SIGNATURE CAMPAIGN CALL FOR A BETTER APO-PHILIPPINES
February 28, 2014
Alpha Phi Omega Phils. International Collegiate Service Fraternity and Sorority General Membership
Resolution 02-28-2014 February 28, 2014
We, BONA FIDE MEMBERS of Alpha Phi Omega Philippines International Collegiate Service Fraternity and Sorority, and whose names and Facebook aliases will appear below, hereby declare that we are the ONLY body that can settle the disputes, discrepancies and confusion resulting from Questionable Recruitment of APO Phils. Inc pledge members in different regions/provinces/cities to include but not limited to Maluso in Basilan, Pagadian City, Biliran, Lanao, Palawan, Taguig City etc.
That due to the actions/inactions of those responsible to administer our beloved org, we have decided to pass this resolution, to wit;
1. Whereas, on December 16, 1925, Alpha Phi Omega was founded to “help young people get the right start in life by holding up before them a "standard of manhood" that would withstand the test of time!” (link: http://www.apo.org/aboutus/ourstory ) The purpose of the fraternity is "to assemble college students in a National Service Fraternity in the fellowship of principles derived from the Scout Oath and Scout Law (popularly called in our circle as the Twelve Jewels: Trustworthy – Loyal – Helpful – Friendly – Kind – Courteous – Obedient - Cheerful Thrifty – Brave – Clean - Reverent) of the Boy Scouts of America; to develop Leadership, to promote Friendship, and to provide Service to humanity; and to further the freedom that is our national, educational, and intellectual heritage." Unlike many other fraternities, APO's primary focus is to provide volunteer service within four areas: service to the community, service to the campus, service to the fraternity, and service to the nation. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alpha_Phi_Omega )
2. Whereas on March 2, 1950, Alpha Phi Omega International Philippines was founded at t the Nicanor Reyes Hall, Room 214, Far Eastern University, Manila, Philippines; the first organization of Alpha Phi Omega outside of the United States of America was established. It is now known as the Alpha Chapter. Alpha Phi Omega rapidly and healthily grew in the Philippines. In its third year, it became a national organization with seven chapters chartered in Manila and Visayan campuses. It was registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on October 21, 1953 as a non-stock, non-profit and non-dividend corporation with a registered name of Alpha Phi Omega International Collegiate Service Fraternity and Sorority. It renewed its registration on June 8, 1981 with the SEC Registration No. 0099381 under the name of Alpha Phi Omega International Philippines Incorporated, 3. Whereas as members of APO Phils we adhere to the principles set by our founder, Frank Reed Horton, as stated - “to make Alpha Phi Omega an organization for college men who cooperated with all youth movements, especially Scouting. I also anticipated that our Service program would expand to help people in need everywhere and to do service on the campus of each chapter. As Scouting is worldwide, so should Alpha Phi Omega be worldwide, gradually in the colleges and universities of all the nations. Alpha Phi Omega can help bring about more, through the FUTURE statesman of the world, that standard of manhood and international understanding and friendship that will lead to a better, more peaceful world in which to live and in which to make a living and a life,Around
the world, the English terms youth, adolescent, teenager, kid, and young person
are interchanged, often meaning the same thing, but they are occasionally
differentiated.
Youth can refer to the entire time of life when one
is young, including childhood, but often refers specifically to the time of
life that is neither childhood nor adulthood but rather somewhere IN BETWEEN.
Youth also identifies a particular mindset of
attitude, as in "He is very youthful".
THE TERM ALSO REFERS TO INDIVIDUALS BETWEEN AGES OF
18 AND 24.
Youth is an alternative word for the
scientifically-oriented adolescent and the common terms teen and teenager.
Other common terms for youth are young person and young people.
4. Whereas, APO Philippiness Inc. in its desire to implement RA8049 regulating hazing applied during the term of Bro Mel Adriano as President 2007-2011 declaring among others, as ff; We had gained some headway in the full implementation of this program since its approval in the General Assembly of the Tagaytay Convention of 2007. Although our organization is not yet 100% Hazing-free, the chapters that had totally eliminated physical initiation practice had increased. Our organization had spent hundreds of thousands of pesos for the dissemination of information, training and printing of APP Manuals during the last 4 years. Once again we look forward to eradicating these barbaric acts in our organization in the very near future. Furthermore, there had been reports of irregularities committed by some of our members in accepting new applicants or pledgees in our fraternal organization. Pledgees accepted even without enrollment in the schools, abbreviated versions of the APP, rituals being conducted by chapters on supposed brothers not enrolled in their schools, spouses of members being ritualized without going thru the process, the same with their children etc. Your National Leadership acted swiftly on these complaints that resulted to the immediate issuance of preventive suspensions by the SAC to those allegedly involved. Let me assure you brothers and sisters, membership to APO IS NOT FOR SALE! It has never been and will never be! And that, In his TNT Report of (2007-2009) "Our APO PLEDGE PROGRAM (APP) is also receiving positive impact from among our ranks- enough reasons to continue this program and bring forth its air of ending the culture of violence in our midst. Thus far, more than 600 Brods and Sis have attended APP seminars conducted in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. They agreed that adherence to the APP will attract the best and the brightest among the youth as well as respected professionals who come back to college to add to their academic credentials required in going up the ladder of Philippines Society." (TNT report) https://www.facebook.com/notes/alpha-phi-omega/the-tale-of-two-conflicting-app-reports-from-brod-mel-adriano-20092011/540647252661321 5. Whereas, as members of APO, we are to follow the rules stipulated in the CBL likewise the APP in connection to our conduct specifically recruitment of members into our fold and in which the CBL/APP stipulates that only the chapter is allowed to recruit.
“ Pledgeship is the process whereby an applicant for membership undergoes a period of orientation, training and education in the ideals, principles, purposes and policies of the organization, and confirmation conducted in accordance with its official rituals. The extent and duration of the pledgeship period shall be determined by the CHAPTER: Provided, however, that such policy shall not be in conflict with the Articles of Incorporation, the Code of By-Laws and other duly adopted policies, rules and regulations of transnational and local application as well as all laws, rules and regulations promulgated by duly constituted authorities pertinent thereto.
Pledge membership is conferred upon enrolled students of an institution of higher learning where a chartered or petitioning collegiate chapter exists.
6. Whereas, the term “collegiate” must be interpreted according to the Code of By Laws as stated,
[1] Be of good moral character and must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude;
[2] Be enrolled in an educational institution where a duly chartered chapter exists. For purposes of this Code of By-Laws, the terms “educational institution” or “college” shall refer to institutions of higher learning, including universities and trade schools where the preliminary requirement for admission is graduation from high school or secondary education;
[3] Be, or has been, involved in the Scouting movement, or otherwise affirm in his application for membership the commitment to the scouting ideals;
7. Whereas, on Nov 26, 2011, a photo depicting the recruitment of old and non-college age professionals by a certain group called the APOBAA and whose members are all alumni member of the organization, [ Annex 1] 8. Whereas, despite an appeal made against said recruitment on Dec 30 2011 , the rituals was conducted on Feb 12, 2012, attended by no less than the PNP, BoD Chair and Regional Director, [ Annex 2] 9. Whereas on August 2012, APO IDs where issued to some of those in said Pagbabago Batch whose APO ID requirements like enrollment forms and apllication forms appear to contain fraudulent entries with subsequent complaints filed at the COME, [Annex 3] 10. Whereas, on November 2012, we again revived our appeal to the Commission on Membership to investigate Pagbabago Batch. The appeal manifesto was acknowledged received through an APO FB Group (ALPHA PHI OMEGA or popularly called as APOCAPS) by a former CoMe Member and a current lady Commissioner, [Annex 4] https://www.facebook.com/notes/alpha-phi-omega/acknowledge-receipt-of-appeal-2011/428230300569684 11. Whereas, on Jan 5, 2013 a Signature Campaign was passed calling on the resignation of incumbent officers as a result of the violations committed against the CBL and APP on the pledge recruitment as ff; [Annex 5] https://www.facebook.com/notes/alpha-phi-omega/update-signature-campaign-call-for-a-better-apo-philippines-pls-pass-on-to-all-b/456369877755726 12. Whereas, on May 23, 2013, the APO Camarines Norte led by Brothers Buddy Maniquiz and Vicong presented the same complaint/appeal to the joint meeting of the National Executive Council, Board of Directors, and various Commissions in Legazpi, Albay in time for the National Biennial Convention, but to no avail. [ Annex 6]
Therefore we resolved;
That membership of all participating parties of the aforementioned pledges recruitment to include those in which complaints have been filed against to APO Phils and who have undergone the same type of recruitment of unqualified pledge members, be revoked due to acts of moral turpitude inimical to the ethics and standards set forth by the organization,
Be it resolved further;
That all organizers and participating officers be subjected for expulsion due to the following lapses (as highlighted) according to the CBL:
SECTION 6. Grounds for Termination of Membership. – Membership may be terminated on the following grounds:
(a) Resignation;
(b) Renunciation;
(c) Gross misconduct, gross dishonesty or serious violation of the Code of By-Laws, or other rules and regulations of the organization;
(d) Commission of an act involving moral turpitude or other grave offenses committed against the organization or another member which renders the member unworthy of continued membership;
(e) Abetting, encouraging and inciting another member or third party to commit a grave offense against the organization or any member thereof;
(f) Sexual harassment and discrimination as defined by existing laws; and,
(g) Engaging in or committing acts inimical to the interest of the organization, or contrary to its ideals, purposes and principles.
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SANCTIONS FOR VIOLATIONS OF APO PLEDGE PROGRAM
Nature of Violations Penalties
HIJACKING BY CHAPTER MEMBERS minimum: SUSPENSION for 1 year maximum: EXPULSION
HIJACKING BY MEMBERS OF OTHER CHAPTERS minimum: SUSPENSION for 1 year maximum: EXPULSION
SEXUAL HARASSMENT minimum: SUSPENSION for 1 year maximum: EXPULSION
ILLEGAL EXACTION OF MONEY IN ANY AMOUNT minimum: SUSPENSION for 1 year maximum: EXPULSION
DEATH DUE TO HAZING minimum: EXPULSION maximum: FILING OF CASE IN COURT
RAPE OF A PLEDGE MEMBER minimum: EXPULSION maximum: FILING OF CASE IN COURT
FAILURE OF CHAPTER OFFICERS TO IMPLEMENT APO PLEDGE PROGRAM
minimum: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE maximum: EXPULSION
FAILURE OF SECTION CHAIR/ REGIONAL OFFICERS IMPLEMENT APO PLEDGE PROGRAM
minimum: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE maximum: EXPULSION
FAILURE OF SECTION CHAIR/ REGIONAL OFFICERS TO REPORT VIOLATION/S TO APO PLEDGE PROGRAM minimum: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE maximum: EXPULSION
Finally be it resolved that, until this resolution is not finally acted upon by the leadership in favor for the General Membership, this will remain open in internet links and pages to further solicit support from other bon-a-fide APO members who are not included in the initial list below but are agreeable with the nature and substance of this resolution,
We do express gratitude that this resolution will be immediately reviewed, acted upon and implemented.
May we continue to work together for the betterment of our beloved Alpha Phi Omega to bring back the standards set by our founders.
We hereby attest to the correctness of the foregoing resolution.
In Leadership Friendship Service, we remain, May We Always Be:
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