CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF
Voice of the Youth for Peace and Orderliness (VYPO)
Preamble
We, the youth citizens of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan, imploring the guidance of Almighty God, in order to construct a peaceful and progressive homeland, through our scholastic potentials, leadership skills and religion-oriented actions, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution and By-Laws.
ARTICLE I
Name and Domicile
Section 1: The association shall be officially known as Voice of the Youth for Peace and Orderliness, hereafter referred to as VYPO.
Section 2: The principal office of the association shall be located within the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat, Province of Shariff Kabunsuan. Several chapters shall be established in other parts of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan and some other places and/or universities in Visayas and Luzon.
ARTICLE II
Purpose
The purpose of this association shall be to empower the youth academically and spiritually, to bridge existing gaps, and to foster youth leaders to collaborate in taking significant actions for positive change. Toward this end, it shall conduct seminars, workshops, training, dialogues, symposiums, forums and outreach programs.
ARTICLE III
Trustees
Section 1: The corporate powers of the association shall be exercised, its business conducted and its property controlled by the Board of Trustees.
Section 2: The trustee to be elected must be of legal age and had been an active member for at least three years. He/She must have been an active chapter officer.
Section 3: A member who had violated any of the provisions of the Corporation Code of the Philippines or the fundamental laws of this association and the institution or place on which it was established within two (2) years prior to the date of election or appointment shall not qualify as a trustee.
Section 4: The first set of the board of trustees shall be appointed by the Founding President in consultation to the members, for a term of three years which shall begin on the noon of the first day of the month immediately after the month of the incorporation of this association to Securities and Exchange Commission and shall end on the noon of the first day of second June after incorporation.
Section 5: The succeeding set of the Board of Trustees shall be elected from members and/or officers of all chapters through ballot on the annual meeting for a term of three years which shall begin on the noon of the first day of June and shall end on the noon of the same date three years thereafter. No trustee shall serve for more than four consecutive terms.
Section 6: Any trustee who wishes to resign shall submit a letter of resignation to the remaining trustees containing at least three reasons of his/her resignation.
Section 7: In case of vacancy due to death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of trustee, a special meeting of the remaining trustees, national officers and advisers shall be called to fill such vacancy. Any appointed or elected trustee shall serve only for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor in office.
ARTICLE IV
Officers
A. National Officers
Section 1:The National Officers shall be composed of President, Vice- President for General Administration, Vice-President for Information and Extension, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Vice-President for Religious Affairs, Vice-President for Socio-Civic Affairs, Vice- President for Women Affairs, Secretary General, Secretary to the Vice-President for Information and Extension, Secretary to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Secretary to the Vice-President for Religious Affairs, Secretary to the Vice-President for Socio-Civic Affairs, Secretary to the Vice President for Women Affairs, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Auditor. The President, Vice- President for General Administration, Vice-President for Information and Extension, Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Vice-President for Religious Affairs, Vice-President for Socio-Civic Affairs, Secretary General, Secretary to the Vice-President for Information and Extension, Secretary to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs, Secretary to the Vice-President for Religious Affairs, Secretary to the Vice-President for Socio-Civic Affairs shall be male. The Vice President for Women Affairs, Secretary to the Vice President for Women Affairs, Treasurer, Assistant Treasurer and Auditor shall be female.
Section 2: The officer to be elected must be of legal age and had been an active member for at least three years. He/She must have been an active chapter officer.The President and Vice-Presidents shall be members of the Board of Trustees.
Section 3: A member who had violated any of the provisions of the Corporation Code of the Philippines or the fundamental laws of this association and the institution or place on which it was established within two (2) years prior to the date of election or appointment shall not qualify as a national officer.
Section 4: The first set of the national officers shall be appointed by the Founding President in consultation to the members, for a term of three years which shall begin on the noon of the first day of the month immediately after the month of the incorporation of this association to Securities and Exchange Commission and shall end on the noon of the first day of second June after incorporation.
Section 5: The succeeding set of the National Officers shall be elected from members and/or officers of all chapters through ballot on the annual meeting for a term of three years which shall begin on the noon of the first day of June and shall end on the noon of the same date three years thereafter. No officer shall serve for more than four consecutive terms.
Section 6: Any officer who wishes to resign shall submit a letter of resignation to the Board of Trustees containing at least three reasons of his/her resignation.
Section 7: In case of vacancy due to death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of officer, a special meeting of the remaining trustees, national officers and advisers shall be called to fill such vacancy. Any appointed or elected officer shall serve only for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor in office.
B. Chapter Officers
Section 1: The Chapter Officers shall be composed of President, Vice- President, Vice- President for Women Affairs, Secretary General, Secretary to the Vice President for Women Affairs, Treasurer, Auditor and P.I.O. The President, Vice President, Secretary General and PIO shall be male. The Vice President for Women Affairs, Secretary to the Vice President for Women Affairs, Treasurer and Auditor shall be female.
Section 2: The officer to be elected must be an active member for at least one year.
Section 3: A member who had violated any of the provisions of the Corporation Code of the Philippines or the fundamental laws of this association and the institution or place on which it was established within two (2) years prior to the date of election or appointment shall not qualify as a chapter officer.
Section 4: The first set of officers shall be elected on the first day of the month immediately next to the month of the establishment of chapter for a term which shall begin on the day of election and shall end on the first day of the coming March. A chapter is deemed established when the required numbers of members stated in Article VII is met.
Section 5: The succeeding set of officers shall be elected every last Saturday of February for a term of one year which shall begin on the first day of March and shall end on the same date one year thereafter. No officer shall serve for more than four consecutive terms.
Section 6: Any officer who wishes to resign shall submit a letter of resignation to the Board of Trustees containing at least three reasons of his/her resignation.
Section 7: In case of vacancy due to death, permanent disability, removal from office or resignation of officer, a special meeting of the remaining officers and advisers shall be called to fill such vacancy. Any appointed or elected officer shall serve only for the unexpired term of his/her predecessor in office.
ARTICLE V
Powers and Functions of Officers
A. National Officers
Section 1: The President shall preside at all meetings, organize and supervise all activities and sign all official documents adopted and created by the association.
Section 2: The Vice President for General Administration shall assume the duties of the President in his absence and shall supervise the male division of the association. He shall be the right hand of the President.
Section 3: The Vice-President for Information and Extension shall be responsible on executing all announcements in and out of the organization. He shall also be responsible on the extension of the association to other places.
Section 4: The Vice-President for Academic Affairs shall spearhead on initiating and carrying out of all the academic programs to be conducted by the association.
Section 5: The Vice-President for Religious Affairs shall spearhead on initiating and carrying out of all the religious programs to be conducted by the association.
Section 6: The Vice-President for Socio-Civic Affairs shall spearhead on initiating and carrying out of all the socio-civic programs to be conducted by the association.
Section 7: The Vice President for Women Affairs shall have supreme power over the female division of the association and shall assume the duties of the President therein.
Section 8: The Secretary General shall keep all official records of the association, make all necessary letters or documents and read minutes at all meetings of the national officers.
Section 9: The Secretary to the Vice-President for Information and Extension shall make and keep all necessary documents in line with the information to be circulated and the extension of the association.
Section 10: The Secretary to the Vice-President for Academic Affairs shall make and keep all necessary documents in line with the academic programs of the association.
Section 11: The Secretary to the Vice-President for Religious Affairs shall make and keep all necessary documents in line with the religious programs of the association.
Section 12: The Secretary to the Vice-President for Socio-Civic Affairs shall make and keep all necessary documents in line with the socio-civic programs of the association.
Section 13: The Secretary to the Vice President for Women Affairs shall keep official records of the female division of the association, make all necessary letters or documents and read minutes at all meetings therein.
Section 14: The Treasurer shall be responsible on the bank account of the association. She shall make budget proposal for the annual affairs of the association, prepare financial statements and dispense funds as approved by the body.
Section 15: The Assistant Treasurer shall assist the treasurer in all financial transactions.
Section 16:The Auditor shall check the budget proposals and financial statements prepared by the treasurer.
B. Chapter Officers
Section 1: The President shall preside at all meetings, organize and supervise all activities and sign all official documents adopted and created by the chapter.
Section 2: The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his absence and shall supervise the male division of the chapter. He shall be the right hand of the President.
Section 3: The Vice President for Women Affairs shall have supreme power over the female division of the chapter and shall assume the duties of the President therein.
Section 4: The Secretary General shall keep all official records of the chapter, make all necessary letters or documents and read minutes at all meetings therein.
Section 5: The Secretary to the Vice President for Women Affairs shall keep all official records of the female division of the chapter, make all necessary letters or documents and read minutes at all meetings therein.
Section 6: The Treasurer shall make budget proposal for every activity of the chapter, prepare financial statements and dispense funds as approved by the president.
Section 7: The Auditor shall check the budget proposals and financial statements prepared by the treasurer. She shall also accompany her in all financial transactions.
Section 8: The Public Information Officer shall be responsible on executing all announcements in the chapter and to the outside community.
ARTICLE VI
Disciplinary Board
Section 1: The board shall be responsible on maintaining discipline and justice in the organization.
Section 2: The chapter level of the board shall be composed of five persons: three chapter officers and two chapter members, to be appointed by the Chapter President in consultation to the members with a term the same with the chapter officers, and is responsible on sanctioning all violations committed by the chapter members.
Section 3: The national level of the board shall be composed of five persons: three national officers and two chapter officers, to be appointed by the National President in consultation to all officers, with a term the same with the national officers, and is responsible on sanctioning all violations committed by the chapter or national officers.
Section 4: The board shall punish accordingly any member or officer who had committed any of the following major violations:
1. Any violation or offense toward the fundamental laws or policies of any place or institution to which the association was established.
2. Any act that will insult the nature of the association such as:
a. Smoking
b. Drinking Liquor
c. Trouble-Making
d. Taking Prohibited Drugs
e. Malicious Acts (e.g. dating)
3. Tampering of any of the official documents of the association and forgery
4. Direct or indirect involvement in any attempt to obstruct any of the programs, activities or rules of the organization
5. Dissemination of any information either in orally or in written that may attack the integrity
of the association or any of its appointed or elected officers, advisers, or members
6. Direct insult to any officer, adviser or member
7. Violation of any of the provisions of the Corporate Code of the Philippines.
The punishment shall be as follows:
1. In case of a member
First Offense: Warning with a penalty of One Hundred Pesos and signing of an agreement that committing the same violation for the second time is tantamount to expulsion.
Second Offense: Expulsion from the Association.
2. In case of an officer
First Offense: Warning with a penalty of One Hundred Pesos and signing of an agreement that committing the same violation for the second time is tantamount to expulsion.
Second Offense: Expulsion from the Association.
Section 5: The Board shall punish accordingly any member or officer who had committed any of the following minor violations:
1. Using cellular phones during meeting hours
2. Absence in any meeting or activity without valid reasons presented through an excuse slip.
3. Failure to pay fees on the agreed dateline of payment without a promissory note of paying a particular amount up to three days after the agreed date.
4. Using vernacular language in talking when someone belonging to different ethno-linguistic group is present, unless permitted by the latter
5. Tardiness [two (2) pesos penalty will be charged for every five (5) minutes
The punishment shall be as follows:
1. In case of a member
First Offense: Warning with a penalty of Twenty Pesos.
Second Offense: Suspension of membership with duration to be agreed by the board and signing of an agreement that committing the same violation for the third time is tantamount to expulsion.
Third Offense: Expulsion from the Association.
2. In case of an officer
First Offense: Warning with a penalty of Twenty Pesos.
Second Offense: Removal from position held and signing of an agreement that committing the same violation for the third time is tantamount to expulsion.
Third Offense: Expulsion from the Association.
ARTICLE VII
Membership
Section 1: Members shall have the following qualifications:
(1) Must be a youth having an age of 12 to 30.
(2) Must not be a member of any association which has a nature the same with VYPO
(3) Must not be engaged in smoking, liquor drinking, gangsters and other related acts
(4) Must have not been convicted of any crime three (3) years prior to his/her application.
(5) Must be willing to change his/her undesirable personality into an ideal one
(6) Must be committed to perform his/her duties in the association
(7) Must have an interest in peace-building among communities
(8) Must be aware of the VMG and CBL of the association
(9) Must submit all documents to be required by the screening committee
(10) Must pass all phases of screening process to be conducted
Section 2: Qualified member shall submit a filled-up Membership Form to be issued by the officers. Upon submission, he/she shall be given a Certificate of Membership.
Section 3: Members shall have the following rights and privileges:
(1) To exercise the rights to vote on all matter relating to the affairs of the association.
(2) To be eligible to any elective or appointive office of the association.
(3) To be the coordinator of a soon-to-be-established chapters.
(4) To propose an activity.
(5) To be informed of the rules and regulations affecting him/her.
(6) To fair treatment and opportunities.
(7) To participate in all deliberations/meetings of the association.
(8) To be informed of all his/her obligations.
(9) To ask for assistance from the body in any matter.
(10) To avail of all the facilities of the association.
(11) To examine all the records or books of the association during business hours.
(12) To apply or participate in any activity to be conducted by any association or agency on which VYPO is invited subject to the selection process by the officers in consultation to the Board of Trustees and advisers.
Section 4: Members shall have the following duties:
(1) To abide the By-Laws, rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the association from time to time.
(2) To take part in all activities, programs and projects to be carried on by the association
(3) To promote discipline and respect in the association.
(4) To promptly pay dues and fees.
(5) To attend meetings to be called by the body.
Section 5: Withdrawal of Membership
Any member may resign or withdraw his/her membership upon a written letter to the President in their respective chapter.
ARTICLE VIII
Advisers
Section 1: There shall be five advisers who will be guiding and helping the youth on handling the over-all affairs of the association: legal, academic, religious, socio-civic and women affairs.
Section 2: The legal adviser shall keep the national officers aware of the Philippines laws that may affect the association.
Section 3: The academic affairs adviser shall help and guide on implementing the academic programs of the association. He/She shall also assist in settling the academic needs of the members.
Section 4: The religious affairs adviser shall help and guide on implementing the religious programs of the association. He shall also maintain the observance of religious practices within the association.
Section 5: The socio-civic affairs adviser shall help and guide on implementing the socio-civic programs of the association.
Section 6: The women affairs adviser shall help and guide the women division of the association on implementing the activities concerning them.
Section 7: There shall be at least two chapter advisers, one for the men and another one for the women. They shall explain and clarify campus or community policies or procedures that affect the organization. They shall assist the chapter officers on the observance of the fundamental laws and procedures of the association.
ARTICLE IX
Alumni
Section 1: Members or officers who had reached an age of 31 shall be considered alumni of this association.
Section 2: Alumni members shall elect their officers with positions, terms, powers and functions the same with the chapter officers.
Section 3: The alumni officers and members shall continuously support the affairs of this association.
ARTICLE X
Meetings
Section 1:The annual meeting of all members shall be held at the principal office of the association located at Sultan Kudarat, Shariff Kabunsuan on any day of April of each year. The President shall render his annual report to the members regarding the status of the association. The election of trustees and national officers shall also be held every three years during this meeting.
Section 2: The National Officers and any representative of each chapter preferably its president shall meet every last Saturday of August, November and February.
Section 3: Chapter Officers shall meet for at least twice a month, preferably on first and third Saturday of the month.
Section 4: Chapter Officers shall meet their members for at least once a month, preferably on the first Saturday of the month.
Section 5: The chapter advisers shall meet the chapter officers and/or the members for at least twice a semester preferably on the third and last Saturday of the semester.
Section 6: Special meetings of the members shall be called as the need thereof arises, by the Board of Trustees or the President or upon petition of 1/3 of the general membership.
Section 7: Notices of the time and place of regular and special meetings shall be posted at the main office or the place or institution on where a chapter exists and be circulated on involved officers and/or members for at least one (1) week before the date set for such meeting. The notice of every special meeting shall state briefly the purpose or purposes of the meeting.
Section 8: The quorum for any meeting of the members and/or officers shall consist of a majority of the members and/or officers and a majority of such quorum may decide any question at the meeting, except those matters where the Corporation Code requires the affirmative vote of a greater portion.
Section 9: The order of business at every meeting of the officers and/or members shall be determined by the Chapter and/or National Officers before the date set for the meeting.
ARTICLE XI
Extension
Any school, madrasah or community shall be allowed to establish their own chapter provided that the following conditions are met:
- Have at least one coordinator who had been sincere and committed for membership in the organization for at least one year.
- Have at least fifteen qualified members for them to be able to elect their chapter officers.
- Have at least three regular activities to be conducted every year
- Have its own plan of income-generating activities
- Have at least one adviser, preferably teacher
- Have at least P500 outstanding fund to be contributed by the pioneering members
The coordinator shall submit the filled-up Chapter Registration Form, members’ profile, adviser’s profile and list of activities and a Certification from the National Treasurer that the chapter to be registered has met the minimum required outstanding fund to the National Secretary. The recognized chapter shall be duly certified and approved by the National President.
ARTICLE XII
Funding
Section 1:The funds of the association shall be derived from application fee worth of fifteen (15) pesos, monthly dues worth of five (5) pesos, fines and donations.
Section 2:The National Treasurer, her Assistant and Auditor shall initiate activity that may generate the over-all income of the association.
Section 3: Each chapter shall initiate its own income-generating activity.
Section 4: Withdrawal from the funds of the association, either by check or any other instrument shall be signed by the Treasurer or countersigned by the President. In case of cash disbursements in chapters, the treasurer shall only disburse an amount of money when a Disbursement Order is presented duly signed by the Chapter President.
Section 5: The fiscal year of the association shall be from June 1st to May 31st of each year.
ARTICLE XIII
Official Seal
Section 1: The seal designed by the pioneering batch of the association shall be adopted and no changes therein hall be made except when approved by the said batch.
Section 2: The color of the squares shall be green, the three persons holding one another, letters, numbers and inverted “Y” shall be blue and the inner circle and the outer circle that contains the name of the association shall be filled with yellow.
Section 3: The logo shall have the following heraldic description:
- The three persons holding one another symbolizes the unity of the native people of Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan;
- The inverted “Y” at the center point towards peace that VYPO strives to sow in Mindanao, Sulu and Palawan and elsewhere in the Philippines;
- The Double Square depicts the coherence of secular and divine knowledge as the framework of interdisciplinary approach that the association imparts through seminars, workshops, youth camps, outreach programs, symposiums and dialogues; and
- The Eight Pointed Star formed by the squares represents the different aspects of life that would be touched by various programs of the association.
- The circle symbolizes enlightenment.
Section 4: Each chapter may have its own seal not inimical to the official seal.
ARTICLE XIV
Amendments or Revisions
Section 1: Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution and By-Laws may be proposed by:
(1) The Board of Trustees, upon a vote of its quorum; or
(2) At least ten percent of the total number of bona fide members, of which every chapter must be represented by at least three percent of the bona fide members therein
Section 2: Any amendment to, or revision of, this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be valid when ratified by a majority of all members in a special meeting called for the purpose.
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