05/05/2026
๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐ ๐จ๐ฏ ๐จ๐ฎ๐ฌ๐ญ๐๐
The Supreme Quasi-Judicial Student Court under the Obrero Student CouncilโHouse of Representatives (OSC-HoR) has ordered the impeachment of former College of Information and Computing (CIC) Local Council Governor Hanah Julan Castaรฑeda after a unanimous 14โ0 conviction on three impeachment articles arising from the HUDYAKA 2026 masterlist-related disqualifications.
In Approved Judicial Ruling No. 03-05012026, promulgated on May 1, 2026, the court found Castaรฑeda liable for negligence of duties, culpable violations of the 2025 OSC Codes and By-Laws, and betrayal of public trust, ruling that her failure to discharge executive and documentary obligations impaired CIC studentsโ representation and participation in the campus-wide intramurals.
The case originated from an April 11 impeachment complaint filed by CIC Local Council and Undergraduate students before the Office of the House Chairperson.
The complaint alleged that Castaรฑeda failed to comply with the procedural, documentary, and representational requirements attached to the HUDYAKA 2026 masterlist submission process, leading to the disqualification of CIC contingents in cheerdance, Danza en Cuatro, and womenโs volleyball.
Upon preliminary assessment, the Impeachment Committee and Oversight Committee found the complaint sufficient in form and substance and elevated three articles of impeachment to the student court.
The case was docketed under PJR No. 00004-2026, with the CIC Local Council and CIC undergraduate students recognized as petitioners.
During adjudication, the prosecution argued that Castaรฑeda failed to exercise executive due diligence and administrative compliance as local council governor. It cited lapses in preparing, securing, endorsing, and routing essential council documents, including the Annual Procurement Plan, Project Procurement Management Plan, Work and Financial Plan, activity design, and other official records required to support CICโs participation in institution-wide events.
The ruling stated that Castaรฑeda withdrew her right to defense after failing to appear personally or designate an authorized representative before the impeachment court.
With no rebuttal, controverting evidence, or defense memorandum entered on record, the tribunal proceeded to evaluate the prosecutionโs submissions.
In its findings, the court held that the prosecution established the charges beyond reasonable doubt, concluding that Castaรฑedaโs omissions constituted gross neglect of duty, actionable breach of mandate, culpable violation of governing provisions, and betrayal of public trust.
The tribunal further clarified that liability for the disqualification fallout did not attach to the CIC Local Council, the Executive Department, or the affected undergraduate students. Instead, it placed accountability on Castaรฑeda as the official vested with the mandate to represent CIC students, protect their institutional interests, and ensure compliance with HUDYAKA 2026 requirements.
Following the conviction, Castaรฑeda was ordered to immediately cease all functions as former CIC LC Governor. The court also directed CIC LC Secretary Kristina Amielle Bernadette Vergara to assume the governorship after taking her oath of office and formally undertaking the duties prescribed under the 2025 OSC Codes and By-Laws.
The ruling likewise barred the CIC LC Vice Governor from succession after finding that she failed to submit the required certification of willingness to assume office, pursuant to Approved House Bill No. 2, series of 2026.
Fourteen justices voted to convict, while five associate justicesโAbelo, Galas, Rubia, Pitoc, and Espinosaโwere recorded absent and did not participate in the vote. The decision was digitally signed by Chief Justice Eduardo M. Sato Jr. at 10:45 p.m. on May 1.
โRest assured that the HoR and this Court will serve as protectors and guardians of the student body. May this impeachment trial serve as a warning to those student leaders who dare neglect and abuse their power, and a call to students that we are here to protect them, whatever comes in our way,โ Sato expressed.
As cited in the 2025 OSC CBL, Article IX, Section 1, the OSC-HoR is granted the power of impeachment over internal matter complaints.
"The legislative functions are vested in the House of Representatives and shall also be vested with limited judicial power over internal matters, including impeachment proceedings, disciplinary actions, and internal grievances. This shall consist of the members of the colleges proportionate to the number of populations, representatives from the sectors which are composed of, but not limited to, the clubs and organizations, and the mayoralty sector, except to the extent reserved to the people by the provision on initiative, laws, and referendum," the section reads.
The ruling remains final and irrevocable unless a formal appeal supported by sufficient grounds is filed on or before May 8, 2026.
Article by CJ Ynayan Jr.
Layout by Jill Leo Camarador
