QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 10073)
RA 10073 is titled the "Girl Scouts of the Philippines Charter of 2009."
The State recognizes the vital role of youth in nation building and affirms the Girl Scouts of the Philippines’ contribution to positive values, responsible citizenship, and volunteerism for young women through adherence to the fundamental principles of WAGGGS.
It recognizes the GSP as a body corporate originally and duly created by Commonwealth Act No. 542, with its principal office located in Metropolitan Manila.
As a juridical entity, the GSP has perpetual succession and powers including: suing and being sued; acquiring/holding/conveying properties and rights; receiving funds/properties by gift, devise, donation, contribution, or other means; adopting and altering/destroying a seal; having offices and conducting business in Manila and throughout the Philippines; and generally exercising all corporate powers necessary to carry out the Act’s purposes.
Vision: the Filipino girl and young woman as God-loving, patriotic, progressive, dynamic, and proactive. Mission: help girls and young women realize ideals of womanhood and prepare for responsibilities at home, the nation, and the world community, with the GSP as the sole directing and coordinating head of the Girl Scouts Movement in the Philippines and the establishment of standards for citizenship, character, conduct, and international understanding.
It is an independent and voluntary, nonstock, nonprofit, nonsectarian, nonpolitical entity, cooperating with persons/entities whose ideals and procedures align with the Act.
It consists of at least 37 but not more than 47 members, including: (1) 8 Charter/Life members chosen by and from among themselves; (2) the Regional Chairpersons, elected by their regions; (3) the National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines; (4) the immediate Past National President of the GSP; (5) one Senior Girl Scout/Cadet or young adult from each Girl Scout Region representing girl membership; and (6) the remaining members-at-large elected by the National Council from nominees submitted by a nominating committee.
It can make and amend the Constitution and bylaws (subject to National Council ratification), create standing/special committees, and provide policies and procedures to carry out the Act’s purposes.
It must meet regularly at least twice a year. Quorum (which may be less than a majority) is fixed by the bylaws.
Members serve for three (3) years or until successors are elected and qualified. Vacancies due to death, resignation, incapacity, or inability to assume office are filled by the candidate who received the next highest number of votes in the preceding election.
A woman President of the Philippines or the First Lady of the Philippines shall be the Chief Girl Scout of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines.
It implements the policies and decisions of the National Council and the Central Board. It is composed of all officers and chairpersons of standing committees as defined in the bylaws.
The National Council is composed of the Central Board members, the Presidents of the Girl Scout Councils or their duly designated representatives, and elected delegates from each council as prescribed in the bylaws. It serves as a forum for guidelines, directions, and evaluation; elects Central Board members-at-large; ratifies amendments to the Constitution and bylaws by a 2/3 vote of members present and voting; and considers matters brought before it.
It convenes once every three (3) years in a convention assembled. Special conventions may be called. Quorum, number of delegates, and details of holding are specified in the bylaws.
The GSP adopts distinctive emblems/badges/insignia/uniforms and makes them available only to registered Girl Scouts or compliant officials. It must cause registration in accordance with RA 8293 (Intellectual Property Code). The IPO must register free of charge. Government agencies must refuse registrations that use GSP emblems or translations that violate the Act.
The GSP is exempt from all direct and indirect taxes (including VAT and other charges) on income derived from operations and from taxes/duties/fees on importations and purchases for exclusive use; donations from foreign countries may be tax/duty exempt under relevant laws; donations to the GSP are exempt from donor’s tax and deductible from gross income of the donor; and the GSP is exempt from payment of other taxes/duties/imposts/charges including exemption from real property taxes on properties it owns.
It is unlawful to falsely and fraudulently represent oneself as a GSP member or agent. It is also unlawful to manufacture/sell/distribute/use/falsely portray or apply GSP badges, uniforms, insignias, scouting paraphernalia, or visuals/photos/logo/seal/corporate name without Central Board written approval; to use the name of the GSP for illegal purpose or personal gain.
For falsely calling/representing oneself as a member/agent: prision correctional (minimum period) or a fine not exceeding ₱20,000, or both. For unauthorized manufacture/sale/distribution/use/portrayal or misuse of name/logo etc.: prision correctional or a fine of not less than ₱50,000 but not more than ₱300,000, or both. For corporations and other juridical entities, the specified responsible officers/persons in charge of management/administration shall be criminally liable. Civil damages may be pursued separately or alongside criminal action.
Transitory: Until the Central Board is reorganized per Section 7, the existing administrative structure remains for up to six (6) months from effectivity to conduct affairs and effect reorganization. Dissolution: If the GSP is dissolved, the incumbent Central Board shall organize and form a Girl Scouts of the Philippines Foundation, and the GSP properties/assets shall be conveyed and transferred to it consistent with the Act.