SLATES FROM THE Nationalist Youth and Progressive Democrats (NYPD) and San Bigkis Party (SBP) faced off during the annual Miting de Avance (MDA) and Election Debates organized by the San Beda – Electoral Board at the Jonathan Sy Auditorium yesterday, April 10, ahead of the 2025 Student Council (SC) General Elections.
The event began with the introduction of NYPD and SBP, starting from the Second Year Level Representative until the President.
A question-and-answer followed, where aspirants from both parties responded to each other’s questions about their platforms and stances on matters concerning the University, including the adoption of Type B uniforms and revisions in the student handbook.
The program was preceded by a panel discussion featuring student leaders from the Student Organization Circle (SOC), representing professional and non-professional organizations.
During the panel discussion, Kloie Lim, President of The Repvblic (TR), raised her concern about both parties posting their platforms a day before the MDA.
“The responsibility for posting credentials and platforms ultimately lies with the candidates,” said Faisal Armano, Commissioner of the San Beda Electoral Board (ELBO) and Activity Co-chair.
“We provided a clear timeline, along with the necessary platform and guidelines. It was up to the candidates to submit their materials within the given period,” he clarified.
Leisha Medollar, ELBO Commissioner and Activity Co-Chair, also emphasized the Board’s efforts to make the electoral process transparent and accountable.
“I think na-fulfill naman ng ELBO ‘yung duty on our end na matulungan ‘yung student body to have an informed decision lalo na bukas ‘yung election,” she told The Bedan in an interview.
“[P]arang nasa part na rin ng student body to have them, to have the initiative to listen to these talks. Pwede nga nila ’tong balikan bago man magkaroon ng elections, ma-reshuffle nila ‘yung [mga] plataporma, kung paano sumagot ‘yung mga kandidato, at tsaka kung ano na rin ‘yung values na inu-uphold ng candidates.”
Mari Okol, the outgoing SC President, also called into question both of the presidential candidates of the parties over “disinformation and toxic campaigning.”
This follows the Council’s response to “claims of inaction,” asserting that their efforts, particularly on ticket selling, ID processing, and student concerns, were consistently documented throughout the year.
In the final segment, the debate shifted focus to critical campus issues, allowing candidates to articulate their stances on matters such as amending the student handbook, body modifications, streamlining administrative processes, ensuring transparency in fund usage, and enhancing services for minority students.
Reflecting the success of the MDA, Rob Dylan Dela Paz, NYPD Chairperson, said, “I’m very proud of our slate. They focused on addressing the real issues and concerns of the students, and they made full use of their platforms and proposed projects to communicate that effectively.”
Likewise, Enrique Bonete, SBP Chairperson, echoed the same sentiments, saying, “Everything was observed objectively, all the candidates answered the questions with intellect and with full heart.”
With the 2025 SC General Elections In place, Armano encouraged the student body to “vote with conviction” in the hopes of spurring meaningful progress in the coming academic year.
“Instead of just voting wisely, I believe we must vote with conviction kasi lahat ng boto na cina-cast natin comes with a hope na sana magkaroon ng change at progress,” he said.
Medollar also reminded the students of their influence, not just as voters, but as active participants in shaping the direction of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS).
“Dapat nasa isip ng student body na ‘yung gagawin nila today, at para sa election tomorrow—like ‘yung voting nila—is para sa kanila din. So iisipin dapat nila na ‘yung values na inu-uphold ay nagre-reflect sa principles nila as a student,” she noted.
(with Paris Isaac Falcone)