QuestionsQuestions (DENR-DILG JOINT MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 2003-01)
RA No. 10072 is titled the “Philippine Red Cross Act of 2009.” It recognizes the Philippine National Red Cross as an independent, autonomous, nongovernmental organization auxiliary to Philippine authorities in the humanitarian field, to be known as the Philippine Red Cross.
It cites Article II, Section 2 of the Constitution (generally accepted principles of international law as part of the law of the land), the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols, and the Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
Humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.
It is recognized as a voluntary, independent and autonomous nongovernmental society auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in the humanitarian field, assisting authorities in discharging obligations under the Geneva Conventions and the Red Cross Movement statutes.
Pursuant to unity, the Philippine Red Cross is the only national society of the Red Cross in the Republic of the Philippines and is directed by a central body, performing duties throughout the entire Philippine territory.
Among others: cooperate with public authorities on prevention of disease, health and social welfare; organize emergency relief and other services in armed conflict for the sick and wounded of armed forces in accordance with the Geneva Conventions; perform duties resulting from the Philippines’ adherence; act in voluntary relief and communication between the people and Armed Forces in peace and armed conflict; establish and maintain a relief system for disasters; devise other health/safety/welfare services; and make every citizen and/or resident a member.
It may enter into agreements with public authorities and accept provisions for costs within its scope; it may own/hold properties and accept bequests/donations; it is exempt from direct and indirect taxes including VAT, fees, and charges on income from operations and on importations/purchases for exclusive use; donations are exempt from donor’s tax and deductible from gross income/deductions for estate tax purposes; it is exempt from real property taxes on its real properties; and it is allotted at least one lottery draw yearly by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office for disaster relief support.
Membership is open to the entire population in the Philippines regardless of citizenship. Any contribution to the Philippine Red Cross Annual Fund Campaign entitles the contributor to membership for one (1) year.
The contribution is deductible in full for taxation purposes.
It has 30 members: 6 appointed by the President of the Philippines, 18 elected by chapter delegates in biennial conventions, and the remaining 6 elected by the 24 members of the Board already chosen.
The term is four (4) years, renewable at the pleasure of the appointing power or elective bodies. Vacancies caused by death or resignation are filled by election by the Board at its next meeting, except vacancies among the presidential appointees are filled by the President.
The President of the Philippines is the Honorary President. The officers include a Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Counselor, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer, elected by the Board of Governors from among its membership.
It has authority to ordain, adopt, and amend bylaws and rules and regulations, including those governing chapters.
Members of the Board of Governors and officers serve without compensation. Paid staff compensation is determined by the Board upon recommendation of the Secretary General.
Primarily through contributions obtained through solicitation campaigns organized by the Board of Governors and conducted by chapters throughout the year.
It prohibits any person from soliciting, collecting, or receiving money, materials, or property by falsely representing himself to be a member, agent, or representative of the Philippine Red Cross.
The use of the name “Red Cross” is reserved exclusively to the Philippine Red Cross; the use of the emblem of the Red Greek Cross on a white ground is reserved exclusively to the Philippine Red Cross, AFP medical services, and other authorized medical facilities/institutions. Any other person/entity is prohibited from using the words “red cross” or “Geneva Cross” or using the emblem or any imitation/indistinguishable insignia for any purpose whatsoever.
Any person (natural or juridical) violating any section is liable, upon conviction, to a fine of not less than ₱50,000 or imprisonment not exceeding one (1) year, or both, at the discretion of the court, for each violation. If committed by a corporation or association, the penalty devolves upon the president, director, or responsible officer.