Buklod Atenista NatCon fails electing new nat'l convener

Motion for elections

After the deliberation of the resolutions, Kyle Chester Contacte, the Executive Assistant to the President for Political Affairs of the Central Student Government of the Xavier University - Ateneo de Cagayan (XU-CSG) raised a point of inquiry regarding the addition of another agenda item—a request for a special session to elect the next National Convener. The request was met with resistance from Maria Erica Orabe, the current National Convener, calling the proposal  “out of order” due to procedural concerns.

Despite the objection, Contacte persisted and emphasized the possibility of adding the agenda item if the Congress permits, raising a motion to commence the election of the next National Convener. Eventually, a majority vote from three of the five Member Student Governments (MSGs) (XU, Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), and Ateneo de Naga University (AdNU)) in favor of the motion prompted Orabe to allow Marc Lester Clamor, the current Buklod Ambassador of XU-CSG and the nominee for the position of National Convener to present his candidacy and platforms in front of the congress.

Clamor presented his plans for the alliance moving forward, citing the charter change, a development plan for the alliance, and a resolution for the financial matters of the alliance as some of his main platforms. Adam Emmanuel Guanzon, the President of XU-CSG, backed Clamor’s candidacy, citing vision, skills and experience, and character as criteria for choosing Clamor.

Concerns were raised regarding structural changes within the alliance under Clamor's leadership. Additionally, questions arose regarding the timing of the election agenda item, referencing Rule 12 of the Rules of Procedure of the NatCon, which states that the National Assembly must be notified of any supplemental agenda items by at least 20 days before the opening of the session.

Guanzon called the question offensive, claiming that the election of the National Convener is imperative and is one of the main objectives of the summit, accusing Orabe of purposely neglecting the addition of election of the National Convener from the agenda points.

Due to time constraints, a motion urging Buklod Atenista Permanent Secretariat (BAPS) to streamline the election process and move the election tomorrow was unanimously approved by the MSGs. 

Motion to suspend polls

However, in the start of the special sessions for the sole purpose of continuing the election of the new National Convener the next day, Guanzon moved to suspend the same elections he advocated for and defended.

Guanzon reiterated the support of the XU-CSG to the charter change and already tasked the members of the CSG to assist the XU-Office of the Buklod Ambassador in crafting the new charter. He then requested the current BAPS to start the transition from the current convening school, AdZU to the next convening school, XU.

However, the move to suspend the elections was met with skepticism by the other four MSGs, who sought further explanation from XU-CSG, particularly given their earlier advocacy for the addition of the said agenda item.

In response, Clamor clarified that the decision stemmed from the President, and as a constituent, he would abide by the directives of the XU-CSG President. He elaborated that crafting meaningful platforms for the future three years of the alliance within less than 24 hours would be impractical.

Reno Rossel Valdehueza, the Buklod Ambassador of ADMU-Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila (ADMU-Sanggunian), raised of point of clarification as to whether the XU-CSG, despite their move to suspend the elections, will still push for Clamor’s candidacy for the National Convener position.

Guanzon affirmed that Clamor remained the candidate of XU-CSG for the National Convener position but stressed the need for additional time to develop a comprehensive plan for their three-year term as the convening school, which would shape the future of the alliance.

Despite the motion raised to suspend the elections, the five MSGs ultimately decided unanimously to proceed with the electoral process.

Election issues unfold

Interpellations ensued as both the Congress and the National Convener delved into the details of Clamor's presentation of his curriculum vitae, spanning from his numerous affiliations to his strategic plans for the alliance.

Following a brief recess, Borja voiced significant concerns regarding Clamor’s appointment, highlighting perceived deviations from democratic principles and the absence of consultations with the MSGs. Borja further raised the issue of Clamor’s ongoing impeachment trial within the XU School of Business and Management Student Council, citing allegations of gross negligence and neglect of duty as an associate treasurer.

“These allegations cannot be taken lightly, especially considering the pivotal role of a national convener placed in guiding our organization's and alliance's future,” Borja added.

During the proceedings, Orabe inquired whether Clamor and Guanzon were aware of the ongoing impeachment trial, to which both individuals responded in the negative.

Clamor then clarified that he had tendered his resignation prior to the submission of the impeachment resolution, as part of his preparations to pursue the national convener post.

“Because I know that I am not able to commit that if I am going to pursue for a [sic] national convener position, I can no longer put myself into those positions to focus my (sic), because it will be a hindrance,” Clamor said.

He then vehemently contested the impeachment proceedings, labeling them as unconstitutional and defamatory. 

Expanding on his defense, Clamor elucidated that the impeachment efforts were instigated by opposing factions, motivated by unfounded rumors of his potential candidacy for a vice-presidential role. He contended that his position as an associate treasurer was immune to impeachment based on constitutional grounds, further asserting that the trial court had rescinded the summons, deeming the impeachment resolution as a bureaucratic breach. 

Following the exhaustive interpellation, a motion to proceed with the elections garnered unanimous support. Subsequently, a roll-call vote to elect Clamor for the National Convener position concluded with a 4-1 decision from the NatCon, effectively ruling Clamor out from assuming the role, which Clamor accepted.

Guanzon, recognizing the need for a smooth transition, requested Orabe time to deliberate on the next nominee for National Convener. Additionally, he advocated for documents providing the election process from BAPS to enhance awareness among MSGs regarding the election process and following leadership transitions.

The BAPS, currently held by AdZU, is expected to transition to XU, following the Constitution and By-Laws of Buklod Atenista.

Originally published on 5 April 2024.