The SAMAHAN Student Court (SSC) found no error in the decision of Ateneo de Davao University Commission on Elections (AdDU-COMELEC) concerning the validity of the School of Nursing (SON) Representative’s candidacy.

The court’s ruling came after the Election Commission resolved to dismiss the Disqualification Petition of Pinag-Isang Lakas Ng Samahan Ng Mga Progresibong Atenista (PIGLASAPAT) against the current incumbent SON Representative Kristal Eden Magno.

PIGLASAPAT had argued that Magno’s candidacy falls under the violation of Article XVI Section 4 and Article IV Section 11 of the SAMAHAN constitution, highlighting her interim position for the previous year.

Consequently, the court reviewed the decision of AdDU-COMELEC and identified that PIGLASAPAT failed to cite in their petition the months that the incumbent SON Rep occupied an interim status.

In its decision, the Student Court emphasized the importance of proper comprehension of the nature of interim positions.

“There is only one issue that needs to be adjudicated in this case and that is the status and the nature of those officers that are appointed with the interim status.”

The court clarified that holding an interim role does not equate to occupying an elected position.

“An interim officer should not be construed as an actual holder of the office, where the occupation and assumption of the term of the office would be impossible on account of their temporary status entailed to them as interim officers.”

The Court concluded that a fair interpretation of the rules and not just technical application must guide decisions in democratic processes.

The case was promulgated last June 27, 2025.

SAMAHAN Student Court

The SAMAHAN Student Court is the Supreme Constitutional Court of the SAMAHAN and serves as its judicial branch, overseeing constitutional adherence, impeachment proceedings, and addressing legal concerns within the student government.

The Student Court was established last 2022 and has been dormant until recently. The court aims to uphold justice, fairness, and accountability in student governance.

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