SAS head wants closed door hearing
by Mark Patrick Lorenzana

The first of a series of administrative hearings on the case filed by Students Affairs Services Nimfa Alo against a number of student leaders and organizations was held last Friday, Aug. 15 at the Vice President for Academic Affairs Conference room. The respondents present were Amir Archival Aluk, Mary Troie Luna, Victor Marlu Cantal, Lindzey Romero, and Karl Damayo, and their lawyer, Atty. Ferdie Gujilde. A Formal Inquiry Committee was formed specifically to handle the case and the members include the different chairpersons from the departments of the respondents, the incumbent Supreme Student Council President, as well as an FIC chair.

Early in the hearing, Atty. Joan Largo, FIC chair, cited a provision on page forty-five of the USC student manual stating that a lawyer, who must not unnecessarily delay the proceedings, may represent the complainant as well as the respondents. Largo, however, pointed out that even though the manual allows the presence of a lawyer, the respondents should answer the questions themselves. An administrative hearing does not follow the technical procedures in the rules of court. Alo manifested that she did not wish to go through with the hearing, as she did not have a lawyer with her. She further contended that her lawyer wanted to come to the proceedings, but it was not stated in the notice of meeting that she could bring a legal counsel.

The respondents allegedly “ridiculed, embarrassed and humiliated” Alo, SAS, and the university by “issuing false and unfounded” statements during rallies last May. Some of the statements include “Alo Diktadora”, “Alo Resign”, “Women’s Affairs Office? Anti-women; out-moded, old-fashioned, Abolish! Abolish! Abolish!” and “Dress code – O.A.” among others. Aluk denied that they issued all of the statements. He added that some of the statements were written on a freedom wall. Luna, though, admitted that they did write "Alo Diktadora" and verbally uttered "Alo Resign". Largo asked that the admission be put on record, and that in the future hearings, they would focus on the other allegations that were not admitted.

Alo manifested that she only wanted persons directly concerned with the case, specifically the respondents, members of the FIC, the lawyers and the stenographer to be allowed to attend succeeding hearings. Gujilde said that because the case involved student leaders, it was the right of the students to be informed. Incidentally, it was also Gujilde who requested Largo to let some of the students, who were waiting outside the VPAA conference room, witness the proceedings. Largo agreed, but on the condition that the students should not disrupt the proceedings in any way. The committee still has to rule on Alo's pending request for a close-door hearing.

A copy of the enclosures mentioned in the letter of complaint would be furnished to the respondents on or before Aug. 21. The first presentation of evidence for the complainant will be on Sept. 2 at 4:30 PM, to be followed by another hearing on Sept. 6 at 9:00 AM. The complainant will then rest her case and the respondents will present their evidence on October 6, at 4:30 PM.

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DRC members "die"
by Mark Patrick Lorenzana

Members of the Democratic Rights Coalition, an alliance that aims to uphold the rights of the Carolinians "died" last Friday, Aug. 15 in front of the University of San Carlos main campus.

A rally was staged at around 3:30 PM outside the University of San Carlos main campus, with Carolinians condemning the case filed by Students' Affairs Services Nimfa Alo against student leaders and organizations. A silent protest was also held, followed by the distribution of propaganda leaflets. Snacks were then served. The highlight of the program was the "dying" of the DRC members.

The symbolic "dying" was done amidst a black Styrofoam coffin and colorful paper mache puppets that cried out for justice. The "cadavers" laid on the cold concrete walkway with their fists held high while a DRC member shouted chants through a megaphone. Painted placards and signs also adorned the walls and steel fence outside USC main.

The DRC alliance was formed because of the recent issues in the university. These issues include the New Uniform Policy, the New Dress Code Policy, the closure of the Resource Center for Nationalist Studies, the threat to the autonomy of the Today's CAROLINIAN and the Voice of Talamban, the tuition fee increase and the no permit no rally policy, among others.

The DRC is currently composed of various student organizations, fraternities, societies, USC alumni, people from the mainstream media, as well as local government officials.

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