Corporate Identity, Powers, and Emblem
- Named "The Philippine National Red Cross" with perpetual succession
- Powers to sue and be sued, hold properties, accept donations
- Authorized to adopt and use the red Greek cross on a white ground as emblem—non-religious symbol
- Jurisdiction covers the entire Philippines
- Delivery of brassard for neutralized individuals during war controlled by military authority per Article 21 of the Convention
Objectives and Functions
- Provide volunteer aid to sick and wounded armed forces in wartime following Geneva Red Cross Convention
- Perform duties arising from adherence to the Convention
- Serve as liaison between the Filipino people and armed forces in peace and war and coordinate with similar international national societies
- Maintain national and international relief systems for emergencies caused by natural disasters
- Promote additional services improving health, safety, and welfare without infringing government functions
Membership Provisions
- Open regular membership to all adults in the Philippines
- Contributions to Annual Fund Campaign confer one-year membership
- Junior membership allowed subject to Board of Governors rules
Governance Structure
- Board of Governors composed of 30 members: 6 Presidential appointees (1-3 from Armed Forces), 15 elected by Chapter delegates, 9 selected by the Board
- Three-year terms with staggered expirations to enable annual elections
- Restrictions on consecutive terms (maximum two full terms)
- Vacancies filled by Board election or Presidential appointment
- Officers (Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Councilor) elected annually by Board
- President of the Philippines as Honorary President
- Board has power to create and amend bylaws
- Members and officers serve without pay; paid staff compensation set by Board
Funding Sources
- Primarily financed by personal solicitation campaigns organized by the Board and Chapters
- Fund-raising campaigns to operate independently of other fundraising drives
Organizational Units and Delegates
- Board to establish rules for local units called Chapters
- Defines chapters’ territorial jurisdiction, membership, and allocation of voting delegates
- For initial Board election, allocation of voting delegates from existing branches authorized
Succession and Property Rights
- Philippine National Red Cross authorized to succeed to all rights, interest, and property of the pre-existing Philippine Red Cross
- Succession in accordance with the American National Red Cross Central Committee resolution
Reporting Requirements
- Annual report to the President detailing activities and financial condition, including receipts and disbursements
Protection of Name and Emblem
- Unlawful to falsely claim representation or membership or to fraudulently use the Red Cross name or emblem
- Exclusive use of words "Red Cross" and emblem reserved for Philippine National Red Cross and Armed Forces medical services
- Violations subject to fines up to 1,000 pesos, imprisonment up to one year, or both
- Corporate entity violations impose penalties on responsible officers
Repeal and Effectivity
- All inconsistent laws repealed
- The Act takes effect immediately upon approval