Jhing Sy

Our Welfare and Trust Fund is not included in our Bylaws - whether in the Standing or Special committee. However, the past administration was able to withdraw a big amount of money to be used as "seed money" for the said WaTF without the explicit approval of the Board that it be withdrawn. It was only discussed at that time as per our sources. TYhe Board minutes were not turned over to the new administration but we have a copy of the financial report of the past administration there is a provision in our Bylaws under Duties and Functions of Officers - President - that states "The President CAN CREATE A COMMITTEE WHEN THE NEED ARISES and appoint heads of Standing and Special committees" My questions are : 1. Can the President use this particular provision as a means to justify the withdrawal of the money for the supposed creation of our WaTF? 2. Should a Board resolution to that effect be issued? The past administration does not have one. 3. Should the Welfare and Trust Fund be actually included in our Bylaws? and not a "hidden or "silent" Committee not explicitly written in the Bylaws? 4. May i ask for whatever legalities that may ensue because of this act? Our Bylaws are silent on so many things. That is why the general membership is looking into amending our Bylaws. Thank you for your expeditious reply and guidance.

I agree, sir. The problem is, those who belong to the President's party are in agreement with him. And those are the remaining 7 Board members. The 8, of course, are going through the process of making their case via a motion for reconsideration (to me, it would have been better not to go that route since that would put legal credence to what the President did; but that's me.) Apparently, the President based his actions on the recommendation of the Ethics Committee who did not allegedly even bother to make a proper investigation of the violations attributed to the 8 Board members. Only 5 of the Board members accepted the Ethics Committee report and affixed their signatures to the Board resolution, which is also a violation of the rules on quorum. I am a mere member, whose opinion is being sought by other members as well.

8 Board members (out of the 15) have been suspended by the President. As I understand it, the Board has been rendered paralyzed by this act. However, the President insists that the remaining 7 would still constitute a quorum if you divide it into two which makes it a 3 then add 1 member to become a 4 out of the 7.. to him that constitutes a quorum, Actually, I find it a bit disconcerting that the issue on quorum is interpreted this way. This is the first time this happened to our society hence our bylaws do not have any provision regarding the matter. But I admit, at the risk of sounding inane, I needed to ask the experts here because we fear that the act of the President may render all Board decisions null and void from hereon end. Will appreciate your take on the matter. Thank you.