PREAMBLE
We, the Bel Amis, in order to form a perfect union, establish principles that shall embody our ideals, promote general welfare, provide for the common aspirations, develop ourselves efficiency and secure to ourselves the benefits of true friendship, peace and equality do ordain and establish this constitution.
ARTICLE I - THE ORGANIZATION
Section 1:
The Bel Amis is hereinafter referred to as the Organization and every Bel Ami is a member who shall always be in conformity with the ideals embodied in its Constitution, promulgated in its by-laws and symbolized in its name, seal and other standards. Bel Amis shall be the official name of the Organization and its Members. It shall exclusively for male Members.
ARTICLE II - DECLARATION OF AIMS AND PRINCIPLES
Section 1:
The Organization promotes true friendship and spirit of brotherhood among its members.
Section 2:
The general welfare of the Organization is a prime duty of every member and they must always be in the state of doing well in respect to happiness, well-being and prosperity of every Member.
Section 3:
The Organization shall engage in gainful work and activities worthy of human dignity. It shall maintain personal discipline and develop civic efficiency among its Members.
Section 4:
The Organization renounces hostility as an instrument of policy, adheres to school, local and national laws as part of the organizational law. It adopts the policy of peace, friendship and cooperation with other groups and organization.
ARTICLE II - THE COMMITTEES
Section 1:
The Committees shall be the Executive Committee, Secretariat Committee, Justice Committee and Finance Committee.
Section 2:
Each Committee shall consist of one Chairman and as many Member as the President may deem necessary.
Section 3:
Each Chairman shall appoint Members from among the members of the Organization, excluding the Officers. No Members shall be appointed for two or more Committee membership at the same time.
Section 4:
The Committee Members shall perform the duties and functions assigned to them by their respective Chairman’s.
Section 5:
The Committee Members may be removed from their position at the directive of their Chairman.
Section 6:
The Executive Committee shall have the following duties and functions;
1. Promulgate the programs of the affairs and guideline of policies.
2. Evaluate Constitutional amendments.
Section 7:
The Secretariat Committee shall have the following duties and functions;
1. In-charge of all document keepings including minutes of meetings and keeping the records of Members.
Section 8:
The Justice Committee shall have the following duties and functions’;
ARTICLE III - RITES OF ACCEPTANCE
Section 1:
The Rites of Acceptance shall consist of an Orientation, Theoretical Examination, Service, Physical Exercises and Baptismal Rites.
Section 2:
The Theoretical examinations shall have the coverage on the Constitution and the General Information of the Organization.
Section 3:
The Service rendered by the Pledges shall benefit the School, Community, or the Organization as a whole. The Pledgee must accomplish the following requirements;
1. Must complete or finish the number of hours required for service.
2. The Pledgee must complete ninety (90) hours of service not less than 1month or not more than 3 months.- One (1) hour per day for students or the Pledgee can request more hours for service on weekends or holidays.
Section 4:
There shall be no rites in the form of abusive physical initiation.
ARTICLE IX - ELECTION
Section 1:
Election shall be in the form of Secret Balloting.
Section 2:
The Members shall elect the officers one for each position from among themselves. The ones having the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected.
Section 3:
In case of two or more shall have an equal number of votes, one of them shall immediately choose by the majority of the Members. If still in trio occurs in the same case, the winner shall be decided by a system of drawing a lot or by tossing a coin.
Section 4:
Regular elections shall be held annually during each anniversary celebration. However, it may be held on other dates as the Organization may decide.
Section 5:
Special elections shall be held in case of vacancy arises. No special elections shall be held two months before a regular election.
Section 6:
Election for vacancy shall be only for the unexpired portion of the term of predecessor.
ARTICLE X - GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1:
The name and other symbols of the Organization shall be kept sacred and shall not be used in unlawful and immoral acts.
Section 2:
Meetings may be called by the President as often as possible with the time and place of assembly to be determined.
Section 3:
As the President may deem necessary, important matters shall be decided in the Organization by a secret ballot.
Section 4:
There shall be an open forum as the Organization may desire during which any Member may be required to appear and answer question of the other Members.
Section 5:
The Organization shall have records of the proceedings.
ARTICLE XI - AMENDMENTS
Section 1:
Any amendments to or revision of this Constitution may be proposed by the Organization and shall be evaluated by the Executive Committee. If the said Committee approves the proposal it shall be submitted to the Members for ratification and deliberations.
Section 2:
Any amendment to or revision of this Constitution shall be valid when ratified by the majority of the Members.
ARTICLE XII - EFFECTIVITY
Section 1:
The Constitution shall take effect immediately upon its ratification by the members of the Organization.