Veterans Federation of the Philippines Constitution

Article I: Name, Office, and Seal

Name: Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP or Federation)
Principal office in Manila, Philippines
Seal description: royal blue oval with a golden kris, narra branch, ribbon in national colors, gold sun with rays, and stars, and name inscription

Article II: Nature

Federation is non-sectarian and non-political
Affiliation does not affect military service liability

Article III: Powers

Perpetual succession; may sue and be sued
Can hold, receive, invest real and personal property for veterans' benefit
Provide assistance and operate enterprises for veterans’ moral and material welfare
Adopt and modify seal
Establish branches nationwide, publish magazines
Amend laws and rules
Supreme Council and Federation decisions require Secretary of National Defense approval

Article IV: Aims and Purposes

Implement Constitutional mandate for care and benefits to veterans, widows, orphans
Defend democratic way of life
Represent and defend interests of Filipino veterans
Coordinate efforts among veteran organizations
Promote mutual help, preserve peace, foster patriotism and civic consciousness
Lead and formulate policies for member veterans organizations
Operate enterprises advancing veterans’ welfare
Establish programs for veterans' self-reliance and progress
Manage veterans’ properties and resources
Maintain honor and dignity of veterans, promote welfare and veteranism
Organization is benevolent, not for pecuniary profit

Article V: Organization and Membership

Composition

Charter Organizations per RA 2640
Affiliate Organizations: Fraternal (common experience) and Regional (geographically based)
Multiple memberships allowed

Definition of Veteran

Served in Philippine naval, air, or land forces during Philippine revolution, WWI, WWII, USAFFE in WWII, Korean Campaign, or future conflicts
Armed Forces retirees with minimum 10 years service
Must be honorably discharged, separated, active, or on inactive reserve roster

Membership Requirements

Organizations subscribing to Federation’s aims and responsibilities
Set of elected officers with addresses and principal office
Affiliate orgs must have at least 50 veteran members with membership dues deducted from pensions and remitted through PVAO
Failure results in deactivation and loss of benefits and participation
Deactivated members may transfer to other Federation-affiliated organizations

Application for Membership

Written application with board resolution supporting membership

Veterans’ Widows, Sons, Daughters, and Orphans

May form separate associations as associate members without voting rights
Subject to rules issued by Supreme Council and Secretary of National Defense

Duties of Member-Organizations

Accept pensioners endorsed by PVAO
Submit annual reports and officer lists
Comply with Federation rules and policies
Promote members’ welfare

Rights of Member-Organizations

Participate in activities and benefits
Avail Federation services
Attend meetings and vote
Inspect Federation records
Seek elective positions

Termination of Membership

By withdrawal with no pending obligations
Dissolution with no pending obligations
Expulsion after hearing for acts prejudicial to Federation
Suspended members lose voting rights and participation temporarily
No return of dues upon termination

Article VI: Organizational Structure

Structure

Supreme Council: Governing body with Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Corporate Secretary
Supported by Executive Board and Committees
Chairman is Federation President (CEO)
Executive Vice President (COO)

Personnel

Federation President sets up personnel plantilla subject to Supreme Council and Secretary of National Defense approval
Hiring and appointment in accordance with Civil Service Rules and GOCC Governance Act

Article VII: Government and Assemblies

Control and Supervision

Federation under Secretary of National Defense
All decisions subject to SND approval

Regular National Assembly

Members meet annually last Saturday of March
Purposes: Elect officers, ratify decisions, hear reports, approve amendments
Widows, kin groups, and past presidents may attend as guests

Special Assembly

Called for special elections or removal by two-thirds of Supreme Council or SND

Assembly Procedures

Written notice at least two weeks prior
Agenda includes organizational business, elections, reports
Quorum: 50% plus one
Voting by secret ballot for elections; one vote per member-organization

Supreme Council Composition and Powers

Max 35 members from diverse veterans organizations
Powers: Rule-making, approve plans/budget, manage funds, hold meetings, promulgate rules
Actions subject to SND approval

Election and Term of Council Members

Elected by member-organizations from approved candidates by SND
One-year term, max three consecutive terms
Qualifications: member in good standing, veteran, and organization criteria
Disqualifications include removal, full-time employment, absenteeism, convictions, non-compliance

Council Meetings and Quorum

Semestral regular meetings, special meetings as necessary
Majority for quorum
No proxy voting

Vacancies and Removal

Organization appoints successor subject to SND approval
Removal for cause by two-thirds vote in special assembly

Officers and Executive Board

Officers

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Corporate Secretary, Committee Chairmen
Corporate Secretary manages records, correspondence, and official duties

Executive Board

Elected by Supreme Council members
Includes one-third Charter Org heads, one-third affiliate org heads, regional presidents
Chairman and Vice-Chairman are ex-officio members
Acts for Supreme Council between meetings
Monthly meetings with notice and quorum requirements
Resolutions require Supreme Council confirmation and SND approval

Committees

Established Committees: Governance, Finance and Audit, Ways and Means, Nomination and Election, Legislative
Chairmen and members selected from Supreme Council and Federation members
Serve as advisory bodies
Adopt rules of procedure subject to approval

Article VIII: Executive Management

Federation President

CEO with general supervision and implementation powers
Reports operations and finances annually and quarterly

Executive Vice-President

COO and assistant to President

Other Executive Officers

VP Finance, VP Administration, VP Operation, General Manager of VFP Industrial Complex
Appointed by SND upon Supreme Council recommendation

Duties of Executive Officers

VP Finance: manages financial reports, controls, funds, compliance
VP Administration: oversees personnel and administrative functions
VP Operation: supervises business units and asset management

Disciplinary Powers

Supreme Council may discipline or remove executive officers subject to due process and SND approval

Article IX: Finance and Resources

Financial system to comply with public corporation laws; transparency and accountability required
Fiscal year: January 1 to December 31
Council and officers generally unpaid except as law allows
Revenues from dues, donations, business operations, investments
Annual budgets submitted to SND for approval
Member organizations share in revenues as prescribed
Membership dues deducted from pensions with consent and remitted by PVAO

Article X: General Provisions

Meetings governed by rules promulgated by Supreme Council or by Robert’s Rules of Order
Member organizations must adopt constitution/bylaws consistent with RA 2640 and Federation rules
Separability clause protects validity of remaining provisions if parts are invalid

Article XI: Transitory Provisions

Department of National Defense assists Federation through Management Committee during transition
Member organizations to register with SEC within two years

Article XII: Amendments

Amendments initiated by Governance Committee, reviewed by Supreme Council, recommended to SND
Ratification by members in annual assembly required

Article XIII: Effectivity

Constitution and Bylaws effective upon approval by Secretary of National Defense

This detailed summary provides a comprehensive legal analysis of the Constitution and Bylaws of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines, focusing on key provisions, membership, governance, powers, duties, finances, and operational guidelines as mandated by Philippine law.