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Page 1: Legislative Assembly Manual
Page 2: Legislative Assembly Manual

1

The Legislative Assembly

The Legislative Assembly (LA) is the highest policy making body of the University

Student Government It is composed of the elected Legislative Assembly Representatives of each year level, led by the Chief Legislator.

Pursuant to the USG Constitution, the LA Representatives have the following functions: Participate in Legislative Assembly Sessions

Conduct regular consultations with his/her constituents regarding academic and

non-academic matters

Hold position in other University Student Government units and university-wide committees as appointed

Handle the advisory committee of his/her batch organization

Review existing policies and resolutions Pass resolutions and Legislations that are of relevance to the studentry

Monitor the performance of University Student Government Officers.

Since the scope of the LA's responsibility is broad and diverse, there is a need to

separate its duties into several committees. There are three committees namely:

Student's Rights and Welfare (STRAW) Rules and Policies (R&P)

National Affairs (NatAff)

The details of the roles and responsibilities of each committee are written in the LA Rules of Internal Governance.

Decisions are made binding in the resolution only in the presence of a quorum. A quorum is two-thirds of the total number of seats.

There are 21 seats in the LA before the Freshmen Elections. Quorum is 14.

There are 28 seats in the LA after the Freshmen Elections. Quorum is 19.

Legislative Assembly Sessions are held on a regular basis. Regular sessions happen during Fridays at 1440h onwards or as scheduled by the LA Inner Circle (LAIC)

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Legislative Assembly Rules of Internal Governance

Article I Policy and Application

Section 1. Title. These rules shall be known and cited as the Rules of Internal Governance of the Legislative Assembly.

Section 2. Purpose. These rules are promulgated to prescribe the structure, procedures, and guidelines for the proper discharge of the powers and responsibilities of the Legislative Assembly, so as to achieve the purpose of active legislation.

Section 3. Declaration of Policy. It is hereby declared the policy of the De La Salle University Student Government that the Legislative Assembly shall enjoy the balance of power and authority with the Executive Branch to enable it to attain its fullest development as a self-reliant body and make it a more efficient partner in the attainment of the De La Salle University Student Government's goals. A more responsive and accountable structure shall be provided to the Legislative Assembly, through a system whereby its powers, jurisdiction, procedures, and guidelines shall be clearly defined.

Section 4. Scope of Application. These rules shall apply to the following: 4.1. Chief Legislator o the Legislative Assembly 4.2. Legislative Assembly Majority and Minority Floor Leaders. 4.3. Legislative Assembly Inner Circle. 4.4. All Legislative Assembly Representatives. 4.5. Legislative Committees. 4.6. All officers of the De La Salle University Student Government, whenever applicable.

Section 5. Formulation of Comprehensive Policies by the Legislative Assembly. The Chief Legislator and the Majority/Minority Floor Leaders, together with the Legislative Secretariat and Legislative Committee Chairpersons, shall formulate and enforce basic administrative policies and procedures to facilitate the implementation of this Act.

Article II Members

Section 1. A Member of the Legislative Assembly shall refer to the Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator or to a Legislative Assembly Representative.

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Section 2. Every Member shall be present at all sessions of the Legislative Assembly unless otherwise excused.

Section 3. Every Legislative Assembly Representative present at the session shall vote on every motion, unless he/she has direct personal or pecuniary conflict therein.

Section 4. Legislative Assembly Representatives shall be appointed to only one

Legislative Committee. The Chief Legislator shall assign the Legislative Assembly Representatives to the Legislative Assembly Committees in reference to, but not entirely based upon, the top three choices of each Legislative Assembly Representative and in a manner that he/she deems necessary. The Legislative Assembly Representative that will be elected as the Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall be an ex officio member of every committee.

Article III The Legislative Assembly

Section 1. The Legislative Assembly (LA) is the highest policy making body of the University Student Government. (Article XIV, Section 1 of the De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution).

Section 2. The Legislative Assembly Representatives shall have the following functions: (Article XIV Section 5 of the De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution) 2.1. Report directly to the Batch President, College President, Chief Legislator

and President as deemed necessary. 2.2. Participate actively in LA sessions.

2.3. Conduct regular consultations with his/her constituents regarding academic and non-academic matters. 2.4. Hold position in other USG units and University-wide committees as appointed. 2.5. Handle the College Advisory Board together with the other LA Representatives of each respective college. 2.6. Handle the Batch Advisory Board. 2.7. Review existing policies and resolutions. 2.8. Pass resolutions and legislations that are of relevance to the studentry. 2.9. Be entitled to a copy of all minutes, resolutions and the like that concerns the legislative proceedings. 2.10. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the EB, College President, Batch President, Chief Legislator and the LA.

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Section 3. The LA shall concern itself with discussing and deciding on the

following matters: (Article XIV Section 3 of the De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution) 3.1. Integral policies, existing operations, projects and programs. 3.2. Resolutions of University-wide, curricular and extra-curricular matters. 3.3. Resolutions on national and sectoral issues. 3.4. Representation of administrative and non-administrative units and committees requiring such inside the campus. 3.5. Budget allocation of the USG as presented by the Executive Treasurer. 3.6. Creation of standing and ad hoc committees whose functions shall be determined by the body. 3.7. Approval of the Election Code to be adopted by the Commission on Elections. 3.8. Approval of appointed USG officers for elected positions.

Article IV

The Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator

Section 1. Pursuant to the provision stated in Article XIV, Section 4 of the De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution, an elected Legislative Assembly Representative shall be the Chief Legislator of the Legislative Assembly.

Section 2. The powers and responsibilities of the Chief Legislator shall have the

following powers, duties and responsibilities:

2.1. Call and preside over the sessions of the LA and appoint from its

members, except the Majority and Minority Floor Leaders and the Legislative Secretariat, a replacement upon his/her incapacity or absence. 2.2. Call and preside over the meetings of the LA Inner Circle and appoint from its members, except the Legislative Secretariat, a replacement upon his/her incapacity or absence. 2.3. Call special LA sessions.

2.4. Preserve order and decorum during sessions, and, in case of disturbance or disorderly conduct within the premises where the session is being held, take such measures as he/she may deem advisable or as the LA may direct. 2.5. Rule on all questions of order, subject to appeal by any member of the LA,

which appeal shall not be debatable, but the member appealing may explain his/her appeal for not more than five minutes. 2.6. Sign and affix the seal of the USG in all resolutions, memorials, writs, warrants and subpoenas issued by the order of the LA. 2.7. Enforce all rules, policies and procedures governing the LA. 2.8. Receive periodic reports from all units and members of the LA whose

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frequency of submission shall be at his/her discretion. 2.9. Appoint LA Representatives to LA Committees. 2.10. Be an ex-officio member of all LA Committees. 2.11. Have administrative supervision over the LA and all its units. 2.12. Be the official representative of the LA in functions that require its presence. 2.13. Ensure that the LA follows properly the parliamentary procedure during sessions.

Section 3. As provided for by Article XIV, Section 14 of the De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution, all rulings announced by the Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall be final unless

reversed through a motion to appeal to the Chief Legislator's rulings by any

member of the LA. Such reversal shall require a two-thrids vote of the members of the LA to be carried.

Section 4. The Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall have the administrative supervision over the Legislative Assembly and all its units, such as the Inner Circle and the Legislative Assembly Committees.

Article V

The Legislative Secretariat

Section 1. The Legislative Secretariat shall be chaired by the Executive Secretary of the De La Salle University Student Government and composed of at least two (2) members of the staff of the Office of the Executive Secretary.

The Legislative Secretariat shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities (De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution Article XIV Section 7): 2.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator. 2.2. Enforce orders of the LA when such duty devolves upon them. 2.3. Record the minutes of each session of the LA and all meetings of the LA

Inner Circle. 2.4. Call the roll of the members of the LA before the opening of the session. 2.5. Note all questions in order with the decisions thereon. 2.6. Complete, within five days after the close of the session, the printing and

distribution of the minutes for the said session to the members of the LA.

2.7. Provide each LA Committee a copy of the outline of the minutes for filing and reference. 2.8. Take charge in counting and recounting the votes or ballots. 2.9. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or

the LA.

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Section 3. The Legislative Secretariat shall formulate and enforce policies and

procedures governing the documentation and monitoring of implementation of resolutions approved by the Legislative Assembly;

Section 4. The Legislative Secretariat shall monitor the status of resolutions approved by the Legislative Assembly and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly on such;

Section 5. The Legislative Secretariat shall outline basic policies and

procedures to facilitate the monitoring of resolutions from the time they have been placed on the agenda until its delegation to an executive office, and enforce the same as approved by the Legislative Assembly.

Article VI

The Majority and Minority Floor Leaders

Section 1. The Majority and Minority Floor Leaders shall convene their

respective majority/minority group.

1.1. The Majority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions in a specific issue or resolution of the majority of the body. He/she shall serve as the spokesperson of the majority side. In case of conflict of interest, he/she may appoint anyone from the majority side to assume the position but may not vacate his/her position as part of the majority, except for meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He/she may call separate meetings outside the LA sessions to convene the majority side.

1.2. The Minority Floor Leader shall consolidate the arguments and positions in a specific issue or resolution of the minority of the body. He/she shall serve as the spokesperson of the minority side. In case of conflict of interest, he/she may

appoint anyone from the minority side to assume the position but may not vacate his/her position as part of the minority, except for meritorious cases to be decided by the Chief Legislator. He/she may call separate meetings outside the LA sessions to convene the minority side.

Article VII

The Legislative Committees

Section 1. There shall be the following Legislative Committees: 1.1. National Affairs Committee 1.2. Rules and Policies Committee 1.3. Students' Rights and Welfare Committee

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Section 2. The National Affairs Committee shall have the following duties and

responsibilities:

2.1. Discuss national and sectoral issues, and present recommendations on such to the Legislative Assembly. 2.2. Review the existing positions of De La Salle University on national and sectoral issues, and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly whenever necessary. 2.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the De La Salle University

Student Government on matters relating to addressing national and sectoral issues. 2.4. Report to the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the introduction of such. 2.5. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions, and inquiries in aid of legislation. 2.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or the Legislative Assembly.

Section 3. The Rules and Policies Committee shall have the following duties and responsibilities: 3.1. Initiate the review of the rules, policies, and procedures of the Legislative Assembly, De La Salle University Student Government, and De La Salle University, in coordination with the concerned offices and/or units, and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly, De La Salle University Student Government Executive Committee and offices concerned. 3.2. Monitor the implementation of rules, policies, and procedures approved by the Legislative Assembly. 3.3. Report to the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the introduction of such. 3.4. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions, and inquiries in aid of legislation. 3.5. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or the Legislative Assembly.

Section 4. The Students' Rights and Welfare Committee shall have the following

duties and responsibilities: 4.1. Discuss students' rights and welfare issues, whether in or outside De La

Salle University, and present recommendations on such to the Legislative Assembly. 4.2. Review the existing positions of the De La Salle University Student Government on students' rights and welfare issues, whether national or local in scope, and present recommendations to the Legislative Assembly whenever necessary.

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4.3. Monitor the performance of all executive units of the De La Salle University Student Government on matters relating to addressing students' rights and

welfare issues, whether national or local in scope. 4.4. Report to the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle resolutions referred to it after the introduction of such. 4.5. Conduct public hearings on resolutions or propositions, and inquiries in aid of legislation.

4.6. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator or the Legislative Assembly.

Section 5. Each Legislative Committee shall have a Chairperson, a Vice- Chairperson, a Secretary and other officers and/or sub-committees it may deem necessary, all of whom shall be elected from among and by the members of the committee. The members shall determine the manner of election thereof. Section 6. The LA Committee Chairperson shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities: 6.1. Report directly to the Chief Legislator. 6.2. Preside over the meetings of their respective LA Committees. 6.3. Participate in the meetings of the LA Inner Circle. 6.4. Administer the overall operations of their respective committees. 6.5. Report to the LA Inner Circle actions on resolutions referred to their committees. 6.6. Appoint committee members to sub-committees as well as delegate committee tasks to committee members, whenever necessary. 6.7. Consolidate the committee members on matters pertinent to the LA and in their attendance to LA sessions. 6.8. Perform other functions as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator and the LA.

Section 7. The LA Committee Vice Chairperson shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities: 7.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson. 7.2. Assume the powers and responsibilities of the LA Committee Chairperson

in his/her incapacity or absence. 7.3. Supervise the LA Committee researches. 7.4. Assist the LA Committee Chairperson in supervising the operation of the LA Committee. 7.5. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective committees.

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Section 8. The LA Committee Secretary shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities: 8.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson. 8.2. Record the minutes of the LA Committee meetings and provide copies to

committee members. 8.3. Organize and compile all documents pertinent to the LA Committee. 8.4. Be in charge of all logistical work of the LA Committee, including the reproduction of his/her committee's resolutions for the entire LA. 8.5. Be responsible for drafting and submission of periodic reports to the Chief Legislator. 8.6. Inform members of the LA Committee meetings two days prior to the scheduled date of the meeting. 8.7. Monitor the status of resolutions approved by the Legislative Assembly 8.8. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective committees.

Section 9. The members of the LA Committees shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities, other than those stated in Article XIV Section

5 of this De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution: 9.1. Report directly to the LA Committee Chairperson. 9.2. Be present and participate actively in all LA Committee meetings. 9.3. Aid the LA Committee Vice Chairperson in committee researches. 9.4. Perform other functions deemed necessary by the LA Committee Chairperson or as prescribed within the rules of their respective committees.

Section 10. The members of the LA Committees shall determine the frequency and

the time of their meetings.

Section 11. Any member of the LA Committees may call special meetings if

he/she deemed it necessary.

Section 12. The LA Committees shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-

thirds of its members.

Section 13. A final decision must be reached via a majority (50% + 1) of those

present. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the LA Committee members are informed and have agreed.

Section 14. The Chief Legislator shall be an ex officio member of all LA Committees.

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Article VIII

The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle

Section 1. The administrative power of the Legislative Assembly shall be vested in the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle.

Section 2. The LA-Inner Circle shall be composed of the: 2.1. Chief Legislator. 2.2. Majority Floor Leader. 2.3. Minority Floor Leader. 2.4. All LA Committee Chairpersons. 2.5. Legislative Secretariat. Section 3. The LA-Inner Circle shall have the following powers, duties and responsibilities (De La Salle University - Manila University Student Government Constitution Article XVI Section 3): 3.1. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the administration of the LA. 3.2. Receive reports from LA Committees on resolutions referred to it and on the performance of the committee and its members. 3.3. Discuss and decide on matters relating to the rules and procedures to be used in the consideration on the floor of resolutions reported to it, such as time limit for the debates, rules on germaneness and amendments, etc. 3.4. Calendar resolutions reported by the LA Committees for consideration. 3.5. Outline the agenda of all LA sessions.

Section 4. All rulings by the LA-IC on matters pertaining to the administration of the LA may be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the total membership of the LA.

Section 5. The members of the LA-IC shall determine the frequency and the time of their meetings.

Section 6. Any member of the LA-IC may call special meetings if he/she deemed it necessary. Section 7. The LA-IC shall constitute a quorum of no less than two-thirds of its members.

Section 8. A final decision must be reached via a majority (50% + 1) of those present. Decisions made outside this provision are tentative and unofficial until majority of the LA-IC members are informed and have agreed.

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Article IX

Resolutions, Messages, Petitions and Subpoenas

Section 1. The Legislative Committees to which a resolution has been referred to shall act on such, as it deems necessary. It may create a sub-committee and refer the same to it, or act on the resolution in full committee.

Section 2. The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall act on any resolution reported to it within five (5) calendar days upon receipt of the report, after which the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall place the resolution on the Calendar. Section 3. The Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall outline the agenda for the next session or meeting of the Legislative Assembly.

Section 4. Resolutions passed and approved for discussion by the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall be opened in a first come, first serve basis, unless argued upon by the body, if the body deems necessary.

Section 5. When a resolution is in order on a particular session or meeting, the

parliamentary rules and procedures, together with the rules provided by the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle shall be in order during debates and proceedings.

Section 6. All resolutions that have not been approved by the end of the terms of

office of the Legislative Assembly Representatives shall be declared void and kept in records of resolution filed only for the purpose of reference and research.

Section 7. Any Member of the Legislative Assembly may deliver messages and petitions on the floor only during the "Other Matters" part of the agenda, which is at the end of the session, and only upon recognition by the Chief Legislator.

Section 8. Non-members of the Legislative Assembly may address the Legislative Assembly, deliver messages, petitions, and deliver privilege speeches on the floor only upon the approval of two-thirds of the Members of the Legislative Assembly.

Section 9. Council of University Representatives committee reports shall be delivered to the body on a regular basis by representatives on a scheduled timeframe to be determined by the Chief Legislator.

Section 10. Subpoenas (duces tecum or ad testificandum) may be requested by any member of the Assembly to summon people to LA sessions (ad testificandum) or submit evidence (duces tecum) for purposes of LA business. Subpoenas must be approved and signed by the Chief Legislator.

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Article X

Sessions, Meetings, Attendance and Quorum

Section 1. The first session of the Legislative Assembly shall be reserved for

orientation, appointment to Legislative committees, election of officers and

delegation of initial and provisional task and shall be convened by the Chief Legislator not later than one month after the formal turnover of office.

Section 2. Regular sessions or meetings shall be held once every Friday starting at 14:40. The first fifteen (15) minutes of each session shall be allotted for the general orders (i.e. calling of the meeting to order, calling of the roll, approving of the minutes). If there are no more matters for consideration during this period, the Chief Legislator may proceed to the next order of the session. A regular session of the meeting may be called off on the following cases: suspension of classes, official national, local or university holidays and final examinations week. Otherwise, it may be called off by the Chief Legislator with concurrence of the De La Salle University Student Government Executive Committee.

Section 3. Special sessions may be conducted upon the approval of the majority of the Legislative Assembly. Such motions and the announcement thereof shall only be made during regular Legislative Assembly sessions.

Section 4. The Chief Legislator, or the Legislative Assembly Inner Circle may

call emergency sessions.

Section 5. A member is considered late if he/she arrives after the second roll call. Section 6. A member is considered absent for a meeting if he/she arrives after one-third of the given period for these said meetings.

Section 7. The following shall serve as guidelines on the absences of Legislative Assembly Representatives: 7.1. Excused Absences 7.1.1. Legislative Assembly Representatives are entitled to unlimited number of excused absences on Legislative Assembly sessions. 7.1.2. Legislative Assembly Representatives may only be excused on reasons such as conflict with academic schedule, health reasons that may deter a person from attending any normal human activity, other reasons as deemed necessary by the Executive Secretary of the De La Salle University Student Government. 7.1.3. Officers absent due to health reasons are required to submit a doctor's or legal guardian's certification, whichever is applicable, to the Executive Secretary

as soon as possible.

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7.1.4. Officers absent due to academic reasons should submit a teacher's certification to the Executive Secretary. 7.1.5. The Legislative Assembly Representatives concerned should submit an excuse letter addressed to the Executive Secretary stating the reason of

7.1.6. absence. The letter should be submitted at least two days before the session

7.1.7 Officers who need to absent themselves from a Legislative Assembly session due to unexpected reasons (those not included in 7.1.2.) should submit an excused absence form within two working days after the session to the Executive Secretary.

. 7.1.7. Approval of the absence would be upon the discretion of the Executive Secretary. The decision should be released at most one day before the session. 7.2. Unexcused Absences. 7.2.1. Legislative Assembly Representatives are allowed three (3) unexcused absences from sessions for the whole year.

7.2.2. An officer exceeding the number of allowable unexcused absences shall be subject to the proceedings of the Judiciary Branch.

Section 8. Two-thirds of the total number of Legislative Assembly Representatives shall constitute a quorum during its sessions or meetings. Quorum in the meetings of the Legislative Committees shall be constituted by a simple majority of its total membership.

Section 9. Decisions made in the absence of the quorum shall not be binding, unless such are made in the context of an implied quorum.

9.1 Implied quorum is at least one-half plus one of the total number of the Legislative Assembly Representatives. 9.2. Implied quorum shall only be decided through a 100% vote of the members.

present 9.3. Decisions made during an implied quorum can be reached through

a majority vote and shall remain final unless a member of the body challenges the decision in the succeeding sessions or meetings.

9.4. Decisions made during an implied quorum, which were reached through a 100% vote, shall be considered final.

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Article XI

Election and Vacancies of Legislative Assembly Officers

Section 1. Election of the Legislative Assembly Chief Legislator shall be done before the first Legislative Assembly session among all Legislative Assembly Representatives. These elections shall be conducted by the President of the University Student Government;

Section 2. Elections of the Majority and Minority Floor Leader shall be done during the first Legislative Assembly session before the assignment of Legislative Assembly Representatives to their respective Legislative Assembly Committees. Only Legislative Assembly Representatives from the majority and minority group shall vote for their respective Floor Leader. The Chief Legislator shall preside over the election of both Floor Leaders. In case of a tie in the number of votes of each Floor Leader position, the Chief Legislator shall be given voting power to break the tie.

Section 3. Election of Committee Chairpersons, Vice Chairpersons, and Secretaries shall be done during the first Legislative Assembly session, after the assignment of Legislative Assembly Representatives to their respective Legislative Assembly Committees. The Chief Legislator shall preside over the election of the aforementioned officers. In case of a tie in the number of votes of each Floor Leader position, the Chief Legislator shall be given voting power to break the tie.

Section 4. Nominations for Legislative Assembly Officer-ship shall only be accepted upon confirmation of the nominee. Absentees may be nominated but will not be given voting power.

Section 5. Any Legislative Assembly representative may be nominated for any position but may assume only one elected position at a time.

Section 6. Elections for Legislative Assembly officers may only be conducted in the presence of a quorum.

Section 7. All voting shall be done through a raise of hands or by ballot.

Section 8. Only members of the same committee may vote for their respective

committee officers.

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Section 9. In case of resignations and/or vacancies, the following guidelines and

hierarchal adjustments shall be followed accordingly:

9.1 Should the Chief Legislator choose to resign from his/her position, special

elections are to be conducted before the following Legislative Assembly session. Procedures for election of Chief Legislator will be followed 9.2. Should the Majority or Minority Floor Leader choose to resign from his/her position, special elections are to be conducted before the following Legislative Assembly session. Procedures for election of Floor Leaders will be followed. 9.3. Should a committee chairperson resign, the vice-chairperson of the said

committee shall immediately assume all roles and responsibilities held by the resigning chairperson. 9.4. Should a committee vice-chairperson resign, special elections must be held

in the presence of the Inner Circle to fill the vacancy in that committee. 9.5. Should a committee secretary resign, special elections must be held in the

presence of the Inner Circle to fill the vacancy in that committee.

Article XII Decorum and Debate

Section 1. Only members of the Legislative Assembly may participate in the debate and discussions during the sessions. However, non-members may speak on the floor upon the approval of two-thirds of the Members present.

Section 2. No person shall interrupt the Chief Legislator and the Member having the floor.

Section 3. No Member shall leave the session without the approval of the Chief Legislator.

Section 4. Members and non-members who disturb the proceedings shall be expelled from the session hall for a period deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator, and may be brought to face administrative, and disciplinary charges as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator. Section 5. Closed-door sessions shall not be called unless on the discussion of impeachment cases or other important matters as approved by two-thirds vote of all members present.

Section 6. Non-members shall be barred from attending closed-door sessions. Section 7. Gross violation of these Rules, Parliamentary Procedures, and other codes and policies of the Legislative Assembly shall tender the Member impeachable.

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Section 8. All matters brought to the floor shall be directed to the Chief

Legislator. Any referral to any person shall be made using the third person form.

Section 9. Any action or language by a Member deemed unethical by two-thirds of the members present or which undermines the integrity of the Legislative Assembly or the De La Salle University Student Government shall be barred from use during the sessions of the Legislative Assembly.

Section 10. Violators to this rule shall be sanctioned as deemed necessary by the Chief Legislator.

Article XIII Voting

Section 1. Voting on bills or resolutions shall be done in the following manner: 1.1. Division of the House. If a Legislative Assembly Representative wishes to appeal or to move for the reconsideration on the ruling of the Chairperson on the viva voce, he/she shall have to make a motion for a division of the house. At this point, the Chief Legislator shall direct all in favor to rise, then direct all opposed to rise. 1.2. Roll Call Vote. If a Legislative Assembly Representative wishes to appeal or to move for the reconsideration on the ruling of the Chief Legislator on the question after the division of the house, he/she shall have to make a motion for a roll call vote. At this point, the Chief Legislator shall direct the Executive

Secretary to call the roll, and direct the Members of the Legislative Assembly to

say "for", if they are in favor, "against", if they are opposed, or "abstain" at the call of their name.

Section 2. The Legislative Secretariat shall place the votes made by the

Members of the Legislative Assembly on record.

Section 3. All rulings announced by the Chief Legislator shall be final unless

reversed through a motion to appeal to the Chief Legislator's rulings by any Member of the Legislative Assembly. Such reversal shall require a two-thirds vote to be carried.

Section 4. A simple majority shall decide all resolutions or motions unless

otherwise provided by the parliamentary authorities as provided by Article XIV of these Rules.

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Article XIV Submission of Resolutions

Section 1. Softcopies of resolutions should be submitted to the respective Committee Secretaries concerned on or before Wednesday at 2200h and uploaded and distributed to other Legislators.

Section 2. Resolutions should be submitted in both hardcopy and softcopy. The hardcopy should be submitted to the Chief Legislator, while digital copies should be distributed to other Legislators prior to the session..

Section 3. Failure to submit the resolutions on the said deadline will be subjected to the sanctions deemed necessary by the Legislative Assembly Secretariat;

Article XV Separability Clause

If any portion of these Rules is declared void or unconstitutional, the remaining portions or provisions hereof shall not be affected by such declarations.

Article XVI Amendments

Amendments to these Rules can be proposed by any Legislative Assembly Representative through a resolution and shall be approved through a two-third majority vote of the Legislative Assembly.

Article XVII Repealing Clause

All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations, other issuance, or parts hereof inconsistent with the provisions of these Rules are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.

Article XVIII Effectivity Clause

These Rules of the Legislative Assembly shall be effective immediately upon the approval of the Legislative Assembly.

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Format of a Resolution Document Properties:

Paper Size: 8.5" x 11" (Short Bond Paper)

Margins: 1 inch on all sides

Font and Size: Arial 12

Hanging Indents

Tab Stop: 0.5" Legend:

1. Pending Legislative Assembly Resolution No.- Year -Term - Resolution

Number. Used as a reference for tracking resolutions discussed. 2. Status of the resolution whether approved, disapproved, or otherwise. 3. Resolution Number Year-Resolution Number. This only applies if the resolution is approved. 4. Name of sponsoring committee or group of LA Representatives (only of applicable). 5. Name of author/s of the resolution with their respective batch. This is arranged alphabetically. 6. Title of the Resolution. 7. Preamble (Short Description of the Resolution and action to be taken) 8. Whereas statements. These statements serve as point of bases on why you are writing the resolution.

9. Source of your basis (if applicable).First wherefore statement. The whereas statements serves as your point of conclusion. 10. Second and succeeding wherefore statement/s. 11. Final wherefore statement. 12. Date of the approval of the resolution.

Spacing: A. 2 spaces B. 1 space

Other information

• All whereas and wherefore statements should end with a Semicolon (;), except for the last wherefore statement which should end with a period.

About Resolutions

A resolution is an important document to an LA representative. It is basically one's tool in achieving action in the LA. Below are some questions to help decipher if a resolution is worthy of discussion: Is it necessary?

Is it applicable on a long-term basis? Can't it be done by an executive decision? Does it need the binding powers of the LA? Aren't there any rules, policies, or

other statutes which cover the area of the resolution?

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Is it beneficial?

Does it answer to the students' needs? Does it promote student welfare? Does it

adhere to the USG's vision-mission thrusts? Have all the parties involved or affected been consulted? Is it practical?

Can it be done? Does it specify who will implement it? How will it be implemented and when? Is it relevant and achievable? Is it well-written? Is it grammatically correct? Are the words used appropriate? Does it follow logical reasoning? Does it possess sufficient premises? Is it clear, concise, and precise? Does it avoid broad statements and value judgments?

The following are suggested steps on how to begin to write a resolution: • Consult around your batch mates. Talk to them. Walk around. Listen with your ears, eyes and heart. Ask for other people's suggestion and list them down. • Look around at your list and prioritize suggestions and ideas which are generated on the basis of urgency and importance. • Decide to write a resolution for the top priority issue on your list. • Gather general premises. Consult the University mission statement, USG Constitution, past resolution, and other related documents. • Conduct interviews and surveys. These form the "whereas" part. • Gather specific premises. These are premises which are directly related to the proposed resolution. • List the resolutions-what you would want to be done. This should include who will implement it, how it will be implemented, the time frame of implementation,

and where the budget will be taken from (if applicable). This will be the

"wherefore" part. • Write the resolution using the prescribed format. • File the resolution to the secretary of your respective committee. Make sure to secure them both hard and soft copies of the document.

Person to Person Communication

Person to person communication of PTPC is one of the tasks of a Legislative Assembly Representative. A popular method of conducting PTPC is by having batch mates answer surveys to find out how they feel about certain issues. It may be covering national, university wide, college, or batch level issues. Basically, the idea of PTPC is to ensure that one is representing what his or her batch believes in.

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Parliamentary Procedures

The Legislative Assembly adapted the parliamentary procedures primarily for protecting the democratic institutions for which the University Student Government stands up for. Parliamentary procedures protect the rights of the people attending and running a meeting in order to debate and equally express ideas. The basic provisions of parliamentary law are as follows: • Defend the rights of individual members • Ensure the rights of the majority • Protect the rights of the minority • Safeguard those people absent from the meeting • Guard all these together

Parliamentary Law, which originally referred to the customs and rules of conducting business in the English Parliament, is a series of rules that were formulated to facilitate the transaction of business and to promote harmony and cooperation within an assembly. This is built on the principle that there must be a careful balance of the rights of the organization, the rights of subgroups and individual members.

BASIC RULES

I. The rights of the organization supersede the rights of individual members Simply put, the organization has its own rules and all members should follow them. Should the time come that conflict between the two rights arise, the right of the organization shall prevail.

II. All members are subject to have equal rights The rights of individual members are as follows:

• To attend all LA sessions;

• To make motions and speak in debates;

• To nominate;

• To vote;

• To hold office.

III. Concomitant with the rights are responsibilities. The responsibilities of members are:

a. Attend meetings and be on time; b. Be ready to talk knowledgeably and intelligently on a topic; c. Be attentive and open-minded; d. Treat everyone with courtesy and respect the rights of others; e. Follow the rules of debate; f. Make a point concisely; g. Attack issues, not people.

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IV. A quorum must be present to do business, in order to protect the right of absentees. A quorum is the number of members who must be present to legally transact business, or at least two-thirds of the expected number of members attending the LA session. The purpose of a quorum is to prevent an unrepresentative group from taking action in the name of the organization.

V. The majority rules. This rule is the most basic element of a true democratic process. The minority, however, has the right to be heard, but once the majority has reached a decision, the minority has to respect and abide with the decision.

VI. The two-thirds vote rule.

A two-thirds vote is necessary whenever you are limiting or taking away the rights of members, or whenever you are changing something that has already been decided. For example, a motion calling for the closure of discussion demands a two-thirds vote since it would in effect limit other members from continuing to voice out.

VII. One question at a time, and one speaker at a time. No other motion should be in order, which does not directly relate to the question under consideration. In addition, once a member has been recognized, he or she has been granted the chance to talk and no other member may interrupt.

VIII. Debatable motions must receive full debate.

The chairperson may not put a debatable motion to vote as long as members wish to debate it. Debate can only be suspended by a two-thirds vote of the members present.

IX. Once a question is decided, it is not in order to bring up the same motion or one essentially like it at the same meeting.

Motions of such nature should be ruled out of order. X. Personal remarks in debate are always out of order. The chairperson must rule out all personal remarks out of order. Debate must be directed as motions, and not as motives; principles, and not as personalities.

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TYPES OF MOTIONS

Definition and Guidelines

1. A motion is a formal proposal put to a legislature. 2. Only resolutions and reports open for debate may be discussed. Motions may

only be made when the floor is open 3. When the floor is open, Members may rise and be recognized by the Chief

Legislator by raising their placards. 4. The floor is open if no delegate of the committee or staff is speaking and when

indicated by the Chief Legislator. 5. Only those motions listed below will be recognized in the Legislative Assembly. 6. A motion that has failed may not be reconsidered. 7. MAIN MOTION: This is business introduced to the Legislative Assembly, most

often resolutions. No second is required to introduce this. A majority of votes is required to approve a resolution. The order in which the resolutions are called is determined by the approved agenda.

1. Steps in handling main motions: SDAVR. Second. Debate. Amend. Vote. Reconsider.

8. SUBSIDARY MOTION: These are motions which affect the main motion, rules of procedure or otherwise. A table of these are listed below.

1. Subsidiary motions relate directly to the motion on the floor. They may change the words, send it to a committee, delay it, or others. They are made to expedite business by disposing of the pending motion, other than by adopting or rejecting it. These subsidiary motions cannot stand alone, and must be decided before the assembly can act on the main motion.

a. The order of precedence of the motions is as shown, in ascending order. When a motion is pending, only motions with a higher number, as shown below, are in order.

2. Incidental Motions. Incidental motions relate to questions of procedure on the business currently being discussed on the floor and not directly to the main motion (i.e the resolution) currently being discussed by the assembly.

3. Privileged Motions. Privileged motions deal with any or all issues specifically related to the session or to the comfort of members in attendance.

LIST OF SUBSIDARY MOTIONS

Rescind A motion to rescind annuls a previous decision made. It can be raised only by a person who voted for the decision previously made, or who was absent. The motion can be made until the next immediate meeting the decision was made. It must be seconded, and requires a two-thirds vote

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Lay on the table: If members wish to set aside a motion without establishing a time for the debate to resume, they can use this motion. It must be seconded and requires a majority vote. Move to Voting Procedure: If the body has sufficiently discussed a resolution or pending question, a member (usually the Majority Floor Leader) may move for the body to vote on a pending resolution or amendment. This must be approved by a simple majority of the body. Members will then vote for, against or may abstain on the pending motion being voted upon.

Limit or Extend debate: Limit debate is the motion by which a group or a person can exercise special control over the debate. It can be used with any debatable motion, must be seconded, cannot interrupt a speaker, is not debatable, and requires a two-thirds vote. The proposed length of time to limit or extended may be amended. Postpone Debate: If this motion is adopted, debate on the pending main motion is postponed. A time for the resumption of debate must be specified (e.g, after a certain resolution is dicussed), and the motion must be seconded and approved by a simple majority of the Assembly. A Motion to Postpone Debate should be used only when the assembly’s attention needs to be temporarily directed to a more urgent matter, or when more time is needed before productive debate can occur (e.g. the author needs to research a crucial fact).

Commit or Refer: This sends the question on the floor to a small number of people so that it can be carefully studied and put into proper form for the group to consider. It should give specific instructions as to where the question goes and which committee of what size and composition should the resolution be referred to. All amendments prior to committing must be presented to the committee. It must be seconded and can be debated. The debate must go into the desirability of committing only. Amend: The text of a resolution may be altered by passage of this motion. An amendment may also be altered by a secondary amendment (amendments beyond the secondary level are not permitted). This motion may be introduced only when one has the floor during General Debate.

Friendly amendment - slight corrections (e.g, typos) that do not substantially change the motion.

1. Friendly amendments may be made verbally.

Primary Amendment – Substansial changes to the mechanisms or values of a resolution. These must be submitted on an amendment sheet to the Chief Legislator.

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1. Primary Amendments require a second and a simple majority vote in order to be debated. If this motion carries, the amendment is considered and voted upon before resuming consideration of the resolution in question. The amendment must be clearly relevant to the resolution.

a. Primary Amendments may be amended verbally by secondary amendments. Members of the body may request for a secondary amendment while the primary amendment is being discussed.

b. Amendments beyond the secondary (amendment to an amendment) level are not in order.

LIST OF SUBSIDARY MOTIONS

Appeal: This is to challenge the Chief Legislator's ruling on a specific issue. It forces the Chief Legislator to submit the matter to a vote by the membership.

Consideration by Paragraph: This motion separates a long document or motion into different parts so that each part can be debated on independently of the others.

Division of the House: This motion may be used to see an unofficial decision to the pending question, and Legislators may use this strategically to see the “current consensus” or opinion of the Assembly on a resolution. 2. The unofficial vote is taken by having members stand up to ensure an accurate count. The votes do not have to be counted, however. If a member wishes a count be taken, he or she has to make a motion. The motion to count the votes requires a majority vote. 3. Any member can demand a division of the assembly. It needs to be seconded, and cannot be debated, amended or reconsidered. A member has to be recognized first before calling for a division.

Objection: This enables members to avoid discussing motions that are off the topic or likely to disrupt the meeting. This is to express objection to the consideration of the question, and not to start or cut off debate.

Point of Order: This is an objection raised against any proceeding, motion or action that the member believes is a violation of the rules. This may interrupt a speaker, a member may indicate a point of order verbally before being recognized (i.e. “Point of Order!”) and will then be recognized by the Chief Legislator.

Point of Information: This is a request for an immediate answer to a question concerning the background or content of a motion or a resolution.

Parliamentary Inquiry: This is a request for an immediate answer addressed to the Ch ie f Leg is la to r to a question concerning parliamentary law. Also termed as a question to the Chief Legislator.

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Suspend the Rules: This motion is used when the assembly wishes to discuss an issue in a way that violates the standing rules of procedure, in a non-formal way for example or to adopt special rules for a unique proceeding.

PRIVILEGED MOTIONS

Adjourn: To close the meeting. All unfinished business will be deferred to the next meeting. It must be seconded, is out of order when another member has the floor, requires a majority vote, may not be amended and reconsidered.

Recess: This proposes a short intermission in the meeting. This motion is reserved for occasions of special meetings or breakout sessions, which would take more than the usual session time. It must be seconded, may be amended, and requires a majority vote.

Point of Privilege: This relates to the rights of the organization and any of its members. It enables members to interrupt business and state an urgent request (i.e “Point of Privilege!”). It is in order when the comfort, dignity, safety or reputation of any individual member is at stake. The Chief Legislator shall rule as to whether the privilege is important enough to interrupt business. A member may not make a speech out of privilege. If this motion is made when no business is pending, it may be amended or debated upon. The speaker who was interrupted regains the floor after the question of privilege is settled.

Call for the Orders of the Day: If the agenda is not being followed, or a specific motion supposed to be debated at a certain time has not been take up. The motion does not require a second, and cannot be amended, debated, or reconsidered. It can be made when someone else has the floor.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS ON MOTIONS

Motion to Amend

1. If the amendment is simple and accepted by every member, it can be adopted by general or unanimous consent. In this way, it does not have to go through the formal process of being amended. 2. If a motion is complex and not accepted by the majority of members, amending it may simply confuse the issue and take up too much time. In such cases, it is usually better to vote the motion down and then to propose a more precise and acceptable amendment in its place. 3. Once a motion has been made, seconded and repeated by the Chief Legislator, a member does not need the permission of the mover to amend it. The motion has become the property of the assembly.

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4. To be valid, an amendment must pertain to the motion and the specific change the member desires in its wording and meaning. An amendment that is not relevant should not be considered by the assembly. 6. A motion to amend is itself amendable (see three types of amendments). 7. The motion is debatable; however the debate must be confined to the amendment itself and cannot touch on the main motion to which it has been applied. 8. The motion to amend can be debated when the motion to which it applies can be debated. 9. There is no limit to the number of motions to amend that can be applied to any main motion overall. However, no more than two motions to amend can be

pending on a main motion at a time.

11. The motion to amend can be reconsidered. The motion is out of order when someone else has the floor.

Motion to Commit or Refer

1. The motion must include all relevant information to be effective, such as, the name of the committee, size of the committee, how the committee will be formed, and any other special instructions. 2. This is LA’s method of creating ad hoc committees. 3. The motion requires a second, can be amended, debated and reconsidered. It is out of order when another person has the floor. It requires a majority vote to pass.

Motion to Lay on the Table

1. The motion does not establish a time for the debate to resume; rather, it enables members to resume the discussion at any point during the meeting. 2. The motion can only be applied to main motions.

3. A motion can be tabled more than once, but only if another emergency arises or the issues have been well debated between postponements. 4. While a motion is tabled, no member can make a motion that is substantially the same. Further, no member can make a motion that would conflict the tabled

motion. 5. Any subsidiary motion adhering to the tabled motion are postponed along with it. When the discussion resumes, the same motions are in effect. To resume

discussion, the motion must be taken from the table by a majority vote. 6. The motion requires a second and is out of order when another has the floor. It cannot be amended, debated or reconsidered. No subsidiary motion can be applied to it and requires a majority vote to pass. 7. For the DLSU-USG Legislative Assembly, all motions that remain laid on the

table at the end of each LA session remains laid on the table until it is once again included in the agenda.

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Motion to Limit or Extend Debate

1. The length of the debate is arbitrarily determined by the maker of the motion and the assembly. 2. The motion can only reduce or extend debate, not cut it off completely. 3. This motion is applicable to all main motions and to all debatable motions. 4. The motion requires a second and can be amended and reconsidered. It cannot be debated and is out of order when another has the floor. It requires a two-thirds vote to pass.

Motion to Postpone to a Certain Time

1. This is commonly used when: a. Members need more time to think about a motion but the debate has gone too long already. b. Members realize that there are pressing reasons to put the debate off until a later time. c. It is late and people are growing weary. In such cases, the motion may not receive a fair and sound discussion unless it is postponed until the people are rested.

2. The motion must set a specific time for the debate on the issue to resume. Although the motion can be postponed more than once, it should not be postponed past the next meeting or past the current session. 3. When a main motion is postponed, it takes with it any subsidiary motions that are attached to it as well. The entire package - main and subsidiary motions - is therefore postponed. When the motion is taken up again, all subsidiary motions except the Motion to Limit/ Extend Debate are in effect again as well.

4. Unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, those who have already spoken before the motion was postponed may still speak when the debate on the motion resumes. 5. If there is more than one postponed item to be discussed, each item should be considered in the order in which it was originally postponed. If time runs out before all postponed items can be reconsidered, they all automatically become part of the next regular meeting. 6. The motion requires a second and can be amended, debated, and reconsidered. It is out of order when another member has the floor. It requires a

majority vote to pass.

Motion to Appeal the Chief Legislator's Ruling

1. An appeal must be made directly after the Chief Legislator's ruling. It cannot be made after other business has transpired. 2. The motion requires a second. It is in order when another has the floor, but it cannot be amended. The motion can be debated and reconsidered. 3. After the Chief Legislator states the issue under dispute and explains the reasons for his ruling, the appeal is then decided by a vote. The Chief Legislator

needs a majority vote to carry the decision.

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Motion to Consider by Paragraph

1. The motion differs from Division of a Question in one crucial way: here, the document cannot be clearly divided into separate motions. 2. Separating the long document or motion into individual parts renews a debate,

unlike in Robert's Rules of Order, members are allowed to speak more than once per debate. 3. Any member, including the Chief Legislator can make this motion.

4. Members do not vote until the entire document has been reviewed. There is only one vote, on the entire document, and not on each section. 5. The motion requires a second and a majority vote to pass. It can be amended but not debated or reconsidered.

Objection

1. After a motion has been introduced, any member can raise an objection to the CONSIDERATION of the question because it is off topic or the motion is irrelevant.

Objections are raised against the act of making the motion, and not to start a debate on what the motion is trying to call for. 2. The motion must be made before the debate has begun, and is in order when another has the floor. 3. After a member has expressed his objection, the member will state his reasons concisely. The mover shall be asked if he wishes to push through or to withdraw his motion. If he wishes to push through, a vote will be taken by the Chief Legislator if the question is to be discussed. The objection needs a majority

vote to be accepted or defeated.

Point of Order

1. The motion must be made at the time of the suspected infraction. The motion cannot be made at any other time, even if the infraction is serious. 2. If the error continues for motion after motion and results in actions that violate the organization's constitution, however, a member can rise to a point of order

and mention previous instances of the same problem. 3. While it is important to enforce the rules of parliamentary law, members should not raise points of order when the infraction is very minor. This serves only to slow down the meeting and create ill will. 4. If it is not clear whether the rules have been broken or not, it is better to make a Parliamentary Inquiry rather than rise to a point of order. 5. The ruling must be made by the Chief Legislator. If desired, the Chief Legislator may speak briefly with members well-versed in parliamentary law, but

the Chief Legislator must be the one to approach the members. 6. The motion does not need a second, is not debatable, amendable, and cannot be reconsidered. It is in order when another motion is pending and may interrupt another speaker.

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Motion to Suspend the Rules

1. The motion does not have to list the specific rule, but it does have to provide a reason for suspending the rules. 2. If the motion achieves passage by a two-thirds vote, the assembly can discuss the new motion or business at once. 3. If the motion does not pass, it cannot be made again during the same meeting for the same purpose or reason, unless all members agree. It can be made again

during the next meeting.

4. The motion requires a second, and cannot be debated, amended, reconsidered, or made while another motion is being debated.

Motion to Adjourn

1. The motion can be made in the middle of a debate. It cannot be made, however, in the middle of a vote. 2. The Chief Legislator must announce that the meeting is adjourned. Until that time, the meeting is still officially in session, even if the vote has been tallied to

adjourn. 3. The motion is out of order when another has the floor, and it requires a second. It cannot be debated, amended, or reconsidered. The motion must have

a majority vote to pass.

Point of Privilege

1. To raise a question of privilege means that a member obtains the floor while business is in progress to make an urgent request. The Chief Legislator must then rule on the request. 2. The motion is also applicable if the rights of the assembly are in danger of being transgressed.

3. If the situation cannot be resolved informally or simply, the Chief Legislator must then rule whether the matter is a question of privilege and should be considered before business can be resumed. When business is once again taken up, it recommences at the point where it was interrupted. 4. The motion can be made even when someone is speaking, but only if the matter is urgent. It cannot interrupt a vote. The motion does not require a second and cannot be amended, debated or reconsidered. No vote is taken, as the Chief Legislator rules on the motion.

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Recess

1. The motion to recess is especially useful when it is necessary to take a short break in the debate, affording members a chance for a brief "cooling-off" period. A recess is also helpful during an election when the tellers are busy counting the ballots. 2. After a recess, business is taken up exactly where it was left off. 3. If the agenda specifies a recess, there is no need to make a motion for one. In these instances, the Chief Legislator needs only to declare the recess when it is reached on the agenda. It takes a two-thirds vote to postpone a scheduled recess. 4. For the DLSU-USG LA, the mover must indicate how long he intends the recess to be. 5. The motion requires a second, and it cannot be debated or reconsidered. It can be amended and requires majority vote to pass.

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Motion Se c o nd Debatable Vo t e Notes

Point of Personal Privilege No No Chair Used if something prevents participation

Point of Order No No Chair Used if a delegate believes a rule is being/has been broken.

Point of Parliamentary Inquiry

No No Chair Used to ask a question about how parliamentary

procedure is/will be applied to a situation.

Point of Information No No Chair Used to ask for the speaker’s opinion

Motion to Suspend The Rules

Yes No 2/3rds Used to temporarily change the rules (e.g., to extend

another delegate’s speaking time).

Motion to Rescind Yes No 2/3rds Used to reverse a decision of the Legislative Assembly within two weeks of the decision. Only those who voted for or against a resolution may motion to rescind.

Motion to Amend Yes Yes Majority Used to amend a bill or resolution under consideration.

Primary Amendments should be presented to the chair

prior to making this motion.

Motion to Lay on the Table

Yes No 2/3rds Used to postpone further discussion and any possible

vote.

Motion to Divide the House

Yes No None Used to gain the informal opinion of the assembly.

Motion to Extend Debate Yes No Majority Used to extend debate time on a motion

Motion to Postpone Debate

Yes No Majority Used to temporarily postpone debate on a motion,

time must be specified.

Motion to Move to Voting Procedures

Yes No Majority Used to close debate and vote on a motion.

Motion to Recess Yes No Majority Used to pause a session.

Motion to Adjourn Yes No Majority Used to end a session

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SAMPLE RESOLUTION FORMAT 1

2

De La Salle University P.L.A.R. No. 2014-01- 3

University Student Government Status: 4

Legislative Assembly 5

6

7

Resolution No. 2014- 8

9

Sponsored by: Rules and Policies Committee 10

Patricia Bautista, FOCUS2012 Wendy Peñafiel, FAST2011 11

Geanne Custodio, EDGE2012 Pia del Rosario, 66th ENG 12

Lorenzo Ermitaño, EXCEL2016 Ju Tan, BLAZE2014 13

Kiara Lin, BLAZE2015 14

15

Authored by: 16

Patrick Kahn, Chief Legislator 17

Micah Fernando, EXCEL2015 18

Kiara Lin, BLAZE2015 19

Wendy Peñafiel, FAST2011 20

21

- 22

RESOLUTION CALLING FOR THE APPROVAL OF THE REVISED LEGISLATIVE 23

ASSEMBLY MANUAL 24

25

A resolution proposing the revision of the rules of procedure, formatting and certain 26

policies of the LA Manual for efficiency purposes. 27

28

Whereas, the Legislative Assembly is the highest policy-making body of the University 29

Student Government (University Student Government Constitution, Article XIV, 30

Section 1); 31

32

Whereas, the USG shall have the power of which emanates from the student body. It 33

shall be the sole, unified, autonomous and democratic representative body of the 34

students (University Student Government Constitution, Article III, Section 1); 35

36

Whereas, the Rules and Policies Committee shall initiate the review of the rules, 37

policies, and procedures of the Legislative Assembly, De La Salle University 38

Student Government, and De La Salle University, in coordination with the 39

concerned offices and/or units, and present recommendations to the Legislative 40

Assembly, De La Salle University Student Government Executive Committee and 41

offices concerned. (LA Rules of Internal Governance, Art. VII, Sec. 5.1); 42

43

44

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PRIMARY AMENDMENT 1

2

Resolution Title: __________________ Date:____________ 3

Submitted by: ____________________ 4

5

Lines Numbers of Amendments: 6

______________________________________________________________________ 7

8

AMENDMENT: 9

10

______________________________________________________________________11

______________________________________________________________________ 12

______________________________________________________________________13

______________________________________________________________________ 14

______________________________________________________________________15

______________________________________________________________________ 16

______________________________________________________________________17

______________________________________________________________________ 18

______________________________________________________________________19

______________________________________________________________________ 20

______________________________________________________________________21

______________________________________________________________________ 22

______________________________________________________________________23

______________________________________________________________________ 24

______________________________________________________________________25

______________________________________________________________________ 26

______________________________________________________________________27

______________________________________________________________________ 28

______________________________________________________________________29

______________________________________________________________________ 30

______________________________________________________________________31

______________________________________________________________________ 32

______________________________________________________________________33

______________________________________________________________________ 34

______________________________________________________________________35

______________________________________________________________________ 36

______________________________________________________________________37

______________________________________________________________________ 38

______________________________________________________________________39

______________________________________________________________________ 40

41

For the Chief Legislator: 42

43

Approved/Disapproved: _______________ Vote: ____________ 44

45

SUBPOENA DUCES TECUM 46

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To: RECEPIENT 1

Position 2

Office Location 3

4

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to produce for inspection and/or 5

copying on or before (DATE) at the (SUBMISSION LOCATION) any 6

and/all documents, records or other tangible things which are in your 7

possession or under your control relating to: 8

9

LIST OF ALL DOCUMENTS 10

____________________________________________________________11

____________________________________________________________12

____________________________________________________________13

____________________________________________________________14

____________________________________________________________15

____________________________________________________________16

___________________________________________________________ 17

18

19

Fail not under penalty of law. 20

21

22

JUAN DELA CRUZ 23

Legislative Assembly Representative, CATCH2T17 24

Rules and Policies Committee 25

26

27

Approved: 28

29

JANE DOE 30

Chief Legislator 31

32

33

34

35

36

37

38

39

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SUBPOENA AD TESTIFICANDUM 1

2

To: RECEPIENT 3

Position 4

Office Location 5

6

YOU ARE HEREBY COMMANDED to appear before the Legislative 7

Assembly on the matter of (RESOLUTION OR AGENDA TITLE) at (venue) 8

on (DATE AND TIME) 9

10

11

Fail not under penalty of law. 12

13

14

JUAN DELA CRUZ 15

Legislative Assembly Representative, CATCH2T17 16

Rules and Policies Committee 17

18

19

Approved: 20

21

JANE DOE 22

Chief Legislator 23

24

25

26


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