Danny To Braggy.docx

September 25, 2017

MR. BRAGGY BRAGANZA Vice President for Student Life Southwestern University Cebu City Through: MR. RANDYL KUNDIMAN Student Life Coordinator Southwestern university Dear MR. BRAGANZA: Greetings from SOUTHWESTERNERS! As student leaders in this academic community, we are morally obliged to look after the welfare of our constituents and status of any entity under the umbrella organization of the Supreme Student Government. It is in the principle of humility, militancy, and responsiveness that this school has taught us over these years. It is also from the same moral fibers that this academe has molded us to become responsible students and citizens as well. Let it be known to all that the stand of the Supreme Student Government composed of League of Governors and House of Representatives regarding the CURRENT situation of our School publication is anchored in the best interest of justice, unity and responsibility. The Campus Journalism Act, recognizes that “a student publication is published by the student body through an editorial board and publication staff composed of students selected by fair and competitive examinations (Sec. 4, Student Publication).” It adds, “Once the publication is established, its editorial board shall freely determine its editorial policies and manage the publication’s funds (Sec. 4).” By the provision of the law abovementioned, the school publication is autonomous. However, its autonomy is limited purely to editorial policies and self management of funds. Therefore, a student publication is not free or exempt from any lawful intervention as provided by RA 7079 or known as Campus Journalism Act It is crystal clear that no provision of the law prohibits Student Body particularly Supreme Student Government to intervene under exceptional circumstance. Prohibition to release funds and/or abolition of its existence does not violate its autonomy because its autonomy is limited to internal affairs.” Sec. 4.

Once the publication is established, its editorial board shall freely determine its editorial policies and manage the publication’s funds (Sec. 4).”

The issue of non-releasal of funds due to alleged incompetency of writers does not violate Sec. 4. Management of publication funds under such law means, the funds are already in their control in compliance with Sec. 4 p. 3. To withhold publication fund with legal grounds is not within the coverage of Sec. 4. (Please find herein attached hard copy of the law).

The non- compliance of university under RA 7079, sec. 4 p. 3 was affirmed and concurred by the Supreme Student Government way back 2012 due to alleged misappropriation of funds by the editorial board. A careful review of RA 7079: Section 5. Funding of Student Publication. – Funding for the student publication may include the savings of the respective school's appropriations, student subscriptions, donations, and other sources of funds.

The use of the word “may” makes budget appropriation for student publications optional. Since “The Quill ’ is under the umbrella organization of the Supreme Student Government in the exercise of power of control may legally deprived financial support to student publication. Be it noted, the existence of the Student publication is not presumed. There must be an act from the Supreme Student Government whether or not school publication be established under Sec. 4. Furthermore, CHED Memorandum Order series of 2013 on Student Publication existence is not mandatory but purely recommendatory in nature. Provided furthermore, CMO is not a self- executing order to college and universities. Therefore, its existence is optional and plays within the discretionary power of the student body. The SUPREME STUDENT GOVERNMENT composed of the League of Governors and House of Representatives have decided unanimously to establish a new publication in compliance with RA 7079, sec. 4 with new Editor in Chief and writers effective 2nd semester 2017.

Rest assured that we uphold accountability and transparency Thank you for your concern for the students. For the SWU Students, WE REMAIN!

Yours in Christ, Danny Toralba Jr. SSG Vice president

Joseph Christian Hornido SSG President Cris Jim Bertonia SSG Secretary