Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 7278)
The primary purpose is to promote, through organization and cooperation with other agencies, the ability of boys to do useful things for themselves and others; to train them in scoutcraft; and to inculcate patriotism, civic consciousness and responsibility, courage, self-reliance, discipline, kindred virtues, and moral values as practiced by boy scouts.
The President of the Philippines is designated as the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
The corporation has perpetual succession, can sue and be sued, enter into contracts, acquire and dispose of real and personal property, conduct fund-raising activities, adopt and alter a corporate seal, establish offices nationwide, and make bylaws consistent with law. However, it cannot issue stock certificates or declare dividends, as it is benevolent and not for profit.
The Board includes one charter member elected by the National Council, regional chairmen elected by local scout councils, the Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports, the National President of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, one senior scout each from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, twelve regular members elected by the National Council, and at least ten but not more than fifteen additional members from the private sector elected by the Board itself.
Members serve a one-year term, except the twelve regular members elected by the National Council who serve three years. The first twelve regular members elected have staggered terms: four members serve three years, four serve two years, and four serve one year.
The Board can make and amend bylaws (subject to National Council approval), authorize mortgages and liens with two-thirds vote, create an executive or governing committee, create standing committees, dispose of corporation property with National Council consent, and hold regular meetings at least every two months.
The corporation has the sole and exclusive right to use, publish, and protect its distinctive titles, emblems, badges, uniforms, insignia, and related paraphernalia. Unauthorized use or manufacture is unlawful.
Any person who falsely claims to be a member or agent is punishable by imprisonment in the minimum period of prison correccional or a fine up to Five thousand pesos, or both, at the court's discretion.
Violators face imprisonment from the medium period of prison correccional to the minimum period of prison mayor, or a fine between Ten thousand to One hundred thousand pesos, or both. In corporations or associations, the managers or persons in charge are criminally liable. Civil damages may also be pursued.
The corporation is exempt from income tax, donor's tax, and customs duties on donations from foreign countries. Donations to the BSP are fully deductible from the donor's gross income. There must be no discrimination in tax treatment between the Boy and Girl Scouts of the Philippines.