APPENDIX E

AMENDED CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Incorporated
Bacolod City
Preamble
For GOD, Country and Family, WE, the brothers and sisters of the Philippine GUARDI ANS
Brotherhood, I ncorporated(PGBI ), in fulfillment of our mission to accomplish our forefathers dreams and
aspirations to attain true freedom and democracy in an environment of genuine economic, social and
political independence, do hereby promulgate and adopt this Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE I
ORGANIZATION
Section 1. The name of the organization shall be the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI)
Section 2. Every letter of the word GUARDIANS represents the following:
G - Gentlemen
U - United
A - Associates
R - Race
D - Dauntless
I - Ingenuous
A - Advocator
N - Nation
S - Society
meaning, GENTLEMEN AND UNITED ASSOCIATES OF THE FILIPINO RACE;
DAUNTLESS AND INGENUOUS ADVOCATORS FOR THE NATION AND SOCIETY,
. . . which, when translated in Pilipino will mean, MGA MAGINOO AT NAGKAKAISANG KATUWANG NG
LAHING PILIPINO, MAGIGITING AT MATATAPAT NA TAGAPAGTANGGOL NG BANSA AT LIPUNAN
Section 3. OFFICE The principal office of the organization shall be located in Metro Manila, unless the
National President, with the concurrence of the National Board during its term, transfers its headquarters to
another locality for necessity and convenience.
Section 4. Motto - The organization propagates the motto: Brotherhood for peace, integrity, justice,
equality, service and prosperity .
Section 5. Logo - The seal of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. shall consist of a bold letter
G which stands for GUARDIANS and within the confines of the letter G, the handshake symbolizes
brotherhood, solidarity and unity of purpose. The triangular figure represents the seal membership tattoo. The
sun and the three (3) stars stands for Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, and the colors red, white and blue
represents the flag of our country.
The seal is designed herein below:



ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES, PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The organization believes in the Divine Providence as the source of all creations, power and
authority.
Section 2. The PGBI adheres to the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, its laws, regulations and
ordinances promulgated by the duly constituted authorities.
Section 3. The organization operates on democratic principles and unity in action. This shall mean -
a) The rule or decision of the majority is based on democratic participation and processes as affirmed in
this Constitution and By-Laws and other policies, rules and regulations of the PGBI;
b) Unity in action emphasizes that all members shall uphold and actively participate in the
implementation of all decisions.
Section 4. The organization subscribes to the spirit of principled camaraderie, patriotism, integrity and
volunteerism among members, in order to effectively address matters of common interest and concerns and
contribute actively as a non-governmental organization to the building of a sovereign, just, peaceful, democratic
and prosperous society.
Section 5. The objectives of the organization shall be as follows:
a) To undertake activities that develop the core values of love of God, patriotism, integrity and
selfless service to people especially those who have less in life;
b) To practice and propagate the values of healthy family life, respect for women and the
sanctity of marriage, respect for the elderly and care for the young;
c) To initiate and support social justice campaigns and measures in pursuit of our vision of a
truly free, peaceful and prosperous society;
d) To observe and advance basic human rights, practice democracy and respect the duly-
constituted authorities;
e) To promote good and harmonious relationship, unity and cooperation between and among the
members for mutual support and benefit;
f) To undertake activities for the development of members and the organization as a whole;
g) To generate resources for the organization and its activities; and
h) To extend financial, legal, and other appropriate forms of assistance to the members of the
organization and to the immediate members of their families.
Section 6. The organization shall be a non-stock and non-sectarian organization.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP AND AFFILIATE CHAPTERS
A. LOCAL OR AFFILIATE CHAPTERS
Section 1. Local or Affiliate Chapters - Local GUARDIANS Chapters, whose objectives and activities are
in accord with the purposes of the organization, shall, upon approval of their application for membership by
the National Board, be recognized as an affiliate chapter of the organization. After their formal affiliation,
these chapters shall identify themselves by their respective barangay, institution, municipality, district or
city chapter together with the words Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI).
Section 2. Fiscal Year - All chapters are required to observe a uniform calendar year commencing on
January 1 and ending in December 31 of the current year.
Section 3- Exercise of Voting and Other Rights - Individual members shall have NO voting or property
right in this organization except as otherwise herein provided. Their voting privileges shall be exercised
through the affiliate chapters in which they are members.
Section 4. Dual or Multiple Membership Dual or multiple membership in different affiliate chapters of
the PGBI is allowed provided that the member concerned shall pay his dues and other assessments, and
attend all the meetings and other activities, in all the chapters to which he/she is a member.
Section 5. Affiliation - No affiliation of any individual member from one chapter to another shall be valid
unless it has the prior written clearance or endorsement of his/her former chapter. In case of dispute, the
matter shall be referred to the grievance committee, as hereunder provided, whose decision shall be
appealable to the National Board. The decision of the National Board shall be final.
B. INDIVIDUAL MEMBERS AND CLASSES OF MEMBERS
Section 6. The members of the organization shall be the following:
a) Those who are members of any local or affiliate chapter of the Philippine Guardians Brotherhood, Inc.
(PGBI);
b) Those who are hereafter admitted as members in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 7. Qualifications for Membership - Any person at least 21 years of age and who is of good standing and
reputation in the community where he/she resides is eligible for membership in the organization provided that
he/she shall qualify and pass the organizations screening and testing procedures after an application made in
writing is given due course.
In addition to the foregoing qualifications, a member must be of good moral character and must not
have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.
Section 8. Membership Procedures- Application for membership shall be made in writing in an official form
provided for the purpose. An applicant shall only be considered as a bona fide member after having passed the
five (5) stages of membership, namely:
a) Application- An applicant shall accomplish an official application form duly endorsed by any bona
fide member, known as sponsor, of the organization which shall be submitted to the Screening
Committee of the local chapter for examination and approval;
b) Background Investigation - No one shall be admitted as a member of the organization unless his
background has been thoroughly known and investigated to ensure that he will not be a liability or
source of embarrassment in the future. As part of the investigation, an applicant is required to present a
police clearance from his/her place of residence;
c) Presentation of Applicant - An applicant who has passed the first two (2) stages of membership must
be presented to all members during a scheduled monthly meeting. In this stage, the applicant must state
his/her personal circumstances and the reasons for joining the organization. An objection from the
members shall automatically disqualify the applicant but the objection must be justified and approved
by the members present. If there is no objection, the applicant must be immediately scheduled for
seminar/lecture;
d) Indoctrination Seminar/Lecture - Applicants whose application forms shall have been approved shall
undergo an indoctrination seminar on the objectives, aspirations and ideals of the organization;
e) Recognition - In this stage, and after consideration of the applicants auxiliary membership, if any, it
has been the practice of the organization to adopt certain customs and traditions by which it sets itself
different from the other organizations and giving the members one sense of belongingness and identity
essential to the progress and success of the organization.
Section 9. Multi-Chapters - Any chapter in good standing may sponsor and organize a new chapter; provided
that the transfer of membership to the new chapter will not result in the lowering of the membership of the
existing chapter below the minimum chapter membership required under this By-Law.
Section 10. Multiple Localities - A chapter may be organized among residents from two or more barangays or
municipalities or districts/zone within the city which are contiguous to each other where the organizational
requirement of at least twenty (20) members is not satisfied and after taking into consideration the mutuality of
interests among the prospective members.
Section 11. Requirements for Affiliation - The National Board shall promulgate uniform rules and regulations
governing the requirements for affiliation of chapters with this organization and which shall form part of the
Policy Manual.
Section 12. Affiliation - A chapter shall maintain a membership of not less than twenty (20) individual members
in order to maintain its affiliation with the organization and its voting rights. Where a chapter fails to maintain
the minimum membership required, it shall be deemed delinquent and may be subjected to disciplinary action.
In case of suspension, the suspended chapter shall bring its membership to the minimum number within a period
of six (6) months; otherwise, the affiliation of the chapter concerned may be terminated by the National Board
or the National EXECOM.
Section 13. Voting Right of the New Affiliate - The new affiliate chapter shall be allowed to vote in the
regional, area or national convention of the year following its charter date.
Section 14. Use of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) or PGBI GUARDIANS- Unless
the specific words, the text or the context as a whole shall require a different meaning, the term Philippine
GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) shall refer to the organization or to any of its officers or individual
members.
The use of the name of the organization or the word PGBI OR PGBI GUARDIANS shall be limited
to chapters and individual members of the organization whose affiliation and membership are duly registered
and are in good standing with the organization.
Section 15. Extension Efforts - It shall be the continuing goal of this organization to extend the purposes of the
Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) to all people in every community in the Philippines and
Overseas. Multi-chapters in one municipality or city are encouraged.
C. FOUNDERS
Section 16. Definition of Founder recognition awarded to an active member of the organization of good
standing and who have established or organized at least one (1) local chapter duly recognized and/or affiliated
with the Regional, Area and National chapter.
Section 16-A. Change of Status - After a period of one (1) year, the National Board, having been
satisfied that the local chapter organized is in good standing and all requirements having been complied with,
shall direct the Regional Council of the region where the chapter belongs to cause the change of status and mark
to the member responsible in organizing the chapter and award the corresponding F mark on the top of the
original mark to reflect his/her present status. He stands as the adviser of the organized local chapter and shall
supervise all initiation rites within his/her chapter. A Founder is qualified to vote, to be elected or appointed an
officer of the organization except at the chapter level of leadership wherein he stands as the adviser of the local
chapter.
Section 16-B. Applicability of PGBI Rules - All Founders is subject to the By-Laws, policies and
regulations of this organization.
D. COUNCIL OF ELDERS
Section 17. Council of Elders - A Lifetime Membership Award is given to past National Presidents or Grand
Supremos and other officers and members of the organization as a means of honoring them for rendering
outstanding and exemplary services to the organization.
Section 17-A. Applicability of Policies, Laws and Rules - All members of the Council of Elders are
subject to the By-Laws, policies and regulations of this organization.
E. SECTORAL/AUXILIARY GROUPS AND MEMBERS
Section 18. Sectoral/Auxiliary Groups; Qualifications - The affiliation of Sectoral/Auxiliary Groups as the
organizations mass-based grassroots members that will help and support consolidate pro-democracy forces,
promoting genuine brotherhood in support for the development of the Philippine Society is hereby recognized.
This PGBI membership opportunity is granted to those who share the PGBI principles and values and want to
join the organization but prefer not to have any markings or tattoos on their bodies.
It is created and organized as a pool of future regular PGBI members with deeper knowledge and more
enlightened commitment to the Brotherhood which shall serve also as the screening mechanism to regular
membership of the PGBI. After six (6) months, he/she is entitled to be recruited to become a regular member of
the organization. They shall function as Civilian Volunteer Organization especially in traffic management,
crime prevention, anti-drugs campaign, when there are threats to national security, peace and order and
reconciliation programs of the government. Likewise, they must be active in all civic-action programs of their
respective local governments and in environmental protection, energy conservation and preservation of our
natural resources.
All individual members shall be at least eighteen (18) years old and must freely and fully accept and
put into practice the principles and purposes of the Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. They shall
affiliate and be under the direct supervision of the local chapter specifically the Chapter Chairman/President.
Section 19. CLASSES OF MEMBERS
a) Grand Supremo/a (GS) - A title given to the highest incumbent official of the organization whether
coming from the Supreme Godfather (SGF)/Supreme Godmother (SGM) or Ranking Magic Group
(RMG);
b) Supreme Godfather (SGF)/Supreme Godmother (SGM) - is composed of commissioned officers of the
armed forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection
(BFP) and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) currently on active duty and with at least
one (1) year of active membership;
c) Ranking MAGIC Group (RMG) - which is equivalent in rank as the Supreme Godfather
(SGF)/Supreme Godmother (SGM), is composed of selected civilian members who are professionals
and/or respected leaders of the community or organization who has rendered exemplary performance
and with at least three (3) years active membership coming from the ranks of the MAGIC Group;
d) MAGIC Group (MG) - is composed of civilian members with an educational attainment of at least
high school education or those possessed of special skills and technical know-how that are willing to
render services beneficial to the organization. The word MAGIC is an acronym which stands for:
M - Moderate
A - Advocator
G - Gentleman
I - Ingenuous
C - Competent
e) Godfather (GF)/Godmother (GM) - is composed of ranking non-commissioned officers of the
AFP/PNP/BFP/BJMP with an equivalent rank of Duty Sergeant to Master Sergeant coming from the
lower ranks currently on active duty and with at least one (1) year of active membership;
Section 20. Markings of Members - All members must undergo markings/tattooing not for decorative purposes
but to signify their lifelong and total commitment to the organization and that for all that stands for. It
symbolizes both privileges and responsibilities aside from serving as an identifying mark. It likewise serves the
purpose of discouraging those who are not ready to give their full acceptance, dedication or sincerity to the
organization.
a) General Markings:
MG - represents the MAGIC Group;
B - (Blue) represents the Philippine Army;
A - (Air) represents the Philippine Air Force;
N - (Navy) represents the Philippine Navy;
G - (Gold) represents the PNP, BFP and BJMP;
M - (Maroon) represents the Philippine Marines.
b) Special Markings:
F - represents the Founder;
SGF/SGM - represents the Supremo/Suprema;
RMG - represents the ranking MAGIC Group;
GF/GM - represents the Godfather/Godmother.
c) All members shall be correspondingly marked by a tattoo in the superior area in between the thumb
and the point finger of the right hand with letters particularly described above;
d) The GUARDIANS mark including the pseudonym, year of admission and the letters M for
Mindanao, V for Visayas and L for Luzon shall be made permanently by appropriate tattoos on the
lateral extremity of the upper right arm just below the shoulder. Foreign or Overseas Chapter
Individual Members shall adopt the geographical area of his/her place of birth/residence in the
Philippines as follows: L for Luzon, V for Visayas and M for Mindanao;
e) The letter markings GM stands for GUARDIANS Mindanao, GV stands for GUARDIANS
Visayas and GL for GUARDIANS Luzon are tattooed on the superior area in between the thumb and
the point finger of the left hand to easily identify the area of his/her membership entry to the
GUARDIANS movement. Foreign or Overseas Chapter Individual Members shall adopt the
geographical area of his/her place of birth/ residence in the Philippines as follows: GL for Luzon,
GV for Visayas and GM for Mindanao;
f) Pseudonym - When one is finally admitted as a member of the organization, he shall assume a name
by which he is known and addressed by his fellow Guardians and make him closer to them.
Section 21. Change of Status of Members and Promotions - In case of change of status, the affected members
shall be marked with the appropriate tattoo in line with the original mark for all promotions except change of
status to Founder which shall be on top of the original mark which shall reflect his/her present status, subject
to another screening and testing procedure.
The promotion to the ranks of Supreme Godfather/Godmother (SGF/SGM), Ranking MAGIC Group
(RMG), Godfather/Godmother (GF/GM), and the awarding and recognition to the status of Founder (F) shall be
subject to the approval of the Regional Council and confirmation by the National Board/National EXECOM
and upon recommendation of the local chapter or any committee created for the purpose.
Section 22. Handshake and Embrace - Handshake and embrace signify love, unity, solidarity and concern for
one another.
Section 23. Disregard of Rank, Position, Unit or Branch of Service - In the organization, there is no obstacle to
open, free and honest interactions among members. As far as the goals of the organization is concerned and for
the purpose of achieving cohesion, all members shall disregard their ranks, occupation, position or unit or
branch of service. Thus, irrespective of whether one is a government official or employee, professional or with
the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines or PNP, BJMP and BFP, he/she is simply a GUARDIANS. However, to
maintain a proper decorum in all activities of the organization, positions of Grand Supremo/a, Supremo/a,
Founder, RMG, MG, Godfather or Godmother shall be recognized.
Section 24. Oath of Allegiance - A bona fide member of the organization shall sign an Oath of Allegiance or
Panunumpa.
Section 25. Exercise of Voting and Other Rights of Members - Individual members shall have NO voting or
property rights in the organization except as herein otherwise provided. Their voting privilege shall be exercised
through the chapter in which they are members.
A member shall have the following rights at the local chapter level:
a) To exercise the right to vote on all matters relating to the affairs of the organization;
b) To be eligible to an elective or appointive office;
c) To participate in all deliberations/meetings of the organization;
d) To avail of the facilities of the organization;
e) To examine all records or books of the organization during business hours.
Section 26. Duties and Responsibilities of Members. - A member shall have the following duties and
responsibilities:
a) To obey and comply with the By-Laws, Rules and Regulations that may be promulgated by the
organization from time to time;
b) To pay membership dues and other assessments of the organization;
c) To file a complaint before the chapter officers or offices concerned depending on the nature of the
offenses committed.
Section 27. Additional Rights, Duties and Responsibilities of Members - The organization may promulgate
additional rights, duties and responsibilities of members in the best interest of the justice and equality to achieve
the objectives of the organization as ordained in this Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 28. Code of Conduct- the National Board shall adopt a Uniform Code of Conduct of members of the
organization.

ARTICLE IV
GOVERNMENT
A. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Section 1. Supreme Authority - The General Assembly shall constitute the supreme authority of the
organization and shall direct its affairs. As the supreme authority, it shall retain all rights and privileges not
specifically assigned to the National Board or the National Executive Committee, the National President or any
other officer of the organization.
Section 2. Composition. The General Assembly shall be composed of:
a. Incumbent Presidents or Chief Delegates of affiliate chapters in good standing as prescribed in this
By-Laws;
b. Members of the National Board who shall have speaking and voting rights;
c. All voting delegates of each affiliate chapter.
Section 3. Powers and Prerogatives - The General Assembly shall have the exclusive prerogative to vote in any
or all of the following matters:
a. Election of the National Board;
b. Venue of the regular National Convention;
c. Such other matters as may be necessary and proper to effectively discharge the aims and purposes of
the organization.
Section 4. Specific Responsibilities - The General Assembly shall likewise receive and act upon response or
recommendation of the National Board, National Executive Committee, the Area Councils, the National
President and other National Officers.
Section 5. Quorum and Votes Required - The presence of at least forty percent (40%) of the total voting
strength of affiliate chapters in good standing of the organization shall constitute a quorum and a majority vote
of which shall constitute a valid act of the organization except on matters specified herein or under the
Corporation Code of the Philippines.
Section 6. National Convention - The annual meeting of the organization shall be known as the National
Convention.
The National Convention shall be held on the month of April at the principal office of the organization
or at any other place in the Philippines that the General Assembly may designate at each National Convention at
least one (1) year prior thereto.
The election of the members of the National Board shall be a special order during the National
Convention.
Section 7. Special Convention - A Special Convention may be called by the National Board upon thirty (30)
days written notice to the affiliate chapters.
The call for a special convention shall include the particular business to be taken up and no other
business shall be transacted except when authorized by a majority vote of the total voting strength at such
convention.
Special Conventions shall be governed by the rules on regular conventions in so far as the same are
applicable.
Section 8. Supervision of Business - The supervision of the business arrangement and the general program of a
national convention, including the extension of invitations to speakers, shall be the responsibility of the
Secretary General under the direction of the National President.
Section 9. Qualification to Vote - Only chapters in good standing with the right to vote as prescribed by these
By-Laws and new and renewed chapters which were formally affiliated in the previous year shall be entitled to
vote as provided for in this Article.
Section 10. Affiliate Chapter in Good Standing - An Affiliate Chapter in good standing is one which has paid
in full its current and past national dues and assessments and is not delinquent or under suspension or
termination for any cause at least one (1) month prior to the first day of the National Convention. Furthermore,
the Affiliate Chapters must pay their dues in arrears (full dues from the previous years) on or before March 31
of the current fiscal year to be considered as an affiliate chapter in good standing.
The Secretary General and the National Treasurer shall publish a certified list of chapters in good
standing duly certified by the Commission on Audit within five (5) days after the deadline of payment of dues
and assessments. The chapters that are not included in the list shall not be allowed to vote in the National
Convention.
Section 11. Speaking Rights - The President/Chairman or duly appointed representatives of chapters formally
affiliated in the current calendar year of the National Convention shall have speaking rights and are encouraged
to participate actively in the meetings, programs and functions of the National Convention.
Section 12. Chapter Presidents/Chairmen Vote - A chapter shall be entitled to one (1) vote by virtue of its
affiliation to be personally cast by the President/Chairman or his duly authorized representative.
Section 13. Casting of Chapter Votes - In the election of officers of the organization, the voting delegates shall
cast their votes only once. On voting other than for the election of officers, the chapter votes shall be cast by its
President/Chairman, or in his absence, its duly accredited Chief Delegate or any of its duly designated voting
delegates.
Section 14. National Presidents Vote - The National President shall have the right to vote in cases where
his/her vote is determinative of the outcome of the voting, except in the election of national officers of the
organization and the choice of the site of the National Convention.
Section 15. Chairmanship - The National President may delegate the chairmanship of a meeting to another
officer designated by him/her subject to the approval of the members present during that meeting.
Section 16. Other Requirements for voting Delegates - It shall be the responsibility of the chapters intending to
cast their votes to submit to the Secretary General on or before March 31 prior to the convention, together with
duly accomplished forms for this purpose, the names of their voting delegates to the Area Conference or
National Convention and their respective alternates. The Secretary General is required to send all voting
delegates a voters ID card which will contain the picture of the delegate and the signatures of the Secretary
General, the National Treasurer and the COMELEC Chairman. However, failure to produce this voters ID card
on elections held during the Area Conference and National Convention shall not disenfranchise the voter as
long as his/her name has been duly submitted to the Secretary General as herein provided and an authentic
PGBI-issued Identification Card is produced in lieu thereof showing the name, pseudonym, date of birth, and
picture of the voter.
B. NATIONAL BOARD
Section 17. Composition and Duties - The elective national officers of the organization shall compose the
National Board, together with the Immediate Past National President, Secretary General and PGBI Legal
counsel as ex-officio members thereof. The National Board shall have the following duties:
1. To control and exercise general supervision over the business affairs of the organization;
2. To establish all policies and make all rules and regulations for the management of its business and
guidance of the Areas, Regions, Affiliate Chapters, officers, members, and other bodies within the
organization;
3. To coordinate the activities of all officers in the performance of their duties;
4. To receive reports from all officers, committees, commissions, and other special bodies within the
organization;
5. To make recommendations to the General Assembly;
6. To act on all matters referred to it by the General Assembly.
Section 19-A. Voting - All elective members of the National Board shall have one (1) vote each. Proxy
votes are not permitted.
Section 17-B. Regular Meetings - The National Board shall hold regular quarterly meetings each year, the
first to be held in the month of July, the second in the month of October, the third in the month of January and
the fourth to be held during the first day of the regular National Convention. Unless otherwise specified in
writing, the regular board meetings shall be held at the principal office of the organization, except the last
meeting which shall be held at the place where the National convention is to be held.
Section 17-C. Special Meetings - Special meetings of the National Board may be convened by the National
President when necessary or when requested in writing by at least five (5) members thereof. Written notice of
special meetings must be given five (5) days prior to such meetings.
Section 17-D. Quorum - The presence of a majority of all the elective members of the National Board shall
constitute a quorum, the majority vote of which shall constitute a valid act of the Board unless otherwise
provided for herein.
Section 17-E. Forfeiture of Office - The failure of any member of the National Board to attend two (2)
consecutive board meetings shall ipso facto result in the forfeiture of his/her seat therein unless said member
submits a written justification and such absence are subsequently deemed justified by the National Board. Board
meetings as contemplated herein shall include regular and special meetings and a meeting shall be counted in
the number of absences incurred even if no business was transacted due to the absence of a quorum. In the case
of the National Executive Vice President or National Vice President, the forfeiture of his/her seat in the
National Board shall result in his/her removal from office.
Section 17-F. Vacancies and Succession - In case of death, resignation, disability or incapacity of the
National President to discharge the duties of his/her office, he/she shall be succeeded by the National Executive
Vice President. The remaining members of the National Board shall elect from among the National Vice
Presidents the one to assume the position vacated by the National Executive Vice President, provided, however,
that the successor shall serve only the remainder of the term of the office assumed.
Section 17-G. Malfeasance, Misfeasance or Nonfeasance- The National Board may, motu propio or upon
petition by any person, inquire into any malfeasance, misfeasance or nonfeasance committed by any national
officer, director or chairman and after due hearing, take whatever action it may deem warranted. Such action
may include suspension or expulsion from office.
C. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 18. Composition - There shall be a National Executive Committee, to be known as National EXECOM,
composed of the National President, the National Executive Vice President, the three (3) National Vice
Presidents, the National Treasurer, the Secretary General, the PGBI Legal Counsel and the Immediate Past
National President.
Section 18-A. Powers and Duties - The National Executive Committee shall have the following duties
and powers:
1. During the intervals between meetings of the National Board and subject to such limitations as may be
prescribed by the General Assembly or by the National Board, the National Executive Committee shall
administer and manage the affairs of the organization;
2. The National Executive Committee shall be constituted as the Finance Committee to review and revise
the annual budget as may be necessary for submission to the National Board for approval;
3. Receive reports from its members and advise them;
4. Recommend actions to the National Board;
5. Undertake and carry out such powers, duties, functions and responsibilities as may be delegated to it
by the National Board and shall have the power to act as and for the Board in regard to such powers
and duties and responsibilities, subject to ratification by the National Board.
Section 18-B. Meetings - The National Executive Committee shall meet at the call of the National
Board, the National President, or on petition of at least three (3) members thereof.
Section 18-C. Quorum - Majority of the elective members of the National Executive Committee shall
constitute a quorum.
Section 18-D. Votes - All members of the National Executive Committee shall have one (1) vote each
except the PGBI Legal Counsel and Secretary General who shall have no right to vote. Proxy voting is not
permitted.
Section 18-E. Dismissal from Office The National Executive Committee, on the recommendation of
the National President, is empowered by a majority vote of all of its members to dismiss any appointed
officer for gross neglect of duty. Dismissal based on other grounds shall be dealt with in accordance with
Article XII.
D. NATIONAL OFFICERS ELECTION, TENURE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Section 19. Elective National Officers - The following shall be the elective national officers of the
organization:
a. National President (NP);
b. National Executive Vice President (NEVP);
c. Three (3) National Vice Presidents (NVP) of equal rank representing the three (3) Geographical
Areas of the organization;
d. Regional Representatives (RR) of equal rank representing the political regions of the organization;
e. National Treasurer (NT).
Section 20. Appointed National Officers - The appointed national officers of the organization are:
1. The Secretary General;
2. PGBI Legal Counsel.
No person shall be appointed as an officer of the organization without the written approval of the
appointees chapter.
Section 21. Election of Officers - The elective members of the National Board shall be elected in the following
manner:
a. The Area Conference of the three (3) areas under Section 27 hereof shall be held simultaneously
during the third quarter of the current year. The three (3) areas will hold their consensus at a date
agreed upon by the Area Council. The Chapter Presidents and voting delegates will vote on all the
positions of elective national officers listed under Section 19 of this Article;
b. The Area Commission on Election (COMELEC) will count the votes for all elective positions cast
in the Area Conference concerned. The candidates for NVP in that particular Area and candidates
for National Board Member/Regional Representative of a Region receiving the highest number of
votes by plurality shall be declared as having been elected to their respective positions, provided
that no election protest has been duly filed against the winner of the election;
c. With regards to the votes garnered by the candidates for the positions of National President and
National Treasurer, the three (3) Area Commission on Election (COMELEC) will submit the
results to the National Commission on Election (COMELEC) which will be contained in a tally
sheet duly signed by all the members of the Area Commission on Election (COMELEC) and
authenticated by the incumbent NVP and all Regional Representatives (RR) of the particular area.
The National Commission on Election (COMELEC) will canvass the results from the three (3)
areas and the candidates for the National President, National Executive Vice President and
National Treasurer receiving the highest number of votes by simple plurality for their respective
positions shall be the sole and only nominees for the said three (3) positions;
d. At the election of national officers in the National Convention during the month of April, the
National Commission on Elections (COMELEC), after voting, shall declare the candidates for
National President, National Executive Vice President and National Treasurer as elected.
Section 22. Qualifications - Unless otherwise provided herein, all elected and appointed national officers,
national commissioners and national committee chairmen shall have the following qualifications:
a. Membership - All nominees for national elective positions must be members in good standing for
at least three (3) consecutive years prior to the first day of the assumption of office. All appointed
national officers, national commissioners and national committee chairmen must be members in
good standing for at least two (2) consecutive years prior to the date of their appointment;
b. Financial Condition - The chapter from which the nominee or appointee for an elective or
appointive position, respectively, belongs must be, at the time of election or appointment, current
in the payment of national dues to the organization, otherwise, the said officers election or
appointment shall be void ab initio;
c. Area Conference and National Convention Attendance - Every nominee for election must be a
registered delegate at the Area Conference and National Convention at which he/she is a
candidate;
d. Residency Nominees for National Vice President and Regional Representative must come from
the area or region, where they are to serve;
e. Qualifications for Specific Officers - In addition to the forgoing qualifications, each nominee or
appointee must meet the qualification for the particular office for which he/she is elected or
appointed as provided in this Constitution or as may be stated in the Policy Manual;
f. Educations Bureau Course - Every nominee for election must have gone through the Educations
Bureau Course, whose operating policies and procedures shall be covered by the Policy Manual.
Section 22-A. Special Qualifications- All nominees for national elective office must have been a chapter
president/chairman who has completed a one-year term of office by the time he assumes his/her national post.
All nominees for the NP, NEVP and NVP must have been an NVP, NT or RR who has completed a one-year
term of office by the time he assumes his/her national post.
Section 23. Continued Membership and Chapter Affiliation - Every national officer or appointee must not only
qualify at the time of his/her election or appointment, but must continue to hold the same qualification until the
term of his/her office or appointment expires.
The chapter to which an officer or appointee belongs must be one in good standing with the
organization throughout his term of office. Should it become disaffiliated for any cause provided herein and the
officer or appointee concerned has not changed his/her own chapter affiliation, the officer or appointee shall
automatically forfeit his/her office.
Section 24. Re-election - All elective national officers of the organization may be re-elected to the same office.
Section 25. Assumption and Term of Office- All national, area or regional officers shall assume office at the
beginning of the calendar year following their election for a term of three (3) years. The members of the
National Commissions shall assume office upon their appointment to serve until their fixed term shall expire,
unless sooner terminated for cause. All appointed national officers; commissioners and committee chairmen
shall assume office upon their appointment with a term of office co-terminus with the appointing authority,
unless sooner terminated for cause.
Section 26. Hold-Over - In the event where no election of officers is held due to any cause, the officers
enumerated in this Article shall remain in office beyond their terms until their successors are elected and have
qualified thereto.
E. AREAS AND REGIONS
Section 27. Boundaries of Geographical Areas - In order to ensure efficient and effective service to the
members of the organization, the Philippines is hereby divided into three (3) Geographical Areas as follows:
LUZON AREA
1. NCR - NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
2. REGION 1 - ILOCOS REGION
3. REGION 2 - CAGAYAN VALLEY
4. REGION 3 - CENTRAL LUZON
5. REGION 4a - CALABARZON
6. REGION 4b - MIMAROPA
7. REGION 5 - BICOL REGION
8. CAR - CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
VISAYAS AREA & OVERSEAS/FOREIGN CHAPTERS
9. REGION 6 - WESTERN VISAYAS
10. REGION 7 - CENTRAL VISAYAS
11. REGION 8 - EASTERN VISAYAS
12. OVERSEAS/FOREIGN CHAPTERS
MINDANAO AREA
13. REGION 9 - ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
14. REGION 10 - NORTHERN MINDANAO
15. REGION 11 - DAVAO REGION
16. REGION 12 - SOCCKSSARGEN
17. REGION 13 - CARAGA REGION
18. ARMM - AUTONOMOUS REGION OF MUSLIM MINDANAO
The provinces and independent cities comprising each Region shall be specified in the Policy Manual. No
transfer or reassignment of a city or province shall be made unless endorsed by National Board/National
EXECOM
Section 27-A. New Province or City - Any new province or city created by law shall be assigned to the
region from where it was taken, unless the National Board determines otherwise.
F. AREA ORGANIZATIONS
Section 28. Area Executive Committee - The Executive Committee of the Area shall be composed of the
National Vice President for the Area, the Regional Representative from each region within the Area, the Area
Secretary, the Area Treasurer, the Area Legal Counsel and the Area Auditor, provided that the mode of
selecting the last four named officers shall be left to the discretion of the Area Council. The Immediate Past
National Vice President shall be an ex-officio member of the Area Executive Committee. Appointed officers
shall have no right to vote unless permitted by the Committee.
Section 28-A. Supervision - Each National Vice President shall be responsible for supervising and
coordinating the activities of the organization within the area, subject to the limits of the authority given to
him/her by this Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 28-B. Area Council - The governing body of an Area shall be called the Area Council and
shall consist of the National Vice President of the Area as Chairman and the Regional Representatives,
Regional Executive Council Chairmen and Regional Founders Group Directors of the different regions of the
Area as members.
Section 28-C. Functions - The Area Council and the Area
Executive Committee shall administer the Area according to the By-Laws and Policy Manual of the
organization. To assist in the administration of the chapters within the Area, the Area Council may adopt
policies not otherwise provided in this By-Laws and not contrary hereto.
Section 28-D. Powers and Duties of Other Officers - The powers and duties of the officers of the Area
shall be provided in the resolutions or other directives of the Area Council. In the absence of such provisions,
the said officers shall have the powers and duties as may be provided in the By-Laws, the Policy Manual and
other resolutions of the National Board.
Section 28-E. Meetings - The annual meetings and conferences of the Area for the transaction of Area
business, presentation of reports and holding of caucuses to determine the candidates for National Vice
President and Regional representatives for the areas and regions at the ensuing National Convention shall be
held on a date to be fixed by the National Board and or National EXECOM, in consultation with the Area
affected.
Section 28-F. Periodic Meetings - Periodic meetings and conferences of the Area Council shall be
held for the purpose of exchanging information, discussing area, regional and national businesses, and adopting
area policies for the well-being of the organization.
The Executive Committee of the Area shall meet from time to time to supervise the day-to-day
operations and activities of the Area and to receive reports on the conditions of affiliate chapters.
Section 28-G. Vote - All members of the Area Council in attendance at a meeting shall have one vote.
There shall be no proxy vote.
Section 28-H. Elections - The National Vice President and the Regional Representatives shall be
elected by secret ballot at the annual Area Conferences of the organization in the manner prescribed for the
election of national elective officials.
G. REGIONAL AND LOCAL CHAPTER ORGANIZATIONS
Section 29. Regional Chapter - The Regional Chapter shall be composed of the Regional Executive Council
and the Regional Founders Group. The executive and legislative powers of the Regional Chapter shall be
exercised, its business conducted and its properties controlled by the Regional Executive Council which is
composed of seven (7) officers who shall be elected from the regional assembly to be held annually.
Section 29-A. The Regional Founders Group shall serve as the judicial body of the Regional Chapter
and shall be composed of all Chapter Founders within the region.
Section 29-B. The members of the Regional Assembly shall elect from among themselves a President,
Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager and PRO who shall then compose the
Regional Executive Council;
Section 29-C. The members of the Regional Founders Group shall elect from among themselves a
Regional Director, Deputy Regional Director and a Clerk;
Section 29-D. The Regional assembly shall be composed of all elected Provincial/Highly-Urbanized
City Executive Council Officers and their respective Founders.
Section 29-E. Functions of the Regional assembly:
The representatives to the Regional Assembly shall perform the following functions;
1. To hear and pass upon the reports of the officers of the Regional Executive Council;
2. To elect and remove for cause the members of the Regional Executive Council;
3. To make final decisions on any significant change in financial policies, subject to legal
restrictions; and
4. To exercise final authority on all matters significantly affecting the organization, unless
otherwise provided in this Constitutions and By-Laws.
Section 29-F. The annual Regional Assembly shall be held not later than the first Saturday of
December of every year;
Section 29-G. A Special Regional Assembly may be called at any time to consider urgent matters by
the Regional Executive Council Chairman.
Section 30. Provincial / Highly-Urbanized City Chapters.
The Provincial / Highly-Urbanized City Chapters shall be composed of their respective Executive
Councils and their Founders Group. The Executive and Legislative Powers of the Provincial/Highly-Urbanized
City chapters shall be exercised, its business conducted, and its property controlled by their respective
Executive Councils which is composed of seven (7) officers who shall be elected from their respective assembly
to be held every three (3) years;
Section 30-A. The Provincial/Highly-Urbanized City Founders Group, which is the advisory body of
the Provincial/Highly-Urbanized City Chapter, shall be composed of the local chapter founders within the
province;
Section 30-B. The members of the Provincial / Highly-Urbanized City Executive Council shall elect
from themselves a President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager and Public
Relations Officer;
Section 30-C. The Provincial Assembly shall be composed of all elected municipal / district /
component city chapter chairmen and three (3) other delegates from each chapter and their respective Founders.
The Highly-Urbanized city assembly shall be composed of the different barangay and institutional chairmen and
three (3) other delegates from each chapter.
Section 30-D. Functions of the Provincial/Highly-Urbanized City Assembly. The representatives to
the Provincial / Highly-Urbanized City Assembly shall perform the following functions:
a. To hear and pass upon the reports of the officers of the Provincial/Highly-Urbanized city council;
b. To elect and remove for cause the members of the Provincial/Highly-Urbanized City Council;
c. To make final decisions on any significant change in financial policies subject to legal
restrictions; and
d. To exercise final authority on all matters affecting the organization, unless otherwise provided
elsewhere in this Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 30-E. The Provincial / Highly-Urbanized City Assembly shall be held on the month of
November every three (3) years;
Section 30-F. A Special Provincial / Highly-Urbanized city assembly may be called at anytime to
consider urgent matters by the Provincial / Highly-Urbanized Executive Council chairman.
Section 31. City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Chapters - The governing body of the City /
Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Chapters are the City / Municipal / District / Barangay /
Institutional Councils which are composed o f seven (7) officers who shall be elected in the annual City /
Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional assembly.
Section 31-A. The members of the City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Councils shall
elect from among themselves a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Business Manager and
PRO;
Section31-B. The City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional assembly shall be composed of
the general membership of the City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Chapter.
Section 31-C. Functions of the City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Assembly:
a. To hear and pass upon the reports of the officers of the City / Municipal / District / Barangay
/ Institutional Councils;
b. To elect and remove for cause the members of the City / Municipal / Barangay / Institutional
Council;
c. To make final decisions on any significant change in financial policies, subject to legal
restrictions; and
d. To exercise final authority on all matters significantly affecting the organization, unless
otherwise provided in this Constitution and By-Laws.
Section 31-D. The Executive and Legislative powers of the City / Municipal / District / Barangay /
Institutional Chapters shall be exercised by the City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Councils
and the judicial powers shall be exercised by the City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Chapter
Founders.
Section 31-E. The City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Councils shall have the
following functions, powers and authority:
1. To manage the affairs of the organization;
2. To generate funds, dues and other revenues for the
organization;
3. To receive donations, enter into contracts and engage in income generating projects, subject to
approval by their executive officers;
4. To levy fees and/or assessments;
5. To establish an office of the organization;
6. To grant immediate financial, legal and other
assistance to their members;
7. To make provisions for accident and mortuary funds and other miscellaneous funds at the chapter
level;
8. To regulate the recruitment of members except Founders, prescribing the requirements and
procedures for screening and interview only;
9. To promote the well-being and periodic assessment of the actual membership of the chapter;
10. To undertake sports and other professional
advancement activities;
11. In case of vacancy, to call for a special assembly to
elect and fill up any vacancy in the council;
12. To make representations with concerned government
agencies and non-government organizations for
mutual assistance and support;
13. To perform such other rights or authority as may be
granted by the organization.
Section 31-F. The annual General Assembly of the local chapters shall be held not later than the Third
Saturday of October of every year;
Section 31-G. A Special Assembly of the local chapters may be called at any time to consider urgent
matters.
Section 31-H. A Municipal Chapter composed of several adjoining municipalities in the province may
be organized where a single municipality cannot satisfy the general membership requirement of the
organization;
Section 31-I. A District Chapter composed of adjoining legislative districts in provinces may be
organized where a single district cannot satisfy the general membership requirement of the organization;
Section 31-J. A City / Municipal / District / Barangay / Institutional Chapter shall be initially composed
of at least twenty (20) members.
Section 32. Overseas or Foreign Chapters. All chapters which may be organized or established in any country
outside the Philippines shall have the same instrumentalities, organizational set-up and set of officers as a
Regional Chapter as provided herein, in case the chapter is composed of several chapters; or municipal or city
chapter, if the overseas or foreign chapter is composed of only one (1) chapter. Upon establishment and
recognition of an Overseas or Foreign Chapter, its members and activities shall be governed by this Constitution
and By-Laws, insofar as they are applicable, and all other rules and regulations which be issued by the National
Board.
H. FINANCE FROM DUES
Section 33. Funds. The Area and Regional Councils may impose additional or special assessments to be
collected from the affiliate chapters subject to the approval of the National Board. In addition to other powers,
the councils may accept or solicit monies, materials and other contributions from chapters or individual
members.
Section 34. Funds of the Provincial and Regional Chapters. Twenty percent (20%) of the annual dues net of
PGBI dues collected from each member in the chapter before the September 30 deadline shall be appropriated
for the Provincial and Regional Administration Funds which shall be divided equally between them and
released to the incoming Provincial and Regional President, respectively, after he/she has been elected and has
completed all the requirements for his/her assumption to office.
Section 35. Area Funds. Five percent (5%) of the annual dues net of PGBI dues collected from each member
in the chapter before the June 30 deadline shall be appropriated for the Area Administration Fund which shall
be released to the incoming National Vice President (NVP) after he has been elected and has completed all the
requirements for his/her assumption to office.
Section 36. Budget. The National Vice Presidents and Regional Presidents shall prepare and submit to their
respective Area and Regional Councils their recommendations on their respective operating budgets for the
calendar year. Council officers and members shall not be entitled to any salary or compensation except the
reimbursement of reasonable expenses for travel during meetings. No disbursement shall be made except in
accordance with the budget.
ARTICLE V
POWERS AND DUTIES OF NATIONAL OFFICERS
A. NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Section 1. Powers and Duties - The National President shall:
1. Be the Chief Executive Officer of the Organization;
2. Preside at all meetings of the General Assembly, the National Board and the National
Executive Committee;
3. Direct the overall operations of the organization and shall travel on its behalf;
4. Report to the General Assembly, the National Board and the National Executive
Committee.
Section 2. Head of the Organization - As head of the organization, the National President shall be its
official representative in all ceremonies, affairs, proceedings and transactions. However, any act of the National
President binding the organization to a financial or contractual obligation shall be subject to the approval or
ratification of the National Board.
B. NATIONAL EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT
Section 3. Powers and Duties - The National Executive Vice President shall:
1. Exercise the powers and perform the functions and duties of the National President during the
absence or inability of the latter to act and shall also perform such functions and duties as are
assigned to him/her by the National President, the National Executive Committee and the National
Board;
2. He/She may be assigned to supervise the National Commissions and Committees for the
promotion and implementation of Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) Programs;
3. Serve as Chairperson of the Long Range Planning Committee and act as the National Planning
Chairperson who shall supervise the preparation of plans and programs.
C. NATIONAL VICE PRESIDENT
Section 4. Duties - The National Vice President shall:
1. Supervise and assist the Regional Representatives assigned to him/her by:
Coordinating and supervising the activities of the regions within
his/her Area;
Coordinating, motivating and directing their work in the field of
programming.
2. Travel and visit the chapters within his/her Area;
3. Liaison with other National Vice Presidents;
4. Report regularly on the activities of his/her Area;
5. Assist in the promotion and implementation of the commission/committee structure
among all affiliate chapters concerned;
6. Report to the General Assembly, the National Board, National Executive Committee and
the National President; and
7. Perform such other duties and functions as may be delegated by the National Board, the
National Executive Committee and the National President.
D. REGIONAL REPRESENTATIVES
Section 5. Duties - The duties of the Regional Representatives shall be to communicate and work with and
visit the chapters within his/her region for the following purposes:
a. To promote the purposes of Philippine GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc. (PGBI) in
accordance with the organizations purposes and principles;
b. To guide and assist regional and chapter officers in the development of their
chapters;
c. To promote and give guidance in executing planned chapter extension;
d. To ensure effective communication between his/her assigned chapters and PGBI
national organization; and
e. To promote the constant broadening of the base of membership of Philippine
GUARDIANS Brotherhood, Inc.
E. THE NATIONAL TREASURER
Section 6. Special Qualifications - The National Treasurer, who must be a member of a chapter in good
standing, must have a general business background and experience including a working knowledge of finance
and accounting. Upon assumption of office, he/she shall post a bond in an amount equivalent to 5% of the
annual budget of the organization to answer for funds which he/she may not be able to account at the end of
his/her term. All other signatories shall likewise post a bond in an amount equivalent to 5% of the annual budget
of the organization to answer for funds which they may not be able to account at the end of their term.
Section 6-A. Duties - The National Treasurer shall be the custodian of the funds of the organization
and shall collect, receive and disburse said funds as prescribed herein and in accordance with the resolutions of
the National Board.
Within two (2) banking days from receipt thereof, the National Treasurer shall deposit all national
dues payments of the chapters in the bank or banks or trust designated by the organization. It shall be the duty
of the National Treasurer to accommodate requests from any member in good standing to examine the receipts,
books, ledgers and other records used by the National Treasurer in the discharge of his/her functions. If the
request of any member in good standing is for the examination of the bank accounts of the organization, the
National Treasurer shall issue the necessary authorization to the inquiring member. The National Treasurer shall
submit an audited Financial Statement to the General Assembly during the National Convention.
Section 6-B. Responsibilities - The National Treasurer shall chair the Finance Committee and
shall be responsible for the financial affairs of the organization and shall keep the National Board regularly
informed of the state of the organization's finances.
Section 6-C. Budget - The National Treasurer shall be responsible for the preparation and submission
of the annual budget to the National Board within the first forty-five (45) days of the calendar year.
Section 6-D. Supervision - The National Treasurer shall devise an efficient system for the
collection of national dues and assessments, supervise the administration of the financial records of the
organization and shall recommend fiscal policies to the General Assembly, National Board or National
Executive Committee.
Section 6-E. Audit - The National Treasurer shall cause to be prepared books of accounts and other
relevant papers of the financial year for examination and audit by the National Commission on Audit or by a
qualified external auditor subject to the approval of the National Board. Certified copies of a complete summary
of these accounts duly audited shall be forwarded to all Chapters prior to the next regular National Convention.
Section 6-F. Commission/Committee Supervision - The National Treasurer shall have supervision
and control over the funds of all commissions/committees of the organization and shall be a signatory to all
accounts, checks and disbursements of said funds.
F. PGBI LEGAL COUNSEL
Section 7. Appointment - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall be appointed by the National President and
confirmed by the National Board. He/She shall be an ex-officio member of the National Board and the National
Executive Committee.
Section 7-A. Qualifications - The PGBI Legal Counsel must possess the following qualifications:
1. He/She must be a bona fide member in good standing for at least three (3) years at
the time of his/her appointment;
2. He/She must be a member of the Philippine Bar in good standing and must have
engaged in the active practice of law or must have held a position requiring
knowledge of law for at least five (5) years prior to the time of his/her appointment.
Section 7-B. Duties -
1. Legal - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall be the adviser on legal matters pertaining to
the organization and shall advise officers and chapters on the interpretation of the
By-Laws and the Policy Manual;
2. Parliamentary - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall serve as the Parliamentarian of the
General Assembly and shall rule on matters of parliamentary procedure and legal
interpretation at the request of the Presiding Officer;
3. Admissions Committee - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall serve as Chairman of the
Admissions Committee for new affiliate chapters of the organization.
4. Consultative - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall give advice and suggestions to the
organization and to chapters on the development of policies which will give a clear
guide for the activities of the organization and the Area and Regional Councils;
5. Supervision - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall ensure that the National Board and the
National Executive Committee function in accordance with the By-Laws and the
Policy Manual, and for this purpose, he/she shall attend all meetings of the National
Board and the National Executive Committee;
6. Counsel - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall represent the organization in all actions or
lawsuits to which the organization is a party;
7. Corporate Secretary - The PGBI Legal Counsel shall be the custodian of the official
seal of the organization and the records of all meetings of the General Assembly, the
National Board and the National Executive Committee. He/She shall perform other
duties as may be required of a Corporate Secretary.
G. IMMEDIATE PAST NATIONAL PRESIDENT
Section 8. Duties - As an officer of the organization and an ex-officio member of the National Board and
the National Executive Committee, the Immediate Past National President shall have the following duties:
1. Serve as the organization's representative to the Philippine GUARDIANS
Brotherhood, Inc. Council of Leaders;
2. Sit as a member of the National Nominations Commission;
H. SECRETARY GENERAL
Section 9. Appointment and Term of Office - There shall be a Secretary General who shall be appointed by the
National President from the list of members in good standing for a term of three (3) years subject to
confirmation by the National Board.
Section 9-A. Duties - The Secretary General shall perform the following duties:
1. He/She shall be the head of the National Secretariat and shall be responsible for the
operations, management and maintenance of the same;
2. He/She shall be the special representative of the National President in official
functions of the organization;
3. He/She shall be the official liaison officer of the organization in its dealings with the
Philippine Government, third parties and other establishments or bodies;
4. He/She shall exercise control and general supervision over the National Secretariat
established herein;
5. He/She shall maintain the records of all chapters and their members together with all
reports as may be submitted to the National Secretariat by the local chapters;
6. He/She shall perform such other functions as may be assigned to him/her by the
National President or the National Board.
ARTICLE VI
CONSTITUTIONAL COMMISSIONS
A. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON AUDIT
Section 1. Composition and Qualification There shall be an independent National Commission on Audit
(COA) composed of a Chairman and two (2) Commissioners who shall have been, at the time of their
appointment, a member of the organization in good standing for the three (3) consecutive years prior to their
appointment and Certified Public Accountants for the same period. One member each of the Commission shall
come from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao but all appointees must be screened by the National Executive
Committee and approved by the National Board.
Section 2. Term of Office The Chairman and the two (2) Commissioners shall be appointed by the National
President for a term of three (3) years without reappointment. The first three (3) members of the Commission to
be appointed pursuant to this provision shall serve for a term of one, two and three years, respectively. The
member serving his/her last year shall be Chairman of the Commission. Appointment to any vacancy shall be
only for the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor.
Section 3. Powers and Functions - The COA shall have the following powers and functions:
a) It shall personally examine, audit and verify the books of accounts of the
organization, all the commissions, committees and projects and shall submit a
quarterly audited financial statement to the National Board, and for the period ending
March 30 of the current year to the General Assembly during the National
Convention.
b) It shall pre-audit disbursement in the trust fund of the organization;
c) It shall submit audited financial statements for the immediately preceding year to the
National Board, furnishing copies of the same to all the Chapters on or before
December 31 of the current year;
d) It shall exercise supervision and control over area auditors appointed by the National
Vice President of the area for a term of one (1) year;
e) It shall post-audit all receipts of national commissions, committees and special
projects;
f) It shall perform such other duties and functions as may be assigned by the National
Board or by the National Assembly.
B. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS (COMELEC)
Section 1. Composition and Term of Office There shall be an independent National Commission of Elections
composed of a Chairman and two (2) Commissioners representing the three (3) areas of the organizations, one
member each of the Commission shall come from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao who shall be appointed by the
National President, upon the recommendation of the concerned NVP, subject to the concurrence of the National
Board for a term of three (3) years without reappointment.
Section 2. Qualifications and Eligibility and Vacancies A member of the Commission must possess the
following qualifications:
a) He/She must be a regular member in good standing of his/her chapter for the last
three (3) years prior to his appointment;
b) He/She must be a member of the Philippine Bar;
c) He/She must not come from the same chapter of the outgoing commissioner he/she
is replacing.
Section 3. Powers and Duties The National Commission on Elections shall have the following powers
and duties:
a) Enforce and administer all rules and regulations related to the conduct of elections
embodied in the National Election Code and made an integral part of the Policy
Manual;
b) Be the sole judge of all election contests, including pre-proclamation and quo
warranto, and protests relating to election returns, qualification of voters, canvassing
and validity of votes;
c) Hear and decide election contests within thirty (30) days after the same are submitted
for resolution;
d) Register and accredit voting chapter affiliates and voting Chapter
Presidents/Chairmen and voting delegates;
e) Submit to the incoming and outgoing National Board at the National Convention on
the day following the national election, a report on the conduct and manner of
election and a statement of disbursement of funds allocated to the Commission
which shall be subject to the accounts or audit;
f) Recommend to the National Board effective measures to further minimize election
expenses and prohibit all forms of election frauds and malpractices, political
opportunity quest or nuisance candidacy or similar acts.
All filing fees or assessments to be required from the candidates, other than the imposition of
penalties, shall be subject to the approval of the National Board.
Section 4. Prohibition Against Members No member of the Commission shall engage directly or indirectly
in organization partisan politics and shall not hold any other elective or appointive position or chairmanship
during his/her term of office.
Section 5. Area Commission on Election There shall be an Area Commission on Elections in each Area
composed of a Chairman and two (2) Commissioners appointed by the National President with the concurrence
of the National Board to serve for a term of one (1) year.
Section 6. Powers and Duties Each Area Commission on Elections shall enforce the rules and
regulations governing the conduct of election in each area conference concerned as provided for in the Election
Code under the supervision and control of the National Commission on Elections.
C. NATIONAL NOMINATIONS COMMISSIONS
Section 1. Composition and Qualifications There shall be a National Nominations
Commission composed of seven (7) members, four (4) members of whom shall be the Past
National Presidents for the four (4) consecutive preceding years starting with the Immediate
Past National President and the other three (3) members shall represent the three (3) areas all
to be elected in their respective area conferences, who shall serve for a term of one (1) year at
the beginning of the calendar year following their election.
The first members of the Commission who are Past National Presidents appointed pursuant to this
provision shall serve for a term of one, two, three and four years, respectively, the first most senior Past
National President who shall serve for one (1) year shall be its Chairman. If the most senior Past National
President has already served in the same capacity, the next most senior Past National President shall act as its
Chairman. Any appointee to a vacancy shall serve only the unexpired portion of the term of the predecessor.
Section 2. Powers and Duties The National Nominations Commission shall have the following powers
and duties:
a) Exclusively pass upon the qualifications and eligibility of all candidates to the National Board
provided for in this By-Laws and in the Policy Manual;
b) Examine, verify and approved the certificates of candidacy and nomination papers submitted
by candidates;
c) Examine and evaluate the candidates ability to carry out the duties of the office being sought;
d) Certify to the National Commission on Elections the individual candidates have or not have
satisfied all the requirements of this By-Laws and in the Policy Manual, and any candidate
who shall possess any of the disqualifications shall be disqualified by the National
Nominations Commission from running for office.
Section 3. Candidates Personal Appearance before the Commission Each candidate to the National
Board shall appear personally before the National Nominations Commission. For this purpose, the commission
shall convene, with notice to all candidates, within seven (7) days from the deadline for the filing of the
certificate of candidacy to perform and discharge its duties. Failure to personally appear by any candidate
before the commission shall be a ground for disqualification.
Section 4. Deadline for Filing Certificate of Candidacy All candidates for any elective office in the
organization must file with the National Commission on Elections, copy furnished the National Nominations
Commission, their Certificates of Candidacy in the form provided for in the National Election Rules
accompanied by the written endorsement of their respective chapters not later than March 31 of the current
year. If March 31 falls on a Sunday or a holiday, the certificate shall be filed on the next business day.
Provided that, in the event that there is no candidate for a certain office, the deadline for the filing of a
Certificate of Candidacy for that uncontested position shall be allowed up to one (1) day before the scheduled
election date; Provided further, that should there still be no candidate for such uncontested position, the election
for the officer thereof shall be by floor nomination during the closing plenary session in the Area Conference.
Provided, finally, that the said nominee shall possess all the qualifications and none of the disqualifications
provided for in this By-Laws and in the Policy Manual.
NATIONAL EDUCATION BUREAU
Section 1. Composition There shall be a National Education Bureau composed of
Training Officers coming from the three (3) Areas to be appointed by the National President.
All elected Regional, Provincial and local chapter Presidents, Chapter Founders, or
any other qualified members must accredit with the National Education Bureau and shall take
refresher Education Bureau Training Course annually to maintain their authority as the
official trainer-lecturers of the region and the local chapters.
Section 2. Term of Office The members of the Bureau, who shall be endorsed by their
respective Area Councils and appointed by the National President with the concurrence of
the National Board, shall each have a term of five (3) years without re-appointment. The
appointee to any vacancy shall serve the unexpired portion of the term of his/her predecessor.
Section 3. Qualifications Members of the National Education Bureau shall possess all
the qualifications and none of the disqualifications of a regular member of the organization.
Section 4. Duties and Responsibilities The National Education Bureau shall have the
following duties and responsibilities:
a) To conduct the Chapter Office Bearers Course which shall include a
dialogue with the incoming officers during the Assembly;
b) To make available to and conduct in all chapters, regions and areas
PGBI-prescribed seminars and modules;
c) To continuously design, formulate and conduct trainings and seminars
for whatever purpose or involvement to all bona fide members and
officers of the organization.
Section 5. Funds There shall be established a fund for the National Education Bureau
which shall be equivalent to five percent (5%) of the PGBI annual budget. These funds must
only be spent for printing of seminar materials, manuals and publications and in no case shall
the funds be used for travel expenses and/or honoraria of the members of the Bureau.
ARTICLE VII
CONSTITUTIONAL BODIES
Section 1. National Justice Tribunal
a) Duties and Powers:
The quasi-judicial body that deals with the administrative and disciplinary machinery of the
organization shall be vested in the National Justice Tribunal and in such inferior offices as
may be established by the organization. It has jurisdiction to review, revise, reverse, modify
or affirm on appeal, final decisions of inferior offices in: All cases in which the
constitutionality or validity of any resolutions, circulars, regulations, decisions or
implementing orders is in question. All cases in which the jurisdiction of any inferior office is
in issue. All cases in which an error or question of law is involved. It shall exercise original
jurisdiction over complaints filed involving national officers.
b) Composition:
The Chairman and four (4) other members of the tribunal shall be appointed by the National
President with the approval of the National Board.
Section 2. National Investigation and Prosecution Office
a) Duties and Powers
The National Investigation and Prosecution Office shall have exclusive charge of the
enforcement and administration of all regulations relative to the security of all officers and
members of the organization; the investigation and prosecution of all offenses in violation of
the Constitution and infractions of existing regulations; and shall exercise all other functions,
which may be conferred upon it by the organization.
b) Composition:
The Chairman and four (4) other members of the tribunal shall be appointed by the National
President with the approval of the National Board.
Section 3. Qualifications
Constitutional Officers shall have the following qualifications:
a) He/She is a natural born citizen of the Philippines;
b) He/She is at least twenty six (26) years of age;
c) He/She has been an active member of the organization for at least five (5) years.
Section 4. Term of Office
The Constitutional Officers and Members shall hold office during good behavior for a period of five (5) years
without reappointment or until they have become incapacitated to discharge the duties of their office.
Section 5. Impeachment
The officers and members of the Constitutional Office may be removed from office on impeachment for and
conviction of serious crimes and culpable violation of this Constitution and By-Laws. The General Assembly,
by a vote of two thirds (2/3) of all its members, shall have the sole power of impeachment. When the National
President is on trial, the Chairman of the Justice Tribunal shall preside.
ARTICLE VIII
MEETING, NOTICES, QUORUM AND OTHER RELATED MATTERS
Section 1. Council Meeting - The council may conduct meetings on the following schedule:
a) Regular Meeting - The National, Area, Regional, City, Municipal / District, and the Barangay /
Institutional Councils shall determine its regular meeting;
b) Special Meeting - The council may conduct special meeting anytime upon call of the President
or upon written request of at least five (5) members.
Section 2. Notices - Notices of date, time and place of all assemblies / meetings shall be published or
disseminated by the Secretary for at least five (5) days prior to the meeting, which notice shall state the agenda
and, whenever necessary for the members advance consideration, accompanied by appropriate papers. Notice
of any special assembly / meeting shall specify the purpose/s, for which the meeting is to be held, and no other
business other than as stated, or those related thereto shall be considered during the meeting.
Section 3. Quorum
Assembly A quorum shall consist of at least forty percent (40%) of all the members entitled to vote
in the Barangay, Institutional, Municipal, District, City, Regional, Area Conference or in the National
Convention.
Council / Board / Chapter The quorum requirement for a meeting of the council / board / chapter
shall be majority of the numbers thereof.
Section 4. Manner of Voting at Barangay / Institutional, Municipal / District, City and Regional Chapters.
a) Members of good standing shall be qualified to vote or be voted upon and participate in the
assembly;
b) Election and removal of officers shall be by secret balloting;
c) Actions on all other matters shall be in any manner as will truly reflect the decision of the
membership; and
d) Members shall be entitled to one vote and they may vote only in person. No proxy voting
allowed.
Section 5. Order of Business - The order of business at the assembly of the members shall be as follows:
a) Proof of service of the required notice of the meeting except when such notice is waived by
the members constituting a quorum;
b) Proof of the presence of a quorum;
c) Reading and approval of the minutes of the previous annual meeting except when such
reading is dispensed with by a majority vote of those presents;
d) Unfinished business;
e) Report of the President;
f) Elections of the council for the ensuing year;
g) Other matters.
The order of business of any assembly may be changed by a vote of a majority of members present.
ARTICLE IX
COMMITTEES
Section 1. Permanent Committees - After the organization of the National Organization of Members, the
following permanent committees shall be formed, with the duties and powers specified hereunder:
a) Committee on Membership - Consisting of three (3) members, one each from Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao in the case for National Organization of Members, to which committee
shall be referred all questions relating to membership in the organization; the strict observance of
procedures for screening and interview only; the schedule of recruitment base upon the quota and
allocation as directed by the Regional President with the concurrence of the Regional Director of
the Founders Group.
Section 2. Special Committees - The council may form the following Special Committees, with the duties
and powers specified hereunder:
a) Committee on Sports and Physical Fitness -Consisting of three (3) members, one each from
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the case for National organization of Members, to which
committee shall be referred all matters pertaining to sports and physical fitness program of
the organization;
b) Committee on Awards and Appreciation - Consisting of three (3) members, one each from
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the case for National Organization of Members, to which
committee shall be referred all matters pertaining to giving of awards and appreciation to
deserving members, as well as to any person who has extended support or assistance which
redounded to the benefits of the organization;
c) Committee on External Affairs - Consisting of three (3) members, one each from
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao in the case for National Organization of Members, to which
committee shall be referred all questions affecting our relations with the local governments,
government agencies and non-government organizations related to peace and prosperity;
d) Committee on Electoral Reforms - Consisting of three (3) members, one each from Luzon,
Visayas and Mindanao in the case for National Organization of Members, to which
committee shall be referred all matters affecting the election tribunal of the organization.
Section 3. Other committees - The council may create other committees to undertake a singular task.
Section 4. Organizational Structure - The National Organizational Structure of Constitutional Bodies shall be
made applicable as far as practicable in the levels of the Regional, City, Municipal, District, Barangay and
Institutional Chapters.
ARTCLE X
FINANCES AND DUES
Section 1. Sources of Fund - The funds of the organization shall be derived from membership fees, dues,
assessments, grants, contributions, donations and from other fund raising activities.
Section 2. Every member of the organization shall pay the following:
a) Membership Fee - Php 150.00;
b) Monthly Dues - Php 30.00;
c) ID Printing Cost - PhP 50.00.
Section 3. Annual Dues An individual member of a chapter shall pay the annual dues of at
least Three Hundred Sixty Pesos (Php360.00) per year or Thirty Pesos (Php30.00)
monthly. The annual dues may be adjusted by the National Board from time to time in
accordance with the needs of the organization.
Section 4. Retention of Funds - Out of the funds realized and collected from monthly dues shall be
distributed and paid by the Treasurer of the local or collecting chapter as follows:
a) 70% - shall be retained by the collecting Barangay, Institutional, District,
Municipal and City Chapter;
b)10% - shall be remitted to the Provincial Executive Council;
c)10% - shall be remitted to the Regional Executive Council;
d) 5 % - shall be remitted to the Area Council;
e) 5% - shall be remitted to the National Headquarters.
Section 5. Schedule of Remittances - The remittances of the annual dues shall be made by the Treasurer of
the collecting chapters as follows:
a) Provincial / Regional Share - 3
rd
quarter of every year;
b) Area Share - 2
nd
quarter of every year;
c) National Share - 1
st
quarter of every year.
Section 6. Chapter Affiliation Fee All local chapters, aside from the annual dues being
paid by its individual members, shall pay an annual affiliation fee of Five Hundred Pesos
(Php500.00). The said chapter affiliation fee may be adjusted by the National Board from
time to time in accordance with the needs of the organization.
Section 7. Special Assessment Proposed special assessment must be contained in the
budget of the organization and must pertain to expenses. Proposed special assessment must
be approved by a majority vote of the voting strength of the chapters in good standing in a
referendum called for the purpose.
Section 8. Newly-Chartered Chapters Newly-chartered chapters shall pay their annual
individual dues and chapter affiliation fee in full for the current year regardless of the date of
their formal affiliation.
Section 11. Deadline for Payment of Dues Annual Dues must be paid in full on or before
March 30 of each calendar year. Only chapters that have paid their dues in full on said date
shall be entitled to vote in the Area Conference and in the National Convention.
Section 12. Suspension and Forfeiture Any chapter which shall fail to vote at the Area
Conference or National Convention due to non-payment of dues shall be considered
delinquent and shall be deemed suspended from all rights and privileges as an affiliate
chapter, provided, however, that if said chapter is able to pay the dues and surcharges within
the period of six (6) months from its delinquency, it shall be restored as an affiliate chapter in
good standing.
In all cases, the failure of any chapter to pay any amount due from membership
within six (6) months from date of receipt of the written notice of delinquency from the
National Treasurer, or within the six (6) months deadline set forth in the preceding paragraph
shall be a cause for its disaffiliation or the forfeiture of its charter and membership in the
organization as may be determined by the National Board.
Any chapter which shall continuously fail to pay any amount due from membership
for two (2) consecutive years shall have its chapter affiliation or charter revoked without the
need for any action on the part of the National Board.
Section 13. Restoration of Charter A disaffiliated chapter may have its charter reinstated
upon application with the National Board subject to the guidelines to be issued by the
National Board for this purpose, provided that a reinstated chapter can exercise its voting
rights only upon the full payment of its dues for the current year and other back dues and
penalties, if any.
Section 14. Financial Commitments No financial commitment on the part of the
organization shall be made over and above the budget approved by the National Board,
provided that expected savings may be committed upon authority or approval by the majority
of the total membership of the National Board.
Section 15. Assets All funds, real properties and other assets shall be held and
maintained in the name of the organization.
Section 16. Budget The Secretary General shall prepare and submit to the National
Treasurer his/her recommendations on the operating budget of the ensuing year.
Section 17. Fund Surplus A special fund surplus shall be created which shall not be less
than ten percent (10%) of the yearly income excluding sponsorship income. This fund shall
be accumulated at the rate of not less than one percent (1%) of the total dues income per year
until the appropriate amount is reached. Disbursement from this fund must be approved by
the General Assembly at a National Convention upon the recommendation of the National
Board.
Section 18. Bank Signatories Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, all
disbursements from the organizations bank accounts or certificates of deposit shall require at
least two (2) authorized signatories to be designated by the National Board or the National
EXECOM in a resolution approved for this purpose.
Section 19. Offsetting of Accounts The offsetting of an account or membership dues by
any chapter with any obligation of the organization is prohibited unless the account is
mutually agreed upon within ten (10) days prior to the deadline for the payment of such dues
or accounts.
Section 20. Convention Income Unless otherwise provided in a resolution by the
National Board, the host Region of any National Convention or host chapter of any Area
Conference shall remit to the organization ten percent (10%) of its gross receipts collected
from registration fees.
Section 21. Bank Accounts and Depository Bank The organization shall maintain its
account with at least two (2) banks in good standing to be approved by the National Board
upon recommendation of the National Treasurer. No account can be opened by any project
director or chairman in the name of the organization or in his/her own project without the
approval of the National Board and unless the National Treasurer is one of the
signatories. All such national project accounts so opened shall be closed at the end of the
calendar year and all funds remaining therein transferred to the regular account of the
organization. All funds remaining in the hands of the outgoing National Treasurer, officer,
project chairman or director or persons under their control shall likewise be turned over to
the incoming National Treasurer.
Section 22. External Auditor The organization shall retain an External Auditor
approved by the National Board. He/She shall conduct an audit of the organizations finances
at least once a year, or as often as the Board may decide.
Section 23. Education Bureau Fund The host chapter or region of any Area
Conference or Special National Convention shall remit to the organization five percent (5%)
of its gross receipts collected from registration fees which shall be deposited in a special
bank account to be called Education Bureau Trust Fund.
Section 24. Disbursement from the Education Bureau Trust Fund Disbursement from the
Fund shall only be for training and related leadership development activities and shall not
exceed the interest earned by the Fund and shall only be upon the recommendation of the
National President and approval of the National Board.
Section 25. Board of Trustees The Trust Fund shall be managed by a Board of
Trustees to be composed of five (5) members, with one (1) Trustee to be elected from each of
the three (3) Areas during the elections in the Area Conference, and the remaining two (2)
members to be elected by the National Board.
ARTICLE XI
POLICY MANUAL, RULES OF PROCEDURE
Section 1. Policy Manual There shall be a Policy Manual of the organization, the
purpose of which is to institute rules governing the organization and its affiliate chapters and
the conduct of its business, and the provisions of which may be changed from time to time by
the National Board after thirty (30) days from the completion of its publication in an official
newsletter distributed to all chapter affiliates in good standing. In case of conflict between
the provisions of this Constitution and the Policy Manual, the former shall prevail.
The National Executive Committee shall prepare such Policy Manual of the
organization and, upon approval of the National Board, shall be binding on all the chapter
affiliates.
Section 2. Rules of Procedure The business of the organization shall be conducted
according to this By-Laws and the Policy Manual and where not otherwise provided, by the
Roberts Rules of Order.
Section 3. Committee System The National Board may create such committees or
commissions as may be necessary to carry out the program of activities of the organization.
Section 4. Chairperson A Chairperson shall be appointed to each of the committee or
commission of the organization by the National President with the concurrence of the
National Board.
Section 5. Ex-Officio Members The National President, the Secretary General and the
National Treasurer shall be ex-officio members of the committees and commissions.
Section 6. Supervision All committees and commissions shall be under the
supervision of the Secretary General or such other officers authorized by the National Board.
Section 7. Disbursement of Committee or Commission Funds - All monies, funds and
properties received by any committee or commission shall be deposited in the name of the
organization and no withdrawal from such fund shall be made without the signature of the
National Treasurer and in accordance with the budget.
Section 8. Awards -
i. Function To recognize and honor outstanding achievements in the
fulfilment of the purposes of the Constitution by the chapters or individual
members;
ii. Development The development of the national awards shall be initiated by
the National Records and Recognition Commission (NRRC) who shall ensure
their relevance to the areas of opportunities and to the membership
development of chapters;
iii. New Awards and Changes The adoption of new awards, substitution of or
changes in the award description shall require a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the
General Assembly.
1) Each of the three (3) area councils shall submit fifteen (15) names to compose the pool of judges one
(1) month prior to the Area Conference. However, they should not come from the same Chapter;
2) Each member of the panel of judges shall have one vote. All decisions will be made by a simple
majority;
3) Upon completion of judging, the awards judges shall review the entry rules
and related matters, and propose desirable changes to the National Board at
their meeting immediately after the National Convention. The Board may
adopt these rules by a simple majority.
ARTICLE XII
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Section 1. Grievance Committee There is hereby created a Grievance Committee
composed of a Chairman and eight (8) members who shall have been, at the time of their
appointment, a member of the organization in good standing for the last three (3) consecutive
years prior to their appointment. Three members each of the committee shall come from the
Regional Founders Group of each area to be appointed by the National President upon the
recommendation of the NVP and concurred by the National Board for a term of three (3)
years.
Section 2. Jurisdiction The Grievance Committee shall have original jurisdiction to
hear and decide cases involving:
a. Controversies arising out of inter-Chapter or intra-Chapter relations; between
and among individual members; between any or all of them and the chapters
of which they are members, respectively; and between a chapter and the
National Organization of Members insofar as it concerns their affiliation or
right to exist as such chapter;
b. Controversies in the election or appointment of chapter officers, directors or
trustees;
c. Controversies between any chapters, individual members and the National
Organization of Members with regards to interpretation, application or
compliance with any of the provisions of this Constitution and Policy Manual.
When the controversy calls for a disciplinary action, it shall not be considered as a
grievance. It shall be a disciplinary case in accordance with the provisions hereof.
Section 3. Procedure The Grievance Committee shall, within thirty (30) days from
its composition, create its own Rules of Procedure that is deemed most appropriate in the
settlement of grievances. Such Rules of Procedure shall form part of the Policy Manual of the
Organization.
Section 4. Decision and Appeal The decision of the Grievance Committee shall be
appealable to the National Board through the PGBI Legal Counsel. The PGBI Legal Counsel,
within ten (10) days from receipt of the appeal and the reply memorandum, shall forward
his/her findings and recommendations to the National Board. The decision of the National
Board shall be final and unappealable. If the National Board is unable to meet for this
purpose, the National EXECOM may perform this function.
Section 5. Grounds for Disciplinary Action Elective and appointed members of the
National Board and members of the Constitutional Commissions of the organization may be
censured, suspended, impeached from his office or expelled from the organization for
violation of the By-Laws or Policy Manual or Code of Conduct, conviction of any crime
involving moral turpitude, dereliction of duty or conduct inimical to the interests of the
organization.
Section 6. Procedure The National Board may, motu propio or upon petition by any
individual member or chapter, inquires into the existence of any of the aforesaid grounds for
disciplinary action of an elective or appointed member of the National Board or
Constitutional Commissions. After due notice and hearing, the National Board shall take
whatever action it may deem warranted under the premises. Such action may consist in
censure, suspension, impeachment from office or expulsion from the organization. A report
on the action taken, stating the facts and other circumstances, shall immediately be submitted
by the National Board to the General Assembly in a National Convention for its information
or action. The decision of the National Board may be reversed, set aside, amended or
modified by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the General Assembly during such National
Convention.
ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS
Section 1. Amendments - Amendments, modifications or repeal of this Constitution and By-Laws may be
proposed in writing by at least twenty five (25) members of the organization, furnishing copies thereof to each
member of the National Board who shall consider such proposed amendments in a meeting called for the
purpose. Such proposed amendments shall state thereon the old provisions and the proposed new provisions.
Section 2. Amendments to this Constitution and By-Laws shall be approved by at least two-third (2/3) vote of
all the delegates to a national convention or by a majority of all the members of the National Board in a meeting
called for this purpose.
ARTICLE XIV
TRANSITORY PROVISIONS
Section 1. All acts, things, deeds, contracts, agreements, disbursements and other actions that have been made,
executed and signed, do and performed previously, not inconsistent with this Constitution, which are necessary
and requisite to be done in and about the premises are hereby ratified and confirmed to have been done or cause
to be done by virtue thereof.
Section 2. All existing laws, proclamations, issuances not inconsistent with this Constitution shall remain
operative until amended, modified or ratified.
Section 3. The newly-elected members of the National Executive Council during the 8
th
National Convention at
Bacolod City on April 17-19, 2009 shall, upon ratification of this Constitution and By-Laws, perform the duties
and functions of the National Board until a regular National Board shall have been elected and have assumed
office in an election called for this purpose in the National Convention of April, 2012.
EFFECTIVITY
Section 1. Effectivity - This Constitution and By-Laws shall take effect upon its ratification by a majority of all
the official delegates to the 8
th
National Convention held on April 17-19, 2009 at Bacolod City, Negros
Occidental.