Constitution

Preamble
 

We, the members of the TAU GAMMA PHI, re-affirming our faith in God, and adhering to
the Tenetsand Codes of Conduct of the Fraternity, in order to strengthen the bond of
brotherhood in pursuit of its ultimate goals and objectives, cognizant of the vital contribution
of a collective effort to promote the general welfare of our fellowmen, to instill and develop
the greatest sense of understanding and respect for human dignity under the rule of justice,
freedom and democracy, do ordain and promulgate this constitution.

ARTICLE I
Name and Seal
 

Section 1. The fraternity shall be known as the TAU GAMMA PHI – The Triskelion Grand
Fraternity. The official seal of the TAU GAMMA PHI shall be a large circle with a smaller
circle inside. Between these two circles are inscribed the words TAU GAMMA PHI on the
upper portion; FORTIS-VOLUNTAS-FRATERNITAS on the lower portion; the number 19
on the left side and 68 on the right. Within the small circle is inscribed the three-legged
symbol with the Greek letters TAU, GAMMA and PHI between each of the legs. The
official colors of the seal are black and gold.
 
ARTICLE II
Declaration of Principles and Policies
 

Principles
Section 1. Tau Gamma Phi staunchly advocates brotherhood of men regardless of race,
creed, religion, social, political, and economic status.
Sec. 2. Tau Gamma Phi firmly believes in the power of reason and not in the use of force as
a reason.
Sec. 3. Tau Gamma Phi believes in the promotion of social justice to ensure the well being
and economic security of all people.
Sec. 4. The Tau Gamma Phi abhors violence and human right violations, however ready to
defend, uphold and preserve the sovereign will of its members and of all people.
Sec. 5. The Tau Gamma Phi encourages and fosters scholarship among its members. The
stimulation of intellectual creativeness and the promotion of the social and physical well
being of its members is of paramount concern.
Policies
Sec. 6. The Tau Gamma Phi shall seek and help in the realization of a truly democratic
society, adhere and promote the policy of peace, equality, unity and cooperation among all
people.
Sec. 7. The Tau Gamma Phi shall take an active part in the conservation of the country’s
natural resources, renewing those that can be renewed and campaigning against the
exploitation of this God-given wealth.
Sec. 8. The Tau Gamma Phi shall strive to mold its members into morally upright and self-
reliant individuals geared towards civic efficiency.

ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP

 
            Section 1. The Fraternity shall have four (4) categories of members:
1. SENIOR TRISKELION – College students enrolled and initiated by Senior Triskelions in any
college, university, and institution recognized by the National Council and individual Junior
Triskelion or Community-Based Chapter who has undergone welcome rites for upgrading to
Senior Triskelion category and ritual rites to full-fledged membership.
2. JUNIOR TRISKELION – High School students initiated by Senior and/or Junior Triskelions
in any high school recognized by the National Council.
3. COMMUNITY-BASED TRISKELION – Any out-of-school youth or college student in
schools or universities without chapters or affiliations with any City, Municipal or Regional
Council initiated by full-fledged and/or Community-Based members, provided that such
Community-Based Chapters are recognized by its Municipal, Provincial and Regional Council.
4. ALUMNI – senior Triskelions who have graduated from college and undergraduate
Triskelion who possess the following: 1) At least a bonafide member of five (5) years; 2)
Gainfully employed or pursuing business.
Sec. 2. Membership to the Fraternity shall be in three (3) stages:
1. PROBATIONARY – newly initiated Triskelions placed under on-probation status for six (6)
months or more, wherein merits and demerits are given based on his performance and must attend
all seminars, workshops, training and meetings to be conducted by the Chapter or in cooperation
with the City, Municipal, Provincial, Regional or National Council.
2. FULL-PLEDGED MEMBER – New members who have undergone the probationary period
and has passed the Ritual Rites of the Fraternity.
3. MOST DISTINGUISHED GUARDIAN (MDG) – A full-pledged member who has effectively
served for one (1) year as Grand Triskelion, or local founders or those who have given exemplary
service in the development of the Fraternity and has given it honor, integrity and prestige.
Membership to the Order is bestowed by fellow Most Distinguished Guardians or MDGs upon the
recommendation of the chapter Grand Triskelion and approval of the Grand Council. The
provisions of this section shall not apply to members who have served or are currently serving as
MDGs  at the time of ratification of this Constitution.
Sec. 3. Membership to the Fraternity shall cease upon resignation or expulsion for due
cause. Members recommended for expulsion shall have the benefit of a trial or due process
and may appeal to the higher organ of the Fraternity. All local chapters must provide the
higher echelons of the Fraternity with duly-certified expulsion papers not more than ten (10)
days after its effectivity.
Sec. 4. Candidate members to the Tau Gamma Phi shall be qualified on the basis of the
following:
1. He must believe in the Principles of the Fraternity.
2. He must be of good moral character.
3. He must be at least seventeen (17) years of age for Senior and Community-Based Triskelion
candidates and fifteen (15) years of age for Junior Triskelion candidates.
4. must be mentally and physically fit, supported by a Medical Certificate under oath.
5. He must be willing to undergo the membership requirements.
6. He must be sponsored by any Triskelion of good standing.
7. He must not be a member of any fraternity or organization whose principles and purposes are
contrary to those of the Tau Gamma Phi.
Sec. 5. Candidate members shall be subjected to background investigation prior to interview
and orientation. The Grand Council shall approve his application upon formal endorsement
of the sponsor.
 

ARTICLE IV
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF A TRISKELION

Section 1. Every Triskelion shall strive to lead a morally upright and virtuous life in
accordance with the Tenets and Codes of Conduct of the Fraternity.
Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of every Triskelion to uphold this Constitution, to give unswerving
loyalty to the Fraternity, to actively contribute to its development and welfare and to abide
by the rules and regulations issued by its lawful authorities.
Sec. 3. Every Triskelion is responsible for each other. It shall be his duty to assist and
support his fellow Triskelion especially in times of crisis.
Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of all Triskelions to attend all meetings, and to actively participate
in all project and activities of the Fraternity.
Sec. 5.. It shall be the obligation of all Triskelion to pay the dues/fees set by its lawful
authorities.
Sec. 6.. It shall be the duty of every qualified Triskelion to register and cast his vote in
Fraternity elections, referendum, and plebiscites.
Sec. 7. A Triskelion is obligated to exert his best effort to develop his potentials, physical or
intellectual, in order to strengthen the Fraternity. Triskelions with special skills and talents
shall heed the call of the Fraternity’s leadership to lead or take part in an activity designed
to countenance any critical or emergency situation.
Sec. 8. It is the duty of every Triskelion to recruit new members.

ARTICLE V
RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES OF A TRISKELION

Section 1. The right to equal treatment and opportunities shall not be abridged regardless
of religious belief, socio-economic and political status.
Sec. 2. Every Triskelion shall have the right to express his opinions on matters concerning
the Fraternity provided that it is put forth in a constructive manner.
Sec. 3. The right to be protected against exploitation, improper influences, and other
conditions prejudicial to his physical, intellectual, social, political, economic and moral
development shall be guaranteed.
Sec. 4. Every Triskelion has the right to have access and inspect all books of accounts,
records and similar materials of public character pertaining to the fraternity.
Sec. 5. The right of a Triskelion in good standing to actively participate in all projects and
undertakings of the Fraternity shall always be recognized.
Sec. 6. Qualified full-pledged Triskelions in good standing shall have the right to run for
elective positions in the Fraternity subject to the qualifications of the position.
Sec. 7. The right to join or organize legitimate organizations whose purposes are contributory
to the enhancement of the Fraternity shall not be impaired.

ARTICLE VI

ORGANIZATION

 
Section 1. The National Council:
1. The National Council of the Tau Gamma Phi shall be the final authority in the management
and administration of the affairs of the Fraternity.
2. The National Council shall be composed of:
(1) The National Assembly
(2) The National Executive Council

(3) The Judicial Council

Sec. 2. The National Assembly

1. The National Assembly shall be the highest policy-making body of the Fraternity.
2. The National Assembly shall be composed of all the incumbent duly elected Regional
Secretary-Generals and Provincial Governor-Generals and shall function as a collegial body.
3. The National Assembly shall have the following powers and functions:
(1)   To elect the officers of the National Executive Council.

(2)   To analyze, evaluate, deliberate on and render decisions regarding programs, policies
and developmental plans of the National Executive Council.

(3)    To enact a national budget to be supported by available funds as certified by the

National Treasurer or to be raised by corresponding revenue proposals submitted by the
National Secretariat.

(4)   To act on all proposed amendments or revisions to this Constitution.

(5)   To establish the rules of its proceedings and to conduct inquiries in aid of legislation in
accordance with its duly published rules and procedures.

(6)   A quorum, which is fifty percent plus one (50%+1) shall first be established, and that
two-thirds (2/3) of the members present who are duly notified, can override the veto power
of the Premier.

(7)  The National Assembly may punish its members for disorderly behavior and to suspend
them with the concurrence of two-thirds (2/3) of all its members.

1. Meetings, Quorum and Manner of Voting of the National Assembly:

(1)  The National Assembly shall holds its annual meeting on the last week of January of
every fiscal year at the principal office or at any place within the area of operation of the
Fraternity. Special National Assembly meetings may be called to consider urgent matters
requiring National Assembly decisions upon orders of the Premier or upon petition of at
least forty percent (40%) of its members.

(2)   At all annual or special meetings of the National Assembly, fifty percent plus one (50%
+1) of the total number of members shall constitute a quorum.

(3)   Recognized Regional Secretary Generals and Provincial Governor Generals or their

duly authorized representatives, who are physically present in National Assembly meetings
shall be qualified to vote, participate in all deliberations, and in all decision making.
 Sec.3. The NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:
1. The National Executive Council is vested upon by this Constitution with the power to
implement and execute its contents and all policies, rules and regulations affecting the existence
of the Fraternity.
2. The National Executive Council shall be composed of the following:
(1)             The Premier

(2)             The Executive Vice-Premier

(3)             The Vice-Premier for Luzon

(4)             The Vice-Premier for Visayas

(5)             The Vice-Premier for Mindanao

(6)             The Vice-Premier for International Affairs

(7)             The National Executive Secretary

(8)             The National Secretariat Officers

(9)             The National Treasurer

(10)         The National Auditor

1. The National Executive Council shall have the following powers and functions:
(1)  To devise mechanisms for the smooth implementation of the program thrusts, policies
and priorities of the Fraternity as determined by the National Assembly.

(2)  To prepare an annual program for budget and to submit the same to the National
Assembly for approval.

(3)  To bestow final approval of recognition to newly created chapters or councils and to
suspend the recognition of chapters upon the recommendation of the Regional Councils.

(4)  To adopt policies for fund sourcing, capital build-up, loans, acquisitions of properties,
collection of dues and fees for the benefit of the Fraternity.

(5)  To issue circulars, memoranda, and policy instructions to ensure the strict compliance
with this Constitution and revisions in national policies and programs approved by the
National Assembly.
(6)  In case of national emergency, where the National Assembly cannot be convened, the
National Executive Council may decide for and in behalf of the best interests of the
Fraternity.

(7)  To create other committees and offices deemed necessary for the efficient and effective
implementation of programs and policies of the National Council.

Sec. 4.OFFICERS of the NATIONAL EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:

1. THE PREMIER:
(1)  The executive powers of the Fraternity shall be vested in the Premier of the Tau
Gamma Phi. No member may be elected Premier unless he has served as Secretary
General of any recognized Regional Council of the Fraternity or Governor General of any
recognized Provincial Council.

(2)   The Premier shall be elected by a majority vote of all the members of the National
Assembly and shall hold office for a term of two years (2) and shall be eligible for re-
election. However the Premier shall serve for not more than two successive terms.

(3)   Powers and Functions of the Premier:

1. To exercise general supervision of all the local councils, executive offices and committees as
may be provided by this Constitution.
2. To appoint and remove the National Executive Secretary; the heads of the different executive
offices and committees; the National Treasurer, and the National Auditor.
3. To report on the state of the Fraternity in annual National Assembly meetings.
4. To recommend to the National Assembly measures necessary and expedient which must be
acted upon before adjournment of a National Assembly meeting.
5. To preside over the meetings of the National Executive Council.
6. To exercise the power to veto bills amending this Constitution or revisions in national
policies previously decided upon by the National Assembly.
7. To enter into contracts, agreements or pacts with other legitimate organizations and entities
which shall be beneficial to the Fraternity provided that he gets the concurrence of at least two-
thirds (2/3) of total number of present members in the National Assembly.
8. The Executive Vice-Premier – shall be the presiding officer of the National Assembly, and
to represent the Premier in meetings and other functions when the latter cannot be physically
present and shall perform other duties and responsibilities that may be assigned by the National
Council. For whatever valid reason that the Premier could not continue to perform his duties and
responsibilities, the Executive Vice-Premier shall automatically assume the position of Premier
and shall serve the remaining term of office of the Premier.
9. The Vice-Premier for LUZON; the Vice- Premier for VISAYAS; the Vice- Premier for
MINDANAO; and the Vice-Premier for INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS:
(1)  The Vice-Premier for Luzon; the Vice-Premier for Visayas; the Vice-Premier for
Mindanao; and the Vice-Premier for International Affairs are duly- elected national officials.
No member shall be elected Vice-Premier unless he has served as Secretary General of
any recognized Regional Council or Governor General of any recognized Provincial
Council.
(2)  Powers and Functions of the Vice-Premier for Luzon; the Vice- Premier for Visayas; the
Vice-Premier for Mindanao; and the Vice-Premier for International Affairs:

1. To assist and support the Premier in the performance of the latter duties.
2. To supervise the operations of all the Regional Councils in their respective territorial
jurisdictions.
3. To screen, recommend, expedite, facilitate and decide on issues and concerns brought forth
by the various Regional and Provincial Councils within his territorial jurisdiction.
4. To formulate developmental plans in line with the general thrusts of the area and submit the
same to the National Executive Council for deliberation and approval.
5. To consolidate and submit to the National Assembly and National Executive Council
quarterly accomplishment and status reports of the different Regional Councils under his
jurisdiction.
6. To facilitate and coordinate the establishment of the City, Municipal, provincial, and
Regional Councils within his jurisdiction and strengthen the same in line with national policies.
7. The NATIONAL EXECUTIVE SECRETARY:
(1)     The National Executive Secretary shall act as the head of the National Secretariat and
shall supervise its over-all operations.

(2)         The National Executive Secretary must be a member of the Most Distinguished
Order of the Guardians and shall be appointed by the Premier.

(3)         Duties and functions of the National Executive Secretary:

1. To ensure that the various echelons of the fraternal organization are functioning efficiently on
their prime concerns.
2. To assign the specific tasks of the various office and committee heads in conformity with the
policies and programs of the National Council.
3. To take responsibility for the record keeping of all meetings of the National Assembly and
the National Executive Council and to furnish copies to all the members of both branches.
4. The NATIONAL TREASURER-shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
(1)     To formulate programs and schemes for budgeting and collection of dues and/or fee.

(2)     To submit quarterly and annual financial reports to the National Council.

(3)     To identify, secure, develop and maintain financial sources for the Fraternity.

(4)     To exercise technical supervision of the budget and finance offices in the lower
structures of the Fraternity.

(5)     To devise effective and efficient financial mechanisms and structures.

(6)     To disburse funds of the National Council in accordance with the National Budget and
in strict compliance with the established rules and regulations.
(7)     To post an adequate bond from a reputable insurance company acceptable to the
National Executive Council in such amount which might be fixed by the former.

(8)     To keep charge of the funds, securities, titles, deeds, receipts, and disbursements of
the Fraternity.

(9)     To deposit or cause to be deposited all moneys and other valuable effects in the
name and to the credit of the Fraternity in such banks or trust companies as the National
Executive Council may from time to time designate.

(10)   To render to the National Executive Council or to the National Assembly whenever
required an account of the financial condition of the Fraternity and at the close of calendar
year to submit a like report for such calendar year.

(11)   To keep correct Books of Account of all the business transactions of the Fraternity.

(12)  To advise the National Council regarding disposition of funds and other matters
relative to financial matters.

1. The NATIONAL AUDITOR:

2. The National Auditor shall be appointed by the Premier upon the recommendation of the
National Executive Secretary and shall come from the ranks of the Most Distinguished Order of
the Guardians and shall serve a four (4) year’s term.
3. The National Auditor shall be a Certified Public Accountant and preferably a Most
Distinguish Guardian (MDG).
4. The National Auditor shall have the following function and responsibilities:
(1) To take charge of both the accounting and internal audit services of the National
Council.

(2) To install and maintain an internal audit system in all echelons of the national
structure.

(3) Apprise the National Council officials on the financial condition and operations of the
council and committees concerned.

(4) Certify to the availability of the budget allotment to which expenditures and
obligations may be properly charged.

(5) To install and maintain an effective accounting system in coordination with the
National Treasurer.

Sec.5. The NATIONAL SECRETARIAT:

1. The National Secretariat shall administer to the day to day activities of the National
Executive Council.
2. The National Secretariat shall be composed of the following:
(1) The National Executive Secretary

(2) The Secretary for Information and Communication

(3) The Secretary for Membership and Organization

(4) The Secretary for the Interior

(5) The Secretary for Special Projects

(6) The Secretary for Alumni Affairs.

1. The Secretary for INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION shall have the following

functions and responsibilities:
(1)      To disseminate notices of meeting, consultations, dialogues seminars and circular
orders, memoranda, policy instructions and other information materials of the National
Council to the lower structures of the Fraternity.

(2)      To supervise the over-all operations and ensure the continuous circulation of the
official publication of the National Council.

(3)      To submit quarterly and annual reports on communication capabilities and

information dissemination potentials.

(4)      To coordinate with the Secretary for Membership and Organization in the
maintenance and upgrading of a secured national database.

(5)      To establish and maintain a National Council Website.

(6)      To continuously upgrade and streamline existing communication capabilities.

(7)      To establish and maintain a speaker’s and trainer’s bureau to complement the
activities of the various national offices and committees.

1. The Secretary for MEMBERSHIP AND ORGANIZATION shall have the following

functions and responsibilities:
(1)     To initiate and continuously gather the list of Triskelions initiated from 1968 to the
present with the corresponding updated background information and encode the same to as
secure database.
(2)     To formulate the National Standard Procedures for Membership to the Fraternity in
accordance with National Council mandates and ensures the strict implementation of the
same.

(3)     To screen and recommend the recognition or suspension of recognition of chapters

and councils upon recommendation and endorsement of the lower echelons of the
Fraternity.

(4)     To formulate, monitor and conduct continuing programs on leadership and service to
fellowmen and symposiums on how to improve the quality of members.

(5)     To submit quarterly and annual reports to the National Executive Council regarding
membership strength and capabilities, achievements and program proposals.

(6)     To devise, initiate and implement programs geared towards the social, economic,
educational and moral upliftment of all Triskelions and foster constructive interaction among
all members.

(7)     To research, analyze, formulate and implement programs towards establishing and
maintaining harmonious relationships with other fraternities and legitimate organizations.

(8)     To monitor the needs of the general membership regarding welfare, health,
unemployment, death or sickness and fraternity-related incarceration and recommend to the
different structures of the Fraternity solutions to such problems.

(9)     To formulate guidelines for recognition and suspension of chapters and councils.

(10)   To formulate and to implement programs and policies aimed at providing free
consultation and legal aid to all members in good standing.

(11)   To review, to render his decision, and to submit in writing recommendations on

government laws, bills, acts and ordinances which may have adverse repercussions on the
Fraternity.

(12)  To represent the National Council and/or any of its members in civil, criminal and
special proceedings.

(13) To investigate or cause to be investigated any national or local official (elected or

appointed) for violations of the Tenets and Codes of Conduct of the Fraternity;
administrative neglect; graft and funds malversation and recommend appropriate action to
the Premier.

(14)      To investigate or cause to be investigated any of the Fraternity’s subsidiary

organizations for failure to comply with the terms and conditions stipulated in the grant of
such franchise or privilege and recommend appropriate action to the National Executive
Council.

(15)      To protect all members from human rights violations and prosecute any violation
thereof.

(16)      To exercise such other powers and performs other duties and functions, which may
be assigned by the Premier.

1. The Secretary for the INTERIOR shall have the following functions and responsibilities:
(1)      To formulate and implement a comprehensive security plan to ensure the
confidentiality of Fraternity information and security for all its members.

(2)      To devise a national disaster preparedness program and form highly-trained quick
reaction units from among the members all over the archipelago to augment other civic
action groups in areas hard-hit by calamities and disasters.

(3)      To coordinate with government agencies and non-government organizations on

projects and programs aimed at community development, agro-industrial thrusts, labor
intensive income generating ventures and peace and order.

(4)      To act as the National Wielder of the Whip.

1. The Secretary for SPECIAL PROJECTS shall have the following functions and

responsibilities:
(1)      To act as the head of the socio- economic, cultural and political development arm of
the Fraternity.

(2)      To conduct human resources development training, seminars and workshops in order
to strengthen the capabilities of Triskelion communities along the lines of organizational
development and management, leadership formation, and career development.

(3)      To formulate and implement programs and policies aimed at enhancing self-
propelling and self-reliant Triskelion organizations through optimum utilization of human and
financial resources.

(4)      To assist the lower structures of the Fraternity in developing project proposals for
community and school-based endeavors on aspects of health, education, environmental
concerns and other social services that would redound to the positive public image of the
Fraternity.

(5)      To undertake research and advocacy work to influence public and private policies,
which are in effect beneficial to the furtherance to the Fraternity’s programs and services.
(6)      To coordinate with the other National offices in the promotion of solidarity work with
other fraternities in the conquest of lasting peace.

1. The Secretary for ALUMNI AFFAIRS:

(1)     Formulate guidelines and coordinate the formation and strengthening of Alumni
Chapters.

(2)     To ensure that the programs and activities being undertaken by the various alumni
chapters are in conformity with this Constitution and in line with the policies set by the
National Executive Council.

ARTICLE VII
National Judicial Council
 

Section 1. The Premier shall appoint from among the Council of Elders / MDG’s members of
the Judicial Council who shall serve for a term of four (4) years.
Sec. 2. The National Judicial Council shall have the following duties and functions.
1. To hear, litigate and decide on all cases pertaining to Constitutional matters against any
Triskelion, Chapter, or Council.
2. To review all impeachment, recall and suspension proceedings and render the final decisions
for or against any elected official of the Fraternity.
3. To act as the final authority on expulsion of erring members.
4. To automatically constitute itself into the Commission on Election in every national election.

ARTICLE VIII
Council of Elders
 
Section 1. It shall act as the advisory arm of the National Council.
Sec.2. The Council of Elders shall be composed of all former Secretary-Generals of all
recognized Regional Councils who are in good standing with the Fraternity.
Sec.3. The Council of Elders shall elect among themselves such officers, as it may deem
necessary.

ARTICLE IX

Local Councils

General Provisions
Section l. The territorial subdivisions of the Republic of the Philippines except the barangay
shall be adopted by the Fraternity. As such, there shall be Regional, Provincial, City, and
Municipal Council formations.
 Sec. 2. The territorial subdivisions of the Fraternity shall enjoy local autonomy.
Sec. 3. The National Assembly shall enact a Local Council Code which shall provide for a
more responsive and accountable local council structure instituted through a system of
decentralization with effective mechanisms of recall, initiative, and consultations, allocate
among the different council units their powers, responsibilities, and resources, and provide
for the qualifications, election, appointment, and removal, term, powers, and functions, and
duties of local officers and other matters relating to the Fraternity and operation of the local
council units.
Sec. 4.  The National Premier shall exercise general supervision over local council units.
Regional Councils with respect to component Provincial Councils, Provincial Councils with
respect to component City and Municipal Councils, and City and Municipal Councils with
respect to component local chapters shall ensure that the acts of their component units are
within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions.
Sec. 5. Each local council unit shall have the power to create its own sources of revenues
and levy dues, fees and other charges subject to such guidelines and limitations as the
National Assembly may provide, consistent with the basic policy of local autonomy. Such
dues, fees, and charges shall accrue exclusively to the local council units.
Sec. 6. The term of office of the elected local chapter officers, whether school-based or
community-based, and City and Municipal Councils shall be:
1. School or Community Based Chapters – One (1) year;
2. Municipal, City, Provincial and Regional Councils – Two (2) years.
Provincial Council and Regional Council officers shall serve for two years and no such
elected officer shall serve for more than two successive terms. Voluntary renunciation of
office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of his
service for the full term for which he was elected.

Sec. 7. No Regional, Provincial, City, Municipal or local chapter unit may be created, divided,
merged, abolished, or its boundary substantially altered, except in accordance with the
criteria established in the Local Council Code and subject to approval by the National
Executive Council.

ARTICLE X
Principle of Subsidiarity
 

Section 1. In conformity with the principle of subsidiarity, functions that may well be
performed by a lower level structure of the Fraternity shall not be vested in a higher-level
structure of the Fraternity. Thus, functions that can be performed efficiently by a school or
community chapter shall not be vested in the City or Municipal Council. Those that can be
rendered well by the City or Municipal Council shall not be vested in the Provincial Council.
Those that can be performed by the Provincial Council shall not be vested in the Regional
Council.  Finally, functions that can be performed well by the Regional Council shall not be
given to the National Council. Conflicts and doubts on jurisdiction between the National
Council, Regional Council, and lower level structures of the Fraternity shall be decided
expeditiously by the National Judicial Council en banc or in division depending on the
seriousness of the controversy.
 Sec. 2. The sub-division and pattern of the organizational structure of the Regional Council,
Provincial Council, City or Municipal Council, and the School-based and Community-based
chapters are designed to be similar. However, all Chapters and Councils shall follow the
Direct Line of Command. School-based and Community-based Chapters to Municipal or
City Councils, to the Provincial Council to the Regional Council up to the National Council.
Sec. 3. No chapter or council shall be allowed to undertake programs or projects contrary to
this Constitution or to national policies.
Sec. 4. Officials of the Fraternity in various echelons shall be elected as follows:
1. The School-Based and Community-Based Chapter officials shall be elected by its mass
membership or body.
2. The Municipal or City Council officials shall be elected by members of the Municipal
Assembly.
3. The Provincial Council officers shall be elected by the members of the Provincial Assembly.
4. The Regional Council Officials shall be elected by the members of the Regional Assembly.
5. The National Council officials shall be elected by the members of the National Assembly
which shall be composed of all the Regional Secretary Generals and Provincial Governor General
upon consultation with their respective Regional Assemblies.

ARTICLE XI
Accountability of Officers
 
Section 1. All officers, whether elected or appointed, shall at all times be accountable to the
general membership of the Tau Gamma Phi Fraternity and shall serve them with utmost
honesty, responsibility, integrity, loyalty and efficiency.
Sec. 2. The Premier, the Executive Vice-Premier, the Vice-Premiers and the members of the
National Assembly may be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of
culpable violation of this Constitution and the Tenets and Codes of Conduct, graft and
corruption and other high crimes or betrayal of Fraternal trust.
Sec. 3. The National Executive Secretary and the members of the National Secretariat may
be removed from office by the Premier.
Sec. 4.
(1)  The National Assembly shall have the power to initiate all cases of impeachment.

(2)          A verified complaint for impeachment of any National Officer may be filed by any
member of the National Assembly or any member of the Fraternity through the proper
bodies.

(3)  The members of the National Assembly and the National Judicial Council shall be on
oath during the whole proceedings. No officer shall be convicted without the concurrence of
three-fourths (¾) of the members of the National Assembly.

(4)  The Chairman of the National Judicial Council shall preside over the proceedings if the
Premier is on trial.  He shall vote only in case of deadlock.

(5)  The National Assembly shall promulgate its rules on impeachment to effectively carry
out the purpose of this article.
ARTICLE XII
General Provisions

Section 1. The Fraternity shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, international solidarity,
foster love of humanity, respect human rights, strengthen, spiritual and ethnical values,
develop moral character and personal discipline, and encourage critical and creative
thinking among its members.
Sec. 2. The Fraternity shall promote social justice including the commitment to create
economic opportunities for its members based on the freedom of initiative and self-reliance.
Sec. 3. The Fraternity shall adopt an integrated and comprehensive approach geared
towards the full development of its members in the fields of education, health, science,
technology, arts, culture, and sports.
Sec. 4. The National Council shall adopt a national security plan to be administered by the
National Secretary for the Interior and implemented by his local counterparts in their
jurisdictions.
Sec. 5.  The Special Projects Committee shall be the social, economic, cultural and political
development arm of the National Council. It shall be developed into a non-government
organization (NGO) and shall henceforth be known as Fraternitas de Voluntas (Brotherhood
of Freewill). It shall promote the viability and growth of Triskelion Cooperatives as units of
social justice and economic development.
Sec. 6. The National Council shall provide the policy environment for full responsibility of
Triskelion capability and the emergence of communication structures suitable to the needs
and aspirations of the Fraternity and the balanced flow of information into, out of, and
across the country.
Sec. 7. The Fraternity shall take into account Regional and Provincial needs and conditions
and shall encourage local planning in the development of policies and programs for the
betterment of its members.

ARTICLE XIII
Amendments or Revisions
 

Section 1. Any amendments to, or revision of this Constitution may be proposed by: The
National Assembly, upon a vote of three-fourths (3/4) of all its members or A Constitutional
Convention.
Sec. 2. The National Assembly may by a vote of two-thirds (2/3) of all its members call a
Constitutional Convention.
Sec. 3. Any amendment to or revision of this Constitution under Section 1 hereof shall be
valid when ratified by a majority of the votes of all delegates in a Constitutional Convention.

ARTICLE XIV
Transitory Provisions
 

Section 1. The First National Congress shall be held on October 3, 2000 and shall be held
every two (2)  years thereafter, every second week of November.
Sec. 2.  All Interim Regional Structures shall continue to exercise its functions until October
2002 when regular Regional Conventions will be held under the auspices of the National
Council.
Sec. 3. All Interim Provincial Councils shall continue to exercise its powers and functions
until September 2002 when regular Provincial Elections will be held.
Sec. 4. All school-based chapters, whether Seniors or Juniors, and all community-based
chapters shall hold its annual elections every third week of June.
Sec. 5. The City Councils and Municipal Councils shall have their regular elections on the
month of July, and shall be witnessed by the Provincial Executive Council.
Sec. 6. Provincial Councils shall have their regular elections on the month of August.
Sec. 7. Regional Councils shall have their regular elections on the month of September.
Sec. 8. The National Council shall hold their regular elections on the month of November and
shall assume office immediately on the following year..
Sec. 9. National Assembly shall determine the honoraria and other remuneration allocated
for the Premier and that the utilization of this fund shall be subject to the approval of the
National Assembly.

ARTICLE XV
Effectivity
 
Section 1. All existing INEC resolutions, implementing guidelines, letters of instrumentation,
and other issuance’s consistent with this Constitution shall remain operative until amended,
repealed, or revoked.
Sec. 2. This Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by a majority of the
votes cast in a National Congress held for the purpose and shall supersede all
previous             Constitutions.