Philippine Red Cross Autonomy Act

The State adopts the generally accepted principles of international law as part of Philippine law.
The State shall conform to the Geneva Conventions of 1949 and their additional protocols.
The Statutes of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement are adopted.
The State shall establish, recognize, and promote the development of an independent and autonomous nongovernmental Red Cross Society.
The Society shall provide humanitarian relief and assistance during peace and armed conflict.
Important fundamental principles include humanity, impartiality, neutrality, independence, voluntary service, unity, and universality.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is recognized as a voluntary, independent, and autonomous nongovernmental society.
Acts as an auxiliary to the authorities of the Republic of the Philippines in humanitarian matters.
Assists authorities in fulfilling obligations under the Geneva Conventions and International Red Cross statutes.
PRC is the sole national Red Cross society in the Philippines with a centralized directing body.
PRC exercises jurisdiction and duties throughout the entire Philippine territory.

Cooperation with public authorities for disease prevention, health promotion, and mitigation of human suffering through education, health, and social welfare programs.
Organizes emergency relief and assists sick and wounded armed forces during armed conflicts under Geneva Conventions.
Performs duties arising from the Philippines' adherence to the Geneva Conventions.
Voluntary relief and communication between the Filipino people and Armed Forces, and between similar societies globally.
Establishes and maintains national and international relief systems for natural and man-made disasters.
Promotes additional services aimed at improving health, safety, and welfare of Filipinos and other peoples.
Encourages membership creation among every citizen and resident of the Philippines.

Authority to enter into agreements with public authorities and accept provisions for services within its scope.
Power to own real and personal property, accept various bequests, donations, and contributions.
Exemption from all direct and indirect taxes, including VAT and fees on income and property use.
Tax exemption also applies to donor contributions, which are deductible for income and estate tax purposes.
Exemption from real property tax on all owned real properties.
Allotment from the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office of at least one lottery draw yearly to support disaster relief operations, in addition to existing draws for the Blood Program.

Open to all residents of the Philippines regardless of citizenship.
Contributors to the Annual Fund Campaign automatically qualify for one-year membership.
Contributions are fully deductible for taxation.

The Board of Governors is the central governing body with 30 members.
Composition: 6 appointed by the President, 18 elected by chapter delegates, and 6 elected by existing Board members.
Board members serve a 4-year renewable term; vacancies filled by election or presidential appointment.
The President of the Philippines is the Honorary President.
Officers include Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Counselor, Assistant Secretary, and Assistant Treasurer, elected by the Board for 2 years.
Board holds the power to adopt and amend bylaws, rules, and regulations.
Members and officers serve without compensation; executive staff salaries set by the Board.
Fundraising campaigns organized by the Board and chapters; campaigns are independent of other drives.
Chapters governed by rules fixing territorial jurisdictions and delegate numbers based on population and needs.
Promotes Councils in schools and National Service Training Program participation.
Annual report of activities and financial status submitted to the President.

Prohibits any person from soliciting funds or property by falsely claiming affiliation with the Philippine Red Cross.

The name "Red Cross" and the emblem of the red Greek cross on a white ground are reserved exclusively to the Philippine Red Cross.
Authorized use extends to medical services of the Armed Forces and other institutions authorized by the PRC under Geneva Conventions.
Unauthorized use or imitation of the name or emblem is unlawful.

Violators subject to a fine of not less than Fifty thousand pesos or imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
Corporate violators' penalties devolve upon responsible officers such as president or directors.

Act takes effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two newspapers of general circulation.