the 2013 constitution and by-laws of atlas

7/31/2019 The 2013 Constitution and By-Laws of ATLAS

1/26


2/26

1

Association of Taxation and Law StudentsUniversity of the East Caloocan

Federation Year 20122013

THE 2013 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS OF THEASSOCIATION OF TAXATION AND LAW STUDENTS

Be it enacted by the Executive Board of the Association of

Taxation and Law Students assembled:

PREAMBLEWe, business students of the University of the East,taking up Business Law and Taxation subjects, realizingthe need for an academic, non-sectarian organizationwhich shall embody our physical, intellectual andspiritual ideals and aspirations, promote goodwill, unityand cooperation, recognize outstanding achievements and

contributions, strive for quality education, and serve theneeds and interests of Business Administration studentsin general Accounting majors in particular, do herebyform the Association of Taxation and Law Students(ATLAS), and adopt this constitution.

ARTICLE IOFFICIAL NAME DOMICILE AND LOGOSECTION 1. Official Name. The organization shall beofficially known as the Association of Taxation and LawStudents (ATLAS).


3/26

2SEC. 2. Official Domicile. The office of the Associationof Taxation and Law Students shall be at the University

of the East Caloocan.

SEC. 3. Official Logo. The official logo of theorganization shall be that was adopted by the first set ofofficers of this organization at the time the organizationis formed.

ARTICLE IIDECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

SEC. 4. Objectives.The following are the objectives ofthe Organization:

(a) It shall promote goodwill, unity, cooperation andfriendship among students.

(b) It shall recognize outstanding contributions andachievements in the field of Taxation andBusiness Law.

(c) It shall strive for the promotion of quality ofeducation.

(d)It shall serve the needs and interests of theBusiness Administration students in general andAccounting majors in particular.

(e) It shall always acknowledge the blessing andguidance of the Almighty God in its undertakings.

ARTICLE IIIMEMBERSHIPSEC. 5. Qualifications. Applicants to become a full-pledged to the organization must possess the following

qualifications:(a)A bona fide student of the university currentlyenrolled in the College of Business Administrationof the University of the East Caloocan


4/26

3(b)Must have a sense of dedication, patience, hard

work, and willingness to sacrifice some of his/her

time for the organization, and(c) Others as may be required by the Association.SEC. 6. Classification of Members.Members are shouldbe classified as resident members and honorary members.

(a)Resident members are those who have passed withthe qualifications set by Section 5 of thisConstitution.

(b)Honorary members are those who are members orofficers who have already graduated from theUniversity, members from Colleges other than theCollege of Business Administration, and those whomaybe conferred as such by the Executive Board.

ARTICLE IVRIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS

Rights of MembersSEC. 7. Rights of Members. The following are the rightsof the members of the Association:

(a)To carry the name of the organization andrepresent it, and to use the official card;

(b)To avail of the services of the organization;(c) To exercise suffrage and vote;(d)To be accorded due process before any disciplinary

action is taken against him/her; and(e) To participate in all activities of the organization.

SEC. 8. Duties of Members. The following are the dutiesof the members of the Association:(a)To know and obey and constitution and by-laws of

the organization;


5/26

4(b)To attend assemblies and meetings of the

organization and to propose measures for its

welfare;(c) To vote when called for;(d)To meet the financial obligations promptly;(e) To render service to the organization, engage in

committee work and participate actively in all itsundertakings;

(f) To perform diligently any job that may be assignedto him/her immediate superior of the organization;

(g) To disseminate information regarding the affairsof the organization; and

(h)To abide to the rules and regulations of eachcommittee.

ARTICLE VAPPOINTMENT OF OFFICERS AND ADVISERSSEC. 9. Composition of Officers. The executive officersshall be composed of a President; a Vice President foreach of the following: Academics, Non-Academics,External Affairs, Membership, Finance, Promotions, andRelations; and Executive Secretary, while the non-executive officers consist of a an Auditor, BusinessDirector; and Year Level Representatives from each of

the first year, second year, third year, fourth year, andfifth year level, subject to qualifications pursuant toArticle VI of this Constitution.

SEC. 10. Manner of Selection of Officers. All officersmay be elected through:

(a)An election to be conducted on February or March;or(b)Through application of the aspirant or nominationof any officer of the organization, which mustundergo screening and selection of the ExecutiveBoard to be led by the outgoing President. The


6/26

5manner of selection of the new officers shall bediscussed and agreed with the officers by January.

SEC. 11. Duration of the Term of Officers. The electedofficers shall officially start on the first day of induction ofofficers usually held on June until the last day before theinduction of the new officers on June of the followingyear.

SEC. 12. Appointment of Faculty Advisers. The officersshall elect one (1) faculty adviser and at least one (1) co-faculty adviser from the Department of Accounting, Lawand Taxation of the College of Business Administrationwho are currently teaching Business Law and Taxationsubjects. In case of resignation, the officers shallimmediately elect replacement.

SEC. 13. Induction of New Officers. The induction ofnew officers shall take place at the University not laterthan last day of June. Before the execution of the dutiesand responsibilities of the new officers, they shall takethe following oath or affirmation to the Dean of College ofBusiness Administration, the Faculty Adviser or anyother authorized officer to be selected by the officers:

"I, (name of the officer) do solemnly swear that I willfaithfully and conscientiously fulfill my duties and

responsibilities as (position) of the Association ofTaxation and Law Students, preserve and defend its

Constitution and By-Laws, execute its laws and policies,

abide by the rules and regulations of the organization and

of the University of the East, and consecrate myself to the

service of the students, the organization, the University,and the Philippines. So help me God." (In case ofaffirmation, the last sentence is omitted.)


7/26

6ARTICLE VIQUALIFICATIONS POWERS AND DUTIES OFOFFICERS

SEC. 14. General Qualifications. The following are thegeneral qualifications of the officers:

(a)Must be a bona fide College of BusinessAdministration student and member of theAssociation of Taxation and Law Students;

(b)Must have no record of failing or unofficiallydropped grades in any credit or non-credit subject;

(c) Has a general weighted average (GWA) of at least2.50; and

(d)Must be in good moral character and has not yetbeen subjected to any disciplinary action by theUniversity.

(e) Has relevant experience in being a member orleader of a student organization, especially theAssociation of Taxation and Law Students.

SEC. 15. The President. The President shall be anincoming fourth year student from any course of theCollege of Business Administration, must be at least anAcademic or Non-Academic Committee Member prior toholding the post as President, and must not handle any

other position, executive or non-executive in any otherstudent council or organization. He shall serve for aperiod of one (1) year without re-election.

The President(a)Shall head the overall affairs of the organization(b)Shall be the chairman of the Executive Board,

convene and preside in all its meetings, and themeetings of the General Assembly(c) Shall coordinate all committee works


8/26

7(d)Shall approve all undertakings together with the

Executive Board and shall accept donations in

behalf of the organization.(e) Shall sign all correspondence and similarinstruments together with the ExecutiveSecretary.

(f) Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 16. The Vice President for Academics. The VicePresident for Academics shall be an incoming fourth yearstudent from any course of the College of BusinessAdministration, must be at least become an AcademicCommittee Member prior to holding the post as VicePresident for Academics and must not handle any otherposition, executive or non-executive in any other student

council or organization. He shall serve for a period of one(1) year without re-election.

The Vice President for Academics(a)Shall head all academic affairs of the organization,

including curricular and co-curricularundertakings

(b)Shall head the Academic Committee, convene andpreside in all Committee meetings and gatherings

(c) Shall lead all academic-related activities such asacademic seminars, quiz bees, mentoring andreviews, and the like for the organization

(d)Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 17. The Vice President for Non Academics. TheVice President for Non-Academics shall be an incomingfourth year student from any course of the College ofBusiness Administration, must be at least become an


9/26

8Non-Academic Committee Member prior to holding thepost as Vice President for Non-Academics and must not

handle any other position, executive or non-executive inany other student council or organization. He shall servefor a period of one (1) year without re-election.

The Vice President for Non-Academics(a)Shall head all non-academic affairs of the

organization, including extra-curricularundertakings

(b)Shall head the Non-Academic Committee, conveneand preside in all Committee meetings andgatherings

(c) Shall lead all non-academic-related activities suchas non-academic seminars, tours, plant visits,talent contests, and the like for the organization

(d)Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 18. The Vice President for External Affairs. TheVice President for External Affairs shall be at least anincoming third year student from any course of theCollege of Business Administration, and must not handleany other position, executive or non-executive in any

other student council or organization. He shall serve for aperiod of one (1) year with re-election.The Vice President for External Affairs:

(a)Shall be in charge of all publicities, publicrelations and other promotions and relatedactivities relevant to the undertakings

(b)Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.


10/26

9SEC. 19. The Vice President for Membership. The VicePresident for Membership shall be at least an incoming

fourth year student from any course of the College ofBusiness Administration, and must not handle any otherposition, executive or non-executive in any other studentcouncil or organization. He shall serve for a period of one(1) year with re-election.

The Vice President for Membership(a)Shall take charge in the recruitment, renewal and

control of the members of the organization.(b)Shall head the General Election or Appointment,

and Induction of Officers.(c) Shall attest to all certificates of membership and

leaves of absence, and all recommendations fordisciplinary actions against any member

(d)Shall act as prosecuting officer together with thePresident in all hearings for disciplinary actions(e) Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 20. The Vice President for Finance. The VicePresident for Membership shall be at least an incomingfourth year student from any course of the College of

Business Administration, and must not handle any otherexecutive position in any other student council ororganization. He shall serve for a period of one (1) yearwith re-election.

The Vice President for Finance(a)Shall collect all fees and be the custodian and

treasurer of the funds of the organization(b)Shall be responsible for all cash inflows andoutflows, as well as receipts and disbursements


11/26

10(c) Shall prepare and control an organizational

budget for the plans and programs of the

organization(d)Shall sign all financial documents and reportstogether with the President, and to be submittedto the Auditor for checking.

(e) Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 21. The Vice President for Promotions. The VicePresident for Promotions shall be at least an incomingthird year student from any course of the College ofBusiness Administration, and must not handle any otherposition, executive or non-executive, in any other studentcouncil or organization. He shall serve for a period of one(1) year with re-election.

The Vice President for Promotions(a)Shall be responsible for the dissemination of

information to the members regarding theorganizations plans and programs

(b)Shall be in charge for the evaluation of activitiesand programs to be submitted to the StudentsAffairs Office of the University.

(c) Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 22. The Vice President for Relations. The VicePresident for Relations shall be at least an incoming thirdyear student from any course of the College of Business

Administration, and must not handle any other position,executive or non-executive, in any other student councilor organization. He shall serve for a period of one (1) yearwith re-election.


12/26

11The Vice President for Relations

(a)Shall be the link between the leaders and the itsmembers in their concerns, suggestions, commentsand grievances,

(b)Shall be in charge with the processing ofdocumentation of the members with theorganization, such as certificates of attendance,


SEC. 23. The Executive Secretary. The ExecutiveSecretary shall be at least an incoming third year studentfrom any course of the College of BusinessAdministration, and must not handle any other position,executive or non-executive in any other student council ororganization. He shall serve for a period of one (1) year

with re-election.

The Executive Secretary(a)Shall be the custodian of the seal and records of

the organization(b)Shall be responsible for all the correspondence

handled by the organization(c) Shall maintain an up-to-date records of all the

members and officers of the organization(d)Shall be responsible for all the minutes of

meetings and notes where the organization isinvolved.

(e) Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 24. The Auditor. The Auditor shall be at least anincoming third year student from any course of theCollege of Business Administration, and must not handlemore than one (1) executive or non-executive position in


13/26

12any other student council or organization. He shall servefor a period of one (1) year with re-election.

The Auditor(a)Shall check and approve all receipts and

disbursements of the organizational funds(b)Shall check all financial and property records of

the organization and report of any error or fraud.(c) Shall exercise other powers and perform other

duties that the Executive Board may assign

him/her.

SEC. 25. The Business Director. The Business Directorshall be at least an incoming second year student fromany course of the College of Business Administration, andmust not handle more than one (1) executive or non-executive position in any other student council or

organization. He shall serve for a period of one (1) yearwith re-election.

The Business Director(a)Shall be in charge of all linkages, sponsorships,

and other business matters relevant to theAssociation

(b)Shall exercise other powers and perform otherduties that the Executive Board may assignhim/her.

SEC. 26. The Year Level Representatives. The Year-Level Representatives

(a)Shall be an incoming first year from any course ofthe College of Business Administration if vying for

First Year Representative(b)Shall be an incoming second year from any courseof the College of Business Administration if vyingfor Second Year Representative


14/26

13(c) Shall be an incoming third year from any course of

the College of Business Administration if vying for

Third Year Representative(d)Shall be an incoming fourth year from any courseof the College of Business Administration if vyingfor Fourth Year Representative

(e) Shall be an incoming fifth year from the Bachelorof Science in Accountancy course if vying for FifthYear Representative

(f) Must not handle more than one (1) executive ornon-executive position in any other studentcouncil or organization

(g) Shall serve for a period of one (1) year with re-election.

The Year Level Representatives(a)Shall serve as the voice of the year level batch

they are representing, hearing their concerns,suggestions, comments and grievances from them(b)Shall help the Vice President for Promotions in

relaying information to the members of theorganization regarding its plans and programs;and the Vice President for Relations for themembers grievances.


SEC. 26. Provision for First Year Representative. Theposition for the First Year Representative shall be openedonly for nomination if the first year members for thecurrent federation year are at least fifteen (15), except

when approved as such by the Executive Board.Otherwise, the first year members shall be handled bythe Second Year Representative. The other year levelrepresentatives shall be elected or appointed together


15/26

14with the other officers, regardless of how many membersare in the particular year level.

SEC. 27. The Student Adviser. The Student Adviser isan emeritus, honorary position given to the immediatepast President of the organization. In case the pastPresident has already graduated or is unable to dischargesuch duties, the line of succession shall follow, asprovided by Section 28 of this Constitution.The Student Adviser can handle any position, whetherexecutive or non-executive, in any other student councilor organization, and shall serve for whole duration of theterm of the next set of officers of the organization.

The Student Adviser(a)Shall help the President and its officers as a

consultant in running the organization efficientlyand effectively through his/her past experiencewith the organization.

(b)Can suggest to the President his/her standregarding a matter in the organization.

(c) Shall be in charge in effective transferring ofpowers between the outgoing and incoming officersof the organization.

SEC. 28. Succession. The line of succession shallinclude the following executive officers of theorganization:

(a)President(b)Vice President for Academics(c)Vice President for Non-Academics(d)Vice President for External Affairs(e)Vice President for Membership(f)Vice President for Finance(g)Vice President for Promotions(h)Vice President for Relations


16/26

15(i) Executive Secretary

SEC. 29. Provision for Vacancy of the Presidency. Incase the President is unable to discharge his/her dutiesdue to an uncontrollable event, resignation, termination,and any other incident that would permanently vacatethe Presidency, following the line of succession, thesuccessor shall act as an Acting President, serving onlythe unexpired term of his/her predecessor. The successorshall be exempted from the term limits provided by the

Constitution.

SEC. 30. Provision for Non Availability of a Successor asActing President. In case none of the officers can qualifyas successor, the remaining officers shall call a specialelection or appointment for the position/s vacated withinfifteen (15) days from the date of vacancy of the position.

The new officer/s shall serve only the unexpired term oftheir predecessor/s. However, if the vacancy happened onthe last two months of their term, the remaining officersshall call a regular election or appointment for the newset of officers in accordance with Section 10 of thisConstitution.

ARTICLE VIITHE EXECUTIVE BOARDSEC. 31. Composition of the Board. The ExecutiveBoard shall be composed of all the elected or appointedofficers of the organization

SEC. 32. Powers and Duties of the Board. TheExecutive Board is the highest policy-making body of theorganization. It shall:

(a)Formulate, approve, and take charge of allactivities and undertakings of the organization,


17/26

16and shall appropriate funds as may be necessaryfor their execution

(b)Appoint and approve the acceptance of members ofdifferent Committees.(c) Create a Special Committee for any purpose when

the need arises and shall appoint the head of thesaid committee.

(d)Approve the acceptance of new members of theorganization

(e)Act as the jury and decide on all cases ofdisciplinary actions; and

SEC. 33. Schedule of Board Meetings. The ExecutiveBoard shall hold a meeting once a week. The ExecutiveSecretary should notify the officers of a regular meetingat least two (2) days before the schedule. A quorum ofseven (7) officers shall be necessary to transact business

and create policies, and otherwise stated by the otherprovisions of the Constitution, a majority vote is requiredfor the approval of any motion.

SEC. 34. Special Meetings. Special meetings maybecalled by the President if and when the need arises andshall have the same requirements and binding effect ofthe regular meetings, except for the notifications, which

the President should do it at least one (1) day before theschedule.

ARTICLE VIIITHE STANDING COMMITTEESSEC. 35. Composition of the Standing Committees. Allthe standing committees, whether Academics, Non-Academics or special committees, shall have a minimumof five (5) members each and a maximum of twenty (20)members, unless extended by the President for just cause.


18/26

17SEC. 36. The Academic Committee. The AcademicCommittee shall be led by the Vice President for

Academics as Chairperson, and supervised by one (1)Academic Committee Head. They are mandated to carryout all academic affairs of the organization such as inacademic seminars, quiz bees, mentoring and reviews.

SEC. 37. The Non Academic Committee. The Non-Academic Committee shall be led by the Vice Presidentfor Non-Academics as Chairperson, and supervised by

one (1) Academic Committee Head. They are mandated tocarry out all extra-curricular affairs of the organizationssuch as in non-academic seminars, tours, plant visits,talent contests.

SEC. 38. Qualifications of Committee Members. Allmembers of the committees shall have the following

qualifications:(a)Must be a bona fide College of BusinessAdministration student and member of theAssociation of Taxation and Law Students;

(b)Must have no record of failing or unofficiallydropped grades in any credit or non-credit subject;

(c) Must be in good moral character and has not yetbeen subjected to any disciplinary action by the

University.

SEC. 39. Special Committees. Subject to the approval ofthe Executive Board, the officers can form specialcommittees which aims to perform specific tasks notcovered by the Academic and Non-Academic Committees.They should be headed by one of the officers of the

organization except the President, Vice President forAcademics and Vice President for Non-Academics, asChairperson, and one (1) Committee Head.


19/26

18The qualifications for being a member of special activitiesshall be based on the provisions of Section 38 of this

Constitution.

ARTICLE IXTHE GENERAL ASSEMBLYSEC. 40. Composition of the General Assembly. TheGeneral Assembly shall be composed of the entire

registered membership of the organization. It is wherethe supreme authority of the organization is vested uponto.

SEC. 41. Powers and Duties of the General Assembly.The General Assembly may:

(a)Reverse any decisions or policies made by theExecutive Board, or any standing committees byfifty percent plus one of all its members inattendance.

(b) Initiate any amendments of the Constitution andBy-Laws, which are subject to provisions of ArticleXI of this Constitution

(c) Initiate an impeachment complaint against anyofficer or committee member who does violate the

Constitution and By-Laws, policies and decisionsof the organization, which are subject to theprovisions of applicable sections of thisConstitution.

SEC. 42. Schedule of the General Assembly. TheGeneral Assembly shall convene not later than August 31

of every federation year, or as soon as the organization,upon recommendation of the Executive Board, has closedits recruitment of members to the organization,whichever is earlier.


20/26

19SEC. 43. Quorum Needed for General Assembly. Anattendance of fifty percent plus one of all the members of

the organization shall constitute a quorum in the GeneralAssembly, except in such cases where uncontrollableincidents prevent certain members from convening, thePresident can certify the General Assembly to havereached the quorum regardless the number of membersattended.

SEC. 44. Special Meetings. Special meetings may becalled by the President, or upon petition of at least one-fifth of the members of the General Assembly and shallhave the same requirements and authority of the generalmeeting.

ARTICLE XCODE OF CONDUCT TERMINATION ANDDISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

SEC. 45. Tardiness and Absences Due to UncontrollableEvents. Tardiness and absences due to uncontrollableevents shall be considered excused upon presentation ofevidence.

SEC. 46. Grace Period for Latecomers and Absentees. Agrace period of fifteen (15) minutes from thecommencement of the meeting, shall be allowed forlatecomers. The latecomers shall be considered absent ifhe/she arrived an hour late from the commencement ofthe meeting. Commission of three (3) counts of unexcusedtardiness, shall consider as one (1) count of absence.

SEC. 47. Sanctions for Absenteeism. The followingsanctions shall be imposed regarding absences:(a)Three (3) counts of unexcused absences shall have

a warning from the Vice President forMembership.


21/26

20(b)Four (4) counts of unexcused absences shall have a

reprimand from the Vice President for

Membership.(c) Five (5) counts of unexcused absences shall berecommended by the Vice President forMembership to the Executive Board forsuspension from being a member.

SEC. 48. Resignation from the Organization.Resignation can only be made by members or officers of

good standing. Any motion regarding resignation shall beapproved by the President, or in case the President is thepetitioner, the majority of the Executive Board.

SEC. 49. Reinstatement of Resigned Member or Officer tothe Organization. Any resigned member may apply forreinstatement subject to the recommendation of the Vice

President for Membership and approval of the majority ofthe Executive Board.

SEC. 50. Provision for Vacancies of Positions Due toResignation. Vacancies resulting from resignation ofofficers shall be filled up in a special election orappointment and shall have the same guidelines set bySection 30 of this Constitution. The position shall be filled

up fifteen (15) days after the official date of theresignation of the officer(s).

SEC. 51. Offenses Punishable by Suspension. Anymember or officer who violated the following offensesshall be punishable by suspension not exceeding ninety(90) days:

(a)Unexcused absences as provided by Paragraph C,Section 47 of this Constitution(b)Recommendation by the Committee Head or the

Executive Board due to negligence of duties as amember or officer


22/26

21(c) Delinquency in the payment of financial

obligations, and

(d)Other offenses which can be determined by theExecutive Board as analogous to the foregoing.SEC. 52. Revocation of Rights and Privileges toSuspended Members. Any suspended member shall beforfeited of all the rights and privileges of being amember and officer for the time period set by theExecutive Board. The Executive Board may also enforce

him/her to pay damages to the affected parties.

SEC. 53. Reinstatement of Suspended Members to theOrganization. The suspended member shallautomatically be reinstated to the membership upon theexpiry of the service of his penalty.

SEC. 54. Offenses Punishable by Expulsion. Anymember or officer who violated the following offensesshall be punishable by expulsion upon recommendation ofthe Vice President for Membership, preliminary approvalof the Executive Board after hearing of the case, and finalapproval of the President.

(a)Culpable violation of the Constitution and By-Laws

(b)Graft and corruption, including but not limited to:(1)Bribery of any officer to third party to

facilitate a certain task in the organization(2)Malversation of funds of the organization,

in any amount(3)Fraud in reporting of relevant and sensitive

information of the organization

(c) Using the name of the organization and/or its logo,or his office in bad faith(d)Unauthorized representation of the organization,

its logo, and other distinctive marks of theorganization


23/26

22(e) Gross negligence of duties that affect the

organization as a whole.

(f) Commission of an offense to the Students Manualand School Rules and Regulations punishable bysuspension, dismissal or expulsion.

(g) Commission of offenses punishable by suspensiontwice, and

(h)Other offenses which can be determined by theExecutive Board as inimical to the interest of theorganization and its members.

SEC. 55. Revocation of Rights and Blacklisting ofExpelled Members. The expelled member or officershall be forfeited of all the rights and privileges of being amember and officer, and shall be barred from theorganization perpetually. The Executive Board may alsoenforce him/her to pay damages to the affected parties.

SEC. 56. Filing of Impeachment Complaint to an Officer.An impeachment complaint can be filed by any officer

or member of the organization to the officer who hascommitted offenses punishable to expulsion.

SEC. 57. Hearing and Judgment of the ImpeachmentComplaint. The Executive Board, headed by thePresident (or in case the President is the accused officer,the next officer in line of succession as subject toprovisions of Section 28 of the Constitution) should hearthe case, automatically inhibiting the accused officer if amember of the Executive Board, and the complainantsshould present evidences perpetrating the offense of theaccused officer. The Executive Board, upon hearing the

case, shall constitute a vote of two-thirds of its memberspresent to impeach the accused officer.

SEC. 58. Revocation of Rights and Blacklisting ofImpeached Officer. The impeached officer shall be


24/26

23forfeited of all the rights and privileges of being amember and officer, and shall be barred from the

organization perpetually. The Executive Board may alsoenforce him/her to pay damages to the affected parties.

SEC. 59. Appeal and Reinstatement of Impeached Officerto the Organization. The convicted member or officermay appeal the case only once to the Executive Board,stating the grounds for review of the case. Upon a vote ofthree-fourths of the Executive Board members, the case

may be reversed. Upon reversal, the member or officershall be discharged of the offenses filed against him/her,and all of the rights and privileges of being a member orofficer shall be restored. No motion for reinstatement ofmembership to expelled members shall be entertained.

ARTICLE XIAMENDMENT AND DISSOLUTION PROVISIONS

SEC. 60. Change of Name or Official Logo. Any changeto the name or official logo of the organization can beproposed by any officer or at least one-fifth of the bonafide members of the Association. All motions regardingthe amendment shall be heard by the Executive Boardnot later than January, and a vote of at least two-thirds

of the Executive Board shall be needed to recommend themotion to the President.

SEC. 61. Action of the President to the Change of Nameor Logo. The President shall communicate his/her standon the motion ten (10) days after the passage of such.

SEC. 62. Plebiscite for Change of Name or Logo. Aplebiscite shall be conducted not later than the fifteenthday of March to the members of the organization uponapproval of the President. A vote of fifty-percent plus one


25/26

24of the members of the organization who have voted shallbe required to ratify the change.

SEC. 63. Constitutional Amendment Clause for Changeof Name or Logo. Upon ratification, the change shall beeffective on the next federation year of the organizationand, the Sections 1 and 2 of the Constitution would berepealed with the new name or logo of the organization.

SEC. 64. Motion to Amend the Constitution. Anyamendment to this Constitution can be proposed by anyofficer or at least one-fifth of the bona fide members of theAssociation. All motions regarding the amendment shallbe heard by the Executive Board not later than February,and a vote of at least two-thirds of the Executive Boardshall be needed to recommend the motion to the FacultyAdviser and Director of the Student Affairs Office of the

University through a proposal.

SEC. 65. Approval of the Constitution by the SchoolAuthorities. Once the motion is approved by the FacultyAdviser and the Director of the Student Affairs Office, thenewly amended Constitution shall take effect on the nextfederation year. All previous Constitutions in conflicttherewith shall be repealed.

SEC. 66. Dissolution Clause. As an organizationmandated to operate with continuity and as a goingconcern entity, no motion dissolving the organizationshall be entertained, except when the University initiatedsuch dissolution for just cause subject to the policiesregarding student organizations in the University. In

case of reactivation as a student organization, thisConstitution shall remain enforced unless amendedpursuant to Section 64 of this Article.

ARTICLE XII


26/26

25FINAL PROVISIONS

SEC. 67. Ratification of the Constitution. TheConstitution shall take effect upon ratification by amajority of the current officers of the organization forFederation Year 2012-2013, and approval by the StudentAffairs Office of the University.

SEC. 68. Separability Clause.If any clause, provision,paragraph or part thereof shall be declared

unconstitutional or invalid, such judgment shall notaffect, invalidate or impair any other part hereof, butshall be merely confined to the clause, provision,paragraph or part directly involved in the controversy inwhich such judgment has been rendered.

SEC. 69. Repealing Clause. The Constitution and By-Laws shall repeal all previous Constitutions of theAssociation of Taxation and Law Students, and thisshould be enforced solely.

SEC. 70. Effectivity. The 2013 Constitution and By-Laws of the Association of Taxation and Law Studentsshall take effect starting Federation Year 2013-2014.

This Constitution has been carefully revised, reviewedand approved, and is therefore ratified by the officers ofthe Association of Taxation and Law Students this 14thday of March, 2013 at University of the East Caloocan.

the 2013 constitution and by-laws of atlas

Documents