FOR the first time, the Bedan Electoral Committee (BELCOM) announced that they would establish an appointment process for the vacant positions on the Student Executive Council (SEC). Although previous statements stated that no further action would be taken, the Committee reassessed the situation and determined it was necessary. 

     After two consecutive elections, five seats remained unoccupied in the SEC: the Internal Vice President (IVP), the Press Relations Officer (PRO), the Second-year level representative, the Third-year level representative, and the Fourth-year level representative. 

     Previous candidates for PRO and second-year level representatives could not reach the quota. Withdrawals were issued for the elected IVP due to candidacy for President in the following special elections, while the third-year level representative had personal reasons that were not disclosed. Then, the position of fourth-year level representative remains untouched from previous elections. 

     On Oct. 15, BELCOM posted the appointment process and mentioned it to be “inspired by how the Philippine government handles appointments,” it stated. According to the post, the process must be done for not more than 30 days upon its enactment and divided into seven phases. 

     The process includes a public consultation phase, where feedback is accumulated from the Tertiary Schools. In the last phase, there is a post-appointment review wherein the appointed student shall be on probationary status for a month to evaluate their performance even after taking their oath of office.

     For transparency, BELCOM entrusts the responsibility of reviewing applications and casting votes to the panel. The panel consists of the Prefect of Student Activities or the Dean of Student Affairs, Prof. Roma Wynn Sedo, the current-elected SEC President, Ataissia Soliveres (IV-BAIS), two Tertiary Schools faculty members, and two members of the Council of Student Leaders to be selected by BELCOM. 

     In an interview with THE BEDAN HERALD, BELCOM Chairperson Daniela Cronico (IV-BSA) said that they decided to resort to an appointment process due to the urgent need to fill the vacant positions since this could hinder the council’s ability to serve the student body efficiently. “To prioritize the well-being of both the council and the students, we proposed an appointment process instead of a direct appointment,” she added. 

     Cronico mentions that the appointment process involves more structured decision-making instead of “simply filling the positions.” For BELCOM, the decision to establish an appointment process represents their proactive approach to ensure that their duty to fill the vacant positions of SEC is fulfilled. The committee believes it the best course of action “to ensure continuity in student leadership and representation.” 

     Regardless of the situation, BELCOM affirms its focus on maintaining a functional SEC for the benefit of the students. Furthermore, their post mentioned continuing to utilize this process for future appointments for vacant positions in the SEC.