Boy Scouts of the Philippines

SENIOR SCOUT CODE National Capital Region

METRO MANILA SOUTH – PATEROS COUNCIL
I will live up to the Scout Oath and Law and the
Scout Motto and the Senior Scout Slogan;

I will be familiar with the constitution of the

Republic of the Philippines, especially my rights and
obligations as a Filipino citizen.

I will share in the responsibilities of my home,

school, church, neighborhood, community, and
country.

I will deal fairly and kindly with my fellow men in the

spirit of the Scout Law.

I will work to preserve our Filipino heritage,

aware that the privileges I enjoy were won by hard
BASIC CONCEPTS ON
work, sacrifices, clear thinking, and the faith of our PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURES
forefathers.

I will do everything in my power to pass on a better

Philippines to the next generation SENIOR SCOUT

DISCUSSION CREW
Parliamentary Law. This refers to that body of
generally accepted rules, precedents, and practices
commonly employed to regulate the proceedings of
the deliberative assemblies. The application of
parliamentary law is the best method yet devised to
enable assemblies of any size, with due regard for
every member's opinion, to arrive at the general will
on the maximum number of questions of varying
complexity in a minimum amount of time and under
all kinds of internal climate ranging from total
harmony to hardened or impassioned division of
opinion.
Parliamentary Procedure. The principal aim and
function of parliamentary procedure is the
consideration of rights – maintain decorum,
ascertain the will of the majority, and facilitate the
orderly and harmonious transaction of business of
the assembly.
DEFINITION OF TERMS
In order for parliamentary procedures to be
effective, one must understand and be familiar with
the frequently used terms in the practice.
Adjourn - to end a meeting or to suspend the
proceedings temporarily or indefinitely
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 NOTES
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Amend - to revise, alter or change a main motion or
question by striking out, inserting, adding to, or
substituting a word or a phrase
Chair - refers to the Presiding Officer
Debate - the parliamentary name given to the
discussion of a motion or a question
Division of the House - voting by standing and
counting, or whichever is preferred or is applicable
Ex Officio (by virtue of the office) - a member of the
Committee by virtue of the office or the position he
is holding
Expunge - to purge, erase or delete
Floor - the privilege of speaking before the
assembly; may also
refer to the place where the session is being held
Lay on the Table - suspends temporarily for further
consideration or action on pending questions or
matters
Majority - more than 50% of all the members
present (simple majority rule is 50% + 1)
Minutes - official record of business transacted in a
meeting
Motion - a formal proposal for action by the group
or assembly
Quash - to kill or to suppress; to reject as invalid
Question - the item of business before the assembly
for vote (motion)
Quorum - the number or proportion of members
required to be
present for business to be transacted and valid
Resolution - a form of main motion which may or
may not have a preamble describing the reasons for
the proposal; it may also refer to the official
document of business transacted as approved by
the assembly or a paper expressing the sentiments
or the stand of the assembly on a particular issue
Second - motions are seconded by a member of the
assembly; an action which indicates interest of at
least a second member in bringing the question
before the group or the assembly
Table - a motion "to table or lay on the table" allows
the assembly to put aside the pending question
temporarily when something more urgent has arise
Take from the Table - resumes consideration of
item previously "laid on the table"
Viva Voce - (vi-va-vo-ce) - a vote determined by
word of mouth, spoken or orally
FUNDAMENTAL PRINCIPLES
1. Parliamentary procedure exists to facilitate the
transaction of business and to promote cooperation
and harmony.
2. All members have equal rights, privileges, and
obligations.
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SUGGESTED HOUSE RULES
1. The Scout Law is the law of the Scout Youth
Forum.
2. Wear the Scout Uniform correctly and
properly.
3. Always check the attendance even at the
Plenary Session or as often as possible. Any
change of status of delegates should be
reported immediately to the Organizing
Committee and/or the Steering Committee.
4. Strictly follow the daily schedule of the Forum.
5. Always wait for your recognition. Raise hand if
you want to be recognized.
6. Recognitions must be stated as quickly as
possible.
7. Delegates must secure permission from the
Organizing Committee before going out of the
Forum Venue.
8. Always maintain parliamentary courtesy.
9. 70 English – 30 Filipino bilingual rule
3. A quorum must be present for the group to act.
4. Full and free discussion of every motion
considered is a basic right.
5. Only one question at a time can be considered at
any given time (singularity of subject).
6. Every motion must be voted upon.
7. Members have the right to know at all times what
the immediately pending question is, and to have it
restated before a vote is taken.
8. No member can speak until recognized by the
Chair or the Presiding Officer, except when raising
incidental motions.
9. No one can speak a second time on the same
question as long as other wants to speak a first time.
10. Group interest must prevail.
11. The Chair or the Presiding Officer should strictly
be impartial.
ORDER OF BUSINESS
An order of business or agenda is simply a plan for
conducting the business of the group in a logical and
organized manner. An agenda helps a meeting or a
session go smoother and faster, and lessens the
possibility of items of business being overlooked or
forgotten. Every meeting or session should have an
agenda.
AGENDA
1. Opening Ceremonies. Religious, patriotic, or other
opening ceremonies prescribed by the organization
or the group, including a roll call if customary, is
held at this time. Religious ceremonies, such as an
invocation, precede other activities.
2. Call to Order. The Presiding Officer calls the
meeting to order after he has determined a quorum
is present. The Presiding Officer says, "By virtue of
the authority vested upon me as the Chairman of
the Organizing/Steering Committee [or Presiding
Officer], I now call this House to order." The
Chairman then raps the gavel thrice signaling that
the House is now in session.
3. Reading of the Minutes. The Presiding Officer asks
the Secretary to read the minutes. Following the
reading the Presiding Officer asks, “Are there any
corrections to the minutes?" The Presiding Officer
responds, "The minutes are approved as read," or as
corrected."
5. Election of CSRs. The Scout Representatives to
the Local Council Executive Board shall be elected
by, from and among the delegates of the Council
Scout Youth Forum.
6. Election of Representatives to the Next Forum
Level. As each Forum is preparatory to the next
higher Forum, representatives and alternates should
be elected based on qualifications and
availability. Briefing of the elected representatives is
done by the Organizing Committee to give the newly
elected representatives an overview, of their duties,
means of communication, future activities, etc.
7. Individual Commitment. As an outcome it is
suggested that the delegates be inspired to give
significance to-their participation by individually
committing to do something in-the spirit of the
goals of the Forum. It may be more effective and
meaningful if the commitment is done in writing.
8. Evaluation. Done by the delegates to serve as the
basis for future activities.
6. Outside Catering. The delegates will not cook for
their meals.
7. Authorized by appropriate sponsoring body
SUGGESTED ACTIVITIES
1. Clearing House. Best held after meal breaks with
the Advisory Committee, the Organizing Committee,
and the Discussion Crew Leaders and Rapporteurs
to clarify procedures and problems even before they
arise and continue to consolidate similar proposals.
2. Leadership Experience. As much as possible, each
participant should be given the opportunity to
accept matter how small.
3. Fellowship. This may be through recreational
activities, fellowship dance, the formation of mixed
groups, campfires, etc.
4. Daily Reflections. Each group is assigned to
summarize and to assess before the body, the day's
activity. It may be done as an after lunch or after
supper feature.
4. Reports of Officers and Standing Committees. The
Presiding Officer recognizes officers who have
reports. The Secretary is asked to read the
correspondence. The Treasurer is asked to give the
Treasurer's Report. Any other elected officers who
may have reports are called upon. Motions arising
out of these reports should be handled
immediately.
5. Reports of Special Committees. Any special
committees who are to report should be called on in
the order in which they were appointed.
6. Unfinished Business. When the minutes show that
the decision on some item of business was
postponed to the present meeting, session or that a
question from a previous meeting or session is
pending, it should be listed on the agenda under
unfinished business. The Presiding Officer should
not ask, "Is there any unfinished business?" but
simply proceed through the items listed. An idea
discussed informally at the previous meeting and
was agreed to be brought up at the next meeting
should be included under new business.
7. New Business. After unfinished business is taken
care of the Presiding Officer asks, "Is there any new
business?" At this point members may introduce
new items of business. As long as members are
claiming the floor to introduce business, the
Presiding Officer may not deprive them of their
rights by hurrying through the proceedings.
8. Other Matters. This is the part where any officer
or member may raise concern/s relative to the
organization of to other matters that they are
directly affected. It may also refer to business not
included in the main agenda.
9. Announcements. When all new business has been
handled and no member wishes to bring further
items to the group for consideration, the Presiding
Officer proceeds to announcements. However, the
Presiding Officer at any point may make urgent
announcements during the meeting.
10. Adjournment. When all of the agenda have been
taken into account, the Presiding Officer may now
adjourn the meeting or the session, upon a motion
duly raised from the floor and seconded by
the majority. The Presiding Officer says, "By virtue
of the authority vested upon me as the Chairman of
the Organizing/Steering Committee [or Presiding
Officer], I now adjourned this Plenary Session." The
32
FEATURES OF THE SCOUT YOUTH FORUM
1. Recommendatory. All actions taken by the Forum
are recommendatory to appropriate policy-making
bodies.
2. Youth Planned, Youth Run, Adult Supported and
Youth and Adult Evaluated. The Adults serve in
consultative, advisory and supportive capacities,
particularly on matters beyond the control of the
young people. The professional scouters serve as
coordinators.
3. Progressive Selection of Participants. The
delegates to the National Scout Youth Forum are
elected by among themselves during the Regional
Scout Youth Forum delegates to the Regional Scout
Youth Forum are elected during the Council Scout
Youth Forum.
4. Subjects for Discussion are Selected by the
Youth. The participants select and/or add subjects
to an open-ended list of topics prepared by the
Organizing Committee and from topics suggested at
the lower level of the Forums.
5. Mixed Grouping. Where possible, no two (2) or
more members of the same delegation should be
assigned to the same Discussion Crew.
SSAC Guidelines:
1. The Council Scout Executives and Council Scout
Representatives will facilitate the Local Congress for
their Council.
2. The Regional Scout Directors, Council Scout
Executives and Regional Scout Representatives will
facilitate the Regional Congress.
3. The Secretary-General, National Program
Commissioner, Regional Scout Directors, Council
Scout Executives and the National Scout
Representatives will facilitate the National Congress.
4. There must be an Organizing Committee in every
Congress composed of Scout Representatives only.
5. Strictly observe Parliamentary Procedures.
6. The Scout rule the Congress including the
Congress Adviser with limited powers.
Chairperson then raps the gavel thrice signaling that
the adjournment.
HOW TO PRESENT AND DISPOSE A MOTION
A motion is the method by which business is
brought before an assembly. Motions may grow out
of reports or other communication. Often a
committee report, letter, or memorandum will
introduce information the assembly wishes to take
action on. The procedure used in handling a motion
is described by the following series of steps.
Step 1: Obtaining the Floor
Before a motion can be made, the member of the
assembly must first obtain the floor; that is, the
member must be recognized by the Presiding Officer
as having the exclusive right to be heard. The
Presiding Officer must recognize any member who
seeks to obtain the floor and is entitled to it.
To be recognized, the member rises when no one
else has the floor and addresses the Presiding
Officer by the proper title saying, "Mr. Presiding
Officer, may I be recognized?" The Presiding Officer
normally recognizes the member by announcing the
person's title or by saying, "The Presiding Officer
recognizes the gentleman on my right."

Step 2: Making a Motion
A member makes a motion by simply stating, "I
move that...." As soon as the member has stated the
motion, he then takes a sit. The member will have
the right to speak first in the debate, if he wishes,
after the Presiding Officer has stated the question. If
the motion has not been heard, the maker, the
Presiding Officer, or the Secretary can repeat it.
Step 3: Seconding a Motion
After a motion has been made another member
seconds the motion by saying "I second the
motion," or "Second." The member seconding a
motion does not have to rise or obtain the floor.
A second to a motion indicates that another
member wishes the question to be considered by
the assembly; it does not necessarily mean that he
is in favor of the motion. If no one seconds a motion
immediately upon stating, the Presiding Officer
normally asks, "Is there a second to the motion?"
Once the motion is seconded the Presiding Officer
understands that there are at least two members of
the assembly who wish to consider this question
and he states the question, thus placing it before
the assembly.
AGENCIES INVOLVED (A)
- Boy Scouts of the Philippines (National Office)
- Regional and Council Program and Advancement
Sectors (Outfit Advisors, Merit Badge Counselors,
Council Scouts Executives, Regional Scout Directors,
Program and Training Commissioners)
RESOLUTION (R)
- RESOLVED THAT, in order to prevent the growing
and patent disregard in the advancement process of
the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, a Senior Scout
Advancement Congress (SSAC) must be conducted
annually in order to gather scouts from various
councils and regions to discuss myriad issues
directly affecting them relevant to the current
advancement process in their locality;
- RESOLVED THAT, the Congress shall recommend to
the National Executive Board significant reports
pertaining to the possible updates, changes and/or
refurbishment to the current advancement process
and realistic and doable protocols in order to ensure
that proper advancement processes are being
followed and observed and thus serve as a medium
of effective and quality based advancement
trainings and programs, directly from the
grassroots.
SAMPLE RESOLUTIONS
(Actual Resolution Approved during the National
Scout Youth Forum for Luzon in 2007 in Tarlac City)
SUBJECT (S)
- Senior Scout Advancement Congress (SSAC)
PROBLEM/S (P)
- WHEREAS, the quality of the scouts that are being
advanced under the advancement program of the
Boy Scouts of the Philippines has decreased
exponentially over the past years in various local
councils as a result of the blatant disregard of the
proper advancement process duly instituted;
- WHEREAS, the gross incompliance in the "proper"
advancement process is becoming detrimental to
the system, with scouts, adult leaders and
professional scouters already doing the some for
the purpose of amassing scouts with advancement
ranks, thereby indirectly contributing to the decline
in the membership and tenure of the Boy Scouts of
the Philippines;
EXISTING PROJECTS (E)
- Advancement Seminar Workshops
- Advancement and Survival Camps
- Patrol and Crew Leaders Training Courses
The motion now belongs to the group and the
maker may no longer withdraw the motion without
the assembly's consent.
If there is no second, the motion is not before the
assembly and the Presiding Officer moves on to the
next item of business. Motions made by direction of
a Committee do not need a second since they are
made by a majority vote within the committee and
are desired by more than one member of the group.
Step 4: Debating the Motion
Immediately after the Presiding Officer states the
motion he should ask, "Is there any discussion?" or
"Are you ready for the question?" The person
making the motion has the right to speak first and
should be allowed to do so. The maker of the
motion is not required to speak. However, if he
chooses to do so he must speak in favor of the
motion.
During the discussion each member has the right to
speak twice on the same question. No members
may speak the second time as long as another
member who has not spoken on the question
desires the floor.
Speakers must limit their remarks to the pending
question. They should address the Presiding Officer,
speak in a courteous tone, avoid personalities, and
under no circumstances attack or question the
motives of another person. The question, not the
person, is the subject of debate. The Presiding
Officer cannot close debate as long as any
member wishes to discuss the question.
Step 5: Putting the Question (Calling for a Vote)
When it appears that debate has ended, the
Presiding Officer asks, "Are you ready for the
question?" or "Is there further discussion?" If no
one rises to obtain the floor, the Presiding Officer
again states the motion and calls for the vote. "As
many as are in favor, say 'aye.' Those opposed,
'nay." The vote is usually taken by voice vote, but
may be a standing vote or by show of hands. The
Presiding Officer always asks for the negative vote,
even when the affirmative appears unanimous.
The maker of the motion is not allowed to speak
against the motion but may vote against it.
Step 6: Announcing the Results
The Presiding Officer announces the result of the
vote immediately, including:
1. Which side has won? Example: "The ayes have it."
If there is no objection...
“If has been moved and duly seconded. Are you
ready for the question?”
“As many as are in favour, please say aye, As many
as are not, please say nay.”
The division of the house may also be done by
raising of the hands.
The Chairman will then announce the results.
“With _____ votes in favor and _____ votes against
The ______ votes have it. The motion to
___________________ is hereby approved.”
Adjournment
Presiding Officer: “By virtue of the authority vested
upon me by the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, as the
(POSITION) of the Organizing/Steering Committee
and Presiding Officer of the (NUMBER) Plenary
Session of the _________ Scout Youth Forum
(YEAR). I now formally adjourn the (NUMBER)
Plenary Session.”
The Presiding Officer then raps the gavel THRICE
ADDRESSING MOTIONS
Presiding Officer:
“A motion has been raised to _______________. Is
there anyone who wants to second?
If there has no second…….
“The motion is not seconded, therefore, the motion
is lost”
If there is a second….
“A motion has been seconded. Is there any
objection?”
If an objection has been raised, the Chair will then
hear the reason for the objection. The general rule
is that, if an objection has been raised to a motion,
the objection will be heard; if the reason is
acceptable, the motion is deemed dead; if the
objection is debatable, the house can call for the
debate on the floor:
If there is an objection...
“An objection was raised. May I please request the
distinguished gentleman to state the objection
before the floor”
2. The result of the voting. Example: "The motion is
carried."
3. The action that must result. Example: "The
assembly will...."
CLASSIFICATION OF MOTIONS
Motions are classified into four types depending
upon their purpose.
1. Main motions are used to introduce a main item
or question of business to the group. Only one main
motion may be before the group at a time. It must
be disposed of before another item may be
considered. There are other procedural motions
that may be considered, but only one main motion
may be considered at a time.
2. Subsidiary motions will modify, defer, remove, or
dispose of the main motion. Subsidiary motions take
precedence over main motions; they must be
handled first. They include motions to:
- lay an item of business on the table
- close debate
- limit or extend debate PARLIAMENTARY COURTESY
- postpone to a fixed time Courtesies are expected of all members. Treat each
- refer to committee one with respect in all the proceedings of the
- amend or postpone indefinitely assembly.
3. Privilege motions relate to order and the rights If the nomination has been closed, the Chairman will
and welfare of the members. They rank higher than say:
subsidiary motions or main motions. They include
motions to: “A motion has been raised to close the nomination
- call for the orders of the day for the position of (POSITION) Is there any
- adjourn objection? Calling once, twice, thrice. Hearing none,
- recess the nomination for the position of (POSITION) is
- raise a question of privilege now officially closed. “
- set the time to adjourn.
“We shall now proceed to the presentation of the
4. Incidental motions relate to procedures. candidates. May I please request the nominees to
Incidental motions have no rank and are considered please be in front. Each nominee will be given a ___-
before the motions from which they stem. minute privilege speech.”
Incidental motions include those that:
- appeal a ruling of the chair Each nominee will give his speech. As soon as
- suspend the rules everyone is done, the Chairman will then proceed to
- rise to a point of order the election proper.
- parliamentary inquiry
- withdraw motions After ballots have been casted and tallied, the Chair
- reconsider will then announce the winner.
- rescind
- take from the table.
“Garnering the highest plurality of votes of ______,
the (POSITION) of the Steering Committee is (NAME,
COUNCIL)”
Secretary:
“The role of the Steering Committee...”
Presiding Officer:
“Now that you have heard the role of your forum
officials, let us now proceed to the election proper.”
The Chairman may present any election rules and
regulation (if there is any).
“The table is now open for the nomination for the
position of (POSITION). Is there any nomination?”
After a member states his nomination on the floor,
the Chairman will inquire.
“Mr./Ms. (NAME OF THE NOMINEE) has been
nominated. May I please request the nominee to
please rise. Do you accept the nomination?”
If the nominee accepts the nomination, the
Chairman will then proceed to entertain other
nominations. If the nominees declines, the
Chairman will state that the nominee has declined
the nomination and will then proceed to entertain
other nominations from the floor.
1. Stand when addressing the Presiding Officer.
2. Address the Presiding Officer as "Mister/Madam
Presiding Officer, Mister/Madam Chairperson or
Mister/Madam Speaker"
3. Sit down promptly when finished talking.
4. Do not speak during the session except when
addressing the Presiding Officer and then only after
having been properly recognized.
5. Never talk or whisper to another member during
the session.
6. Never stand to get recognition from the Presiding
Officer when another member has the floor.
7. Confine the discussion to the question before the
group.
8. Refer to an officer by his official title, to members
by "the member who spoke last" or other reference
as deemed appropriate, but not by their names.
9. Willingly accept the decision of the majority.
10. Be punctual for club meetings.
SUGGESTED PARLIAMENTARY SCRIPT
Calling to Order
Presiding Officer:
“By virtue of the authority vested upon me, by the,
Boy Scouts of the Philippines, as the (POSITION) of
the Organizing / Steering Committee and Presiding
Officer of the (NUMBER) Plenary Session of the
__________ Scout Youth Forum (YEAR), I now call
this house to order.”
The Presiding Officer then raps the gavel THRICE.
Presentation, Reading and Approval of Minutes
Presiding Officer:
“The Secretary is hereby directed to read the
minutes of the previous session.”
Secretary:
“Minutes of the ________ Plenary Session...”
Presiding Officer:
“Is there any matter arising from the minutes? Any
question or clarification? Going once, twice, thrice.
Hearing none, the minutes of the previous session is
hereby approved as read.”
The Presiding Officer then raps the gavel ONCE
Secretary:
“The suggested house rules are as follows...”
Presiding Officer:
“Is there any matter arising from the suggested
house rules? Is there any clarification, questions,
suggestions, comments or violent reactions?
Any amendment to any of its provisions? Going
once, twice, thrice. There being none, the suggested
house rules are hereby approved as read.”
The Presiding Officer then raps the gavel ONCE
Election of the Forum Officials
Presiding Officer:
“Let us now proceed to the election of the forum
officials - the Steering Committee.”
There are five (5) elective positions for the Steering
Committee – the Chairman, the Vice Chairman, the
Secretary and two (2) members.
For purposes of clarification, the Secretary is hereby
directed to read to the forum body the duties and
responsibilities of the Steering Committee and its
individual officers.