CONSTITUTION

PREAMBLE

We, the law students of the Ateneo de Manila University, imploring the aid
of Almighty God, in our desire to achieve excellence, not only in the
pursuit of law but in the total enhancement of our well-being, direct our
efforts in cultivating student self-expression and creativity through music,
hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

Article I

ORGANIZATION POLICY AND PRINCIPLES

fORTE is a musical organization of bona fide Ateneo Law students, who

share a common passion and interest for music. It aims to strike a balance
between academic and extra-curricular activities. It shall cater to all
interested students, regardless of actual musical talent.

The organization shall participate in appropriate law school activities, and

provide a pool of musically-inclined students who can cater to the
student body for musical performances, as may be necessary. It shall also
promote unity and goodwill among the students by being an avenue of
creative expression, where members can impart their skills to other
students and share their love for music with everyone.
 Article II

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. The name of this organization shall be FORTE: The Ateneo Law
Music Ensemble.

Section 2. The logo of the organization shall consist of a musical f clef

and a lyre, as adopted by the founding members. The logo may be
used on its own or in conjunction with words or letters spelling out the
organization name.

Section 3. The name and logo of the organization, as adopted, may be

changed by the two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Assembly, as
convened for this purpose.

Section 4. All the members of the organization shall comprise the General
Assembly. Within the General Assembly, members can be part of the
Executive Board, the Productions Group and the Performers Group. The
Productions Group shall be composed of members interested in
organizing events; the Performers Group is the organizations roster of
musicians. Members can choose to be part of any or both these groups.

Section 5. Organization Chart - reflecting the previous section, the

organization shall be arranged as follows:
Section 6. Honorary membership may be conferred to members of the
Ateneo Law community, guest performers and alumni, whenever it is
deemed that he/she exemplifies the ideals, objectives, and interests of
the organization.

Section 7. The organization may elect to have a musical adviser and/or

coach, whenever it is deemed necessary for any event and/or activity.
Such musical adviser and/or coach may or may not be a member of the
Ateneo Law community.

Section 8. Regular independent meetings and/or practice are

encouraged but shall not be imposed on its members. Special meetings
or assemblies for the purposes of information dissemination, socials or
planning may be called for whenever the President deems it necessary.

Article III

THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The Executive Board shall have the power of administration

and management over the whole organization.

Section 2. The Executive Board shall be composed of the President, the

Secretary General (Sec-Gen), the Vice-President of External Affairs (VP
Externals), the Vice-President of Internal Affairs (VP Internals), and the Vice
President for Finance and Logistics (VP Finance & Logistics). At the
discretion of the Executive Board, an Assistant Vice President may be
appointed for the positions of the VP for Externals, the VP for Internals and
the VP for Finance and Logistics.

Section 3. All members of the Executive Board shall have the following
qualifications:

a. He/she is a bona fide student of the Ateneo Law School

b. He/she must not be under probation for the school year wherein
he/she shall hold office
c. All other qualifications as may be provided by the rules and
regulations of the Council of Organizations of Ateneo Law
(hereinafter COAL).

Section 4. The Executive Board shall hold office for one school year and
an election for a new Executive Board shall be held no later than two (2)
weeks after the end of each school year.
 President

Section 5. The President of the organization shall have the following

powers and duties:

a. Decide on the general thrusts and direction for the school year, as
long as they remain consistent with the organizations Policies and
Principles as embodied in Article I.
b. The duty to ensure the performance of the duties of the members of
the Executive Board and the power to instruct such officers to
discharge any work consistent with their functions.
c. The power to propose the discontinuation of old projects and the
institution of new ones, provided that decisions shall be made with
the concurrence of a majority of the Executive Board. The President
has the discretion to agree or approve any undertakings in
cooperation with other organizations.
d. The power to call special meetings of the Executive Board including
the General Assembly, if he/she deems necessary to facilitate the
organizations activities
e. The power to create ad hoc committees for special purposes as
may be found necessary by the Executive Board, in the
performance of the organizations functions.
f. The duty to appoint a temporary officer, in case of any vacancy in
the Executive Board.
g. The power to designate roles and honorary positions to members for
the discharge of duties.
h. The power and duty to set the budget for the organizations
expenses, provided that the same shall be made with the
concurrence of the VP for Finance & Logistics.
i. The power and duty to issue resolutions providing measures to
ensure the discipline and safety of the General Assembly, especially
during special events where the organization is a participant
thereof, and to impose the necessary disciplinary actions as may be
deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

Secretary General

Section 6. The Secretary General of the organization shall have the

following powers and duties:

a. Shall act as the official representative of the organization for

matters of communication with the school administration, the
Student Council (SC), the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo
Law (COAL) and other organizations. The Sec-Gen shall be
 responsible for disseminating any such information to the Executive
Board and is responsible for assisting the President in complying with
any such requirements the organization must meet (e.g., re-
accreditation forms, scheduling photoshoots for the yearbook, etc.).
b. Shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining the organizations
records and documents and is responsible for keeping the President
and the other officers up to date with planned projects and other
deadlines.
c. Shall be responsible for organizing the next election of officers and
has the power to decide on the medium and methods of execution
depending on circumstance.

Vice President for External Affairs

Section 6. The VP for Externals shall have the following powers and duties:

a. The power to initiate and facilitate external events of the

organization (e.g. gigs and performances). The VP for Externals shall
be responsible for all members under the Productions Group and
ensure that the organizations projects are well-planned and
executed. In the absence of a Project Head from the Productions
department, the VP for Externals shall spearhead such projects.
b. The duty to ensure the organizations visibility and relevance in the
Ateneo Law Comminity. He/she shall have the power to develop,
create and disseminate promotional materials for the organization
and all of its projects. The VP for externals may also delegate some
of these duties to its members.
c. Shall assist the Sec-Gen in coordinating with different organizations
of the Ateneo Law School in engaging in joint activities or events for
the Student Body.
d. The power to propose an event and/or activity, subject to the
approval of the Executive Board.

Vice President for Internal Affairs

Section 7. The VP for Internals shall have the following powers and duties:

a. The power to initiate and facilitate internal events of the

organization (e.g. General assemblies, Valentines efforts, socials events,
jamming sessions, etc.). In the absence of a Project Head from the
Productions department, the VP for Internals shall spearhead such
projects.
 b. The VP for Internals shall be responsible for all members under the
Performers Group and ensure that performers will be available for all of
the organizations projects and undertakings.
c. The duty to ensure camaraderie in the organization. He/she shall
have the power to initiate activities towards this goal and shall be
responsible for assisting members in forming their bands and other
collaborations.

Vice President for Finance and Logistics

Section 9. The Division Manager for Finance shall be in charge of the

following:

a. Management of the organizations funds. All expenses of the

organization must have his/her approval, subject to the necessity of
the expense and availability of funds.
b. Creation of special committees in charge of soliciting sponsors
whenever possible, and generating funds for the use of the
organization.
c. Shall be responsible for reservation of venue and equipment; and
supervise other logistical needs of the organization.
a. Safekeeping and inventory of any musical equipment and
instruments that may be procured by the organization.
b. Mobilization of the members of the organization during events and
meetings, as may be deemed necessary.

Section 10. Any creation of a special committee for solicitations should be

done with the approval of the Executive Board.

Assistant Vice Presidents

Section 11. The AVPs shall assist, substitute and act as interim holder of the
position in case of contingencies.

Section 12. The VP for Finance and Logistics may appoint two AVPs to
assist him in discharging the functions of his office (one for finance and
another for logistics).

Article IV
 THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Section 1. All members of the organization shall form part of the General
Assembly. It is composed of the Executive Board, the Productions Group,
the Performers Group and all other duly registered members.

Section 2. The General Assembly shall have the right to veto decisions of
the President and the Executive Board, under just and lawful cause, as it
may be deemed necessary.

Section 3. The General Assembly shall have the following rights:

a. Right to elect its officers

b. Right to qualify and be elected as an officer
c. Right to participate in decision-making
d. Right to participate in all activities of the organization
e. Right to receive notice or information regarding any special event
or activity that the organization may have
f. Right to raise concerns regarding the performance of any member
of the Executive Board
g. Right to propose amendments or revisions of the organizations
Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 4. The General Assembly may elect to practice outside of the

school premises, whenever it is not possible to hold practices therein.

Section 5. The General Assembly shall provide for the instruments to be

used for practices. Each member may elect to bring and use his/her own
instrument, for practices and/or events, provided that he/she brings it at
his own peril.

Section 6. A member of the General Assembly may be excused from

participating in an event and/or activity, if participation therein conflicts
with his/her class schedule.

Productions Group

Section 7. The Productions group shall be composed of members who are

interested in becoming project heads and members of project
committees. They are expected to actively participate in planning,
organizing and promoting all of the organizations events and its talents.

Performers Group
Section 8. The Productions group shall be composed of members
interested in hosting and performing (e.g. singers, drummers, guitarists and
other musicians). They are expected to perform in the organizations
activities and represent the organization in tie-ups and performance
requests from other organizations.

Article V

AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS

Section 1. Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution may be

proposed by:

a. Any member of the Executive Board during the planning seminar,

subject to ratification by the General Assembly on the first
organizational meeting for the school year.
b. Presentation to the Executive Board by any bona fide member of
the General Assembly.
c. Through the General Assembly, when it is convened for this specific
purpose.

Section 2. A proposal to amend or revise this Constitution, or any provisions

thereof, must be made formally and in writing, and copies thereof
provided to all members of the organization.

A special meeting for the hearing of the proposal must be called, and the
General Assembly shall signify their concurrence or dissent through voting,
facilitated by the Secretary General.

Such proposal to amend or revise shall be adopted, upon a concurring

majority vote by the General Assembly. In case of a draw, the proposal
shall be dismissed, without prejudice to its refiling whenever it is deemed
more justifiable.

Section 3. No proposal to amend or revise this Constitution may be made

more than once for every school year. As far as practicable, such
amendments may however be incorporated in the organizations by-laws
or rules of procedure until such time as this Constitution allows actual
amendments. Within three (3) years from its ratification, no amendment
or revision hereof may be made.

Article VI
 TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 1. History - This present Constitution was proposed and ratified

during the school year 2016-2017, amending the original Constitution
proposed and ratified during the school year 2007-2008.

Section 2. The officers for the school year 2016-2017, in initiating this
present amendment, shall be covered by the applicable provisions within
this Constitution regarding qualifications, powers and duties.

Section 3. In the event of vacancy of the position of the President, the

Sec-Gen shall replace or act as the interim President. If necessary, he/she
may delegate the VP for Externals and/or the VP for Internals to discharge
the duties of the Sec-Gen.

Section 4. In the event of any vacancy in the Executive Board and no

AVPs were appointed, the remaining members of the Executive Board
may nominate and appoint any bona fide member of the organization to
act as an interim officer. No such substitution may occur more than once
for the school year.

Section 5. The General Assembly, upon approval of the organizations

application, must immediately convene to discuss the necessary
amendments or revisions to be made in this Constitution and in other
pertinent documents of the organization, in order to ensure compliance
with the rules and regulations prescribed by the Student Council, through
the Council of Organizations of Ateneo Law.

Section 6. Effectivity - The contents of this present amendment shall be

effective immediately upon ratification by the General Assembly
organized or called for this purpose and shall supersede all its previous
Constitutions.
 BY-LAWS

Article I

MEETING

Section 1. Regular meetings The regular meetings shall be held once a

month, at the LSAC Room temporarily, until finalization of the
organizations room assignment. The time set for the regular meetings shall
be so made as to accommodate the different schedules of the members.

Section 2. Special meetings Special meetings shall be called upon the

discretion of the President, whenever he/she deems it necessary

Section 3. Notices As members of the organizations communication

platform (facebook group), every member is deemed notified of the
organizations regular meetings. If deemed necessary, notice of the
precise date and venue shall be sent via text message or e-mail at least
three (3) days before such scheduled regular meeting.

Notices of special meetings must be made at least one (1) day before
such meeting. Such notice shall contain a brief description as to the
nature of the special meeting.

Section 4. Quorum A quorum to conduct business (e.g., election of

officers and the ratification of the constitution) for any meeting of the
members shall consist of majority of the members of the General Assembly
present in the said meeting. Members who fail to attend such meetings
without prior reasonable excuse directed to the VP for Internals shall be
deemed to have waived their right to vote.
 Article II

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The Executive Board shall have the power of administration

and management over the whole organization.

Section 2. The Executive Board shall be composed of the President, the

Secretary General (Sec-Gen), the Vice-President of External Affairs (VP
Externals), the Vice-President of Internal Affairs (VP Internals), and the Vice
President for Finance and Logistics (VP Finance & Logistics). At the
discretion of the Executive Board, an Assistant Vice President may be
appointed for the positions of the VP for Externals, the VP for Internals and
the VP for Finance and Logistics.

Section 3. All members of the Executive Board shall have the following
qualifications:

d. He/she is a bona fide student of the Ateneo Law School

e. He/she must not be under probation for the school year wherein
he/she shall hold office
f. He/she must not be an officer, holding the same position/title, of
another organization coinciding with his/her term of office in this
organization
g. All other qualifications as may be provided by the rules and
regulations of the Council of Organizations of Ateneo Law
(hereinafter COAL).

Section 4. The Executive Board shall hold office for one school year and
an election for a new Executive Board shall be held no later than two (2)
weeks after the end of each school year.

Article III

FUNCTIONS AND POWERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 1. The Executive Board shall have the power of administration and
management over the whole organization.
 President

Section 2. The President of the organization shall have the following

powers and duties:

j. Decide on the general thrusts and direction for the school year, as
long as they remain consistent with the organizations Policies and
Principles as embodied in Article I.
k. The duty to ensure the performance of the duties of the members of
the Executive Board and the power to instruct such officers to
discharge any work consistent with their functions.
l. The power to propose the discontinuation of old projects and the
institution of new ones, provided that decisions shall be made with
the concurrence of a majority of the Executive Board. The President
has the discretion to agree or approve any undertakings in
cooperation with other organizations.
m. The power to call special meetings of the Executive Board including
the General Assembly, if he/she deems necessary to facilitate the
organizations activities
n. The power to create ad hoc committees for special purposes as
may be found necessary by the Executive Board, in the
performance of the organizations functions.
o. The duty to appoint a temporary officer, in case of any vacancy in
the Executive Board.
p. The power to designate roles and honorary positions to members for
the discharge of duties.
q. The power and duty to set the budget for the organizations
expenses, provided that the same shall be made with the
concurrence of the VP for Finance & Logistics.
r. The power and duty to issue resolutions providing measures to
ensure the discipline and safety of the General Assembly, especially
during special events where the organization is a participant
thereof, and to impose the necessary disciplinary actions as may be
deemed necessary by the Executive Board.

Secretary General

Section 2. The Secretary General of the organization shall have the

following powers and duties:

d. Shall act as the official representative of the organization for

matters of communication with the school administration, the
Student Council (SC), the Council of Organizations of the Ateneo
Law (COAL) and other organizations. The Sec-Gen shall be
responsible for disseminating any such information to the Executive
 Board and is responsible for assisting the President in complying with
any such requirements the organization must meet (e.g., re-
accreditation forms, scheduling photoshoots for the yearbook, etc.).
e. Shall be responsible for keeping and maintaining the organizations
records and documents and is responsible for keeping the President
and the other officers up to date with planned projects and other
deadlines.
f. Shall be responsible for organizing the next election of officers and
has the power to decide on the medium and methods of execution
depending on circumstance.

Vice President for External Affairs

Section 3. The VP for Externals shall have the following powers and duties:

e. The power to initiate and facilitate external events of the

organization (e.g. gigs and performances). The VP for Externals shall
be responsible for all members under the Productions Group and
ensure that the organizations projects are well-planned and
executed. In the absence of a Project Head from the Productions
department, the VP for Externals shall spearhead such projects.
f. The duty to ensure the organizations visibility and relevance in the
Ateneo Law Comminity. He/she shall have the power to develop,
create and disseminate promotional materials for the organization
and all of its projects. The VP for externals may also delegate some
of these duties to its members.
g. Shall assist the Sec-Gen in coordinating with different organizations
of the Ateneo Law School in engaging in joint activities or events for
the Student Body.
h. The power to propose an event and/or activity, subject to the
approval of the Executive Board.

Vice President for Internal Affairs

Section 4. The VP for Internals shall have the following powers and duties:

d. The power to initiate and facilitate internal events of the

organization (e.g. General assemblies, Valentines efforts, socials events,
jamming sessions, etc.). In the absence of a Project Head from the
Productions department, the VP for Internals shall spearhead such
projects.
e. The VP for Internals shall be responsible for all members under the
Performers Group and ensure that performers will be available for all of
the organizations projects and undertakings.
 f. The duty to ensure camaraderie in the organization. He/she shall
have the power to initiate activities towards this goal and shall be
responsible for assisting members in forming their bands and other
collaborations.

Vice President for Finance and Logistics

Section 5. The Division Manager for Finance shall be in charge of the

following:

d. Management of the organizations funds. All expenses of the

organization must have his/her approval, subject to the necessity of
the expense and availability of funds.
e. Creation of special committees in charge of soliciting sponsors
whenever possible, and generating funds for the use of the
organization.
f. Shall be responsible for reservation of venue and equipment; and
supervise other logistical needs of the organization.
c. Safekeeping and inventory of any musical equipment and
instruments that may be procured by the organization.
d. Mobilization of the members of the organization during events and
meetings, as may be deemed necessary.

Section 6. Any creation of a special committee for solicitations should be

done with the approval of the Executive Board.

Assistant Vice Presidents

Section 7. The AVPs shall assist, substitute and act as interim holder of the
position in case of contingencies.

Section 8. The VP for Finance and Logistics may appoint two AVPs to
assist him in discharging the functions of his office (one for finance and
another for logistics).

Article IV

GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Section 1. All members of the organization shall form part of the General
Assembly. It is composed of the Executive Board, the Productions Group,
the Performers Group and all other duly registered members.
Section 2. Qualifications The Executive Board, with the concurrence of
the founding members, may establish the qualifications for members of
the General Assembly.

Section 3. The General Assembly shall have the following rights:

h. Right to elect its officers

i. Right to qualify and be elected as an officer
j. Right to participate in decision-making
k. Right to participate in all activities of the organization
l. Right to receive notice or information regarding any special event
or activity that the organization may have
m. Right to raise concerns regarding the performance of any member
of the Executive Board
n. Right to propose amendments or revisions of the organizations
Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 4. The General Assembly may elect to practice outside of the

school premises, whenever it is not possible to hold practices therein.

Section 5. The General Assembly shall provide for the instruments to be

used for practices. Each member may elect to bring and use his/her own
instrument, for practices and/or events, provided that he/she brings it at
his own peril.

Section 6. A member of the General Assembly may be excused from

participating in an event and/or activity, if participation therein conflicts
with his/her class schedule.

Productions Group

Section 7. The Productions group shall be composed of members who are

interested in becoming project heads and members of project
committees. They are expected to actively participate in planning,
organizing and promoting all of the organizations events and its talents.

Section 8. Members of the Productions Group discharging functions as

project heads and members of project committees shall submit to the VP
for Externals any matters or concerns regarding each project.

Performers Group

Section 9. The Productions group shall be composed of members

interested in hosting and performing (e.g. singers, drummers, guitarists and
other musicians). They are expected to perform in the organizations
activities and represent the organization in tie-ups and performance
requests from other organizations.

Section 10. Members of the Productions Group can request the the VP for
Internals for assistance in forming bands and in resolving any such matter
related to their membership.

Article V

SPECIAL POSITIONS

Section 1. Batch Representatives - pursuant to the power of creating

special committees, the President, upon nomination by members of the
Executive Board or through voluntary application of a bona fide member,
may appoint batch representatives for each year level as honorary
officers with the following functions:

a.) Actively encourage members of their batch to join the

organization.

b.) Actively promote the organizations events and encourage

members of their batch to attend all open events.

Section 2. At the discretion of the Executive Board, batch representatives

may be given incentives (e.g., free tickets to events) deemed fair.

Article VI

FUNDS

Section 1. Funds The organization shall derive funds from the allotted
student activities fund as an accredited organization, solicitations and
fund-raising activities. Such funds shall be in the custody and protection of
the VP for Finance & Logistics and/or his AVPs.

Section 2. Disbursements Withdrawals from the funds are subject to the

approval of the Executive Board, upon assessment by the VP for Finance
& Logistics and/or his AVPs.

Section 3. The VP for Finance & Logistics shall be responsible for regularly
furnishing the Executive Board with the accounting of all its expenditures.
At the request of a member duly raised with any of its officers, the
accounting of the expenditures shall be made available to its members.
 Article VII

AMENDMENTS OF THE BY-LAWS

These by-laws, or any provision thereof, may be amended, repealed or

new by-laws adopted by a majority vote of the General Assembly at any
regular or special meeting duly held for the purpose.

Adopted this __ day of September 2016 in Ateneo Law School, Rockwell,

Makati, by the affirmative vote of the undersigned members in a special
meeting duly held for the purpose.