On March 18, just days before the Maroon Elections 2025, the Southwestern University PHINMA (SWU) Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officially confirmed the withdrawal of independent candidate Luegi Vincent Mancao from the SWU Supreme Student Government (SSG) presidential race.According to the COMELEC, Mancao’s withdrawal came after a series of deliberations over his candidacy.
The initial concern was raised on March 6, when the incumbent SSG Vice President Louie Figueroa challenged Mancao’s eligibility on grounds of an alleged violation of Article VIII, Section 3 of the SWU SSG Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) due to his status as a working scholar.
After a meeting on March 8, it was decided that his status did not violate any provisions. With no formal complaint submitted, he was allowed to remain in the race.
When asked about his involvement in the case, Figueroa asserted that his action was not a political move but a crucial measure to uphold the rules. “The constitution is the foundation of our student government, and as long as I hold this position, it will remain so.”
“If I had remained silent about what I knew, that would have made me a failure as Vice President of our student government. Any violation of our charter should not be taken lightly, and Mancao is not the only leader I have questioned regarding potential breaches in my term,” Figueroa stressed.
However, on March 11, Mancao took it upon himself to request disqualification after four complaints regarding unlawful campaign propaganda were filed against him by the opposing party. After reviewing the case on March 15, COMELEC deemed disqualification unnecessary but advised him to submit a formal withdrawal instead.
The COMELEC’s decision to accept Mancao’s withdrawal came only days later, which aroused concern especially on Figueroa’s end.
“I do not believe this was a fair resolution. The withdrawal period had already passed weeks before he withdrew, and he knew this yet still proceeded. The commission was placed in a position where they had to act outside of their established norms, the E.I.R.R., and their omnibus code. His withdrawal should not have been approved, as no existing rule allows for it,” he said.
With all the tension in the air thickening to a climax, Kirsten May Bagano, running SSG President from the NEXTGEN partylist and Mancao’s sole rival, took the opportunity to come forward and set things clear.
“NEXTGEN had no role in Mancao’s withdrawal,” Bagano stated in an interview with The Quill.
“Every candidate has the right to decide whether to push through with their candidacy or not, and that decision ultimately rests with them. I understand why some may speculate, given how emotionally charged elections can be, but assumptions should not replace facts,” she said.
With Mancao out of the picture, it seems Bagano’s win is already set in stone. However, the sole presidential candidate begs to differ.
“NEXTGEN firmly believes that victory is never guaranteed. Why would we ever consider this a success if it meant failing at our original goal?” Bagano expressed.
“If we were merely a political party, we could have handpicked candidates, but that was never our purpose. NEXTGEN is a movement that seeks to activate and empower student leadership,” she added.
Mancao, who was running without a party affiliation, had gained attention for his independent stance and promises of student-centered reforms. His withdrawal left supporters and voters alike stunned, with several expressing their disappointment.
“I’m honestly shocked by his sudden withdrawal because this could’ve been a really good election. A real competition would have made things more exciting and meaningful. Actually… based on his aims and platforms, naa sya’y potential to be a great leader,” one student shared.
Another reflected on Mancao’s leadership. “Knowing Luegi—I was also acquainted with him way back in senior high—naa sya’y own way sa iya leadership, kanang makita gyud iyang lihok. I also admire him pud kay amidst sa mga trials in his personal life, ginabuhat gihapon niya iya mga responsibilities sa mga organizations. It’s [such] a waste of potential, I guess.”
In a Facebook statement, Mancao thanked his supporters for their trust and efforts. He underscored that his decision was not out of fear, but rather a practical move given the political landscape and challenges that came his way.
“We know we are capable of winning, but the political climate creates barriers that make it impossible to fully deliver the change we envisioned,” he wrote.
Despite stepping back, Mancao vowed to continue advocating for student and youth initiatives, stating, “Our movement does not end here.”
In an effort to gain a deeper perspective on the matter, The Quill tried reaching out to Mancao himself, but he is yet to respond to any of the inquiries pitched to him.
With this development, the Maroon Elections 2025 is set to proceed as scheduled.
