Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 10073)
The short title of Republic Act No. 10073 is the "Girl Scouts of the Philippines Charter of 2009."
The Act declares the Girl Scouts of the Philippines' role in promoting positive values, responsible citizenship, volunteerism among young women, and preparation for womanhood responsibilities in the home, nation, and world community.
The GSP is an independent and voluntary, nonstock, nonprofit, nonsectarian, nonpolitical juridical entity.
The GSP has powers to sue and be sued; acquire, hold and convey properties; receive donations; adopt and alter a corporate seal; conduct business nationwide; and perform all acts necessary to promote its purposes.
The governing body is the Central Board composed of 37 to 47 members, including Charter/Life members, Regional Chairpersons, National President of the Boy Scouts, the immediate Past National President, senior Girl Scouts representatives, and members-at-large.
The Chief Girl Scout is the woman President of the Philippines or the First Lady of the Philippines.
The National Council is composed of the Central Board members and the Presidents or representatives of the Girl Scout Councils, convening every three years to serve as a forum for guidelines, directions, evaluation, and to ratify amendments to the Constitution and bylaws.
These symbols are exclusive to registered Girl Scouts or officials and are protected under the Intellectual Property Code; unauthorized use, manufacture, or distribution is prohibited and subject to penalties.
The GSP is exempt from all direct and indirect taxes, including VAT and real property taxes, on income, properties and services; donations to the GSP are exempt from donor's tax and deductible for the donor; and importations for exclusive use are tax-free.
Violators may be punished by prision correctional in its minimum period or a fine up to Twenty Thousand Pesos for false representation, and prision correctional or fines ranging from Fifty Thousand to Three Hundred Thousand Pesos for unauthorized use of badges, uniforms, insignias or GSP’s name or logo.
Vacancies are filled by the candidate who received the next highest number of votes in the preceding election, ensuring continued governance continuity.
The Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days following its publication in the Official Gazette or at least two newspapers of general circulation.
The properties and assets shall be conveyed and transferred to a Girl Scouts of the Philippines Foundation organized by the incumbent Central Board for purposes consistent with the Act.