Question & AnswerQ&A (Act No. 2715)
The short title of Act No. 2715, March 17, 1917, is "The Militia Act."
The militia consists first of every able-bodied male citizen of the Philippine Islands aged more than eighteen and not more than forty-five years, except as provided, and second, of American citizens who may be enrolled or appointed in the National Guard.
Judicial and administrative officers of the Insular Government and provinces, persons in the military or naval service of the US and Philippine Islands, clerks of the Bureau of Customs, letter carriers, artificers, workmen in armories, arsenals and dockyards, and harbor pilots are exempt from militia duty regardless of age.
The militia is divided into two classes: the regularly enlisted militia known as the National Guard, between ages 18 and 45 (officers up to 64), and the reserve militia.
The Governor-General of the Philippine Islands is the Commander in Chief of all militia.
The Governor-General may require enrollment of reserve militia by proclamation when necessary to execute laws, repress or repel invasion, quell disturbances or riots, or when requisitioned by the President of the United States for troops.
The National Guard shall not exceed a total strength of twenty-five thousand officers and enlisted men.
Any able-bodied Filipino male citizen between 18 and 45 years who can read and write may enlist for a term of not less than three years; expellees or dishonorably discharged persons require written consent from former commanders for enlistment.
They solemnly swear to bear true allegiance to the US and Philippine Governments, support the Constitution and laws, serve for three years or until discharged, obey orders of the Commander in Chief, and comply with military laws.
Such persons shall be guilty of felony and, upon conviction, imprisoned for not less than two nor more than five years.
There are general courts-martial, special courts-martial, and summary courts-martial with powers and procedures prescribed similarly to the US Army courts-martial.
They may impose fines not exceeding 200 pesos, dismissal or dishonorable discharge, forfeiture of pay, reprimand, reduction to ranks, or combinations thereof.
Desertion is punishable by imprisonment not exceeding six months and dishonorable discharge upon conviction by court-martial and approval of the Commander in Chief.
No, unauthorized wearing of National Guard uniform or rank designation is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine between 20 and 100 pesos and imprisonment until paid.
A minimum of forty-eight weekly or semiweekly drills shall be ordered annually for the units.
They receive pay as fixed by regulation, with officers receiving up to 6,000 pesos (major general) annually and proportionate amounts, and enlisted men up to 480 pesos (sergeant-major) or less annually, according to rank, for days actually rendered.
The Militia Commission advises the Governor-General on measures related to organization, equipment, and government of the National Guard and reserve militia, with prescribed membership including Secretaries and legislature presidents.
The Governor-General may order citizens not exempt to join active service for up to three years when public interests require, especially if voluntary enlistments are insufficient to maintain strength.