Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 95)
The main purpose of Republic Act No. 95 is to create the Philippine National Red Cross as the official voluntary organization designated to assist the Republic of the Philippines in fulfilling the obligations under the Geneva Red Cross Convention and to perform duties as a national Red Cross society.
The Philippine National Red Cross Act was approved on March 22, 1947.
The Philippine National Red Cross has the right to use the red Greek cross on a white ground, the same emblem as described in the Geneva Red Cross Convention.
No, the red Greek cross on a white ground is explicitly not a religious symbol and shall have equal applicability to persons of all faiths, creeds, and beliefs.
The Philippine National Red Cross has jurisdiction over the entire territory of the Philippines.
Regular membership is open to all adults in the Philippines, and any individual who contributes to the Philippine National Red Cross Annual Fund Campaign is entitled to membership for one year. Junior membership can be authorized under rules set by the Board of Governors.
The Board of Governors has 30 members: 6 appointed by the President of the Philippines, 15 elected by Chapter delegates in an Annual Meeting, and 9 selected by the 21 members already chosen. Terms are three years and staggered to elect one-third each year.
Unauthorized use of the Red Cross name or emblem is punishable by a fine of up to one thousand pesos, imprisonment for up to one year, or both for each offense. If committed by a corporation, the president, director, or responsible officers may be held liable.
It is authorized to establish and maintain national and international relief systems to meet emergencies caused by natural disasters like typhoons, floods, fires, and earthquakes, and to promote other services that improve health, safety, and welfare without infringing on government functions.
The President of the Philippines serves as the Honorary President of the Philippine National Red Cross.
The organization is primarily financed through personal solicitation campaigns organized by the Board of Governors and conducted by Chapters in their jurisdictions. These fundraising campaigns are to be conducted independently of other fund drives.
The Philippine National Red Cross must submit an annual report at the end of every calendar year to the President of the Philippines. The report must include the corporation's activities, financial condition, sources of receipts, and purposes of disbursements.