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 preserve 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.

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.‖

The Federation shall be non-sectarian and non-political in character. Affiliation thereto shall

not increase or diminish liability for military service.

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 enterprises 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.

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

a. 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;

b. 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;

c. Provide the leadership, formulate the policies and set the priorities and directions

of member veterans organizations;

d. Provide opportunities and operate such enterprises as may further the material

and moral well-being of veterans

e. 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;

f. Encourage wide participation of all sectors in preparing the country’s future

veterans;

g. Manage and administer for veterans’ needs, benefits and welfare veterans

properties, assets, businesses and resources entrusted under its name and possession; and

h. 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.

Section 1. Composition - The Federation is composed of organizations under the following

categories:

a. Charter Organizations- Organizations named in Section 1 of Republic Act No. 2640.

b. 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.

Defense Secretary Voltaire T. Gazmin meets VFP Officials

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:

a. 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;

b. Submit annual reports of the

organization’s transactions and

activities including the list of

officers to the Federation and the

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office;

c. 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; Consultative Hearing on the VFP CBL in the

House of Representatives on 29 January 2013

d. 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:

a. 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;

b. 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

c. 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.

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

Federation:

a. 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.

b. 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.

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:

a. To elect the Chairman, Vice-Chairman, members of the Supreme Council, and

elective officials of the Federation and/or remove any of them;

b. To review the acts and ratify the resolutions of the Supreme Council or the

Federation;

c. To hear the State of the Federation report; and

d. 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:

a. Call to Order

b. Proof of due notice

c. Proof of presence of quorum

d. Consideration of the minutes

of the previous annual

national assembly

e. Cons iderat ion of the

consolidated reports of the

S u p r em e C ounc i l a nd

Managem en t i n c l ud ing

audited financial statement

f. Election of Council Members

and Officers

g. Unfinished business

h. New Business

i. 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—

a. Only members in good standing shall be eligible to vote and participate in the

national assembly.

b. Each member-organization shall be entitled to one vote.

c. 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:

a. Chairman/Federation President;

b. Vice-Chairman;

c. Presidents/Heads of Charter Organizations;

d. Presidents/Heads of Affiliated Fraternal Organizations; and

e. Regional Presidents/Heads of Regional Veterans Organizations

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

a. Establish and prescribe rules, regulations and other issuances governing the affairs

of the Federation;

b. Approve plans, policies, programs and projects to improve the material and

moral well-being of the veterans, their widows and orphans;

c. Appropriate the funds of the Federation for the exclusive benefits of the veterans;

d. Approve the annual budget of the Federation;

e. 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;

f. Hold meetings and keep the seal, books,

documents and papers of the Federation

at the principal office of the Federation;

g. 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-

a. Member-organizations-

- A member in good standing.

- A member for at least one (1) year prior to election.

- Not in the process of dissolution.

b. 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.

c. 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.

d. 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 be 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:

a. Keep the minutes of all meetings of the Supreme Council and the Executive Board;

b. Be the custodian of the corporate seal, records, documents and papers of the

Federation;

c. 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;

d. Be responsible for informing the member organizations of all official actuations and

activities of the Federation;

e. Keep and maintain an updated Register of member organizations and their principal

officers; and

f. 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:

a. 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;

b. 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

c. 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:

a. Governance Committee;

b. Finance and Audit Committee;

c. Ways and Means Committee;

d. Nomination and Election Committee; and

e. 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 its 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. Such rules of

procedures shall be approved by the Supreme Council.

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:

a. Exercise general supervision and authority over the regular course of business,

affairs, and property of the Federation, and over its employees and other officers;

b. Implement all orders and resolutions of the National Assembly and the Supreme

Council ;

c. 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;

d. 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;

e. Submit to the Supreme Council the annual budget of the Federation; and

f. 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:

a. Act as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of the Federation; and

b. 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:

a. 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;

b. 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;

c. Ensure that all other financial reportorial obligations to the concerned agencies are

complied with;

d. 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;

f. 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;

g. 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;

h. Ensure fund availability on a timely basis and at the most economical means; and

i. 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:

a. Direct and supervise the administrative and general support requirements of the

Federation;

b. Take charge of personnel programs of the Federation in accordance with Civil

Service Laws, rules and regulations;

c. Serve as a clearing center for all official communications;

d. Maintain record-keeping and mailing services;

e. 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

f. 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:

a. 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;

b. Responsible for efficient assets management to optimize revenues derived from the

properties, assets, businesses and resources entrusted under the name of the

Federation; and

c. 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.

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 the

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.

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.

Section 1. Management Committee- Until the members of the Management Executives/Staff

shall have been 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).

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.

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

Defense.

Note: The VFP CBL has been approved by the Secretary of National

Defense on 25 June 2013 and is now being implemented.

The Secretary of National Defense (SND) looks into the affairs of the Veterans Federation of the Philippines (VFP) because he is duty-bound to do so. The federation was created by virtue of the Republic Act 2640 or ―An Act Creating a Public Corporation to be known as the Veterans Federation of the Philippines‖ in 1960 under the control and supervision of the Secretary of National Defense. Article III of the said law categorically states that, ―Any action or decision of the Federation or of the Supreme Council shall be subject to the approval of the Secretary of National Defense.‖ Being the umbrella organization of all veteran organizations in the Philippines, it is, by law, the representative of ALL Filipino veterans. As a public corporation, particularly, a government-owned or controlled corporation (GOCC), the VFP has been entrusted by the State with vast tracts of lands, resources and special privileges to administer and manage, for the benefit of ALL veterans and veterans’ surviving spouses. Secretary Gazmin, being a veteran himself and son of a World War II veteran, manifests his genuine concern for the veterans and their families by ensuring that the Federation adhered to the true letter and spirit of the law that created it, which states incontrovertibly, that the Federation ―shall exist solely for purposes of a benevolent character, and not for the pecuniary profit of its members.‖ As the alter-ego of the President on matters pertaining to defense and veterans affairs, the SND vigorously supports the President’s platform of good governance which is anchored on eradicating corruption by promoting transparency and public accountability. Secretary Gazmin’s leadership is geared towards genuine and meaningful reforms within the VFP, for the benefit of all Veterans. He believes that these reforms will strengthen the VFP towards achieving its vision of having a Unified Filipino Veterans Community that will serve as the government’s reliable partner in nation-building.

In a nutshell, Secretary Gazmin has directed the following

reforms in the VFP to ensure transparency, accountability and

uphold the principle of check and balance, to wit:

Expansion of VFP membership in order for it to become truly

representative of the entire Filipino Veterans Community, unlike in

the present set-up where only 30% of veterans and surviving spouses

receiving pension from the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO)

comprise the federation’s membership.

This meager number does not even proportionally represent

the population of PVAO pensioners since some post-war veterans

and widows feel discriminated against whenever applying for

membership.

Creation of a professional Management Group separate from the

Supreme Council that will competently manage and oversee the

operations and corporate affairs of the VFP.

Adoption of a management system that is transparent,

responsible, and accountable, as mandated by existing laws and

regulations as implemented by government regulatory bodies such

as the Governance Commission on GOCCs (GCG), and the like.

Compensation for corporate officers is subject to Republic Act No.

10149 or the ―GOCC Governance Act of 2011.‖

Professionalization

of the VFP staff in

compliance with the

laws and regulations of

the Civil Service

Commission (creation

of compliant plantilla

with corresponding

career civil service

eligibility requirement

and compliance with

the Salary Standardization Law).

Adoption of a financial system and regulation of the federation’s Annual

Budget to ensure that revenues from both membership dues and business

ventures will be well-managed and funds disbursed in accordance with the rules

and regulations of the Commission and Audit (COA). Cash advances shall be

strictly controlled and

immediately liquidated

within the reglamentary

period. The annual budget

shall be presented for the

approval of the SND.

Member -organizat ions

shall have proportionate

share in the revenues of

VFP and PVAO shall

collect membership dues

from pension and remit

directly to VFP.

Adherence to the Government Procurement Law (Republic Act 9184) in

all procurement activities, especially in the procurement of medicines,

supplies, and equipment

Implementation of Election Reforms for better representation and

empowerment of various organizations in the Supreme Council.

Leaders of various veterans

organizations actively

participated in the submission of

inputs for the crafting of the VFP

Constitution and By-Laws held at

the PVAO Conference Room on

13 February 2013

Among those who submitted their

proposed CBL were the Alliance for

the Amelioration headed by retired

Gen. Rodrigo Gutang; Cavalier

Association of Veterans, Inc. headed

by Col. Cesar P. Pobre, PA (Ret);

KAMPILAN Peace-keepers

Association, Inc. headed by LtGen.

Raul S. Urgello, AFP (Ret); and the

Veterans Federation of the

Philippines.

To implement the needed reforms within the VFP and address its systemic

problem, the Department of National Defense (DND) saw the need to come up with a

Constitution and By-Laws (CBL) that truly embodies the provisions of its charter, the

Republic Act No. 2640.

After a series of consultations with the stakeholders concerned, a CBL has been

crafted by leaders of all veteran organizations whose inputs were consolidated by the

Legal Affairs Division of the Philippine Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO). It has passed the

scrutiny of the Office of Legal Services of the DND and has been finally approved by the

Secretary of National Defense on 25 June 2013.

Said CBL is the backbone of the various reforms directed by the SND to be

institutionalized in order to advance the interest of ALL Filipino veterans and

consequently, their families, and not just the interest of a few.

There was a need to craft a CBL for VFP because in truth and in fact, the present

leaders of VFP cannot present a copy of a CBL that had been approved by the Secretary

of National Defense.

VFP contends that the existing CBL they have been implementing had been

signed by the Secretary of National Defense on 25 April 1964 but all they have on file is

the basic letter (transmittal letter) of the CBL which is not even signed, and not an

approved CBL with the signature of the Secretary and dry seal of the Department.

The existence or non-existence of the 1964 CBL, however, is moot and academic.

Granting that the existing CBL had been approved by the Secretary of National

Defense in 1964, indeed, it is still imperative to craft a new one for the approval of the

incumbent SND because the 1964 CBL, as the present VFP leaders themselves admit,

had since undergone several revisions and amendments (e.g. VFP Constitution and By-

Laws was revised on March 5, 2008; March 5, 2013; and March 2014) which were not

approved by the succeeding Secretaries of National Defense. Some provisions during

the series of amendment had deviated already from the VFP Charter (RA 2640).

The crafting of the CBL was a product of consultation with ALL veterans

organizations, primarily VFP, for over two years since 2010. In the series of

consultations, the VFP had been represented by Col. Francisco T. San Miguel PA (Ret),

former Executive Vice President; Col. Pablo Salamat PA (Ret), former Secretary General;

and BGen Michelangelo Siscar AFP (Ret).

As a matter of fact, ALL veterans organizations were requested to submit their

proposed CBL. Among those who submitted were the Alliance for the Amelioration

headed by retired Gen. Rodrigo Gutang; Cavalier Association of Veterans, Inc. headed

by Col. Cesar P. Pobre, PA (Ret); KAMPILAN Peace-keepers Association, Inc. headed by

LtGen. Raul S. Urgello, AFP (Ret); and the Veterans Federation of the Philippines. Other

veterans organizations also submitted their comment and inputs during the

deliberations.

The CBL is in fact a consolidation of the inputs from various veterans

organizations. A substantial portion thereof, was derived from the proposal of the VFP.

The crafting of CBL was also in compliance with the directive of the Committee

on Veterans Affairs and Welfare of the House of Representatives following its conduct

of several hearings, in aid of legislation, on the issue on transparency and

accountability in the VFP’s management of land, properties, assets and governing

authority. These hearings were attended by most, if not all leaders of legitimate veteran

organizations in the country, including representatives of the VFP.

Consultative hearing on the VFP Constitution and By-Laws held on 29 January 2013

By implementing the CBL, the DND hopes to:

Strengthen the organization and attain the following objectives provided for in

the law:

to 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 interest of all Filipino veterans;

to coordinate the efforts of all different veterans organizations 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 for country and things Filipino; and

to inculcate individual civic consciousness.

Boost / improve its membership

Make VFP a more dynamic organization – For the past 25 years, the VFP has

seemingly been dormant, with its same set of leaders, officers, staff and members.

Instead of unifying all veterans, the present VFP has become very divisive. As a

matter of fact, some charter and affiliate veterans organizations like the AFP Retired

Veterans Association (AFREVA), Confederation of Filipino Veterans (CONVETS);

Defenders of Bataan and Corregidor; ECLGA Veterans Association; FAIT Veterans

Legion; Magsaysay Veterans Legion; PEFTOK Veterans Association; Philippine

Veterans Legion; among others, have been complaining about being ―excluded‖

from the affairs of the federation.

As of December 2013, statistics from the PVAO Management Information

Division shows that out of 14, 839 WWII veterans, only 8,349 (56%) veterans are

members of VFP while out of 51,597 surviving spouses of WWII veterans, only

19,915 (37%) are members of VFP.

Additionally, out of 20,115 AFP veterans-pensioners, only 2,263 (11%) are

members of VFP while out of 48,037 surviving spouses of AFP veterans, only 9,937

(19%) are members of the federation.

Whereas, AFP retirees who had served for not less than 10 years but not yet

PVAO PENSIONERS are already veterans by law and eligible to join VFP. About

5,000 every year retire from the AFP and join the rank of veterans. VFP

memberships do not reflect this group.

These figures collectively show that only roughly 30% of the Filipino Veterans

and widows who are pensioners of PVAO are active members of the VFP.

Under the new CBL, all veterans and veterans’ widows are members of VFP.

However, their membership is activated only upon payment of prescribed

membership dues. This activation of membership is VOLUNTARY, thus, contrary to

misinformation, it does not violate the principle of democracy and the freedom to

veterans to affiliate themselves in the organization.

The new CBL provides a new membership system that is not discriminatory to

Post-War Veterans and widows. If a PVAO pensioner opts to be a member and has

applied in an organization that is either chartered or affiliated with the VFP, there is

no reason why he / she should not be allowed to join.

No, it is NOT true.

The membership structure follows the federation type of organization as

mandated by the VFP Charter. Only organizations integrated by veterans may

become members of the Federation. The Charter, Fraternal, and Regional Veterans

Organizations are directly under the Federation. Each of these organizations has

their own CBL which must not be inconsistent with the VFP CBL.

There are 17 organizations mentioned in the RA 2640; namely: Associacion

delos Veteranos de la Revolucion, AFP Retired Veterans Association (AFREVA),

Confederation of Filipino Veterans (CONVETS), Defenders of Bataan and

Corregidor, ECLGA Veterans Association, FAIT Veterans Legion, Filipino Disabled

Veterans Association, Gold Star Mothers and United War Widows and Orphans

Association of the Philippines, Hunters ROTC Association, the Magsaysay Veterans

Legion, PEFTOK Veterans Association, Philippine National Guard Veterans Legion,

Philippine Naval Veterans Legion, Philippine Veterans Legion, Philippine

Association of War Widows, Parents and Orphans; United Disabled Veterans

Association of the Philippines; and the USAFIP-NL.

They are called Charter Organizations as they are mentioned in the Charter of

the VFP (RA 2640). About nine of them are active and the others may be re-

activated and seated as charter members in accordance with the VFP-CBL. By law,

they have vested rights being the original members of the first Supreme Council of

the VFP.

Fraternal Organizations, on the other hand, are classified further into two.

Veterans organizations who joined the Federation after the enactment of RA No.

2640 are called Affiliate Organizations. At present there are about five active

fraternal organizations affiliated with VFP. Fraternal organizations are integrated by

veterans bound by common experience. They are national in scope.

The other type of fraternal organizations are the 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.

Regional Veterans Organizations are composed of district and / or post

(municipalities) organizations of veterans who may chose to affiliate independently

as regional veterans organization.

All veterans organizations that are or may be organized in the Region may

affiliate with VFP separately provided they have a minimum of 50 members,

registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and comply with the

CBL requirements.

No. Contrary to wrong perceptions/speculations, the SND-approved CBL

even empowers the District and Post Organizations as such are on the grassroots

level. If they satisfy the basic requirement of having at least 50 members, they may

register independently with the SEC and apply for separate affiliation with the VFP.

However, if they are happy with their present set-up under the Regional

Veterans Organizations where they belong, they may remain with their respective

RVOs even if they have more than 50 members.

Existing districts and post veterans organizations are the ―building blocks‖ of

RVOs. As such, they will not be dissolved or disenfranchised. Instead, they will be

strengthened further. There will be no substantial change in their structures and

membership.

The CBL has nothing to do with their respective leadership and management

structures as they are free to conduct their own election in accordance with their

own internal rules.

All the privileges, funds, benefits or resources they normally get from the

Federation will be continued subject to usual COA auditing rules.

No. On the contrary, these organizations will be further strengthened. The

During the transition period of two years from approval of CBL, existing district or

post with at least 50 veteran –members are eligible to be affiliated as separate /

independent Regional Veterans Organizations as defined in the approved CBL. At

their option, these existing districts or post organizations of veterans may craft their

own by-laws, organizational structure and be registered with SEC.

Their membership will increase as a result of DND-PVAO policies requiring all

veterans to be members of any accredited veteran organization of their own choice.

Collection of membership dues of veteran and widows will be automatic deduction

through PVAO.

Therefore existing districts and post organizations may retain their status as

Regional Veterans Organization subject to the membership requirements of the

Approved CBL. These organizations will elect their Regional President who will seat

as member of the Supreme Council and may craft their own by-laws not

inconsistent with the VFP-CBL.

All benefits and privileges already enjoyed by these districts or post

organizations are not affected but even increased or enhanced as the revenues of

the of the VFP will be proportionately shared or distributed to the member

organizations.

As Regional Veterans Organizations, they will have the same rights and

privileges as with the Charter and the Fraternal Veterans Organization. With the

proliferation of RVOs, more and more veterans will be represented in the VFP and

its affairs will be truly participatory.

Sound management principle dictates that the policy-making body of an

organization should be separate from its management to uphold check and

balance. In the peculiar case of the VFP, the policy-making body is the Supreme

Council composed of the veterans. They shall promulgate, as owners and

beneficiaries of the VFP as a public corporation, policies to promote their welfare

and advance their interest.

On the other hand, the management, who will implement the policies set-

forth by the Supreme Council and oversee the day-to day operations of the VFP,

should be handled by competent professionals.

As a microcosm of the society, this is VFP’s way of upholding the principle of

separation of powers. Just like the government whereby the people elect their

legislators who enact public laws but it is the executive branch that enforces these

laws and implements government programs for the benefit of the people.

The positions in the SUPREME COUNCIL shall be elected in the annual

assembly of member organizations as provided for in Sections 7, RA No. 2640. It

shall be 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

Members of the Supreme Council shall be elected for one (1) year by the

eligible member-organizations at the annual general assembly from the list of

eligible candidates approved by the Secretary of National Defense. The 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.

There is NO AGE limit to these elective positions for as long as the veteran is

physically and mentally capable of performing his / her functions.

The Chairman of the Supreme Council shall be the Federation President. He

shall act as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Federation. The Executive Vice

President shall act as the Chief Operating Officer (COO).

The Supreme Council shall have the following committees: Governance Committee;

Finance and Audit Committee; Ways and Means Committee; Nomination and

Election Committee; and Legislative Committee.

The APPOINTIVE positions comprise the remaining Executive Officers on the

Management side of VFP, being a public corporation. There should also be a Vice-

President for Operation, Vice –President for Administration, Vice-President for

Finance and General Manager for VFP-IC. They must be recommended by the

Supreme Council and their appointment approved by the Secretary of National

Defense.

As Management Executives, they shall be subject to age limit, competency

requirements and other qualifications as set forth by the Civil Service Commission

and the Governance Commission for GOCCs prior to being appointed by the

Secretary of National Defense.

No. The SND-approved CBL will not

disenfranchise the widows and orphans

and will not strip their right to vote in the

charter organizations that are specifically

integrated for them.

The participation of widows, sons

and daughters in the affairs of the VFP are

recognized and further strengthened.

Subject to the rules that will be promulgated by the appropriate VFP Committees,

they will be given the chance to occupy leadership positions in the organizations

for widows and orphans.

There are two Charter organizations of the widows, sons and daughters: the

Philippine Association of War Widows, Parents and Orphans (PAWWPO) and the

Gold Star Mothers and United War Widows and Orphans Association of the

Philippines (GSMUWWOAP).

Widows, sons and daughters who are already members of existing districts or

post veteran organization may remain as such. Subject to the By-Laws of their

affiliated veterans organizations, they will enjoy the usual rights and privileges in

the district or post or existing organization. They can vote and be voted upon and

may be even designated as officials in their respective pots and districts. In effect,

there are no changes in the structures of the districts of posts veteran organizations

in so far as the widows, sons and daughters are concerned.

As another option, widows, sons and daughters of veterans may organize into

separate, exclusive and independent organization and may affiliate with the

Federation as an associate member organization. They may be equally entitled to

all the benefits accruing to a regular member. They may also join any member

veterans organization of the Federation subject to the requirements, restrictions

and limitations of that particular veterans organization.

The role of the veterans’ sons and daughters is primarily to provide support and

other required services to their parents, as part of their moral obligation and

patriotic duty.

It is a fact that VETERANS are FOREVER. For as long as our country remains a

sovereign and independent state, we will always have veterans from the ranks of

our defenders in the Armed Forces of the Philippines who also have their own sons

and daughters. Therefore, veterans’ sons and daughters are also forever.

Thus, sons and daughters may organize themselves into Sons and Daughters

Associations and affiliate themselves with existing veterans organizations, subject to

the rules and regulations of respective veterans organizations.

Yes. Article XII, Section of the SND-approved CBL may be amended or

repealed, in whole or in part, or a new one adopted, through the Governance

Committee. Any member may raise the proposed amendment to the Governance

Committee. If sound reasonable / justified, the Committee 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.

The Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), in its letter to VFP President

Emmanuel V. de Ocampo dated 14 July 2014, stressed that Section 1 of the VFP’s

charter states that the VFP was ―created as a body corporate under the control and

supervision of the Secretary of National Defense.‖

The Supreme Court even affirmed the Secretary’s power of control which include

the authority to act directly whenever a specific function, is by law or regulation to

subordinate; direct the performance of a duty; restrain the commission of acts and

decisions of subordinate officials or units; determine priorities in the execution of plans

and programs and prescribe standards, guidelines, plans and programs.‖

The GCG is a ―central advisory, monitoring and oversight body.‖ Its actions and

recommendations pertaining to a GOCC have to be in consultation with the department

or agency to which the GOCC is attached.

It also emphasized that ―regardless of any peculiarity VFP may have as a GOCC,

this does not change the legal structure of its relationship with DND under its charter,

Republic Act 2640. Thus, there can be no legal impediment or effect with respect to

VFP’s structural relationship and compliance with the directives of the SND or any of his

alter egos.‖

YES, there is a transition period of two (2) years to orient and capacitate the VFP to perform as a public corporation that is capable of achieving its mandated missions and purposes, as embodied in its Charter—Republic Act 2640. This means that within the given period, VFP should be able to rationalize the plantilla positions for its personnel who must meet the qualification requirements set forth by the Civil Service Commission. The salaries, compensations and benefits of these personnel should also conform with the Salary Standardization Law and the authorized compensation schedule for GOCCs approved by the GCG. They must also shift their contributions from the Social Security System (SSS) to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS). However, the implementation of the approved CBL is immediate. Reforms in the conduct of elections, procurement and financial management are now being urgently undertaken.

The Department of National Defense (DND) through the Philippine

Veterans Affairs Office (PVAO) is continuously coordinating with the Governance

Commission for GOCCs (GCG), the Civil Service Commission, the Commission on

Audit (COA) and other government agencies to capacitate the VFP in the reforms

it has already started.

Also, DND-PVAO is working hand-in-hand with the Committee on Veterans

Affairs and Welfare in the House of Representatives and the Committee on

National Defense and Security in the Senate for any possible related legislation

these reforms may require.

Within the transition period of two years, the DND shall be able to transform the

VFP into a dynamic and vibrant organization that is truly representative of the

Filipino Veterans Community and a vital partner of the State in nation-building.

If you have other questions, please call the Veterans Affairs

Management Division (VAMD), Philippine Veterans Affairs

Office in Camp General Emilio Aguinaldo, Quezon City

at (02)401-6106 or the VFP Headquarters at

PVAO Compound,

Gatpuno Antonio Villegas St., Ermita, Manila

with telephone numbers: 528-0609/10

Fax: 528-0749.

For more information on VFP, please call the Veterans Affairs Management Division (VAMD),

Philippine Veterans Affairs Office at (02)401-6106 or the VFP Headquarters at

PVAO Compound, Gatpuno Antonio Villegas St., Ermita, Manila

with telephone numbers: (02) 528-0609/10 Fax: (02) 528-0749.