Constitution and By-laws

CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS

PREAMBLE

In the firm belief that the promotion of the general welfare of the country and the delivery of basic services to the remotest barangays could be best achieved by and through a genuine, effective and productive local autonomy, and binding ourselves with the blessing and guidance of the Almighty Father to form a league of councilors that shall strengthen and embody the above ideals, do hereby ordain and promulgate this Constitution and By-Laws.

ARTICLE I

NAME OF THE ASSOCIATION

Section 1. The official name of the Association shall be “PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS LEAGUE, INC.” PCL for brevity. (a/2007)

ARTICLE II

BASIC PRINCIPLES

Section 1. In the realization of its objectives, the members of the PCL shall commit themselves to:

1. Public Service above self;
2. Respect and protect the basic human rights;
3. Uphold the rule of law and defend the Constitution of the Republic of the Philippines;
4. Practice consultative and participatory democracy;
5. Promote people empowerment and the Bayanihan spirit;
6. Promote peace and understanding among fellowmen;
7. Be in the forefront in the advocacy for sustainable development; and
8. Be proactive and collaborative partners in equitable nation-building.

ARTICLE III

OFFICIAL SEAL, CREED and HYMN OF THE PCL

Section 1. The official seal or logo of the PCL shall be colored red, white and blue.

Section 2. The seal or logo shall reflect the Philippine Archipelago encircled by a blue line with the words “PHILIPPINE COUNCILORS LEAGUE” boldly written on top from left to right in red ink and at the bottom the numbers “1990” shall also be boldly written in red, which represents the year when the PCL was founded. The said figures shall again be encircled by another blue line.

The red bold letters “P”, “C”, and “L” shall be printed over and across the Philippine Archipelago figure at the center and within the inner circle.

A blue-colored ribbon-like figure with folded ends shall be drawn below the outer circle bearing the red bold words “PUBLIC SERVICE ABOVE SELF”, which represents the motto of the PCL. (a/2007)

Section 3. The official PCL creed shall be the councilor’ creed which shall be as follows:

I am a Philippine Councilor mandated by law to enact measures and ordinances that redound to the general welfare of my constituents in their pursuit for happiness, peace and prosperity. I believe in Public Service Above Self as the guiding principle of my official act. And, as I tread the pathways of local legislation may the Almighty guide my mind and heart that I shall be true to my constituents and the Filipino people.

Section 4. The official hymn of the PCL shall be the Liga Ng MgaKonsehalngPilipinasLigangPagkakaisa with the following lyrics:

Sa puso ng bawat konsehal
Karangalan ang maglingkod sa Bayan
Sa isip ng bawat konsehal
Kagitingan ang gumawa ng kabutihan
Sa diwang bawat konsehal
Paggalang sakarapatan ng mga mamamayan
Alin sunod sa Saligang Batas
At kapakanan ng buong Sambayanan

CHORUS:
Ang Ligang mga Konsehal ng Pilipinas
Liga sa pagsulong ng kaunlaran
Kasama’t katuwang ng pamahalaan
Taglay ang pagmamahal sa Inang Bayan
Ang Liga ng mga Konsehal ng Pilipinas
Liga ng pagkakaisa
Kabalikat sa pagtataguyod ng isang
matatag na Republika

II
Sa puso ng bawat konsehal
Nananaig ang alab ng bayanihan
Sa isip ng bawat konsehal
Pag-iibayong galing at kasipagan
Sa diwa ng bawat konsehal
Paniniwala sa demokratikong paraan
Alin sunod samithiing maka-Diyos
Maka-tao at maka-kalikasan

Repeat Chorus…
Ang Liga ng mgaKonsehal ng Pilipinas (3x)
Mabuhay ang PCL

Section 5. The official seal, creed and hymn of the PCL shall only be used for official purposes, otherwise it shall require the prior approval of the National Board.

Section 6. The official seal, creed and hymn of the PCL shall always be used in all conventions, congresses and meetings.

ARTICLE IV

OBJECTIVES OF THE LEAGUE

Section 1. The objectives of the league shall be:

1. To establish a nationwide forum:

• To give life, meaning and substance to the constitutional mandate on “Local Autonomy and Decentralization of Powers”,
• For ventilation of matters involving local legislative concerns.

2. To bring the Government closer to the people.
3. To strengthen the rapport, camaraderie and brotherhood among the members of the League.
4. To formulate, implement and coordinate programs, projects and activities beneficial to the members of the League and/or the general welfare of the people;
5. To promote the development of cooperatives throughout the country to uplift the socio-economic condition of the people;
6. To set up a foundation for the benefit of the members;
7. To undertake fund raising projects and activities to support the PCL’s program and objectives.

ARTICLE V

MEMBERSHIP IN THE LEAGUE

Section 1. All elected, appointed and ex-officio members of local legislative councils, in cities and municipalities shall automatically become members of the League, subject to the provisions of Article VI.

Section 2. The members of this League shall be:

1. Regular member – those elected and appointed members of local legislative councils in cities and municipalities;
2. Ex-oficio member – the municipal and city federation presidents of the SangguniangKabataan and the Ligangmga Barangay;
3. Associate member – those who are no longer regular members of the local legislative councils but opted to remain as members of the PCL by complying with the requirements as may be prescribed by the National Board. However, they shall not be entitled to vote and be voted upon or in any way be appointed to any PCL positionbut shall be entitled to all benefits of a regular member.Those regular members who were convicted by final judgment and removed for cause shall not be eligible to become associate members.
4. Charter Member – councilors who were admitted at the time of the original approval and adoption of the PCL Constitution and by-laws;
5. Honorary Member – those who, not being members of legislative councils are conferred with such membership by the National Board, having satisfied the qualifications/conditions set forth by the latter.Honorary members shall be exempt from the payment of dues.

Section 3. Councilors who are ex-officio members of their respective local legislative councils shall be entitled to vote but cannot be voted upon to any position in the PCL.

Section 4. Membership in the League shall be terminated by death, resignation, abandonment, disqualification, or removal on the following grounds:

Culpable violation of the PCL Constitution & By-Laws, and
Commission of acts or omissions inimical to the interest of the PCL.

ARTICLE VI

RIGHTS, PRIVILEGES, DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF MEMBERS

Section 1. Members of good standing shall have the following rights and privileges:

1. To participate in the activities of the League;
2. To avail of the services of the League;
3. To vote and to be voted upon, except those who are not entitled to be voted upon pursuant to Article V;
4. To use the facilities of the League; and
5. To avail of such others rights and privileges as may be prescribed by the National Board.

Section 2. A member of good standing shall mean those who have fully paid their membership fees and term dues and who has not violated Article V, Section 4 letters (a) and (b) and Article VI Section 3 letter (e)

Section 3. Each member shall have the following duties and obligation:

1. To actively participate in the activities of the League;
2. To pay the lawful dues/fees/assessments;
3. To propagate the principles, objectives and programs of the League;
4. To help the members of the League and/or the latter’s immediate families who are in need, and
5. To act in a manner befitting a member of the League.

Section 4. Unless otherwise increased or decreased pursuant to a resolution by the National Board, the dues/fees to be paid by each member shall be:

1. Membership fee (to be paid only once) of P1,000.00.(a/2007)
2. Term Dues of P5,200.00. (a/2016)

Section 5. The foregoing membership fee and term dues may be increased upon recommendation of the National Executive Officers (NEO) and approved by the National Board (NB) provided such increase does not exceed twenty percent (20%) of the current rates and provided further that increases beyond 20% shall require the ratification of the General Assembly.

Section 6.The fees/dues as stated in the preceding section for each member shall be chargeable to his/her respective local government unit pursuant to the appropriate DILGMemorandum Circulars and issuances.

Section 7.Two Hundred Pesos (P200.00) shall automatically be deducted from the P5,200.00 term dues which shall be placed in a trust fund for calamity assistance benefits. After which, a minimum ofThirty (30%) percent of the remainder ofthe term due payments allocated to the National Office and collected during the particular term shall be placed in a trust fund for medical and death benefits. (a/2016)

The National Board, upon the recommendation of the National Executive Officers may appropriate additional amount for said benefits. (a/2007)

ARTICLE VII

THE LEAGUE GOVERNMENT

Section 1. The structure and hierarchy of the government of the League shall be as follows

1. National Assembly
2. National Board
3. National Executive Officers
4. Island Officers for Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao,
5. Regional Councils
6. Provincial Federations/City Chapters in HUC’s and ICC’s.

ARTICLE VIII

THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY

Section 1. The National Assembly shall be composed of all councilors from the different municipalities and cities throughout the country.

Section 2. The functions of the National Assembly shall be as follows:

1. Shall act as the highest policy determining body;
2. Shall ratify amendments of the Constitution and By-Laws of the League;
3. Shall elect all the members of the National Board and the National Executive Officers of the League, except as otherwise provided;

Section 3. The National Assembly shall be convened twice a term unless a special call is made by the National Board for the convening of the national assembly.

ARTICLE IX

THE NATIONAL BOARD

Section 1. The National Board shall be composed of the following officers;

1. National Chairperson
2. National President
3. National Vice-Chairperson
4. Vice-Chairperson for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,
5. MMPCL ChairpersonsRegional Council Chairpersons
6. Representatives of the PCL Legislative Academy and Advocacy as ex- officio members

The National Chairperson and National Vice-Chairperson shall be elected at large. The Vice-Chairperson of Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, shall be elected
by their respective jurisdiction. The aforementioned officers shall hold office as such until their respective successors are duly elected and qualified.

The National Board shall have a Board Secretary to be appointed by the National Chairperson who shall not come from the NB or NEO and who shall act and function as recording secretary.

In the event a Regional Council Chairperson may not be able to attend a Board meeting, he/she may appoint/designate in writing or by any other practical means a representative from among the Regional Council Officers, strictly observing the line of succession.

Section 2. In the event of any vacancy in the National Board, such vacancy shall be filled up strictly observing the line of succession and by appointment if succession is not practicable provided they can muster a quorum.

Should the National Board cannot constitute a quorum, the National President shall fill-up the vacancy in order to constitute a quorum.

Section 3. The powers and functions of the National Board shall be as follows:

1. Act asthe policy-making body of the League and exercise the corporate powers thereof;
2. Confirm all appointments made by the National President;
3. Report to the general membership whenever the latter is inassembly;
4. Determine the special assessments upon the recommendation of the National Executive Officers.
5. Approve all disciplinary actions against erring members and officers as recommended by the General Legal Counsel;
6. Approve the code of conduct and discipline of the General Membership including the National Secretariat;
7. Create or abolish standing committees upon the recommendation of the National President;
8. Recommend to the National Assembly any amendments of the Constitution and By-Laws;
9. Decide on appeal all issues of membership, election qualification/disqualification of candidates, officers and members;

Section 4. The powers and functions of the National Chairperson shall be as follows:

1. Preside over the meetings of the National Board;
2. Preside over the National Assembly;
3. Attest all acts of the National Board;
4. Appoint a recording secretary for the National Board subject to its confirmation;
5. Sign together with the National President, all contracts, agreements and acts and deeds and such other undertakings that require the authority or conformity of the National Board;
6. Sign together with the National President, all checks pertaining to disbursements that the authority and conformity of the National Board;
7. Perform such other functions as may be prescribed by the National Board.

Section 5. The powers and functions of the National Vice-Chairperson shall be as follows.

1. Perform/discharge the functions of the NationalChairperson when the latter is temporarily incapacitated; and
2. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National Chairpersonor by the National Board.

Section 6. The powers and functions of the respective Vice-Chairperson for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, shall be as follows:

1. Attend meetings of the National Board in representation of their respective jurisdictional areas;
2. Conduct and supervise the election and other related activities of the Regional Councils within their jurisdiction;
3. Preside over the Island Congress
4. Call and preside over the meetings of the Regional Council Officers within their respective jurisdiction;
5. Exercise and perform such other functions as may be directed by the National Chairperson.

Section 7. The functions of the Regional Council Chairpersons are:

1. To promote and realize the objectives of the League;
2. Aid, assist and coordinate all activities of the provincial federations within the region; and
3. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National Chairperson;

ARTICLE X

THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 1. The National Executive Officers of the League shall be the following:

1. National President
2. National Executive Vice-President
3. National Secretary General
4. National Treasurer
5. National Auditor
6. National PRO
7. National Liaison Officer
8. Vice President’s for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao
9. MMPCL President
10. Provincial Federation President
11. HUCC’s/ICC’s Chapter President

Section 2. The National Executive Officers shall attend to the administration of the day-to-day activities of the League in accordance with the policies approved by the National Board.

ARTICLE XI

FUNCTIONS OF THE NATIONAL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 1. The following executive powers shall be exercised by the National President:

1. Act as the Chief Executive Officer of the Philippine Councilors League;
2. Endorse policies and programs approved by the NEO to the National Board;
3. Formulate and implement programs and projects for and of the League:
4. Execute and implement the approved policies programs and projects of the National Board;
5. Ensure that the provisions of the Constitution are faithfully complied with and the objectives and goals of the PCL are attained;
6. Represent the League in all contracts, agreements, acts, deeds and such other undertakings provided that prior authority is given by the National Board except when such act is routinary in nature or done in the ordinary course of business;
7. Sign all checks and vouchers and such other documents of the League except in those cases that require the signature of another officer;
8. Preside over the meetings of the National Executive Officers and exercise supervision and control over them;
9. Fill-up any and all vacancies in the NEO strictly observing the line of succession or to fill up such vacancy by appointment if succession is not practicable;
10. Disseminate the resolutions, directives or decisions of the National Board; and
11. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National Board.

Section 2. The functions of the National Executive Vice-President shall be as follows:

1. Discharge the functions of the National President in case the latter is temporarily incapacitated;
2. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 3. The powers and functions of the National Secretary General shall be as follows:

1. Certify PCL members in good standing;
2. Act as the Secretary General to the National Assembly, and the National Executive Officers in concurrent capacity;
3. Record the minutes of the meeting of the National Assembly and National Executive Officers;
4. Keep the records of membership and other documents of the PCL;
5. Send notice of meetings to the members of the National Assembly, and National Executive Officers as may be directed by the National President and/or National Chairperson;
6. Prepare the order of business of the National Assembly and National Executive Officers as may be directed by the National President and/or National Chairperson;
7. Circularize decisions, resolutions or actions of the National Assembly in consultation with the National President and/or National Chairperson;
8. Send out notices with attached order of business to National Executive Officers, in consultation with the President;
9. Monitor and exercise supervision over Island, Regional, Provincial Federation and City Chapter Secretaries General;
10. Disseminate the resolutions, directives or decisions of the General Assembly;
11. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 4. The functions of the Vice-Presidents for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao, shall be:

1. Elect from among themselves who will succeed the vacated higher position/office;
2. Have direct administrative supervision over their respective regions and in their respective areas;
   Assist the National Chairperson and the President in carrying out the objectives and goals of the PCL in their areas;
3. Assist the National Treasurer in the collection of due/fees assessment in their areas;
4. Submit a periodic report to the National President as to the activities of the PCL in their areas;
5. Conduct and supervise with the Regional Chairperson the election and other related activities in the Provincial Federations and City Chapters in HUCsand ICCs, in coordination with the other officers;
6. Act as Co-Chair of the Island Congresses, and at least once a term, call and preside on all meetings of all the Provincial Federation Officers and City Chapter Officers, in his/her respective Island or jurisdiction.
7. Perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 5. The powers and functions of the National Treasurer are:

1. To sign and issue official receipts of expenses or disbursements of the PCL dues;
2. To keep the monies/properties of the PCL;
3. To collect membership, admission and/or other dues;
4. To monitor and exercise supervision over Island, Regional Council, Provincial Federation, and City Chapter Treasurers;
5. To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 6. The powers and functions of the National Auditor are:

1. To audit the funds/assets of the PCL;
2. To monitor and exercise supervision over Island, Regional Council, Provincial Federation and City Chapter Auditors;
3. To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 7. The powers and functions of the National P.R.O. are:

1. To be responsible for the building of the image of the PCL, in print, radio and TV media;
2. To establish rapport with the media;
3. To publish and manage the PCL newsletter;
4. To issue press releases upon approval of the President;
5. To monitor and exercise supervision over Island, Regional Council, Provincial Federation and City Chapter PROs;
6. To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 8. The powers and functions of the National Liaison Officer are:

1. To be the conduit between the PCL and the Department of the Interior and Local Government and other governmental agencies, both national and local;
2. To establish rapport with the DILG and other government agencies, both national and local;
3. To perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National President.

Section 9. All duties, responsibilities and functions provided for under the Local Government Code of 1991 and other pertinent laws shall be deemed incorporated herein.

ARTICLE XII

ADVISERS

Section 1. The immediate past National Chairman and National President shall serve as the advisers of the PCL whose term shall be co-terminus with the elected incumbent officers, and be part of the Management Committee.

ARTICLE XIII

THE MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE

Section 1. There shall be a Management Committee which shall act on extremely urgent cases when the National Board or the National Executive Office cannot act within a reasonable time to protect the interest of the league whose actions shall be subject to the ratification of the National Board.

Section 2. The Management Committee shall be co-chaired by the National Chairperson and the National President with the following members:

1. National Vice-Chairperson
2. National Executive Vice-President
3. National Secretary General
4. National Treasurer
5. National Auditor
6. Immediate Past National Chairman
7. Immediate Past National President
8. General Legal Counsel
9. Executive Director

The Immediate Past National Chairman, Immediate Past National President, General Legal Counsel and Executive Director shall have no voting rights.

ARTICLE XIV

THEISLANDOFFICERS

Section 1. There shall be an Island Board of Trustees for the Islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao composed of the following:

1. The Island Vice-Chairperson who will act as its Chairperson;
2. The Regional Council Chairpersons within the Island as members.

The functions of the foregoing officers are enumerated on Article IX, Sections 6 and 7.

Section 2. The Island Board of Trustees shall exercise policy-formulating powers within its jurisdiction in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 3. There shall be Island Executive Officers for the Islands of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao composed of the following:

1. The Island Vice-President who shall act as the Island Chief Executive Officer;
2. The Provincial Federation Presidents and the Presidents for HUC’s and ICC’s, within the Island;
3. The Island Secretary General;
4. The Island Treasurer;
5. The Island Auditor; and
6. The Island PRO.

The functions of the foregoing officers are enumerated on Article XI, Section 4.

Section 4. The Island Executive Officers shall exercise executive powers within its jurisdiction in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 5. No money shall be spent without a budget approved by a majority of the Island Board of Trustees and submitted to the National Board.

Section 6. The Constitution and By-Laws of the Metro Manila Philippine Councilors League (MMPCL) shall as much as possible conform to this constitution and by-laws.

Section 7. All Local Chapters shall apply and acquire their respective Official Receipts from the proper government agency and to be issued by their respective Treasurers during their chapter activities subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures. (n/2016)

ARTICLE XV

THE REGIONAL COUNCILS, PROVINCIAL FEDERATIONS and COUNCILS IN HIGHLY URBANIZED CITIES (HUCs), and INDEPENDENTCOMPONENTCITIES (ICCs)

Section 1. There shall be Regional Council in each region, a Provincial Federation in each province and a City Chapter in each HUC and ICC. (a/2002)

Section 2. The Vice-Chairperson for Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao,shall conduct and supervise the organization and/or election of the Regional Councils in their respective areas in coordination with the National Chairperson, National President, National Secretary General and the DILG Regional Director in accordance with the PCL Constitution and By-Laws and the election guidelines set by the National Board. (a/2007)

Section 3. The Vice-President for Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao, and the President of the HUCs, NCCs/ICCs shall conduct and supervise the organization and/or election of the Provincial Federation and City Chapter in HUCs and ICCs in their respective areas in coordination with the National Chairperson, National President, National Secretary General and the DILG Provincial Director in accordance with the PCL Constitution and By-Laws and election guidelines set by the National Board.

Section 4. The Regional Council shall be composed of all Provincial Federation and City Chapter Officers of good standing who shall elect from among themselves the following Regional Council Officers:

1. Regional Council Chairperson
2. Regional Vice-Chairperson
3. RegionalSecretary General
4. Regional Treasurer
5. Regional Auditor
6. Regional PRO
7. (9) Regional Council Directors

In the selection and election of the Regional Council Chairperson, the order of preference shall be the Provincial Federation Presidents/City Chapter Presidents followed by the Provincial Federation Vice-Presidents/City Chapter Vice-Presidents. In the event that none of the foregoing officer are willing to run for the said position, any officer of the Provincial Federation/City Chapter may be elected as Regional Council Chairperson provided that he/she is elected by a majority of the electorate. (n/2007)

For the purpose of the Regional Election of National Capital Region (NCR), the municipality of Pateros shall be entitled to a separate chapter.

Section 5. The Regional Council shall coordinate programs, plans and activities of the PCL in the regional level and perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National Board.

Section 6. No money shall be spent by the Regional Council without a budget approved by a majority of its elected Officers and submitted to the National Board.(a/2016)

Section 7. The Provincial Federation shall be composed of all councilors in good standing in all municipalities and component cities in the province, who shall elect from among themselves the following officers:

1. Federation President
2. Federation Vice-President
3. Federation Secretary General
4. Federation Treasurer
5. FederationAuditor
6. Federation PRO
7. Federation Business Manager
8. 8 Federation Directors
9. The Provincial Federation may also allow additional members of the Provincial Federation Directors coming from each Municipality or ComponentCity within their jurisdiction. The additional Provincial Federation Directors shall have no voting rights during the Regional Council elections nor can they be elected.

Section 8. The Provincial Federation shall coordinate programs, plans and activities of the PCL on the provincial level and perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National Board or the Regional Council.

Section 9. The duly elected President of the Provincial Federation shall sit as ex-officio member of the Provincial Board as provided for by Law.

Section 10. No money shall be spent by the Provincial Federation without a budget approved by a majority of its elected Officers and submitted to the National Board. (n/2016)

Section 11. The creation of additional position/s in the Regional Councils and the Provincial Federation other than the ones specified in the previous Section, shall not in any way disturb the vertical hierarchy for succession purposes.

Section 12. The City Chapter in a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) and Independent Component City (ICC) shall be composed of the following officers to be elected by the members in their respective legislative councils, to wit:

1. Chapter President
2. Chapter Vice-President
3. Chapter Secretary General
4. Chapter Treasurer
5. Chapter Auditor
6. Chapter PRO
7. Chapter Business Manager
8. ChapterDirectors not to exceed eight

Section 13. The City Chapter in such HUC or ICC shall coordinate programs, plans and activities of the PCL within that city and perform such other functions as may be assigned by the National Board.

Section 14. No money shall be spent by the City Chapter in a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) or Independent Component City (ICC) without a budget approved by a majority of its elected officers and submitted to the National Board. (n/2016)

Section 15. All Regional Councils, Provincial Federations and City Chapters shall apply and acquire their respective Official Receipts from the proper government agency and to be issued by their respectiveTreasurers during their chapter activities subject to the usual accounting and auditing procedures. (n/2016)

ARTICLE XVI

THE NATIONAL STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 1. The National Standing Committees are:

1. Membership Committee
2. Legal Affairs Committee
3. Livelihood and Cooperative Committee
4. Ways and Means Committee
5. Ecology and Environment Committee
6. Youth Affairs Committee
7. Drug and Rehabilitation Committee
8. Peace and Order Committee
9. Legislation Committee
10. Health and Sports Committee
11. Tribal Affairs Committee
12. Constitutional Amendments Committee
13. Awards and Recognition Committee
14. Publications and Communications Committee
15. Women and Children Committee
16. Advocacy Committee

The National Board may create such other committees, as it may deem necessary.

Section 2. The functions of the National Standing Committees are:

1. Membership Committee – It shall oversee the overall growth and expansion of the membership, subject to the guidelines set by the National Board.
2. Legal Affairs Committee – It shall handle the legal matters of the League and shall provide legal assistance to the Members of the League.
3. Livelihood and Cooperative Committee – It shall initiate and work out short and long range plans for livelihood and cooperatives for the League and the members and the implementation or application of such plans.
4. Ways and Means Committee – It shall attend to the requirement of the League, financial or otherwise, to enable the latter to implement its objectives, plans and/or activities.
5. Ecology and Environment Committee – It shall take charge of planning, adopting and disseminating measures, programs and standards for an ecologically balanced, clean and aesthetic environment.
6. Youth Affairs Committee – It shall take charge of planning and organizing the youth and train and prepare them for community development and leadership.
7. Drug and Rehabilitation Committee – It shall take charge of planning and organizing and adopting means and ways to combat drug dependence and rehabilitation of drug dependents.
8. Peace and Order Committee – It shall take charge of planning, organizing, organizing and devising and adopting means and ways of maintaining peace and order in the communities.
9. Health and Sports Committee – It shall take charge of planning, organizing, devising and adopting programs and activities for health and sports development of members of the League and their constituents.
10. Legislation Committee – It shall take charge of obtaining pertinent legislation affecting the local government units and disseminate the same to the members of the League; formulate proposed laws, resolutions and the like, for submission to the Local Government concerned and/or to the National Government.
11. Tribal Affairs Committee – It shall take charge of planning, organizing, devising and adopting programs and activities in relation to and which affect members of the League that belong to cultural or racial communities and minorities.
12. Constitutional Amendments Committee– It shall receive and keep all suggestions and recommendations by the members or officers of the possible amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws.
13. Awards and Recognition Committee – It shall be responsible in searching, discovering and deciding who among the PCL members, federation or chapters that will be given an award or recognition, annually as the case may be.
14. Publications and Communications Committee – It shall be responsible in organizing an Editorial Staff, who shall quarterly produce the PCL Newsletter and other means of communication to the General Membership.
15. Women and Children Committee- it shall take charge of planning, adopting and disseminating measures, programs and standards for the promotion of womens rights and childrens protection
16. Advocacy Committee- it shall be responsible in developing the advocacies of the League in close coordination with the Director for Advocacy to promote and preserve the interest of the League among others.

Section 3. The National President shall appoint the Committee Chairpersons, Vice-Chairpersons and three members representing Luzons, Visayas and Mindanao with the concurrence of the National Board.

ARTICLE XVII

THE PCL LEGISLATIVE ACADEMY

Section 1. The PCLLegislativeAcademy is hereby created that shall be responsible for the capability building program of the members of the League and other legislative bodies of the Philippines who wish to avail of the services of the Academy

Section 2. The National Board is hereby mandated to promulgate the rules and regulations with respect to the operation, administration and management of the Academy.

Section 3. The PCL Legislative Academy shall have direct supervision and control of the PCL Souvenir Shop which shall be the sole and exclusive distributor of the PCL products and paraphernalia.

Section 4. The funding of the Academy shall come from the PCL funds, the amount of which shall be determined by the National Board. The Academy can also source out funds by way of grants, donations, and other financial assistance from the national and international sources and activities of the PCL. (a/2010)

ARTICLE XVIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Section 1. The quorum of the League shall be as follows:

1. For the National Assembly, the presence of four hundred (400) duly registered members of good standing shall constitute a quorum.
2. For the National Board, eight (8) members shall constitute a quorum.
3. For the Regional Council, twenty (20) duly registered members of good standing shall constitute a quorum.
4. For the Provincial Federation, the presence of sixty (60) duly registered members of good standing or fifty percent (50%) of the total regular members of good standing, whichever is lower, shall constitute a quorum.

Section 2. The schedule and conduct of the election of all provincial federations and HUCC’s/ICC’S chapters and regional councils shall be determined by the National Board provided it shall not exceed ninety days upon assumption into office of the regularly elected members of local legislative councils.

Section 3. The election for the National Board and the National Executive Officers,shall be held but not later than March of the year following their election.

Section 4. Proper notices shall be sent at least fifteen (15) days before the schedule of any election.

Section 5. The election of all Officers of the League, including the Regional Council, the Provincial Federation and HUCC’s/ICC’sChapter Officers shall be by direct and secret balloting.

Section 6. The Regional Director of the DILG or his duly authorized representative shall call and supervise the elections of the Regional Councils and the Provincial Director of the DILG for the Provincial Federation-HUCC’s/ICC’s Chapter.

Section 7. The result of the Regional Council election and/or the Provincial Federation/HUCC’s/ICC’sChapter election shall be immediately certified to by the DILG Regional Director or his duly authorized representative and/or DILG Provincial/City Officer or his duly authorized representative who actually supervised the election, as the case may be, after the results of the election are made known, with or without protest.

Section 8. The term of office of all the officers of the League in all levels shall be the entire duration of their respective terms as Councilors.

Section 9. Any officer of the League who shall lose in an election, or is elected to a position other than that of a councilor, or resigns, is dismissed for cause, or in any manner divested of this position as councilor, shall automatically cease as an officer of the League.

Section 10. The Federation President who ceases to be such for any reason aforementioned, shall be automatically succeeded by the Federation Vice-President and, in the case of representation in the Sanggunian Panlalawigan, the Provincial Federation Vice-President or the next ranking officer shall succeed him as ex-officio member of the Sanggunian Panlalawigan concerned in the order of their succession.

Section 11. No member with unsettled financial obligation or accountability to the League shall be qualified to be elected to any position or qualified to be appointed to any position in the League without certification from the National Treasurer and National Auditor for National positions, Island Treasurer and Island Auditor for Island positions, Regional Treasurer and Regional Auditor for Regional positions, and Federation Treasurer and Federation Auditor for Provincial Federation and HUCC’s/ICC’s Chapter positions.

Section 12. The following benefits shall be enjoyed by a member of good standing:

1. Hospitalization
2. Death
3. Educational Training and Advancement;
4. Calamity Assistance (a/2016)
5. And such others benefits that may be authorized by the National Board.

Section 13. There shall be collected a membership fee in the sum of One Thousand Pesos (Php1,000) that shall accrue exclusively to the PCL National Office and the term due of Five Thousand Two Hundred Pesos (Php5,200.00) shall be distributed as follows:(a/2016)

1. Php 200.00 to the calamity Assistance Fund (a/2016)
2. 55% to the PCL National Office
3. 2% to the Island Office
4. 3% to the Regional Council
5. 40% to the Provincial Federation or HUCC’s/ICC’s Chapter(a/2010)

All PCL Island Offices, Regional Councils, Provincial Federations and HUCCs/ICCs Chapters are required to submit their respective Fund Utilization Reports of the shares received from the National Office, to the PCL National Treasurer thru the National Secretariat Accountant before the end of every term. (n/2016)

Section 14. The Meetings and Conventions of the PCL shall be conducted as follows:

The National Assembly shall be twice a term, first during the election of the National Officers and the other shall be the end term assembly.

The Island, Regional and Provincial Assemblies shall be convened at least once a term.The Island Vice-President and Vice-Chairman shall be the Co-Chairpersons of such Island Assembly.

The Regional Council Officers, Provincial Federation Officers and City Chapter Officers shall meet at least twice (2) a year.

The Regional Council Assembly and the Provincial Federation Assembly shall be convened at least once a term.

The National Board shall meet at least once in every quarter of a year.

The National Executive Officers shall meet at least once every quarter of a year, preferably a day before the scheduled meeting of the National Board.

The Continuing Local Legislative Education Program shall be conducted once in every quarter which shall coincide with the regular National Executive Officers and National Board Meeting. (n/2016)

Section 15. The principal office of the League shall be at the PCLHostel and Training Center to be located at Las Piñas City, Metro Manila.

Section 16. The Provincial Federations and City Chapters are hereby authorized to adopt their own PCL Constitution and By-Laws to govern their internal affairs, which must conform to this Constitution and By-Laws subject to the approval of the National Board.

ARTICLE XIX

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR FOR ADVOCACY
AND PROGRAMS

Section 1. There shall be an Executive Director and a Director for Advocacy and Programs who shall be an appointive staff of the PCL with the necessary qualification, experience, training and expertise as may be required and mandated by the National Board.

Section 2. The National Secretariat and Support Staff of the Executive Director and the Director for Advocacy and Programs shall be composed of the following:

Accounting and Finance Department which shall include the Accountant; Accounting Assistant/Cashier and Book keeper;

Administrative and Human Resource Department shall include Administrative and Human Resource Officer; Membership and Benefits Personnel; Documentation/Record Keeping/Clerical Personnel; Messenger and Maintenance Staff and Drivers;

Advocacy Policy and Legislation Officer; Special Projects/Programs Officer and Information and Dissemination Officer;

Section 3. The National President shall have over all control and supervision over the Executive Director and the Director for Advocacy and Programs. The

National Secretary General shall supervise the Executive Director and the national secretariat while the Director for Advocacy and Programs shall directly report to the National President.

Section 4. The National President subject to the confirmation by the National Board shall appoint the Executive Directorand the Director for Advocacy and Programswho shall be on a contractual basis for a period of five (5) years and renewable subject to the approval of the National Board for not more than five (5) years.The Executive Director shall oversee the day-to-day operations of the National Secretariat subject to the control and supervision of the National President who shall closely coordinate with the National Secretary General.

Section 5. The National Secretariat shall have the following functions:

Take charge of the administrative and technical aspect of the implementation of the National Policies, programs and activities of the League.

Provide technical support and other services to the local PCL Units, the Standing Working Committees and National Officers.

Make regular reports to the Organization through the concerned Officers and as such furnish the National Treasurer and the National Auditor, a certified copy of the minutes of any meeting where disbursement or collection have been authorized.

Act as custodian of the PCL documents records and properties, and

Perform any other duties that the National Executive Officers/National Board may direct.

Section 6. The Secretariat Office Policies duly approved by the National Board and such other Board Policies shall govern the operations of the National Secretariat.

Section 7. The National Board shall determine the compensation of the Executive Director, Director for Advocacy, the National Secretariat and the Support Staff.The National Secretary General shall receive no compensation.

The Executive Director is not a permanent employee of the PCL. The Permanent employees are the regular staff whose compensation shall be subject to the guidelines of the National Board and the existing laws.

Section 8. The organizational structure of the National Secretariat shall be approved by the National Board thru the recommendation of the National

Executive Officers and shall be periodically reviewed by a committee to make it more responsive, efficient and effective.

ARTICLE XX

MECHANICS OF RECALL

Section 1. The power of recall for loss of confidence shall be exercised by the members of the National, Island, Regional or Provincial Federations to which the elective PCL official subject to recall belongs.

Section 2. Any PCL Official maybe recalled for loss of confidence in the manner prescribed herein provided that no recall may be instituted against said official
who has been subjected for a previous recall election held during that same term of office.

Section 3. Recall maybe instituted by at least three-fourths (3/4) of the members of the National, Island,Regional or Provincial to which the PCL official subject to recall belongs.

Section 4. A written petition for recall duly signed by at least 3/4of all the members of the National, Island, Regional and Provincial to which the recall belongs may be filed with the National President or the Executive Director, who shall validate the petition by verifying the authenticity of the signatures appearing therein.

Section 5. After finding the petition to be in order and duly authenticated, the National President or Executive Director shall submit the same to the National Board.

Section 6. Upon the lapse of the period for publication of the petition, the DILG Officers concerned shall schedule the election to the position not later than thirty (30) days in case of the national officers and fifteen (15) days in case of island, regional and provincial federation officers, which include the names of nominees and which shall also include the name of the official sought to be recalled.

Section 7. The recall of the PCL officer shall be effective only upon the election and proclamation of a successor in the person of the candidate receiving thehighest number of votes cast during the election on recall. Should the official sought to be recalled receive the highest number of votes, confidence in him is hereby affirmed and he shall continue in office.

Section 8. The elective PCL officer sought to be recalled shall not be allowed to resign while the recall process is in progress.

Section 9. Any PCL officer maybe the subject of a recall only once during his tem of office for loss of confidence. No recall shall take place within one (1) year preceding a scheduled election.

Section 10. All expenses incidental to recall shall be borne by the PCL through registration fees or from funds available for the purpose.

Section 11. The provisions of recall shall also be applicable to HUCs, and ICCs.

ARTICLE XXII

AMENDMENTS TO THE CONSTITUTION

Section 1. Amendments may be proposed by the National Officers, or any member or any Council and submitted to the National Board for proper action.

Section 2. The National Assembly may repeal, modify or amend any amendment approved by the National Board, by a majority vote of all the members present

Section 3. The National Assembly shall act as a whole to approve any proposed amendment, when in session, by a vote of a majority of those present.

Section 4. Any amendment shall take effect upon its approval, unless a specific date for its effectivity has been used.

ARTICLE XXII

TRANSITORY PROVISIONS

Section 1. This Constitution and By-Laws shall take effect upon its approval.

Section 2. The amendments under Article XIV shall take effect in 2013 during the next term of officers.

Section 3. The amendments under Article VI, XIV, XV and XVIII shall take effect in 2016.

ADOPTED AND RATIFIED during the 2016 End-Term National Assembly at Iloilo Convention Center, Iloilo City on March 8, 2016.

ALMA MORENO
National Chairperson

MAYBELYN DC. FERNANDEZ
National President

BENITO J. BRIZUELA
National Secretary-General