Title
Creation of Veterans Federation of the Philippines
Law
Republic Act No. 2640
Decision Date
Jun 18, 1960
Republic Act No. 2640 establishes the Veterans Federation of the Philippines as a non-sectarian and non-political public corporation, representing and defending the interests of Filipino veterans, coordinating their efforts, and promoting mutual help, charity, and relief work, while enjoying tax exemption and reporting requirements to the President or Secretary of National Defense.

Powers and Legal Capacities of the Federation

  • Holds perpetual succession, can sue and be sued.
  • May hold, receive, and invest real and personal property for veterans' benefit.
  • Authorized to provide assistance, operate enterprises to advance veterans' welfare.
  • Can adopt and modify corporate seal, maintain offices throughout the Philippines.
  • May publish magazines or other materials.
  • Actions subject to approval by the Secretary of National Defense.

Membership Eligibility for Affiliated Associations

  • Only associations composed of veterans who served in specified military engagements (Philippine Revolution, WWI, WWII, US Army Forces in the Far East, Korean Campaign, or future armed conflicts involving the Philippines).
  • Veterans must have been honorably discharged, separated, active, or listed on inactive reserve military rolls.

Purposes of the Federation

  • Uphold and defend the democratic way of life per the Philippine Constitution.
  • Represent and defend Filipino veterans' interests.
  • Coordinate efforts among veteran groups.
  • Promote mutual aid, preserve war experiences, engage in charity and relief.
  • Foster peace, patriotism, and civic consciousness.
  • Operate solely for benevolent purposes without pecuniary profit.

Character and Affiliation

  • The Federation is non-sectarian and non-political.
  • Membership does not affect liability for military service.

Financial Restrictions

  • Prohibited from issuing stock certificates or paying dividends.
  • Excess funds are reserved for expenditures aligned with the Federation's purposes.

Governance Structure

  • Supreme Council as the governing body.
  • Composition, qualifications, elections, and terms determined by the Federation’s constitution and by-laws.
  • Initial Supreme Council composed of named persons serving until successors qualify.
  • By-laws specify quorum requirements.

Meetings and Reporting

  • Annual meeting required for reporting and election of officers.
  • Special meetings may be called as prescribed.
  • Quorum for meetings regulated by constitution and by-laws.
  • Supreme Council manages meetings and official records at the principal office.

Insignia and Uniforms

  • Federation may adopt its own insignia and uniforms.
  • Exclusive right to use titles, emblems, badges, and related marks within the Philippines.

Donations and Contributions

  • Government donations must be used solely for purposes stated in the Act.

Tax Exemption

  • The Federation is exempt from payment of all taxes.

Annual Reporting to Government

  • Annual report of activities and detailed financial report to be submitted to the President or Secretary of National Defense.
  • Report due by the last day of the month following the end of the fiscal year.

Effectivity

  • The Act takes effect immediately upon approval on June 18, 1960.

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