Lawyerly

[ PVAO, June 25, 2013 ]

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS OF THE VETERANS FEDERATION OF THE PHILIPPINES

PREAMBLE

We, the Filipino veterans of wars and military campaigns, dedicating ourselves to God, country, people, in order to uphold and defend the democratic way of life as envisioned in the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, recognize and respect the identity of the individual veteran, their widows and orphans, enrich our cultural heritage, nurture the traditions of sincerity, courage, integrity and humanity, assist in the efforts of our government to instill discipline and unity among our people, to observe peace and order, to foster love of country and to inculcate individual and collective civic consciousness, preserve our dignity and enjoyment of equal opportunities for a better life, do hereby promulgate, adopt and ordain this Constitution and Bylaws pursuant to Republic Act No. 2640, as amended.

Article I
Name, Office and Seal

Section 1. Name. - The name of this organization shall be Veterans Federation of the Philippines or VFP for short, hereafter referred to as the Federation .

Section 2. Office. - The principal office of the Federation shall be located in the City of Manila, Philippines.

Section 3. Seal. - The seal of the Federation shall consist of a royal blue oval field. In the center is a golden kris in an upright position, point up, the grip facing to its right. Superimposed across the kris is a narra branch containing twenty three leaves. A red, white and blue ribbon is tied to and hangs from the stem of the branch. A gold sun with eight rays and three gold stars arranged around it are to the right of the point. Inscribed on a gold band around the field is the name VETERANS FEDERATION OF THE PHILIPPINES .

Article II
Nature

The Federation shall be non-sectarian and non-political in character. Affiliation thereto shall not increase or diminish liability for military service.

Article III
Powers

The said Federation shall have perpetual succession, with power to sue and be sued; to hold such real and personal property as shall be necessary for its purposes, and to receive real and personal property by gift, devise or bequest; to invest its funds for the exclusive benefit of the veterans of the Philippines; to extend, within its capabilities, all necessary assistance, and operate such enterprise as may further the material or moral well-being of veterans; to adopt a seal, and to alter or destroy the same at pleasure; to have offices and conduct its business and affairs in the City of Manila and/or provinces, cities, municipalities and barrios of the Philippines and to amend said laws, regulations and rules; to establish and operate branches of its offices anywhere in the Philippines; to publish a magazine and/or publications; and generally, to do all such acts and things as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of Republic Act No. 2640, as amended, and to promote the purpose of said Federation.

Any action or decision of the Federation or of the Supreme Council shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.

Article IV
Aims and Purposes

Section 1. The aims and purposes of the Federation shall be as follows:

Implement the Constitutional mandate for the State to provide immediate and adequate care, benefits and other forms of assistance to war veterans and veterans of military campaigns, their surviving spouses and orphans;
Uphold and defend the democratic way of life as envisioned in the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines; to represent and to defend the interests of all Filipino veterans; to coordinate the efforts of all different veterans of the Philippines in behalf of the interests of respective members; to promote mutual help among former comrades-in-arms; to perpetuate their common experiences in war; to undertake acts of charity and relief work; to preserve peace and order; to foster love of country and things Filipino and inculcate individual civic consciousness;
Provide the leadership, formulate the policies and set the priorities and directions of member veterans organizations;
Provide opportunities and operate such enterprises as may further the material and moral well-being of veterans;
Establish the national machinery for the promotion of such services and programs designed for self-reliance and social and economic progress of veterans in support of the declared national policies to improve their living standards;
Encourage wide participation of all sectors in preparing the country s future veterans;
Manage and administer for veterans needs, benefits and welfare veterans properties, assets, businesses and resources entrusted under its name and possession; and
Maintain the honor and dignity of the veterans as a group or as an individual, promote their welfare and well-being, further the cause of veteranism and keep alive the ideals of freedom and democracy.

In general, the Federation shall exist solely for purposes of a benevolent character, and not for pecuniary profit of its members.

Article V
Organization and Membership

Section I. Composition - The Federation is composed of organizations under the following categories:

Charter Organizations- Organizations named in Section I of Republic Act No. 2640.

Affiliate Organizations- Organizations integrated by veterans as defined in the succeeding section, under the following categories:

1)	Fraternal Organizations - Integrated by veterans bound together by common experiences such as service in the same military organization or participation in the same military campaign or practice of the same profession or possession of the same classification or category; and
2)	Regional Veterans Organizations - Integrated by veterans residing or found in the same geographical areas in accordance with the country s existing political subdivisions such as in provinces or congressional districts.

Membership in different veterans organizations is allowed.

Section 2. Definition of Veteran - For the purpose of and when used in this Constitution and Bylaws, a veteran shall mean any person who served in the naval, air, or land arms or service of the Philippines at some time in the Philippine revolution, or World Wars I or II, or in the United States Army Forces in the Far East in World War II, or in the Philippine Expeditionary Force to Korea in the Korean Campaign, or in any armed conflict in which the Philippines may be involved in the future, or retirees of the Armed Forces of the Philippines who had served in the military service for a minimum of ten years: Provided, however, that said veterans, or retirees have been honorably discharged or separated from the service or continue in the active military service or are carried on the military rosters on inactive reserve.

Section 3. Requirements for Membership in the Federation - Member organizations are organizations complying with Section 1 hereof, which subscribe to the Federation s aims and purposes, agree to abide by this Bylaws and willing to accept the responsibilities of membership. It shall have a set of duly-elected officers with their respective addresses and shall maintain a principal office address.

Affiliate Organizations shall have at least fifty (50) members who are veterans as defined herein and whose annual membership fees are being deducted from their pensions and remitted to the Federation by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office pursuant to Section 23, Republic Act No. 6948, as amended.

Absent any of the foregoing requirements, the organization shall not be affiliated with the Federation or if already affiliated, it shall be deactivated as members of the Federation. Deactivated members shall not participate in the activities of the Federation and shall cease to receive social and material benefits accruing to any member of the Federation, except those benefits and privileges provided by other laws.

Members of deactivated organizations shall have the option to transfer membership to another veterans organization affiliated with the Federation of his own choice, subject however to the membership requirements of that veteran s organization.

Section 4. Application for Membership in the Federation - The application for membership in the Federation shall be made in writing in a form provided for the purpose duly supported by a resolution of the Board or the governing body of the veterans organization.

Section 5. Veterans Widows, Sons & Daughters, and Orphans - Veterans Widows, Sons & Daughters, and Orphans may organize into separate, independent and exclusive associations for purposes similar to the aims and purposes of the member-organizations, and may affiliate with the Federation as associate member without the right to vote or be voted upon, subject further to the rules and regulations issued by the Supreme Council and approved by the Secretary of National Defense. They shall undertake complementary activities with the Federation and such other activities approved by the Supreme Council.

Section 6. Duties of Member-Organization - Every member-organization shall have the following duties:

Accept as members pensioners endorsed by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office thru the Federation pursuant to Section 23, of Republic Act No. 6948, as amended: Provided, that such organization is the organization of choice of the pensioner;
Submit annual reports of the organization's transactions and activities including the list of officers to the Federation and the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office;
Obey the rules and regulations issued by the Federation and this Constitution and Bylaws, and policies and decisions that may be promulgated by the Federation; and
Promote the interest and welfare of its members and the members of the Federation as a whole.

Section 7. Rights of Member-Organization - Every member-organization in good standing shall have the following rights: a. Participate in the activities of the Federation and receive the social and material benefits accruing to every member of the Federation; b. Avail of and enjoy the services of the Federation; c. Participate in the deliberations during membership assembly and meetings; d. Vote and be voted upon; e. Seek any elective position, subject to the provisions of this Bylaws; f. Inspect and examine the books of accounts, the minutes book, and other records of the Federation during regular office hours and exercise other rights and privileges of membership; and g. Enjoy such other rights appurtenant to member-organization

A member-organization in good standing is one which has not violated any provision of this Constitution and Bylaws, the rules and regulations issued by the Supreme Council, the policies and decisions of the Federation, and complies with all obligations, duties, and undertakings of membership.

Section 8. Termination of Membership - Membership in the Federation may be terminated in any of the following:

Withdrawal - Any member-organization desiring to terminate its membership by withdrawal shall submit a written notice of withdrawal of its membership provided it has no pending obligation with the Federation;
Dissolution - Any member-organization in the process of dissolution shall submit a written notice of termination of its membership provided it has no pending obligation with the Federation; and
Expulsion - If a member-organization commits any act prejudicial to the interest of the Federation, the Supreme Council may, following a hearing, expel such member, or in lieu of expulsion, order the suspension of the member s right to vote until such time as the Supreme Council shall determine. During the period of suspension, the presence of such member shall not be considered in determining the existence of a quorum or in the requirements of voting.

Section 9. No membership fee or dues shall be returned to any member in case of withdrawal, expulsion or dissolution.

Article VI
Organizational Structure

Section 1. Structure - The following units shall comprise the structural organization of the Federation:

The Supreme Council - The Supreme Council shall be the governing body of the Federation and headed by a Chairman, with a Vice-Chairman and a Corporate Secretary. It shall be assisted by an Executive Board and such other committees in carrying out its functions.
Management - The Chairman of the Supreme Council shall be the Federation President. He shall act as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federation. He shall be assisted by an Executive Vice President who is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and such other executive officers recommended by the Supreme Council and approved by the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 2. Personnel - Subject to the approval of the Supreme Council and the Secretary of National Defense, the Federation President shall set-up the personnel plantilla of the National Office and such other offices of the Federation as may be necessary in the implementation of its aims and purposes. The Federation President shall hire and appoint the necessary personnel and staff of the offices in accordance with the Civil Service Rules and Regulations, Republic Act No. 10149 (GOCC Governance Act of 2011), and other existing laws.

Article VII
Government

Section 1. The Federation is under the control and supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. Any action or decision of the Federation or of the Supreme Council shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 2. The Regular National Assembly of Member Organizations - The member organizations acting through their respective Heads or their elected delegates in the event of inability of the incumbent, shall meet in a national assembly once a year, presided by the Chairman of the Supreme Council, to be held on the last Saturday of March at the principal office of the Federation or at such other place within Metro Manila and at such time as the Supreme Council may designate, for the following purposes:

To elect the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, members of the Supreme Council, and elective officials of the Federation and/or remove any of them;
To review the acts and ratify the resolutions of the Supreme Council or the Federation;
To hear the State of the Federation report; and
To ratify amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws of the Federation.

The heads of the Veterans Widows, Sons & Daughters, and Orphans organizations affiliated with the Federation pursuant to Paragraph a, Section 5, Article V of this Bylaws, or their designated representative and all past Presidents of the Federation may be invited to attend the said assembly by resolution of the Supreme Council subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 3. Special Assembly - For purposes of special election or removal of a member of the Supreme Council, a special assembly of member-organizations may be called at any time by the at least two-thirds (2/3) of the members of the Supreme Council, or by the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 4. Minutes of the Assembly - The Corporate Secretary shall keep and preserve the minutes of the assembly as record of business transacted at such assemblies. Copies thereof shall be submitted to the Supreme Council and the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 5. Notice of Assembly of Member-Organizations - The Corporate Secretary shall serve written notices to each member at its last known address at least two (2) weeks prior to the date of the intended assembly.

For the annual national assembly of member-organizations, such notices shall be accompanied by the minutes of meeting of the previous national assembly, consolidated audited financial statements, proposed amendments to the Constitution and Bylaws, if any, and other documents needed by the member-delegates to arrive at sound and intelligent decisions during the assembly.

Notice of any special assembly shall state the purpose for which it is to be called and no business other than the stated purpose or those related thereto shall be considered in the meeting.

Section 6. Agenda - The order of business at each annual meeting shall be:

Call to Order
Proof of due notice
Proof of presence of quorum
Consideration of the minutes of the previous annual national assembly
Consideration of the consolidated reports of the Supreme Council and Management including audited financial statement
Election of Council Members and Officers
Unfinished business
New Business
Other matters

Section 7. Quorum at the Assembly - At the annual or special national assembly fifty percent plus one (50% + 1) of the members entitled to vote shall constitute a quorum.

Section 8. Manner of Voting.

Only members in good standing shall be eligible to vote and participate in the national assembly.
Each member-organization shall be entitled to one vote.
Election or removal of the members of the Supreme Council and the elected Officers of the Federation shall be by secret balloting, while all other actions shall be in a manner as will reflect truly and correctly the decision of the membership.

The Supreme Council

Section 9. Supreme Council - The governing body of the Federation shall be the Supreme Council (SC) composed of not more than thirty five (35) eligible veterans as follows:

Chairman/Federation President;
Vice-Chairman;
Presidents/Heads of Charter Organizations;
Presidents/Heads of Affiliated Fraternal Organizations; and
Regional Presidents/Heads of Regional Veterans Organizations

Section 10. Powers - The Supreme Council shall exercise the following powers:

Establish and prescribe rules, regulations and other issuances governing the affairs of the Federation;
Approve plans, policies, programs and projects to improve the material and moral well-being of the veterans, their widows and orphans;
Appropriate the funds of the Federation for the exclusive benefits of the veterans;
Approve the annual budget of the Federation;
Manage donations and contributions made to the Federation by the Government and expend the same for the moral and material well-being of the veterans, their widows and orphans;
Hold meetings and keep the seal, books, documents and papers of the Federation at the principal office of the Federation; and
Promulgate its own rules of proceedings.

Any action or decision of the Supreme Council shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 11. Election of the Members of the Council - The members of the Supreme Council shall be elected by the eligible member-organizations represented by their Heads or their elected delegates in the event of inability of the incumbent Head, at the annual general assembly from the list of eligible candidates approved by the Secretary of National Defense.

For this purpose, the Heads of member-organizations or their elected delegates as mentioned above may file their Certificates of Candidacy with the Supreme Council.

The Supreme Council shall submit to the Secretary of National Defense the list of eligible candidates from those who filed their Certificates of Candidacy, and from which list, the Secretary of National Defense shall select and approve the final list of candidates.

Section 12. Term of Office - Members of the Supreme Council shall hold office for a term of one (1) year unless earlier removed for cause, or resigned or incapacitated due to illness or death, and until their successors have been elected and qualified. No member of the Supreme Council shall serve for more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Section 13. Qualifications of the Members of the Supreme Council -

Member-organizations -
1. A member in good standing.
2. A member for at least one (1) year prior to election.
3. Not in the process of dissolution.
Organization Heads or delegates -

A veteran as defined herein.
A member in good standing and entitled to vote in the organization he seeks to represent.
He is the Head or the duly elected delegate of the organization he represents.

Organization Representation - In the event that the Head or the duly elected delegate is a member of more than one (1) veteran s organization, he shall represent only one (1) organization which he must declare in the Certificate of Candidacy.
Disqualifications - any veteran under any of the following circumstances is disqualified to be voted upon as member of the Council or to continue as such:
1. Having been removed from office or ceased to be the Head/delegate of his organization;
2. Being a full-time employee of the Federation;
3. Having been absent for three (3) consecutive Council meetings without justifiable reason as determined by the Council;
4. Having been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude, or found culpable in any administrative case involving gross or grave offenses in the performance of his duties;
5. Having been convicted in any administrative proceeding or civil suit involving financial and/or property accountability; or
6. Being the Head/delegate of a member-organization which failed to comply with its obligation to the Federation.

Section 14. Council Meeting; Quorum - The Supreme Council shall have semestral regular meetings, and special meetings as the need arises. Special meetings may be called by the Chairman either at his own initiative or upon the request of one-third of the Council members. The Corporate Secretary shall in writing serve notice of regular and special meetings of the Council to each member at least five (5) days before such meeting. At all meetings of the Council, the presence of a majority of the members thereof shall constitute a quorum for the valid transaction of business. Each member of the Council shall be entitled to only one (1) vote and no vote by proxy shall allowed.

Section 15. Vacancies - When vacancy in the Council occurs by reason of death, incapacity, resignation, or expiration of the authority of the Head/delegate of the organization, the vacancy shall be filled by the organization concerned by designating the successor who shall serve for the unexpired portion of the term, subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 16. Removal of Council Members and Officers - Council members and officers may be removed from office for cause by two-thirds (2/3) vote of the voting members constituting a quorum at a special national assembly called for the purpose, subject to the confirmation of the Secretary of National Defense.

Officers of the Council

Section 17. Officers of the Council - The Officers of the Supreme Council include a Chairman, a Vice-Chairman, a Corporate Secretary, and the Chairmen of the Committees. The duties and responsibilities of the said Officers shall be defined by the Supreme Council except as herein provided.

Section 18. Corporate Secretary - The Supreme Council shall appoint a Corporate Secretary from among its members who shall act as the Secretary of the Supreme Council and Secretary of the Executive Board. The duties of the Corporate Secretary are:

Keep the minutes of all meetings of the Supreme Council and the Executive Board;
Be the custodian of the corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the Federation;
Attest to all official actuations and documents of the Supreme Council and Executive Board, take charge of the official correspondence and, upon instructions of the Federation President, issue media releases;
Be responsible for informing the member organizations of all official actuations and activities of the Federation;
Keep and maintain an updated Register of member organizations and their principal officers; and
Perform such other duties and functions as the Supreme Council or the Executive Board may prescribe.

The Executive Board

Section 19. Members; election; composition - The Supreme Council shall elect from among themselves the members of the Executive Board ten (10) days from the annual general assembly, as follows:

One third (1/3) of the Presidents/Heads of Charter Organizations-members of the Supreme Council: Provided, that a fraction of more than one-half (1/2) is equivalent to one;
One third (1/3) of the Presidents/Heads of affiliate organization-members of the Supreme Council: Provided, that a fraction of more than one half (1/2) is equivalent to one; and
Regional Presidents of the Regional Veterans Organizations-members of the Supreme Council.

The Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Supreme Council are Ex-Officio Members. The Chairman shall be the Presiding Officer of the Board and the Vice-Chairman shall be the Vice-Chairman of the Board.

Section 20. Functions - The Board shall act on all matters for and in behalf of the Supreme Council in between meetings of the latter. It shall promulgate its own rules of procedures in the performance of its functions subject to the approval of the Supreme Council.

Section 21. Meetings. - The Executive Board shall hold a regular meeting every month. The Chairman, on his own initiative or upon written request of at least three (3) members, may call a special meeting in case of urgency.

Notice. - Notice of Meetings of the Executive Board shall be served by the Corporate Secretary at least fourteen (14) days prior to any regular meeting and seven (7) days prior to any special meeting, stating time and date, place and agenda.
Quorum. - One half plus one of the total memberships of the Executive Board shall constitute a quorum.

Section 22. Confirmation of Actions - All resolutions and actions of the Executive Board shall be submitted to the Supreme Council for confirmation at its next regular or special meeting and approved by the Secretary of National Defense. Committees

Section 23. Committees - The Supreme Council shall create the following Committees and such other committees to assist in the performance of its functions:

Governance Committee;
Finance and Audit Committee;
Ways and Means Committee
Nomination and Election Committee; and
Legislative Committee

Section 24. Members - The Supreme Council shall select from among its members the Chairman of each Committee. The selected Chairman shall in turn select his members from the active Federations members or from among the Executive officers of the Federation.

Section 25. Functions of the Committees - All committees shall function as advisory bodies of the Supreme Council and the Executive Board. Their specific functions and duties shall be prescribed by the Supreme Council and approved by the Secretary of National Defense.

Section 26. Rules of Procedures of the Committees - The Committees shall adopt within one (1) month from organization their respective rules of procedures. Each rules of procedures shall be approved by the Supreme Council.

Article VIII
Management

Section 1. Federation President - The Chairman of the Supreme Council shall be the Federation President. He shall be the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the federation.

Section 2. Federation Executive Vice-President - The Federation Executive Vice President (EVP) shall be appointed by the SND upon recommendation by the Supreme Council. He shall be the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Federation.

Section 3. Other Executive Officers - The Federation shall have a Vice-President for Finance, Vice-President for Administration, Vice-President for Operation, General Manager of VFP Industrial Complex and such other Executive Officers as may be appointed by the Secretary of National Defense upon recommendation of the Supreme Council.

Section 4. Duties of the Federation President - The Federation President shall have the following duties:

Exercise general supervision and authority over the regular course of business, affairs, and property of the Federation, and over its employees and other officers;
Implement all orders and resolutions of the National Assembly and the Supreme Council;
Submit to the Supreme Council immediately after the close of each fiscal year, and to the member-organizations at the annual national assembly, a complete report of the operations of the Federation for the preceding year, and the state of the Federation and its affairs;
Report to the Supreme Council at its quarterly meeting and as necessary all matters which the interest of the Federation may require to be brought to its notice;
Submit to the Supreme Council the annual budget of the Federation; and
Perform such other duties as the Supreme Council may prescribe.

Section 5. Duties of the Federation Executive Vice-President - The Federation Executive Vice-President shall have the following duties:

Act as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Federation; and
Perform such other duties as the Supreme Council may prescribe.

Section 6. Vice-President for Finance - The Vice -President for Finance shall have the following duties:

Provide Management with accurate, relevant, and timely operating and financial reports and analyses necessary for financial planning and strategy formulation, and monitor actual implementation of budgets, plans and programs towards the achievement of corporate goals;
Maintain the integrity of accounting records as the basis of the financial statements and reports provided to Management for decision-making and to government regulatory bodies in compliance with statutory requirements;
Ensure that all other financial reportorial obligations to the concerned agencies are complied with;
Strengthen internal controls by monitoring compliance with policies and recommending to Management appropriate actions and changes in systems and procedures in the exigencies of the service; e. Shall have charge of the funds, receipts and disbursements of the Federation;
Deposit all monies and other valuable effects in the name and to the credit of the Federation in compliance with applicable laws, rules and regulations;
Regularly and at least quarterly render to the CEO and to the Supreme Council an account of the fund condition of the Federation and all transactions as such;
Ensure fund availability on a timely basis and at the most economical means; and
Perform such other duties as the Supreme Council may prescribe.

Section 7. Vice-President for Administration - The Vice-President for Administration shall have the following duties:

Direct and supervise the administrative and general support requirements of the Federation;
Take charge of personnel programs of the Federation in accordance with Civil Service Laws, rules and regulations;
Serve as a clearing center for all official communications;
Maintain record-keeping and mailing services;
Acquire, store and maintain supplies and equipment, provide janitorial and security services and other services consistent with Republic Act No. 9184 or the Procurement Law; and
Perform such other duties as the Supreme Council may prescribe.

Section 8. Duties of the Vice-President for Operation - The Vice- President for Operation shall have the following duties:

Exercise supervision over the General Manager of the VFP Industrial Complex and such other special business units of the Federation as the Supreme Council may direct;
Responsible for efficient assets management to optimize revenues derived from the properties, assets, businesses and resources entrusted under the name of the Federation; and
Perform such other duties as the Supreme Council may prescribe.

Section 9. Power of the Supreme Council to Discipline/Remove Officers. - Subject to existing Civil Service Laws, rules and regulations, and ensuring compliance with the requirements of due process, the Supreme Council shall have the authority to discipline, or remove from office, the appointive executive officers, upon a majority vote of all the members of the Council and approval of the Secretary of National Defense.

Article IX
Finance and Resources

Section 1. Financial and Resources Management - The Federation shall adopt the financial and management system prescribed for public corporations under existing laws, rules and regulations. Such system shall at all times be transparent, responsible and accountable and carried out with the utmost degree of professionalism and effectiveness.

All disbursements of funds of the Federation shall be guided by its character as benevolent organization existing not for pecuniary profit of its members.

Section 2. Fiscal Year - The fiscal year of this Federation shall commence on the first day of January and ends on the last day of December.

Section 3. Compensation - The members of the Supreme Council and the Officers shall not receive compensation except as otherwise allowed by the Republic Act No. 10149 (GOCC Governance Act of 2011) and other existing laws.

Section 4. Revenues - The revenues of the Federation shall be derived from its share of the membership dues from the member-organizations; donations and contributions; income from its properties, business operations, enterprises, and investments; and such other sources allowed by existing laws.

Section 5. Budget - The annual budget and any special supplemental budget of he Federation shall be submitted by the Supreme Council to the Secretary of National Defense for approval.

Section 6. Member Organization Funds - Member-organizations shall have a proportionate share in the revenues of the Federation as may be prescribed by the Supreme Council subject to the approval of the SND. Funds in excess of the operating expenses of the Federation shall be set aside for this purpose, subject to rules and conditions set by the Supreme Council.

Section 7. Collection of Membership Dues through Pension Deduction - Pursuant to Section 23, Republic Act No. 6948, as amended, a veteran or widow shall be deducted the annual membership dues by the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) from their pensions for direct remittance to the Federation: Provided, that the consent to be deducted for their annual membership dues to the Federation shall be manifested in the VFP registration form submitted to PVAO.

Article X
General Provisions

Section 1. Parliamentary Procedures - The Supreme Council may promulgate rules and regulations governing the conduct of meetings, otherwise the Robert s Rules of Order shall prevail.

Section 2. Promulgation of Member-Organization s Constitution and Bylaws - Member-Organizations shall adopt and promulgate their own Constitution and Bylaws: Provided, that such Constitution and Bylaws are in conformity with Republic Act No. 2640 and this Constitution and Bylaws.

Section 3. Separability Clause - Any provision of this Constitution and Bylaws which is found to be inconsistent with the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines, Republic Act No. 2640, statutes, decrees, executive orders and the like shall not invalidate the other provisions of this Constitution and Bylaws.

Article XI
Transitory Provisions

Section 1. Management Committee - Until the members of the Management Executives Staff shall have fully capacitated in accordance herewith, the Department of National Defense constituted Management Committee shall assist the federation in instituting reforms in accordance herewith. Within two (2) years from the approval of this Constitution and Bylaws, the Management Committee shall take steps to organize the Federation in accordance with Republic Act No. 2640, as amended, and other applicable laws.

Section 2. SEC Registration - All member-organizations shall, within two (2) years from membership in the Federation, register as corporate entity with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Article XII
Amendments

Section 1. Amendments - This Constitution and Bylaws may be amended or repealed, in whole or in part, or a new one adopted, through the initiative of the Governance Committee which shall submit to the Supreme Council the proposal for such amendments or repeal for review and appropriate recommendation to the Secretary of National Defense. Any amendment or repeal under this provision shall be ratified by the members in the annual regular general assembly.

Article XIII
Effectivity

This Constitution and Bylaws shall take effect upon approval by the Secretary of National Defense.

(SGD) VOLTAIRE T. GAZMIN
Secretary of National Defense