CANDIDATES in the UST Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board elections identified student repression as the top issue on campus, underscoring the need to strengthen ties between the council and the student body to address it.
During “Botomasino: The Election Forum” held on Monday, April 13, candidates said student leadership in the University remained constrained by limited autonomy and external pressures that influence decision-making and project implementation.
Presidential candidate Annie Agon, also the CSC acting president, said repression was manifested through bureaucratic hurdles and administrative pressure, often resulting in delays in council initiatives.
She admitted some of her projects were left unfinished due to “reservations” over possible reactions from students and the administration.
“Mas nangingibabaw pa palagi ‘yung takot, kasi sa loob ng council ay palaging parang may brainwashing na nangyayari, and malaki talaga ‘yung emotional toll sa mga officers na lagi siyempreng kausap ng admin,” she said.
Public relations officer (PRO) candidate Errol Salamatin echoed these concerns, citing difficulties in engaging University offices on scholarship-related issues.
“When I had a chance to speak with the Office of the Student Affairs, hindi nila nabibigyan ng pansin…we need to be able to solve the problem democratically to be able to make sure that we can solve the problem in the long run,” he said.
Fellow PRO bet Mecaella Capalar linked student repression to broader campus concerns, including alleged red-tagging of student activists.
“Bilang student leader na nanggaling sa aktibismo, ‘yung pagde-defend sa aktibismo, nature na siya bilang student activist,” she said.
Treasurer candidate Zedrich Daz emphasized the role of student leaders in amplifying student concerns to the administration.
“We are hoping na masagot ng admin ‘yung mga hinaing,” he said.
Bridging gaps, expanding representation
Several bets pushed for consultations and grievance systems with the student body at the “grassroots” level.
This will address the supposed “disconnect” between the CSC and its constituents, which affects student participation and engagement.
Vice presidential candidate Franz Salangsang challenged the notion of political apathy among students, arguing that disengagement stems from weak connections with the council.
“It also shows an idea na baka kailangan pa natin ng efforts from the student council na mag-reach out to their constituents,” Salangsang said.
Candidate for secretary Clarence Mindo criticized existing grievance systems, particularly reliance on online forms, as “out of touch,” and called for more face-to-face engagement.
“Ang aking grassroots grievance ay isang kampanya na gawin itong face-to-face at talagang lumalapit sa mga mag-aaral na tingin ko hindi ginagawa sa panahon ngayon ng mga student council,” he said.
Fellow secretary bet Elijah Viola stressed the importance of engaging underrepresented sectors, including commuters affected by transport strikes and the energy crisis.
“While we have to accommodate any and all sectors who would like to participate in these discussions,ang pinakagusto ko pong talagang ma-tap into these discussions are commuters,” he said.
“Botomasino 2026: Election Forum,” the inaugural election forum ofThe Varsitarian, was held on April 13 at the Engineering Conference Hall of the Roque Ruaño Building.
The Varsitarian forum was in partnership with the Thomasian Debaters Council, whose officers asked questions to the CSC bets.
The University-wide CSC elections will run from April 20 to 25 with winners proclaimed on April 25.
Catch the replay of the election forum in the official Facebook page of the Varsitarian.
