DEMOCRACY fails when individuals are denied the opportunity to speak their mind, express their opinions, and influence the course of change. Today until Apr. 7, the Student Executive Council (SEC) General Elections will happen. The power to elect future leaders who know how to benchmark ideas for a greater cause and embody the philosophy of leadership that rests in the hands of the students.

     However, despite the right to vote enshrined with the students, who are the people behind the scenes running the stage to ensure the voice of the people is truly heard? In whose hands does the power lie to unveil the truth and just result behind the flooding campaign slogans and battleground of advocacies and platforms? Who else has the authority to ensure a fair and transparent election?

Behind the Curtains of a Fair Election

     The Bedan Electoral Committee (BELCOM) is one of the independent organizations of San Beda College Alabang, which governs all elections of the Tertiary Schools, including the Student Executive Council and the Co-Curricular Student Organizations. 

     As aspiring campus leaders take center stage with their missions and visions for the school, the electoral committee remains steadfast behind the watchful eyes of the students, aiming to “empower the voices of the student body by ensuring fair and honest elections, emphasizing the values of transparency, integrity, and accountability,” said Aleeyah Anastacio, BELCOM Vice-Chairperson and Head of Media and Publications.

     The duty of securing a faithful and sound election commences with the submission of documents, filing of candidates, reviewing of applications, and the provision of the guideline campaign period and election conduct residing in the electoral committee. 

     “Having a fair and transparent election is the least we, the Electoral Committee, can do to give the student body what they deserve. It ensures that the systems we have function properly, showing the students that they can trust and have confidence in the candidates or leaders who are willing to serve,” Anastacio said.

SEC 2025 Election: BELCOM Gears Up

     As the 2025 is now in motion, BELCOM is in full action, overseeing  Apr. 3-4 on-site voting and implementing traditional indelible ink voting. Moreover, with the utilization of SBCA Learning Management System (LMS) platform, BELCOM extends their means  through online voting which opens from Apr. 5-6.

     According to Anastacio, the previous election taught them to be more adaptable and flexible with unexpected changes, especially with the shifting of classes to online modality due to certain instances, which hampers the conduct of voting proper.

     The SBCA LMS platform eases the Committee’s preparation, ensuring a seamless election process and further reducing the verification processes, which previously and traditionally demanded manual operation.

      “Since the implementation of the voting form in the LMS, we noticed a smoother voting process as it limits the risk of non-bona fide students from accessing the voting form,” BELCOM Vice-Chairperson said.

     Recently, the electoral committee also expressed its commitment to upholding integrity in upcoming elections by releasing a Notice of Compliance, as written in Section 5 of the Election Code, “Intervention of an Alien.” 

     BELCOM believes that guaranteeing a fair and transparent election is the least the Electoral Committee can do to give the student body what it deserves. This does not exclude protecting students autonomy and ensuring equal opportunity for all candidates against the forces of non-bona fide parties. 

     Acting on their duty, Anastacio ascertained the campus of their responsible service and assured that the students could trust and have confidence in the candidates of their choice.

Make Your Vote Count

     “It is important to always remember that voting is a right, a privilege, and a responsibility. We are taught that every vote matters as this determines our future. It is not something to take for granted if one truly wants to see change,” Anastacio expressed her encouragement.

    For a constituent or a community to work and function accordingly, a mutual trust must be established, for fair election does not just happen.

     Exercising your right to vote is also a privilege and a democratic element that amplifies your political stance so that you are not just another whisper in the crowd. Embracing the changes you can make has a value that cannot be shrunk. Your will and the power to shape the school community are at the tip of your fingers, so do not let your vote count for nothing. 

     Choose a leader who can speak on your behalf, a leader who prioritizes service above all else. Cast your vote and make it count!