QuestionsQuestions (LETTER OF INSTRUCTIONS NO. 438)
It aims to regulate the organization and activities of fraternities, sororities, and similar student associations in colleges and universities to prevent their infiltration and use as fronts for subversive or illegal activities, thereby protecting public order and national security.
Fraternities, sororities, and other like student associations in colleges and universities.
The proper school authorities.
Permits must be subject to yearly revalidation.
Compliance with rules and regulations jointly promulgated by the authorities designated in the LOI to ensure the legitimacy of purpose and the continuous adherence of the association’s activities to its lawful purpose.
Among others, the constitution and by-laws of the organization, and a list of its officers and members.
More productive endeavors that benefit society through economic, social, or cultural activities, which are prescribed or approved by the proper school authorities.
Involvement of members in subversive activities, or in any form of violence or criminal offense carried out as a corporate act (not merely an individual initiative), in pursuance of objectives of the student association.
Permit cancellation is triggered by violence/criminal offenses carried out as a corporate act in pursuance of the association’s objectives, rather than through the individual initiative of members.
The Secretary of National Defense, as Chairman of the Executive Committee of the National Security Council of the New Society.
The Secretary of the Department of National Defense; the Secretary of the Department of Education and Culture; the President of the University of the Philippines System; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence & Security Authority.
No. The LOI states that the existence of such associations for legitimate purposes is to be encouraged, but their organization and activities must be regulated for national security reasons.
They prescribe or approve the economic, social, or cultural activities that associations must focus on.
School authorities are responsible for permit requirements and approval/prescription of activities, while the National Defense (under the National Security Council framework) is directed to intensify monitoring and countermeasures against subversive or illegal activities.
Not automatically. The LOI requires involvement of members in violence/criminal offense carried out as a corporate act, rather than individual initiative, and in pursuance of the association’s objectives.
Permits are granted only upon compliance with rules ensuring legitimacy of purpose and continuous adherence by the student organization—its activities must continuously align with the lawful purpose stated and regulated under the LOI’s implementing rules.