Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 542)
The official name of the corporation created under Commonwealth Act No. 542 is the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
The incorporators named in the Act include Concepcion B. Gonzales, Trinidad F. Legarda, Emilia G. Lim, Concepcion M. Gil, Macina Y Vargas, Pilar Hidalgo Lira, Josefa Llanes Escoda, Helena Z. Benitez, Maria Aurora Quezon, Lulu Reyes, Lily de las Alas, Leni Alano, Erlinda Kalaw, Betty Magalona, Lourdes Ledesma, and Minerva G. Laudico, all residents of Manila, Philippines.
The Girl Scouts of the Philippines is under the control, direction, and supervision of the Commissioner on Health and Public Welfare.
The principal office of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines shall be in the City of Manila, Philippines.
The corporation has perpetual succession, the power to sue and be sued; to hold real and personal estate necessary for corporate purposes; to receive gifts, devise, or bequests of property; to adopt a corporate seal; to have offices across the Philippines; to make and adopt by-laws subject to approval; and to perform acts necessary to carry out the provisions of the Act and promote its purposes.
The purpose of the corporation is to help girls from seven to eighteen years old realize the ideals of womanhood, preparing them for responsibilities in the home and community service, and to direct and coordinate the Girl Scout Movement in the Philippines inspiring ideals of citizenship, character, conduct, and attainment.
No, the organization is non-sectarian and non-political, but it cooperates with educational and other groups whose ideals and procedures align with those authorized by the Act.
The governing body is an executive board composed of residents of the Philippines. The initial executive board is composed of the incorporators named in the Act, and later members' qualifications, number, and terms are prescribed by the by-laws.
The executive board can make and amend by-laws, authorize execution of mortgages and liens, designate an executive committee with management powers, appoint standing committees, and dispose of the corporation's property with members' consent.
Annual meetings must be held once every year after incorporation, with special meetings allowed as prescribed in the by-laws. The by-laws also prescribe quorum requirements for both annual and special meetings.
The corporation shall adopt distinctive badges, uniforms, and insignia which shall only be used by registered Girl Scouts or officials who have complied with international requirements prescribed by the World Bureau of the movement.
On or before April 1 each year, the corporation must submit a report of its proceedings for the preceding year, including a complete and itemized report of receipts and expenditures, to the President of the Philippines.
Anyone falsely and fraudulently claiming to be a member or agent of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines may be punished by imprisonment of not more than six months, or a fine not exceeding five hundred pesos, or both, at the court's discretion.
The Act took effect upon its approval on May 26, 1940.