QuestionsQuestions (PRESIDENTIAL DECREE NO. 720)
PD 720 was issued by the President in 1975 to amend Commonwealth Act No. 542 (as amended by RA 4375). Its purpose is to redefine/clarify the corporation’s powers and purposes and restructure certain provisions to maximize the Girl Scout Movement’s effectiveness for youth development and community/nation-building goals.
PD 720 amends Commonwealth Act No. 542, entitled to create the Girl Scouts of the Philippines, and specifically the provisions as already amended by Republic Act No. 4375.
Section 1 (as amended) names Concepcion R. Gonzales Trinidad and the other named individuals, their associates and successors, as the body corporate. They constitute the First Central Board and serve until their successors are elected and qualified.
The principal office is in Metropolitan Manila, Philippines.
It has perpetual succession, power to sue and be sued; power to acquire, hold, and convey real and personal estate and rights/choses in action necessary for corporate purposes; and to receive funds/property by gift, devise, bequest, or other means. It may adopt a seal, maintain offices in Manila and throughout the country, and make/adopt by-laws under the applicable corporation law.
It states that the purpose is to help girls realize the ideals of womanhood and prepare them for responsibilities in the home, nation, and world community, and it makes the corporation the directing and coordinating head of the Girl Scout Movement in the Philippines with standards for citizenship, character, conduct, attainment, and international understanding.
It is non-stock, non-profit, non-sectarian, non-political, independent, and voluntary, but it shall cooperate with other entities public and private whose ideals/procedures align with the Act.
The Central Board includes: (1) the First Lady of the Philippines as Chief Girl Scout; (2) Charter and Life Members (in no case to exceed 16); (3) an equal number of representatives from the private sector and the Regional chairpersons; (4) government sector representatives, including multiple named Cabinet-level officials and the Executive Secretary (as listed); (5) the President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines; (6) one Senior Girl Scout from each Girl Scout Region to represent girl membership; and (7) three representatives from cultural minorities.
Regional Chairpersons and Senior Girl Scout regional representatives are elected by their respective Regions. The rest are by appointment or cooption, subject to ratification by the Chief Girl Scout and confirmation by the President of the Philippines.
It has power to make and amend the Constitution and by-laws, create standing and special committees, and provide policies/procedures necessary to carry on the business of the corporation. By-laws may also prescribe a quorum number less than a majority of the whole Board.
It shall meet regularly at least twice a year, with the time and place designated in the by-laws.
The Central Board elects from among themselves the National President, First Vice-President, Second Vice President, National Secretary, Asst. National Secretary, National Treasurer, and Asst. National Treasurer.
There shall be an Executive Committee composed of all officers and chairpersons of standing committees. It is responsible for implementing the policies and decisions of the National Council and the Central Board.
The National Council serves as a forum for guidelines, directions, and evaluation. It is composed of members of the Central Board and the President of the Girl Scout Councils (or their duly designated representatives), plus such number of elected delegates from each Council as prescribed in the by-laws.
PD 720 adds Section 13: an Ad Interim body is appointed with Hon. Carlos P. Romulo as Interim Chairman, authorized to designate restructuring/reorganization committee members. The present administrative set-up is maintained in the meantime to conduct affairs and take steps to effect reorganization within six (6) months from the decree date.
It states that the Act shall take effect immediately, and the Decree also states it takes effect immediately. There is no difference in effectivity timing in the provided text—both emphasize immediate effect.