After initially withdrawing from his position as senator-at-large-elect, Francisco Olpindo IV has reassumed office following the recent amendment to the HAU Student Government (HAUSG) Constitution, which now permits heads of student organizations to serve concurrently in the student government.
His reappointment was formally declared after a unanimous vote during the HAUSG Senate’s third meeting of the first plenary session held on July 12.
Olpindo IV had vacated his post on April 8, despite being elected senator-at-large with 2,078 votes, citing “constitutional restraints” based on Section 6, Article XVI of the 2024 Constitution, which previously barred HAUSG officers from simultaneously serving as heads of student organizations.
However, following the ratification of constitutional amendments during an emergency session on June 21, individuals holding government positions are now allowed to concurrently lead student organizations, as stipulated in Article V, Section III of the revised charter.
Currently, the School of Computing (SOC) student serves as the founder and lead of the AWS Learning Club – HAU, an organization affiliated with AWS Cloud Club Philippines.
“I want to emphasize that if it were possible to be part of both — the organization and the student government — I would do so,” he said, referencing his earlier withdrawal letter, in which he explained his decision to prioritize founding the AWS Learning Club – HAU as a step toward “being a part of something bigger within my future career, and for the Foxes.”
“That’s why I reapplied again since it was already removed. Now, I’ve reapplied as senator just to continue what I started before,” he added.
HAU – University Student Council (HAU-USC) President Adonis Cayanan formally nominated the withdrawn senator-at-large-elect to fill the vacant position, as announced on June 27.
“With a strong background in leadership, particularly within our institution, and having co-chaired the 2024 HAUSG Constitutional Convention, Mr. Olpindo is well-positioned to make meaningful contributions as one of the Senators-at-Large, should the Senate confirm his appointment,” Cayanan stated in his nomination letter.
Despite the amendment allowing dual office-holding, the Constitution still prohibits individuals from simultaneously occupying the top-most positions in both the USG and other student groups.
