSFSA)
    5. Techno-based Skills and Scientific Trainings and Exposures
    6. Home Visitations and Community Outreach
    7. Social and Holiday Gatherings and Outdoors
    8. Sports and Cultural Fest and Presentation
    9. Faculty Awareness Week with corresponding Exhibits
    10. Contest and Competitions
    11. Study and Observation Tours
    12. Prayer Activities
    13. Others

    ARTICLE IV OF THE BY-LAWS
    On The Magna Carta

    Section 1. The TSFSA, as a welfare and justice-oriented Association, has the primordial and sacred duty to uphold at all times the Magna Carta of the Association.

    Section 2. The TSFSA, through its Officers Council, Executive Council, and Autonomous Bodies, shall at all times protect, preserve, and uphold a members rights, liberty and integrity against any act of violation, harassment, abuse, repression, coercion, suppression, and oppression.

    Section 2-A. The Officers Council, through its President and the Legal Justice Committee, in cases involving its member, shall see to it that the due process of the law be properly accorded to its constituent; and shall provide the necessary legal or moral, counsel and/or assistance to its member, without fear and favor to whoever has done wrong to him/her.
    The President may convene the members of the Association to present and discuss the matter at hand.

    ARTICLE V OF THE BY-LAWS
    On Membership

    Section 1. (Refer to Article V of the Constitution).

    Section 2. The Membership and Welfare Committees (WelfCo), together with the Secretary of the Officers Council, shall regularly inform its members of their current Membership Status, upon which depends the monetary assistance and benefits accorded a member.

    Section 3. The Graduated Fine System Guidelines, or GFS, approved by the Regular Assembly in 2005, shall serve as the main guideline in determining the membership status and the corresponding assistance and benefits accorded a member.

    ARTICLE VI OF THE BY-LAWS
    On The Withdrawal, Suspension, Expulsion, and Termination of a Member

    Section 1. Voluntary withdrawal from the Association shall be done formally and in writing; such lost of membership shall take effect ten days (10) from the date of writing and submission.

    Section 1-A. Except in the case of suspension, other cases that involve voluntary withdrawal, expulsion, and termination ipso facto deprive a member of all the mutual aids and benefits from the Association. However, for humanitarian reason, his/her legal and professional rights and privileges arising from his work or occupation as member shall cease to exist only after thirty days (30) from the date of withdrawal, expulsion, or termination.
    Section 2. A member is considered officially expelled or removed from the Association, only after a thorough investigation and conclusive finding of his/her case beyond reasonable doubts by the appropriate Membership, Grievance, and Legal Justice Committees, on the following grounds:
    1. Gross violation of the TSFSA Constitution
    2. Serious acts such as libel, oral defamation, physical and oral threat, scandalous behavior and conduct unbecoming of a member, and considered detrimental to the Association
    3. Graft and corruption in the campus
    4. Betrayal of trust to the Association
    5. Sexual harassment in the campu
    6. Estafa and/or Malversation of funds of the Association
    7. Other crimes against property or person/s
      Section 2-A. Final decision on cases of expulsion and removal emanates from the majority members of the Association, convened in a Special or Emergency Meeting called for that purpose.

      Section 3. A member is considered officially terminated from the Association within thirty days (30) after he/she irrevocably resigns or retires from the Institution. It is the duty of the Membership Committee to make the official announcement.

      Section 4. A member is given the appropriate sanction such as suspension from the Association, of not less than one (1) week but not more than one (1) month, on minor or petty cases against the Association or against any member thereof. The Officers Council investigates, determines, decides, and executes its sanction on the erring member. This includes major cases.

      ARTICLE VII OF THE BY-LAWS
      On The Elected and Appointed Officers of the TSFSA:
      Powers, Duties, and Responsibilities, and Terms of Office and Vacancies

      Section 1. Pursuant to Article VII of the Constitution, the following are the Officers of the Association that constitute the Officers Council:

      1. President
      2. Vice-President Faculty
      3. Vice-President Staff
      4. Executive Secretary
      5. Assistant Secretary
      6. Treasurer
      7. Public Relations Officer
      8. Auditor
      9. Unit Representatives of Colleges

      Section 2. The following are the appointed officers of the Association:

      1. Chairpersons and Members of the Constitutional or Autonomous Bodies
      2. Committee Chairpersons, Secretaries, and Members of the Executive Council
      3. Council of Advisers (2)

      Section 3. All elected officers shall hold office for two (2) school years, including summer, and until such time their successors shall have been duly elected and proclaimed.

      Section 4. Unless otherwise replaced by the new set of (elected) officers of the Association, all appointed officers of the Committees and Autonomous Bodies, including those in the Council of Advisers, shall hold office indefinitely and at the pleasure and confidence of the Association.

      Section 5. A position, appointive or elective, is deemed vacant on any of the following reasons and grounds: Withdrawal from the Association, Resignation, Absenteeism, Incapacity due to Sickness and/or New Position in the School, Impeachment, or Death.

      Section 5-A. It shall be the sole duty of the TSFSA COMELEC and the OFFICERS COUNCIL to immediately fill any and all vacant or vacated position/s within two (2) months.

      Section 6. Any elected officer may be subject to impeachment on the any of the following grounds: culpable violation of the Constitution, betrayal of public trust of the Association, graft and corruption, gross negligence of duties and responsibilities, malversation or misuse and abuse of funds, and grave misconduct unbecoming of an officer.

      Section 6-A. Any member of the Association may file a written complaint against any officer, elected or appointed, directly to the Grievance Committee (GrivCo), which in turn coordinates and works hand-in-hand with the Legal Justice Committee (LeJusCo) convenes its committee, to investigate and determine the merit of the case. Their findings and recommendations shall be formally presented to the General Assembly, which in turn give the final decision and verdict on the case in question. However, serious or major cases such as those involving impeachment, as provided for under Section 2 of Article VI of this By-Laws shall be investigated first by the Ombudsman, a special ad hoc committee. Only after their final investigation that the Ombudsman shall inform the GrivCo of their findings.

      Duties, Powers, and Responsibilities of Officers

      1. The President
        1. He/She shall be the Executive and Presiding Head Officer of the Association with the powers and responsibilities to uphold the TSFSA Constitution and By-Laws at all times; to execute, implement, and enforce the rules, regulations, and policies adopted and mandated by the Association. It is his/her primordial duty to call, convene, or convoke all or any of the assemblies and meetings of the Association. Likewise, it includes all the duties and responsibilities explicitly accorded to him/her by the Constitution
        2. He/She shall serve as the over-all Executive Head of all the projects and activities of the Association, henceforth, shall head both the Officers Council and the Executive Council of the Committees.
        3. He/She shall have the final approval and is accountable, on all financial matters of the Association, especially those involving disbursements and reimbursements of funds, manner of collections of fees and GFS fines, and matters pertinent to membership benefits and assistance. No amount from the funds of the Association shall be released without his/her signed approval with the corresponding signature on all vouchers and checks.
        4. He/She shall have the final approval on the questions of membership status (Active or Inactive) of the members of the Association, and together with the WelfCo, shall fully implement the Graduated Fine System
        5. He/She shall regularly present a formal report and provide or give necessary information to the body on all TSFSA undertakings (projects, activities, finances, et al) .
        6. As provided for in Section 4 of Article I of this Constitution, the President and any officer thereof shall not use the name of the Association in any other projects and activities, humanitarian and otherwise without due consultation and consent of its members.
        7. He/She shall respect and shall not intervene or influence in any way and at all times, decisions made by the Autonomous Bodies on matters germane to them or as provided for them by the Constitution. This mandate applies to all the Officers of the Association.
        8. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
      2. The Vice-President Faculty and Vice-President Staff
        1. He/She shall perform all the duties and responsibilities accorded to him/her by the Constitution.
        2. He/She shall assist the President on all matters of concern, all projects and activities of the Association.
        3. He/She shall perform all the duties of the President and Vice-President in case of the temporary or prolonged absence or incapacity of the latter.
        4. He/She may be designated by the President and/or the Officers Council to act as Official Representative or as Liaison Officer, both in internal and external affairs of the Association.
        5. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
      3. Executive Secretary
        1. He/She shall perform all the duties and responsibilities accorded to him/her by the Constitution.
        2. He/She shall make and keep all the membership records, correspondences, minutes of meetings, and all other achievement and accomplishment reports and documents of the Association and its different Councils and Committees.
        3. He/She shall always be assisted in this duty by the Assistant Secretary and other clerks from the different Committees and Councils.
        4. He/She shall provide the other Committees and Councils all the necessary records and documents upon request. It is important that he/she provides the Archives and History Committee (HistoCo) all needed documents for historical documentation of the Association.
        5. Together with the Assistant Secretary, he/she shall always monitor the attendance of members in all meetings, assemblies, projects, and activities of the Association, shall keep a record of it, and shall regularly provide the WelfCo a copy for purposes of determining Membership Status (Active and Inactive).
        6. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
      4. The Assistant Secretary
        1. He/She shall perform all the duties and responsibilities accorded to him/her by the Constitution.
        2. He/She shall at all times assist the Executive Secretary in the performance of the latters duty. For this reason, the Assistant Secretary, though an elective position, is deemed to be under the authority of the Executive Secretary.
        3. He/She shall perform duties that may be delegated to her by the President, Executive Secretary, or the Officers Council.
        4. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
      5. The Treasurer
        1. He/She perform all the duties and responsibilities accorded to him/her by the Constitution. He/She shall be the head of the Finance Committee.
        2. His/Her primordial duty to be the collector and safekeeper of funds and shall therefore keep a Book of Accounts and Financial Records with all the corresponding receipts, GFS fines and collections of the Association.
        3. He/She shall be the person responsible in collecting all the membership fees and GFS fines and upon instruction by the President, any disbursement thereof, properly and legally sign by her and by other officers provided for under the Constitution.
        4. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
        5. Upon instruction by the President, he/she shall render a regular or annual financial report to the Association.
      6. The Public Relations Officer
        1. He/She shall be the business manager and liaison and information officer of the Association, and shall perform all the duties and responsibilities accorded to him/her by the Constitution.
        2. He/She shall be in-charge on matters involving public relations and disseminating necessary official information and press releases to the members of the Association.
        3. He/She shall act as the liaison and business officer on activities of the Association that may need to be coordinated with other institutions, organizations, agencies, offices, et al, inside or outside of the campus.
        4. He/She shall be in-charge on all mimeographing, photocopying, postings, zerox-ing, printing, and publishing all materials of the Association.
        5. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
      7. The Auditor
        1. He/She is in-charge in reviewing, verifying, examining, and proper auditing of all the financial records of the Association, its Committees and Councils. He/She is to report to the Association the results of his/her audit. He/She shall be the head of the Audit Committee.
        2. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities germane to his/her position.
      8. The Unit Representatives
        1. He/She is the Official Representative of the College and Office (Staff) he/she belongs and shall therefore serve the liaison and coordinator of the unit (College and Office/Staff) he/she belongs. The Unit Representatives shall be part of the composition of the Socio-Cultural and Sports Committee.
        2. He/She shall perform other duties and responsibilities that may be delegated to him/her by the President or the Officers Council, or those that are germane to his/her position.

      ARTICLE VIII OF THE BY-LAWS
      On The Autonomous Bodies and Committees

      Autonomous Bodies

      Section 1. Officers Council

      Section 1.1 The Officers Council, composed of the elected officers of the Association, and headed by the President, is the governing and administrative body of the Association. Its primary functions include the honest administration, effective supervision, and excellent conduct of the state of affairs of the Association.
      Section 1.2 The Officers Council has the fundamental duty to uphold the Constitution of the TSFSA, serve and protect its members, and execute the By-Laws for the common good and general welfare of those whom they serve and are accountable to.
      Section 1.3 Pursuant to the Constitution, they have an urgent duty to appoint the members of the Autonomous Bodies and the mandated Committees of the Executive Council.

      Section 2. Commission on Elections

      Section 2.1 The Commission on Elections, or Comelec, is the sole Autonomous Body mandated and empowered by this Constitution to govern, administer, conduct, supervise, and formulate all the necessary election policies and guidelines, tabulate and declare election and plebiscite results, and execute final decision arising from them.
      Section 2.2 In cases of election protest, the Comelec may upon request, be assisted by the Grievance Committee and the Legal Justice Committee on its deliberation. The final decision however remains with the Comelec
      Section 2.3 This Body is composed of three (3) members of reputable integrity, appointed by the Officers Council and approved by the majority of the members of the Association. The first member is the Commisioner acting as head of the Comelec, the second is a Faculty member, and the last is a Staff member.

      Section 3. Commission on Constitutional Review and Interpretation

      Section 3.1 The Commission on Constitutional Review, composed of three (3) members with good legal and constitutional background and expertise, and possessing substantial understanding of the parliamentary procedures, is the sole body specially commissioned to provide the proper understanding and interpretation of the Constitution of the TSFSA. Membership in this Commission is most sought, though not necessarily mandated, from those who had been part of the committee that drafted and/or revised our Constitution and By-Laws.
      Section 3.2 The Commission, sitting en banc, may intervene in resolving conflict in the interpretation of Constitutional provisions and its laws. The Commissions final and official interpretation shall be deemed valid and binding to the Association.
      Section 3.3 The Commission, on its own initiative and volition and with the concurrence of the majority of the members of the Association, may recommend the need to review and revise the Constitution or its By-Laws.
      Section 3.4 The Commission shall choose the members of the Committee that is commissioned to review and revise the Constitution and By-Laws, as provided for under Article XII of this Constitution. Withal, if it so desire, the Commission or any of its member can be a member of the said Committee on Constitutional Revisions.

      Section 4. Ombudsman Council

      Section 4.1. The Ombudsman, composed of five (5) Faculty and Staff members, chosen and commissioned by the majority members in an assembly called for this purpose, is an impartial and special ad hoc investigation council created to investigate and recommend decision on matters of violation or abuses committed by any elected member of the Association.
      Section 4.2. If it is the President of the TSFSA who is the subject of investigation, the Ombudsman may convene a Special or Emergency Assembly to provide them with all the information and merit of the case, and the action or recommendation being pursued by the Council.
      Section 4.3. The ad hoc Council, sitting en banc and serving as a special investigation council exists only during and until the official termination or conclusion of the case.
      Section 4.5. Cases involving elected TSFSA Officers, include among others:
      1. Cases of violation cited under Section 2 of Article VI of the By-Laws.
      2. Gross negligence and/or abuse of ones duties and responsibilities
      3. Administrative and leadership incompetence
      4. Contempt in words and deeds against the Magna Carta of the Association
      5. Disloyalty or infidelity to his/her Oath of Office
      6. Insanity
      7. Irregularity in the use of funds of the TSFSA
      8. Personal favors and treatment accorded to others in the name of TSFSA, without the knowledge of the members, and which are considered detrimental to the Association
      Section 4.6. The Association, convened in an assembly, makes the final decision and executes the appropriate course of action.

      Organizational Committees

      Section 5. Executive Council.
      The Council, composed of the members of the Officers Council and all Committee Chairpersons, and headed by the President of the TSFSA, is the general or over-all implementing body of all mandated Committees, as provided for under Article VIII of this Constitution. The over-all functions of the Executive Council include the general planning, approval, implementation and general supervision of the projects and activities of the different Committees of the Association.

      By-Laws on the Different Mandated Committees of the Executive Council, Section 5

      Section 5-A. Membership Committee
      The Membership Committee, composed of the Treasurer, Unit Representatives, a Faculty member, and headed by the Executive Secretary of the TSFSA, is the body that determines, coordinates and informs the status of the members of the Association, as provided for under Article V of this Constitution.

      Section 5-1A. The Committee shall, at all times, coordinate with the Welfare and Benefits Committee regarding Membership Status, for purposes of determining a members attendance in meetings or assemblies, attendance in TSFSA projects and activities, in determining possible sanctions or GFS fines upon a member, and determining the benefits accorded a member.
      Section 5-B. Finance Committee
      Section 5-1B. The Finance Committee, composed two (2) Faculty members and one (1) Staff member, is the body that identifies, solicits, and collects financial resources, as well as provide needed assistance to the Association in formulating or finding ways and means to support its projects and activities.
      Section 5-C. Audit Committee
      Section 5-1C. The Audit Committee, composed of two (2) members who possess expertise or knowledge in Finance, Accounting, and Auditing, is the body that monitors and audit all the funds, expenses, disbursements, and monetary collections of the Association . It is their duty to provide or inform the TSFSA regularly or annually, of the financial standing or status of the Association.
      Section 5-D. Socio-Cultural and Sports Committee
      Section 5-1D. The Socio-Cultural and Sports Committee, composed of the two Vice-Presidents, Unit Representatives, and two (2) Faculty and Staff members, plans, organizes and implements socio-cultural programs, projects and activities intended for the holistic and integral growth and development of its members. In line with this, the Committee is expected to organize a yearly Faculty and Staff festival.
      Section 5-2D. The Committee shall closely coordinate with the Executive Council in all stages of planning and implementation of its sponsored project or activity.
      Section 5-3D. Any fund raising project of the Committee, or any other Committees for that matter, shall be properly presented to the members of the Association in a regular assembly.
      Section 5-E. Welfare and Benefits Committee
      Section 5-1E. The Welfare and Benefits Committee, composed of the Vice-President Faculty, Vice-President Staff, Executive and Assistant Secretaries and the Treasurer, is the committee that handles the Mutual Aid Benefits, or MAB, and that is in charge of determining the monetary (medical and bereavement) assistance, aids, and benefits accorded a member, based on his/her present Membership Status (Active or Inactive). The Welfco shall regularly coordinate with the Membership Committee regarding the present or current status of a member.
      Section 5-2E. The General and Specific Guidelines of the Graduated Fine System, or GFS, approved by the assembly in 2005 shall serve as guide in determining the appropriate assistance and benefits a member is entitled to.
      Section 5-3E. Any disbursement of the Welfare funds shall be with the final approval by the President of the Association, signed by him, the Treasurer, and the Chairperson of the Welfare and Benefits Committee.
      Section 5-F. Grievance Committee
      Section 5-1F. The Grievance Committee, composed of the Officers Council under the chairmanship of the TSFSA President, serves and acts as arbitrator in cases of conflicts arising between or among its members, and between the Association and other sectors of the School or the community. This body shall closely work hand-in-hand with the Legal Justice Committee on cases involving legal question.
      Section 5-G. Education, Research, and Professional Development Committee
      Section 5-H. Legal Justice Committee
      Section 5-1H. The Legal Justice Committee, composed of two (2) members who possess a good background in legal matters and are familiar with the Justice System in the Philippines, provides the necessary legal assistance and counsel to the Association and its members, as the need arises.
      Section 5-2H. The Committee shall organize public lectures, symposia, and seminars on the rudiments, fundamentals, theories and language of the law of the land, legal trends and practices, particularly those that have something to do with economic and labor laws.
      Section 5-3H. The Committee may be invited to talk in matters of juridical and legal importance, in conflicts and complaints, labor and management relation, unfair labor practices, and workers rights, as the need arises.
      Section 5-I. Archives and History Committee
      Section 5-1I. The Archives and History Committee, composed of two (2) Faculty members and one (2) Staff members, is the body in charge of keeping, preserving, filing, labeling, and binding all the records and documents, photos and pics, video and CD materials of the Association for purposes of documentation and historical research.
      Section 5-2I. The Committee is commissioned to write, record, or document all reports, names of persons, dates, places, events, projects, and activities done by the Association.
      Section 5-3I. It is likewise the responsibility of the Committee to come up and present a historical account, in book-bound form, of all the important things that transpired in the Association. This shall be done and compiled into one volume every five years, from the time the Association was born, under the auspices, financial and otherwise, of the Association.
      Section 5-4I. The Committee shall be regularly and consistently provided with the authentic copies of all documents and records of the Association.

      ARTICLE IX OF BY-LAWS
      On The General and Regular Assemblies and Quorum

      Section 1. As a general rule, and for all intent and purposes, the word Assembly denotes the number of members convoked together to constitute a quorum and be able to do its deliberation and to make binding decision.

      Section 2. As a general rule, and for all intent and purposes, the word Meeting denotes the business item or agenda of an Assembly that is the subject for deliberation and binding decision.

      Section 3. Whereas, there is an Assembly because there is a Meeting; and there can only be a meeting if there is an assembly. On the contrary, it is futile to convoke an assembly without a meeting. Likewise, it is an exercise in futility to call and discuss the agenda items of a meeting if there is no assembly.

      Section 4. Whereas, the two terms cannot be separated as in the case of Regular Assembly. Henceforth, it is hereby understood and by all means considered by this By-Laws that any meeting calls for an assembly, and vice-versa, as referring to a Meeting of the Assembly or better yet, a Regular Assembly Meeting.

      Section 5. The President and the Officers Council convoke the members for a Regular Assembly, i.e., the monthly meetings of the Association. Or in inevitable case, may suspend the holding of it.

      Section 5-A. The President and the Officers Council convoke the members for a General Assembly, i.e., the annual or semi-annual meeting of the Association, as pre-determined by the Constitution. A General Assembly may only be suspended due to unforeseen circumstances.

      Section 6. Pursuant to the Constitution, the membership attendance required of a General Assembly is at least seventy (70) of all registered members. This is due to the fact that some members have Active Membership Status, while others have Inactive Membership Status.

      Section 7. Pursuant to the Constitution, the membership attendance required of any of the Regular Assembly is at least forty (40) of all registered members. This is due to the fact that some members have Active Membership Status, while others have Inactive Membership Status.

      Section 8. Pursuant to the Constitution, the quorum in all assemblies and meetings, is 50% + 1 of the attendance, whose deliberations and decisions are considered valid and binding to the Association.

      ARTICLE X OF THE BY-LAWS
      Elections and Plebiscites
      (Refer to Article X of the Constitution)

      ARTICLE XI OF THE BY-LAWS
      General, Special, and Trust Funds of the Association
      (Refer to Article XI of the Constitution)

      ARTICLE XII OF THE BY-LAWS
      Review, Revisions, Amendments and Framing
      (Refer to Article XII of the Constitution)

      ARTICLE XIII OF THE BY-LAWS
      Effectivity
      (Refer to Article XIII of the Constitution)

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