PROPOSAL AMENDMENTS OF THE CONSTITUTIONAL AND BY-LAWS FOR THE LEGISLATIVE BODY (BOARD OF GOVERNORS, AND NATIONAL ASSEMBLY) 1

LEGISLATIVE BODY


Section 1.
The legislative body of the Catholic Faith Defenders shall be vested in a bicameral Congress, consisting of the Board of Governors and the National Assembly. The Congress shall have the authority to enact, amend, or repeal legislation affecting the organization, subject to the provisions of this Article and the organization's bylaws. Legislative actions shall be taken through a structured process involving both chambers to ensure a comprehensive review and representation of all stakeholders.

Section 2. The Board of Governors shall be composed of members elected from the various Ecclesiastical Provinces, Districts, Autonomous Chapters, and specialized territories, including the Calamianes, the Military Ordinate of the Philippines, and Overseas Filipino Missionaries. Each Ecclesiastical Province shall elect two members to the Board of Governors. The Bangsamoro Chapter in Mindanao shall elect two members, representing the Territorial Prelature of Isabela de Basilan, Marawi, and the Apostolic Vicariate of Jolo. The Cordilleras, including the Apostolic Vicariates of Bontoc-Lagawe and Tabuk, and the territories of the Calamianes of the Apostolic Vicariate of Taytay and Puerto Princesa, as well as Calapan and San Jose in Mindoro, shall elect two members. In the Ecclesiastical Province of Manila, the 1st District of Manila, comprising the Diocese of Antipolo and Malolos, shall elect two members, while the 2nd District of Manila, comprising the Diocese of Imus in Cavite and San Pablo in Laguna, shall elect two members. Additionally, the mainstream Manila shall elect at least two members. The Military Ordinate of the Philippines and Overseas Filipino Missionaries shall each elect two members.

Section 3. If elections for the Board of Governors cannot be conducted due to the absence of candidates who have filed a Certificate of Candidacy, the Diocesan Presidents of their respective provinces shall nominate at least two individuals from their provinces for the Board of Governors. These nominations shall be made with the consent of the National Secretary and shall require the approval of the President for the appointments to be finalized.

Section 4. The National Assembly shall be composed of representatives elected by the members of their respective local chapters. Each local chapter shall elect two representatives to the National Assembly. The elections for these representatives shall be conducted in a manner prescribed by the bylaws of the organization, ensuring fair and transparent selection processes.

Section 5. The Board of Governors shall be responsible for the legislative functions related to the general governance and policy-making of the Catholic Faith Defenders. This includes, but is not limited to, the formulation of policies, approval of budgets, and oversight of organizational activities. The Board of Governors shall have the authority to propose, amend, or repeal legislation within the scope of its responsibilities.

Section 6. The National Assembly shall serve as the chamber responsible for representing the interests and concerns of the local chapters. It shall review and provide feedback on proposed legislation from the Board of Governors, suggest new legislation, and ensure that the needs of the local chapters are addressed. The National Assembly shall also have the authority to convene special sessions to address urgent matters affecting the organization.

Section 7. Members of both the Board of Governors and the National Assembly must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being active members of the organization for at least two consecutive years, demonstrating proven honesty and integrity, and not having been subject to suspension or penalties for violations of the organization’s rules and regulations.

Section 8. The procedures for the election of members to both the Board of Governors and the National Assembly, as well as the roles and responsibilities of each chamber, shall be detailed in the bylaws of the Catholic Faith Defenders. These bylaws shall ensure that the legislative processes are conducted effectively and in accordance with the principles of fairness and transparency.

Section 9. Reserve powers for people’s initiatives and referendums shall not be extended to individuals within the scope of this legislative body. All legislative proposals and decisions shall be processed through the established bicameral Congress and following the provisions outlined in this Constitutional and By-Laws.

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