Far Eastern University Central Student Organization (FEUCSO) along with student councils of Ateneo de Manila University, University of Santo Tomas, University of the Philippines Diliman, National University, and Adamson University have officially endorsed the Leni-Kiko tandem following their presentation on Student Government Mock Polls (SGMP) 2022.

As of date, De La Salle University is still yet to hold its mock elections while the University of the East Manila showed support for Robredo only as the poll for the Vice President is yet to be done.

FEUCSO ran its mock elections from March 5 to March 26, 2022, which included respondents from eight campuses in Alabang, Cavite, Diliman, High School, Makati, Manila, Roosevelt, and Tech. 

Amassing a total of 7,345 responses from registered voters, VP Leni Robredo and running mate Senator Kiko Pangilinan top the polls with 90.10% and 80.54% votes respectively. 

Meanwhile, Attorney Chel Diokno leads the senatorial race with a total of 6,724 votes from the student body. 

Although most of the Tamaraws are still undecided about a party list, results showed that the Kabataan party list ranked second with 19.23% of the votes.

According to supplemental questions from the survey, Tamaraws chose their bets according to the candidate’s following traits (in order of importance): leadership, honesty, competence, experience, morality, educational attainment, compassion, political affiliation, winnability, and name recall. 

In addition, the poll revealed that Tamaraws look for the following traits in an electoral candidate (in order of importance): practices of transparency, good governance, and accountability from previous positions, has adequate skills and knowledge in law and public governance, clean criminal record, open to publicizing their SALN, has on the ground public service prior to the filing of candidacy, acquired at least a Bachelor’s degree, and lastly not being a part of a political dynasty.

FEUCSO President Kristoff Luzon emphasized the importance of actively participating in the upcoming national elections. 

“The youth is 40 million strong; we have the power to dictate the results of the election,” Luzon said. 

Moreover, FEUCSO stood its ground in expressing its opposition to red-tagging, corruption, disinformation, and incompetent governance. Luzon also mentioned that the student council will be coordinating with the administration to avoid threats entering school grounds. 

With regards to the efforts the campus is holding to show support for the Leni-Kiko Tandem, Luzon promoted the official campaign group Tamaraws for Leni-Kiko for FEU students, alumni, and faculty alike. Organization of house-to-house campaigns, as well as rallies around FEU, are also to be held by the group.

- Jessa Gabalones

(Photo courtesy of FEUCSO)