Law Summary
Purpose of the Corporation
- To promote organization and cooperation with other agencies.
- To develop boys' skills to be useful to themselves and others.
- To train in scoutcraft and inculcate virtues such as patriotism, civic consciousness, discipline, courage, self-reliance, and moral values.
- To utilize methods common to boy scouts.
Leadership and Chief Scout
- The President of the Philippines serves as the Chief Scout of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
Governing Body Composition and Election
- The National Executive Board is the governing body, composed of Filipino citizens of good moral character.
- Composition includes:
- One charter member elected by the National Council.
- Regional chairmen elected by local scout councils.
- The Secretary of Education, Culture and Sports and the National President of Girl Scouts.
- Senior scout representatives from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
- Twelve regular members elected by the National Council.
- Ten to fifteen additional private sector members elected by the National Executive Board.
- The Board elects officers including a President and Vice Presidents per region.
- Board membership ranges from 30 to 45 members.
- Term of office is one year for members, three years for regular members with staggered initial terms.
- Vacancies filled by majority vote for unexpired terms.
- Quorum rules and general meeting provisions established in bylaws.
Powers and Functions of the National Executive Board
- To make and amend bylaws subject to ratification.
- To authorize mortgages and liens on property with a two-thirds Board vote.
- To create an executive committee to handle business affairs.
- To create standing committees.
- To dispose of property with two-thirds National Council consent.
- Conduct meetings regularly and special meetings as prescribed.
Composition and Functions of the National Council
- Includes National Executive Board members, charter members, regional commissioners, local council chairmen and commissioners, and other delegates.
- Qualifications and election procedures are governed by bylaws.
- Ensures regional and local council representation by at least two delegates.
- Holds annual and special meetings to review reports and elect Board members.
- One-third of members constitute a quorum.
- The National President presides over meetings.
- Voting rights distributed as four votes per local council plus one per 10,000 members; Board members and life members have one vote each.
Exclusive Use of Symbols and Names
- The corporation holds the exclusive right to use distinctive titles, emblems, badges, uniforms, insignia, and related marks in conducting its programs.
- These symbols are to be published officially.
Use of Donations and Tax Privileges
- Donations from government, foreign entities, private individuals, and organizations are managed by the National Executive Board.
- The corporation is exempt from income tax, donor's tax, and eligible for deductions for donors.
- Donations from foreign sources enjoy tax and duty exemptions under relevant laws.
- No discrimination is allowed in the tax treatment between Boy and Girl Scouts.
Prohibition and Penalties for Unauthorized Representation and Use
- It is unlawful to falsely represent oneself as a member or agent of the corporation.
- Unauthorized manufacturing, sale, distribution, or use of Boy Scouts’ badges, uniforms, insignia, or use of its name in advertisements or for personal gain is prohibited.
- Violations are punishable by imprisonment (correccional to mayor) and fines ranging from P10,000 to P100,000.
- Corporate managers or persons in charge are criminally liable for violations.
- Civil damages may also be recovered alongside criminal prosecution.
Transitional Provision for Organizational Continuity
- The incumbent officers and members of the current National Executive Board and presidents shall continue managing the Boy Scouts until a new Board has been elected within six months from the law’s effectivity.
Severability Clause
- If any part of the Act is declared invalid, the other provisions shall remain effective.
Effectivity
- The Act takes effect upon publication in at least two national newspapers of general circulation.