Kalayaan pushes for CITHM constitution

by Timothy Gerard Palugod

CITHM Kalayaan presidential candidate Ian Villasanta (R) and vice presidential candidate Meilyn Grace Ruel (L) | Photo by Jacklord Lanzo

The College of International Tourism and Hospitality Management’s (CITHM) Kalayaan party have high hopes for the whole CITHM community.

With this, the CITHM lineup presented their eight-point agenda is entitled “#CITHMGoals.” CITHM Kalayaan presidential candidate Ian Villasanta explained that the student council of the said college will have its own constitution.

“Very specified kung ano yung magiging work ng bawat student government officers,” added vice presidential candidate Meilyn Grace Ruel. She clarified that the provisions will specify the workload of the student government over the college-based organizations.

The current Lyceum Central Student Government (LYCESGO) constitution is “very vague” for CITHM, said Ruel. There are workload clauses that are applicable in other colleges, but it may not be as effective for some colleges.

However, Villasanta and Ruel both have not thought specifically of what provisions to add, confirming that it is still just an idea.

“Pero if uupo na kami sa position namin, we will gather the college-based organization presidents para hindi lang CITHM SG yung magpe-perform ng brainstorming sa independent constitution,” explained Villasanta.

Political Issues With Candidates

It is no secret that the current Kalayaan presidential candidate was once a part of its rival party, PAMANA. Yet, Villasanta explained that he grabbed the opportunity when Kalayaan offered him to be their presidential candidate, explaining that the other party closed the door on him to run the presidency.

“Nung si Kalayaan ang nag-knock for the opportunity, I grabbed it kasi nandito na ako, three years of experience serving the studentry from university-wide, college-based organization, and naging national officer ng NCR [National Capital Region],” said Kalayaan presidential candidate Villasanta.

Moreover, he revealed that the students are pushing him to run in the elections, leading him to break his promise not to run for any position anymore.

On the other hand, Ruel argued that their rival party is not transparent with their credentials. She said, “It’s in question kung bakit walang credentials [sa campaign paraphernalia]. Ngayon pa lang na tumatakbo sila for student council, hindi na sila transparent. What more kung nakaupo na sila sa post?”