University of the Philippines

Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants

College of Business Administration
Diliman, Quezon City

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

As Amended by the Constitutional Committee of 2014

PREAMBLE
We, the members of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants of the University of the
Philippines - Diliman, strengthened by the common ties that bind us and with the knowledge that this
organization was established for the prime purpose of serving as a medium of expression of our ideals
and aspirations, and aimed at creating an atmosphere highly conducive to moral, social, and intellectual
development, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE I
PRELIMINARY PROVISIONS
Section 1

The name of the organization shall be the University of the Philippines Junior Philippine
Institute of Accountants (referred hereafter as the UP JPIA).

Section 2

The official logo of the UP JPIA shall be:

Section 3

The official domicile of the UP JPIA shall be in the University of the Philippines
Diliman, Quezon City.

ARTICLE II
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Section 1

Ad Hoc Committees. Committees organized for special purposes. Ad Hoc

Committees may be standing or transient. Standing Ad Hoc Committees have
permanent existence, and include the Alumni Relations and the National Federation.
Transient Ad Hoc committees, on the other hand, are those conceived and deemed
necessary by the Executive Officers.

Section 2

Alumni. All graduates who were members in good standing shall be considered
alumni of the UP JPIA. All graduates who have been recognized accordingly by the
Executive Board through a deliberative process shall also be considered as such.

Section 3

The Assembly. The Assembly shall be the highest body of the UP JPIA and it shall
be composed of all the members of the UP JPIA. The Assembly shall be called upon
to meet regularly and as occasions may require. It shall have all the powers
expressly vested upon it by the UP JPIA Constitution and By-laws.

Section 4

Candidates for Expulsion. Without prejudice to the policies of the Membership

Committee, any member who failed to reaffirm his membership or who received
probationary status for two consecutive semesters shall be deemed candidates for
expulsion unless such failure shall be considered to have been due to reasonable
circumstances sanctioned by the Membership Committee.

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Section 5

Committee on Elections. The nature of the Committee on Elections, its functions,

and procedures, shall be in accordance with the Election Code set forth for this
purpose.

Section 6

Council of Chairpersons. The Council of Chairpersons shall be composed of the

Executive Officers, standing committee Chairpersons and Ad Hoc committee
Chairpersons or Heads.

Section 7

Executive Board. The Executive Board shall be composed of the following:

a. Executive Officers
b. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons
c. Ad Hoc Committee Officers

Section 8

Executive Officers. The following shall be the Executive Officers of the UPJPIA:
a. President
b. Vice-President for Internal Affairs
c. Vice-President for External Affairs
d. Vice-President for Information and Publicity
e. Vice-President for Finance
f. Vice-President for Education and Research
g. Vice-President for Liaison

Section 9

General Meetings. All meetings requiring the attendance of the Assembly which
have been duly approved and scheduled by the Council of Chairpersons shall be
considered General Meetings.

Section 10

Honorary Members. Any member who has provided substantial services to the
organization for a prior term shall be exempted from subsequent reaffirmation
processes and fees. Such title may be bestowed upon a member who has not
graduated through a unanimous decision of the Executive Officers.

Section 11

Majority. In all cases and under all circumstances, a majority shall mean fifty percent
plus one of a designated population or group (e.g. the UP JPIA, the Assembly,
Executive Board, and Executive Officers).

Section 12

Member in Good Standing. Any member who has reaffirmed his membership, paid
the necessary dues, settled liabilities, and conformed with the minimum membership
requirements of the organization.

Section 13

Member on Leave. Any member who applied for the status of Leave of Absence
and such was approved by the Membership Committee. The duration of the
approved LOA status is not subject to the probationary ruling.

Section 14

NF JPIA. The National Federation of JPIA is a national organization of accounting

students. The NF JPIA is a democratic, non-partisan, non-political, and non-profit
student organization. The NF JPIA is the only legitimate student organization of the
Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA). The UP JPIA shall be
one of the local chapters comprising the National Federation and as such would
support and participate in its activities.

Section 15

Probationary Members. All members who reaffirmed their membership but failed to
meet the minimum requirements and policies set forth by the Membership
Committee, to pay the necessary dues, or to settle liabilities shall be termed as
probationary members.

Section 16

Quorum. A quorum is a number required under this Constitution and By-Laws for a
designated population or group to discuss and approve such matters under its
jurisdiction.

Section 17

School day. Schooldays shall refer to Mondays to Fridays, excluding legal holidays
and officially declared suspensions.

Section 18

Special Meetings. All meetings for a special purpose called upon by the President,
Executive Officers, or the Executive Board shall be considered Special Meetings.

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Section 19

Standing Committees. Committees with permanent existence, formed to do its duties

and functions in accordance with Article XV of this Constitution. There shall be six (6)
standing committees:
a. Membership Committee
b. External Affairs Committee
c. Information and Publicity Committee
d. Finance Committee
e. Education and Research Committee
f. People, Events and Public Relations Committee

Section 20

UP JPIA. The UP JPIA is an academic, democratic, non-partisan, non-political, and

non-profit student organization. The UP JPIA is recognized and accredited by the
National Federation of JPIA as one of its founding members and local chapters. It is
also a duly recognized academic organization of the University of the Philippines Diliman.

ARTICLE III
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
The aims and objectives of the UP JPIA are:
Section 1

To promote a high standard of competence among accounting students.

Section 2

To develop civic consciousness and discipline among its members.

Section 3

To foster a more cordial relationship and maintain better communications among

accounting as well as non-accounting students, not only in the University of the
Philippines but also in other colleges and universities, through its projects.

ARTICLE IV
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1

Any bona fide student of UP Diliman who is currently in the Bachelor of Science in
Business Administration and Accountancy (hereafter referred to as BS BAA) program
in the College of Business Administration and is at least in his second year level shall
be entitled to apply for membership in the UP JPIA, and shall be entitled membership
upon proper compliance with all the requirements of the Membership Committee,
provided that such application has been favorably acted upon by the Executive Officers
as recommended by the Membership Committee.

Section 2

The UP JPIA shall be composed of the following types of members:

a. Members in Good Standing
b. Probationary Members
c. Candidates for Expulsion
d. Members on Leave
e. Honorary Members

ARTICLE V
RIGHTS AND DUTIES OF MEMBERS
Section 1

All members of the UP JPIA shall have the following rights and privileges:
a. To participate in the discussion in all meetings of the Assembly;
b. To exercise full and deliberative voting rights;
c. To be elected and /or appointed to any official position in the UP JPIA,
provided that he complies with the requirements provided for;
d. To inspect the records of the organization including the financial statements
duly certified by the Vice-President for Education and Research at a
reasonable time; and
e. To use the facilities of the UP JPIA as long as it is solely for the official function
or upon approval of the Vice-President for Education and Research.

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Section 2

All members of the UP JPIA shall have the following express duties and obligations:
a. To comply with the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws and other rules
that may be promulgated or agreed upon by the UP JPIA;
b. To attend meetings, whether regular or special;
c. To vote in the Assembly or any question or matter that may arise therein;
d. To pay the semestral fees and other such fees as may be due in accordance
with the Constitution;
e. To attend and participate actively in all its activities and functions; and
f. To comply with all other requirements set by the Membership Committee.

Section 3

Probationary members of the UP JPIA shall have the same rights and duties as any
member in good standing except as otherwise stipulated by this Constitution and ByLaws, without prejudice to the provisions of the Election Code of the UP JPIA as
regards probationary members.

ARTICLE VI
ALUMNI
Section 1

All graduates who were members in good standing during their last semester shall be
considered alumni of the UP JPIA. Otherwise, a deliberation by the Executive Board
shall be deemed necessary. The deliberation of the Executive Board herein granted
shall not be delegated to the Council of Chairpersons.

Section 2

The affairs of the alumni and the UP JPIA Alumni Association shall be coordinated by
the Alumni Relations Ad Hoc Committee.

ARTICLE VII
GOVERNING BODIES
The principal governing bodies of the UP JPIA shall be:
1. The Assembly
2. The Executive Board
3. The Board of Advisers

ARTICLE VIII
THE ASSEMBLY
Section 1

The Assembly shall be composed of all members of the UP JPIA.

Section 2

The Assembly shall be the highest body of the UP JPIA.

Section 3

The Assembly shall have the sole power to elect the Executive Officers.

Section 4

The Assembly shall meet regularly and as occasions may require.

Section 5

The Assembly shall have the power to ratify amendments to the UP JPIA Constitution
and By-Laws as per Article XXIII, Section 3 of this Constitution.

ARTICLE IX
THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Section 1

The Executive Board shall be composed of the following:

a. Executive Officers
b. Standing Committee Chairpersons and Co-Chairpersons
c. Ad Hoc Committee Officers

Section 2

Standing and Ad Hoc committee officers shall be appointed by the majority vote of the
Executive Officers.

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Section 3

In case of vacancy due to resignation, or any other cause, Section 2 of this Article
notwithstanding, a successor may be appointed by a majority vote of the Executive
Officers for the unexpired term within six (6) schooldays without prejudice to Article X,
Section 6.

Section 4

All members of the Executive Board shall have the following express duties and
obligations:
a. To comply with the provisions of this Constitution and By-laws and other rules
that may be promulgated or agreed upon by the UP JPIA;
b. To attend Executive Board meetings;
c. To exercise full and deliberative voting rights during the Executive Board
meetings;
d. To provide support in the planning and execution of all the projects and
activities of the UP JPIA;
e. To report to or update his Executive-Officer-in-charge with the most recent
information; and
f. To perform such other duties and powers inherent in the position occupied.

Section 5

The President and the Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall automatically serve as
Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board, respectively. In the absence of
both, the remaining Executive Officers shall elect among themselves as to who shall
temporarily preside over the Board.

Section 6

The Executive Board meetings shall be held as necessary. Such meetings shall be
called by the Executive Officers.

ARTICLE X
THE COUNCIL OF CHAIRPERSONS
Section 1

The Council of Chairpersons shall be composed of the Executive Officers, standing

committee Chairpersons and Ad Hoc committee Chairpersons or Heads.

Section 2

The Council of Chairpersons shall act as the executive committee of the Executive
Board. It shall be called to meet to decide on matters where it is impracticable for the
Executive Board to convene. Such matters include, but are not limited, to the
discussion of scheduling of projects and general meetings and deliberation of
applicants for membership purposes. Meetings of the Council of Chairpersons shall be
called by the President or the designated presiding officer.

Section 3

The President and the Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall automatically serve as
Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council of Chairpersons, respectively. In the
absence of both, the remaining Executive Officers shall elect among themselves as to
who shall temporarily preside over the Board. However, the President, Vice-President
for Internal Affairs, or the concerned Executive Officer as the case may be, may vest
the power to preside over the Council of Chairpersons to the Chairperson of the
Membership Committee.

Section 4

Nothing in this Article shall be construed as to limit the authority, duties and
responsibilities vested in the Executive Board by this Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE XI
THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section 1

The Executive Officers shall be elected from and by the Assembly.

Section 2

The following shall be the Executive Officers of the UP JPIA:

a. President
b. Vice-President for Internal Affairs
c. Vice-President for External Affairs
d. Vice-President for Information and Publicity
e. Vice-President for Finance
f. Vice-President for Education and Research

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g. Vice-President for Liaison

Section 3

The Executive Officers shall hold office for one (1) year or until their successors have
been duly elected.

Section 4

The incoming Executive Officers shall assume the position for which they were elected
upon proclamation.

Section 5

When no candidate is elected to an Executive Officer position, or when no member

runs for the position, the newly elected set of Executive Officers has an option to
appoint an acting officer, provided that such an action shall not prejudice Section 3 of
this article. The acting officer shall perform the duties corresponding to his position until
such time that the Assembly has elected a new Executive Officer.

Section 6

In case of vacancy due to resignation, automatic vacancy, or any other cause among
the Executive Officers, the Assembly shall elect a successor to the vacant position for
the unexpired term, within twelve (12) schooldays, under the supervision of the
Committee on Elections. Until such vacancy has been filled, the Chairperson of the
committee assigned to such officer shall act as the concurrent Officer-in-Charge (OIC).
If such that the position of the President becomes vacant, the Vice-President for
Internal Affairs shall act as the President.

ARTICLE XII
QUALIFICATIONS OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS
Section 1

All officers must be members in good standing and must have good moral status.

Section 2

No member graduating in the first semester of the coming school year shall run for any
elective position in the UP JPIA.

Section 3

No elected or appointed officer or head of any organization functioning within the

University premises can assume any elective position in the UP JPIA in the same
academic year.

Section 4

No elected officer shall be allowed to apply in any other organization, unless he gains
the consent of the Assembly through a majority vote.

Section 5

The President of the UP JPIA should be a BS Business Administration and

Accountancy student. As regards the other Executive Officer positions, no such
requirement is present.

Section 6

A candidate for any elective position in the UP JPIA must have been a member in good
standing for at least one (1) year immediately prior to the election excluding his
application period.

Section 7

All officers must not incur a grade of 5.0 in any credited subject or incur a semestral
GWA lower than 2.75.

Section 8

Failure to continuously comply with the aforementioned qualifications throughout the

Executive Officers term shall deem the position automatically vacant.

ARTICLE XIII
DUTIES AND POWERS OF THE OFFICERS
Section 1

All Executive Officers shall have the following express duties and obligations:
a. To comply with the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws and other
rules that may be promulgated or agreed upon by the UP JPIA;
b. To exercise authority to create a transient committee or committees as may
be deemed necessary and/or prescribe duties to other officers and members
which may not be prescribed by this Constitution and By-Laws;
c. To perform the functions and duties of the President in case of the latters
absence or disability, in a temporary capacity, through the majority vote of the

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remaining Executive Officers;

d. To decide on administrative matters, policies, and procedures which may not
be prescribed by this Constitution and By-Laws;
e. To exercise full and deliberative voting rights during the Executive Officers
meetings;
f. To represent the UP JPIA in the Executive Council of the College of Business
Administration; and
g. To perform such other duties and powers inherent in their respective offices.
Section 2

The President shall:

a. Be the Chief Executive of the UP JPIA and shall have the duty of supervising
its affairs;
b. Serve as Chairman and preside over all meetings of the Executive Board;
c. Lead the members in carrying out the activities in attaining the aims and
objectives of the UP JPIA and in enforcing the provisions enacted in the
Assembly;
d. Be responsible to inform the advisers of the UP JPIA of all organizational
activities, meetings, and functions of the UP JPIA;
e. Serve as one of the signatories for the UP JPIA bank account; and
f. Perform such other duties and powers inherent in the office of the President.

Section 3

The Vice-President for Internal Affairs shall:

a. Be responsible for the cooperation, active participation, and general wellbeing of all the members of the UP JPIA;
b. Serve as Vice-Chairman of the Executive Board;
c. Be the officer-in-charge of all matters concerning grievances and complaints;
d. Be the officer-in-charge of the Membership Committee;
e. Be responsible for the processing of College and University recognition
requirements of the UP JPIA; and
f. Be the officer-in-charge of the Alumni Relations Ad Hoc committee.

Section 4

The Vice-President for External Affairs shall:

a. Be directly responsible for all external affairs and shall serve as the
coordinator between the UP JPIA and any organization outside the University;
b. Be the coordinator of all external activities of the UP JPIA and shall see to it
that these do not conflict with the important activities of the National
Federation of JPIA, which may impair the success of the latters functions;
c. Be the supervisor of the National Federation Ad Hoc committee, ensuring the
participation and the support of the UP JPIA in the local chapter;
d. Administer the UP JPIA scholarship program as provided for in this
Constitution and By-Laws; and
e. Be the officer-in-charge of the External Affairs Committee.

Section 5

The Vice-President for Information and Publicity shall:

a. Take charge of the filing of the minutes of all the meetings which shall be
considered as the official record of all organizational affairs;
b. Be the official custodian of all records which shall be kept in the principal
office unless a special office has been chosen for that purpose;
c. Issue notices of all special and regular meetings of the UP JPIA;
d. Be responsible for the proper acknowledgement of letters and other such
media of information and communication;
e. Take care of all clerical work, compilation of records, and other such functions
necessary for a systematic file;
f. Oversee all branding initiatives of the UP JPIA; and
g. Be the officer-in-charge of the Information and Publicity Committee.

Section 6

The Vice-President for Finance shall:

a. Be the official custodian of all funds of the UP JPIA and shall have the primary
duty to keep all funds in his possession or if necessary deposit such fund with
a bank approved by the Executive Board, except the UP JPIA scholarship
fund which is under the Vice-President for External Affairs;
b. Receive and disburse all funds for and in behalf of the UP JPIA provided,
however, that all disbursements shall be supported by petty cash vouchers or
original receipts or other supporting documents which shall be kept as part of
the records.

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c.

Render a semestral report duly certified by the Vice-President for Education

and Research to the Executive Officers and to the Assembly, during their first
regular meetings of the semester or upon demand by any member within a
reasonable time.
d. Serve as one of the signatories for the UP JPIA bank account.
e. Be the officer-in-charge of the Finance Committee.
Section 7

The Vice-President for Education and Research shall:

a. Perform the functions of the Auditor, and as such shall audit the financial
report and other financial documents of the Vice-President for Finance to
ensure the prompt, proper, and effective management of the assets and
liabilities of the UP JPIA;
b. Examine and certify the correctness of the reports made by the VicePresident for Finance, before these reports are submitted to the Executive
Officers and to the Assembly, or before these are presented to any member
who demands them;
c. Spearhead educational activities and projects;
d. Serve as one of the signatories for the UP JPIA bank account; and
e. Be the officer-in-charge of the Education and Research Committee.

Section 8

The Vice-President for Liaison shall:

a. Be responsible for the social, cultural, and sports development of the
members of the UP JPIA;
b. Be responsible for social interaction between the members of the UP JPIA
and other organizations within the University; and
c. Be the officer-in-charge of the People, Events, and Public Relations
Committee.

ARTICLE XIV
ELECTIONS
Section 1

Elections of the Executive Officers of the UP JPIA shall be held on the date, time,
place, and manner as prescribed by the Election Code.

Section 2

The Committee on Elections Ad Hoc shall be formed whenever elections within the
organization shall be deemed necessary, without prejudice to the provisions of the
Election Code.

Section 3

The decision of the Committee on Elections shall be final, executory, and binding upon
all.

ARTICLE XV
THE STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1

There shall be six (6) standing committees:

a. Membership Committee
b. External Affairs Committee
c. Information and Publicity Committee
d. Finance Committee
e. Education and Research Committee
f. People, Events and Public Relations Committee

Section 2

Each standing committee may be composed of members in good standing,

probationary members, candidates for expulsion, members on leave and honorary
members, headed by a Chairperson and at least two (2) Co-Chairpersons.

Section 3

Standing committee officers shall be appointed by the majority vote of the

Executive Officers as per Article IX, Section 2 of this Constitution.

Section 4

The term of standing committee officers shall be for a period of one semester. In
case of vacancy due to resignation, or any other cause, a successor shall be
appointed as per Article IX, Section 3 of this Constitution.

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Section 5

A member shall belong to only one standing committee. However, the President,
even though a member, shall not belong to any standing committee.

ARTICLE XVI
DUTIES AND FUNCTIONS OF STANDING COMMITTEES
Section 1

The Membership Committee (MEMCOM) shall:

a. Take charge of the recruitment, screening, and integration of the applicants
into the organization;
b. Be responsible for the reaffirmation process of all members;
c. Evaluate the standing of each member and take necessary action to exact
penalty upon delinquent members;
d. Keep and update a complete list of the names and addresses of all
members; and
e. Be responsible for the welfare of all the members of the UP JPIA.

Section 2

The External Affairs Committee (EXTERNALS) shall:

a. Coordinate the external affairs of the UP JPIA as well as conduct socio-civic
activities; and
b. Uphold a favorable image of the UP JPIA to other organizations outside the
University.

Section 3

The Information and Publicity Committee (INFOPUB) shall:

a. Facilitate the dissemination of information within the organization;
b. Assist the Vice-President for Information and Publicity in all clerical work,
compilation of records, and other such functions necessary for a systematic
file;
c. Aid in preparing publicity materials for broadcasting information outside the
organization; and
d. Serve as the creative arm of the UP JPIA.

Section 4

The Finance Committee (FIN) shall:

a. Take charge of raising and managing funds to support and finance the
operations of the UP JPIA;
b. Take charge of marketing efforts to acquire corporate sponsors for the UP
JPIA;
c. Establish business contacts for the financial projects of the UP JPIA and be
directly involved in the financial aspect of financial projects; and
d. Assist the Vice-President for Finance in the preparation of the financial
statements.

Section 5

The Education and Research Committee (E&R) shall:

a. Plan and execute educational projects for the UP JPIA;
b. Take charge of various convocations or seminars to be sponsored by the UP
JPIA provided, however, that the aforementioned convocations or seminars
shall not conflict with the inherent nature of the standing committees and Ad
Hoc committees of the UP JPIA;
c. Engage the tutorial services of willing members for the benefit of students
within and outside the UP JPIA;
d. Sponsor any accounting or academic competition, as well as coordinate the
pooling of the UP JPIA representatives to such interschool competitions;
e. Be responsible for disseminating to members any update concerning the
Accounting profession; and
f. Be the custodian of all nonfinancial assets of the UP JPIA.

Section 6

The People, Events, and Public Relations Committee (PEPCOM) shall:

a. Prepare and take charge of the social and cultural affairs of the UP JPIA;
b. Prepare and supervise the sports activities of the UP JPIA, sponsor interorganizational and other such activities among members for general
interaction; and
c. Maintain good relationships and uphold a favorable image of the UP JPIA
within the University.

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ARTICLE XVII
BOARD OF ADVISERS
Section 1

The Board of Advisers shall be composed of at least three (3) members including
the Chairperson duly elected or appointed by the Executive Officers and shall hold
office for a period of one (1) year or until their successors shall have been duly
selected.
a. The Chairperson shall be a current member of the faculty of the College of
Business Administration.
b. At least one (1) member of the board of advisers shall be a recognized
alumnus or alumna of the organization.
c. The board shall have at least one (1) legal adviser.

Section 2

The Board of Advisers shall be informed of all organizational activities, meetings,

and functions of the UP JPIA at least once every semester.

Section 3

An adviser has the duty to inform the Executive Officers when he believes that an
activity, policy or the like will be detrimental to the members of the organization as a
whole and may suggest ways to improve such activity or policy.

ARTICLE XVIII
THE NATIONAL FEDERATION
Section 1

The UP JPIA shall be one of the local chapters comprising the National Federation
and as such shall support and participate in its activities.

Section 2

The National Federation Ad Hoc committee is a standing Ad Hoc committee formed

with the primary responsibility of coordinating the affairs of the National Federation
and ensuring the participation and support of the UP JPIA. It shall be directly
supervised by the Vice-President for External Affairs.

Section 3

Any member of the UP JPIA who is an elected officer in the National Federation
cannot apply for an Executive Board position in any of the existing committees
during his term of office, and vice versa.

ARTICLE XIX
UP JPIA SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
Section 1

The UP JPIA scholarship program is one of the organization's socio-civic initiatives

aimed to provide financial support to deserving accounting students.

Section 2

There shall be created and maintained a separate fund for the UP JPIA scholarship
program.

Section 3

The Vice-President for External Affairs shall be in charge of administering the UP

JPIA scholarship program, including the management of the scholarship fund.

Section 4

In the event that the UP JPIA scholarship program no longer serves the goals and
objectives of the organization, the Executive Officers, subject to a majority vote of all
members the Executive Board, shall have the prerogative to suspend the program.

ARTICLE XX
QUORUM
Section 1

A majority of the members of the Assembly shall constitute a quorum, or in its absence
the business of the Assembly shall not be done or discussed unless approved by the
President.

Section 2

A majority of the members of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum to transact

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business unless as otherwise provided by the Executive Officers as to what shall

constitute a quorum for the matter at hand. However, a quorum shall not, in any case,
constitute less than the majority.
Section 3

Decisions shall not be valid unless agreed upon by two-thirds of the quorum.

ARTICLE XXI
TERMINATION OF MEMBERSHIP
Section 1

Any member may resign or withdraw from membership in the organization by notice
in writing submitted to the Vice-President for Internal Affairs, provided, however, that
even if a date is fixed on said notice of resignation or withdrawal, such shall not be
effective until made public or announced, which shall be within five (5) schooldays
upon receipt of such notice of resignation.

Section 2

Without prejudice to the policies of the Membership Committee, any member who
failed to reaffirm his membership or who received probationary status for two (2)
consecutive semesters shall be deemed candidates for expulsion unless such
failure shall be considered to have been due to reasonable circumstances
sanctioned by the Membership Committee. All candidates shall be dealt with and
acted upon by the Executive Board.

Section 3

Candidates for expulsion and probationary members for alumni deliberation have
the right to defend themselves in writing, to be submitted to the Membership
Committee and to be presented to the Executive Board during deliberation. The
deliberation of the Executive Board herein granted shall not be delegated to the
Council of Chairpersons.

ARTICLE XXII
IMPEACHMENT AND REMOVAL FROM OFFICE
Section 1

The grounds for impeachment are as follows:

a. Severe neglect of duties of office as outlined in this Constitution and ByLaws;
b. Conduct that is detrimental to the well-being of the organization;
c. Misrepresentation of the office or organization;
d. Incapacity to hold office;
e. Embezzlement or misuse of funds;
f. Treason;
g. Gross abuse of authority;
h. Lying under the Oath of Office;
i. Actions in violation of the Constitution and By-Laws;
j. Fraud; and
k. Others grounds which the Executive Board may deem appropriate.

Section 2

For the impeachment of any Executive Officer, the following provisions shall apply:
a. Any member who believes that an Executive Officer is guilty of any of the
offenses mentioned above may forward the written charges to the Executive
Board. Written charges should be submitted to the President, unless the
same has been charged against him, in which case the charges shall be
forwarded to the Vice President for Internal Affairs. The Executive Board
shall give notice to the Executive Officer herein charged and shall set a date
wherein both parties shall be heard together with their counsel and
witnesses, if any. The proceedings shall be recorded.
b. Any Executive Officer who is charged on any of the grounds constituting
the basis for impeachment shall be suspended from his office immediately.
c. The hearing is to be presided by an adviser of the UP JPIA. A two-thirds
vote of the Executive Board shall be necessary to impeach the Executive
Officer. A decision must be rendered within ten (10) school days upon
receipt of the notice of the charge. If no decision is arrived at within the
stipulated time, the accused shall be acquitted. The minutes of the hearing
shall be available to the Assembly and can be viewed at any reasonable

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time.
d. If the accused is found innocent, the Executive Board shall acquit him and
there will be no further deliberations on the case. The Executive Officer
shall thereafter resume office.
e. The power of impeachment shall be exclusively vested in the Executive
Board and shall not be delegated to the Council of Chairpersons.
Section 3

Any member of the Executive Board who intentionally or willfully violates any
provision of this Constitution and By-Laws or rules of ethics and/or upon
recommendation by the Membership Committee shall be expelled from the
Executive Board by a two-thirds vote of the Executive Officers.

Section 4

Judgment in cases of expulsion may be appealed within five (5) school days upon
receipt of notice of expulsion.

ARTICLE XXIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1

The formation of a Constitutional Committee shall be approved by a majority vote of

the Executive Board through a resolution in writing by any member, calling for a
convention to amend the Constitution. Within thirty (30) days after the passing of such
resolution, a Constitutional Committee shall be created. This committee shall have
seven (7) members, composed of one representative from each standing committee of
the UP JPIA and the Executive Officer-in-Charge, as appointed by the other Executive
Officers. They shall convene immediately.

Section 2

The proposed amendments approved by at least five (5) members of the Constitutional
Committee shall be submitted to the Executive Officers, and a copy shall be posted in
the UP JPIA bulletin board for at least five (5) school days.

Section 3

(a) The plebiscite for the ratification of amendments to this Constitution and By-Laws
shall be valid only if two-thirds of the Assembly voted for the purpose, which shall be
held within four (4) to twelve (12) school days after the date of publication.
(b) For any amendment to be ratified, at least two-thirds of those who voted in the
plebiscite provided in the preceding Paragraph shall have voted to approve such
proposed amendment, provided that such number is at least equal to or greater than a
majority of the Assembly.

Section 4

A Constitutional Committee must be formed at least once every two years.

ARTICLE XXIV
IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
This Constitution and By-Laws shall take effect upon publication as ratified by the majority of the
Assembly during the Constitutional Plebiscite held on February 20, 2014.

*******

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Amended by the Constitutional Committee as of February 23, 2014

at the College of Business Administration,
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City.

KRISTINE RACOMA
President
Executive Officer-in-Charge

GIZELLE MARIE REMULLA

Representative
Membership Committee

AIKO FRANCES SAGUSAY

Representative
Finance Committee

BERTRAN BELEN
Representative
External Affairs Committee

NIOLITO COLITA
Representative
Education and Research Committee

ALEJANDRO KYLE ABELLA

Representative
Information and Publicity Committee

JONAS MIGUELITO CRUZ

Chairperson and Representative
People, Events and Public Relations Committee

Page 13 of 13