Declaration of Principles and State Policies
- State recognizes youth as vital to nation building.
- Affirms Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) role in promoting positive values, responsible citizenship, and volunteerism among young women.
- Adheres to fundamental principles of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).
Recognition of the Girl Scouts of the Philippines
- GSP recognized as a body corporate created under Commonwealth Act No. 542.
- Principal office located in Metropolitan Manila.
- Aligns with ideals of WAGGGS.
Corporate Powers of GSP
- Perpetual succession as a juridical entity.
- Powers include:
- To sue and be sued.
- To acquire, hold, and convey real and personal properties.
- To receive funds and donations.
- To adopt and modify a corporate seal.
- To maintain offices nationwide in the Philippines.
- To exercise all corporate powers necessary to fulfill its purposes.
Vision and Mission
- Vision: Filipino girls and young women as God-loving, patriotic, progressive, dynamic, and proactive.
- Mission: Help girls realize ideals of womanhood and prepare for responsibilities at home, nation, and world.
- GSP as sole directing and coordinating head of Girl Scouts Movement in the Philippines.
- Establishes standards for citizenship, character, and international understanding.
Nature and Purpose
- GSP is independent, voluntary, nonstock, nonprofit, nonsectarian, and nonpolitical.
- Cooperates with individuals and entities sharing aligned ideals.
Central Board
- Governing body composed of 37 to 47 members:
- 8 Charter/Life members.
- Regional Chairpersons of Girl Scout Regions elected by regions.
- National President of the Boy Scouts of the Philippines.
- Immediate Past National President of GSP.
- Senior Girl Scout/Cadet or young adult representative per region.
- Members-at-large elected by National Council.
- Powers:
- Amend Constitution and bylaws subject to National Council ratification.
- Create committees and establish policies.
- Meetings at least twice a year.
- Terms of 3 years; vacancies filled by next highest vote-getter.
- Elects national officers including President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, assistants.
- Woman President or First Lady of the Philippines is Chief Girl Scout.
National Executive Committee
- Implements policies and decisions of National Council and Central Board.
- Composed of all officers and standing committee chairpersons.
National Council
- Forum for guidelines, directions, and evaluation.
- Comprises Central Board members, Girl Scout Council Presidents or representatives, and elected delegates.
- Meets every three years; special meetings allowed.
- Elects Members-at-Large to Central Board.
- Ratifies amendments to Constitution and bylaws with two-thirds vote.
Girl Scout Symbols and Trademarks
- GSP adopts emblems, badges, insignia, uniforms, and equipment exclusively for registered members.
- Such symbols registered under Intellectual Property Code (R.A. 8293).
- Intellectual Property Office (IPO) to register these free of charge.
- SEC, IPO, and DTI to refuse registration of any marks or trade names infringing on GSP symbols.
Fiscal Incentives
- Exemptions granted as follows:
- From all direct and indirect taxes including VAT on income, lease, or sales.
- From taxes, VAT, duties, fees on importations and purchases for exclusive use.
- Donations from foreign countries exempted from tax and donor benefits apply.
- Exempt from real property taxes.
- Exempt from other taxes, duties, imposts, and charges.
Penal Clause
- Illegal to falsely represent oneself as a GSP member or agent.
- Unlawful to manufacture, sell, use or distribute GSP badges, uniforms, symbols, or use GSP name without approval.
- Penalties:
- Prison correctional minimum period or fine up to P20,000 for false representation.
- For unauthorized use of symbols or name: prison correctional or fine between P50,000 to P300,000.
- Corporate officers criminally liable for violations by their entities.
- Civil actions for damages possible alongside criminal prosecution.
- Intellectual Property Law penalties also apply.
Transitory Provision
- Current administrative structure maintained for six months from effectivity to allow reorganization.
Dissolution of GSP
- Upon dissolution, incumbent Central Board to form GSP Foundation.
- GSP properties and assets transferred to the Foundation consistent with the Act.
Repealing Clause
- Commonwealth Act No. 542 and other conflicting laws repealed or modified accordingly.
Separability Clause
- Invalidity of any provision does not affect the remaining provisions.
Effectivity
- Takes effect 15 days after publication in Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.