IN THE LEAD-UP to the #BotoBedista2024 First Year Representative Elections, the Nationalist Youth and Progressive Democrats (NYPD) and San Bigkis Party (SBP) have both expressed their bids to participate in the electoral race, having completed their respective accreditations and secured approval of their candidates before the San Beda Electoral Board (ELBO). 

Prior to the announcement of the qualified candidates, NYPD and SBP have submitted the necessary documents for accreditation to “be entitled to the rights and privileges granted to student political parties.” This was later approved by ELBO through resolution No. 4 24-25 promulgated last August 27. 

However, the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) youngest political party, Ang Mithi, was noticeably absent in this year’s elections with their failure to submit the accreditation requirements, marking their second consecutive non-appearance in the CAS elections. 

Commenting on their party’s decision to forgo this year’s representative elections, Ma. Beatrix “Bea” Lareza, chairperson of Ang Mithi, shared how the party is “not in a rush” to undergo accreditation and field new candidates, with the focus on “strengthening their core.” 

“Since the start naman, Mithi has always been consistent in its raison d’etre, if you will. Nabuo ang Mithi because of an ideal rooted [in] the party’s social democratic principles and values. We are not here just to participate in the student council elections for its own sake,” she added. 

Following their accreditation Alvin Sebastian Mangaliag, Chairperson of NYPD, saw this upcoming election as a “fresh start, yet with big expectations set.”  

“Our top priority remains, and that is to make sure every Bedan student feel heard, represented, and inspired to take part in the amazing things we can accomplish together,” added Mangaliag. 

Meanwhile, Mitziko Yema, Chairperson of SBP, hopes for a “good and fair election” given the “issues surrounding the past, especially in general elections.” 

“As a chairperson and before, a candidate, three times na for the Student Council, I really hope that it goes smoothly kasi it’s important for us to practice student politics as a healthy competition para outside, we can reflect on it sa outside parties and elections,” she highlighted. 

After the end of the filing period, ELBO released resolution No. 5 24-25 on September 2, announcing Akiah Loveighne Agbanlog and Katrina Bianca Carreon as the qualified candidates from NYPD and SBP, respectively. 

In an interview with The Bedan, Agbanlog expressed her “excitement” in acknowledging how both parties have prepared for this race, stating, “One thing you can expect is to see a fun and enjoyable campaign season. This is not about competition, but camaraderie para sa Bedan Community.” 
“At the end of the day, this is only about one thing: Para magserbisyo at tumayo bilang boses ng kapwa namin first-year students. In order for the students to see my genuine desire and passion to serve them,” she added. 

Carreon, on the other hand, believes that, while future events are unpredictable, she nonetheless tells the Bedan community to “expect a fair, honest, and organized electoral process,” especially with the present developments of the University.  

“Elected or not, both candidates are still leaders with excellent qualities, and as we face the coming elections, may we all use our wits to critically think and our power to elect rightful leaders, not only within the bounds of San Beda, but also in our motherland,” added Carreon. 

In light of the recent developments in the timeline of the Boto Bedista 2024 First Year Representative Elections, according to ELBO’s resolution No. 5 24-25, the two will face off beginning with the campaign period that will run from September 6 until September 19, with the final three days allotted for the room-to-room campaign. Following this, a Miting De Avance (MDA) will take place between the two candidates—leading to the election day that will transpire on September 23. 

ELBO Resolution No. 3 24-25, issued last August 22, contains the schedule for the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) First-Year Level Representative Elections