Although no central political party was reaccredited for this year’s election, the six independent candidates for the Central Student Council (CSC) Executive Board manifested similar stances on several campus and national issues during the ‘Tagisan 2021’ debate.
THE SIX independent candidates vying for CSC positions in this year’s student polls were unanimous on their stances on issues surrounding the resumption of face-to-face classes in UST and the government’s Covid-19 pandemic response.
All candidates opposed the resumption of face-to-face classes in the University without Covid-19 vaccination during the “for or against” portion of the Tagisan.
They were also against the increased presence of Chinese vessels and infrastructure in the West Philippine Sea and compromising national security for the sake of friendship with China; the shutdown of media giant ABS-CBN; the militaristic pandemic response of the government; abusive penalties against curfew violators; the prioritization of politicians for inoculation; the Anti-Terrorism Law; the dolomite sand project in Manila Bay; the construction of the Kaliwa Dam and jeepney modernization.
All supported the passage of an anti-red tagging bill; increasing community pantries and same-sex unions.
The debate was held online and streamed through the Thomasian Media Circle and Talents’ (Tomcat) Facebook page.
Platforms
Running unopposed for the presidency, outgoing CSC Secretary Krizia Bricio of the Faculty of Arts and Letters vowed to rally for a “policy-driven CSC” and push for a more efficient, accountable and transparent CSC.
She said she wanted to introduce more disciplinary actions other than impeachment and suspension to make CSC officers and members accountable for their actions.
But there will have to be revisions in the CSC Constitution, she said.
Bricio also pledged to disclose the financial and audit reports and minutes of the meetings of the council to promote transparency.
Voter education ahead of 2022 nat’l polls
Two candidates vowed to start programs to educate and prepare Thomasians for the upcoming 2022 national elections.
Sole vice-presidential bet Gerald de la Cruz of the Faculty of Arts and Letters wants to tie up with various universities and colleges, organizations and offices in the country.
Lone secretary candidate Arnet Paguirigan, also of the Faculty of Arts and Letters, said it was vital to “educate students about the process of voting.”
Student rights, societal issues
Public relations officer (PRO) candidates vowed to fight for students’ rights, educate Thomasians on the problems of society and push for a unified “academic ease” in the University.
Jeric Mataga of the Institute of Information and Computing Sciences said he wanted to be remembered for fighting for student rights.
“We shouldn’t be here sitting pretty holding our high positions doing nothing and just holding events,” said Mataga.
Jerome Espinas of the College of Commerce made the same pledge.
“Gagamitin nating ang CSC bilang plataporma para bigyang kaalaman ang mga Tomasino sa kinakaharap natin ngayon na isyu at makisali sa diskusyon sa paaralan at lipunan,” he said.
College of Education PRO bet Gabriele de Lara proposed a uniform implementation of academic breaks in the University.
“I-institutionalize natin yung academic break [dahil sa mga nakaraang buwan] kanya-kanyang nagpapatupad ng academic break ang bawat academic unit,” he said.
Online campaigns started on April 24 and will end on May 8.
The election period will run from May 10 to 12 and May 14 to 15. The proclamation of new CSC officers will be on May 15. Jacqueline B. Martinez
