THE CONSTITUTION AND BY LAWS OF ABRA CHAPTER

OF THE PAMBANSANG SAMAHAN NG MGA NARS NG PILIPINAS, INC.

(FORMERLY: PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION, INC.)
(Adopted on March 2012)

ARTICLE I
PURPOSE

Sec. 1. This chapter shall act locally for the Philippine Nurses Association to administer, conduct, promote
and disseminate PNA services and activities within the territory under its jurisdiction. Being an
integral part of the national organization, this chapter shall be under the control and supervision of
the Board of Governors, and shall operate in conformity with the PNA by Laws and policies and
regulations.

ARTICLE II
OFFICIAL NAME

Sec. 1. The name of this chapter shall be Abra Chapter of the Pambansang Samahan ng mga Nars ng
Pilipinas, Inc.
ARTICLE III
JURISDICTION

Sec.1. The territory under the jurisdiction of the chapter shall be the entire Province of Abra, Cordillera
Administrative Region, Philippines.

ARTICLE IV
OFFICE

Sec. 1. The headquarters and principal office of this Chapter shall be at the Capital Municipality of
Bangued, Abra.

ARTICLE V
BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Sec. 1. Number of Directors. The Chapter Board shall be composed of not less than five (5) and not more
than fifteen (15) members.

Sec. 2. Composition, Tenure and Term of Office

a. The Chapter Board of Directors shall be composed of members from among the following:
1.Municipal and District Delegates
2.National and Provincial Office Delegates
3.Private Sector

b. Members of the Board shall serve for two years from the date of their election and are hold
over until their respective successor shall have been duly elected or qualified. Directors are
allowed only one (1) re-election or a maximum of four (4) years.

c. The officers and members of the Board of Directors shall serve without compensation.

Sec. 3. Criteria and Procedure for Membership. The following are the criteria for membership in the
Chapter Board of Directors:
a. Must believe in the cause of the Philippine Nurses Association and must be willing and
committed to serve thereon without material compensation.
b. Must be a regular and contributing member of the chapter.
c. Must be a holder of updated PRC ID to practice nursing in the Philippines;
d. Must be a resident or holds office in the chapter’s jurisdiction.
 e. Must have attained by virtue of demonstrated, distinctive leadership and managerial ability
and/or position in field of endeavor (preferably in business, industry, banking and finance,
education, government, socio-civic activity, military services, religious community) such stature
as would give dignity and prestige to the Board of Directors and/or contribute in the form of
expertise, influence or funds.
f. Must have previous notable accomplishments of involvement in nursing related activities or
services, or he must have demonstrated noteworthy interest in or concern with such work and
activities.
g. Must be generally available for direct or actual participation in board meetings and other official
functions.

Sec. 4. Duties and Functions of the Board of Directors. The following are the Functions of the Chapter
Board of Directors:
a. The governing body of the chapter shall be the Board of Directors. It shall promulgate rules
and regulations in accordance with the policies and regulations established by the Board of
Governors of the Philippine Nurses Association. Through its promulgated rules and
regulations, the Chapter Board of Directors shall plans and work for the accomplishment of
chapter objectives.
b. The Board of Directors shall elect from among its members its Chairman and the Chairpersons
of all Committees it may deem necessary and desirable for the proper promotion of the service
programs of the Chapter.
c. The Chapter Board shall deliberate on the chapter budget prior to its submission to Regional
Governor for approval.
d. It shall approve the Annual Report on the activities and financial condition of the chapter prior
to its submission to the Regional Governor. The annual report shall be prepared by the
Chapter Chairman.
e. The Board shall institute a control system for fund accountability and auditing which shall be
both punitive and preventive.

Sec. 5. Vacancies in the Chapter Board. Vacancies brought about by resignation, incapacity, failure to
attend three (3) consecutive board meetings, death or change of residence of an elective member/s shall
be filled through election by a majority of the members of the Chapter Board at a regular meeting. A person
thus elected must otherwise qualify under Section 3 above, and shall serve for the remainder of the term of
the position left vacant.

Sec. 6. Meetings and Quorum.

a. All meetings shall require the presence of a majority to constitute a quorum. A majority is
understood to be one half of all the seats of the Board of Directors, plus one. Board Members
shall be physically present during the regular and special meetings, or he may be represented
by his designated permanent representative who shall be bestowed with authority to make
decisions and take actions in behalf of the member he/she represents. The presence of the
Board does not limit the attendance of the representative in such meetings and official
functions of the Board of Directors.
b. A Notice of Meetings via mail, text or the used of social media shall be sent to the members of
the board at least seven (7) days in advance. Special meetings may be held upon such notice
as circumstances permit.
c. The Chapter Board shall hold a Regular Meeting quarterly, the specific date and time of which
shall be set by the Chapter Board at the first regular meeting immediately preceding their
election. Special Meetings of the Chapter Board may be called by the Chairman at any time, or
upon written request of at least three (3) members.
d. The most recent edition of Robert’s Rule of Order shall govern the procedure in meetings,
special meetings and other aspects of the Chapter in cases not covered by these Bylaws.
e. The order of business in the meeting of the Chapter Board of Directors shall be as follows:
1. Roll call and determination of quorum
2. Proof of due notice of the meeting
3. Reading of, and action on, minutes of the previous meeting
4. Report of Officers and Committees
 5. Reading of Report of Chapter Treasurer
6. Unfinished Business
7. New Business
8. Adjournment
9.
Sec. 7. Travel and Representation Expenses - Any member of the BOD designated as official
representative shall be entitled to travel and representation expenses in accordance with the existing
policies.

Sec. 8. Turn Over - The outgoing member of the Board shall endorse in writing pertinent documents,
financial and unfinished business to the incoming Board.

ARTICLE VI
CHAPTER OFFICERS

Sec. 1. Officers of the Board of Directors. The Officers of the Chapter Board of Directors shall be the
Chairman and President, Vice Chairman and Vice President, Chapter and Board Secretary, Treasurer,
Auditor, Press Relation Officer and 2 Business Managers. These officers shall be chosen every two years
among the members of the Chapter Board of Directors and elected by a majority vote of the Board during
its first meeting after the composition of the Board has been completed provided however, that the Board of
Directors may, at its discretion, elect an Honorary Chairman and Adviser.

Sec. 3. Duties of Officers. The duties of the officers shall be as follows:

a. Chairman and President– The Chairman shall perform the usual duties of the president of an
organization and such other duties as may be assigned by the Chapter Board of Directors. The
Chairman shall call and preside at all meetings of the Chapter Board. The Chairman shall be a
member ex-officio of all other Committees created by the Chapter Board of Directors.
b. Vice Chairman – The Vice Chairman shall have all the powers and duties of the Chairman in
the absence or disability of the latter and shall perform such other duties as may be assigned
by the Chairman and the Chapter Board of Directors.
c. Chapter and Board Secretary – The Secretary shall issue notices of all meetings and keep the
minutes of all meetings of the Chapter Board of Directors and shall have charge of the records
of the organization. The Secretary shall sign with other officers such as instruments that
require their signatures and make such reports and perform such duties as are inherent to the
office.
d. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall regularly review the receipts for all monies, legacies, and gifts
from whatever source paid to the Chapter. The Treasurer shall check on the deposit of all
funds of the Chapter with a bank or banks designated by the Chapter Board of Directors and
make disbursement only in accordance with rules and regulations prescribed by the Chapter
Board of Directors subject to the authority of the Board of Governors. The Treasurer shall
cause payments to be made by checks, whatever practicable, duly signed by him and
countersigned by the Chairman of the Board of Directors. The Treasurer shall open at all times
the Chapter’s book of accounts for examination by members of the Chapter Board of Directors.
He shall also keep a record of all non-expendable properties of the Chapter whether these
properties are purchased, endowed or received as donations which shall therefore be taken up
as PNA assets. Finally, the Treasurer shall submit regular reports to the Philippine National
Association as the latter may prescribe.
e. Auditor – The Auditor shall devise a method of control and supervision over the disbursement
of all funds, scrutinize and verify the correctness of all accounts, and see to it that all payments
are in accordance with the budgetary appropriations.
f. Press Relation Officer – The Press Relation Officer shall prepare press releases and other
information relative to the activities of the organization .
g. Business Managers – There shall be two (2) Business Managers in the Chapter. The Business
Managers shall be responsible for the business operation of the Chapter and shall establish
linkages with other organizations.
 Article VII
REPRESENTATIVE TO THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES

Sec. 1. There shall be an official delegate on behalf of the Chapter in the Association. The representative
shall seat as member of the House of Delegates in the National. Such delegate/s is/are elected by the
Executive Committee of the Chapter and should be coming from the Chapter Board of Directors. The
House of Delegates is a deliberative body of the PNA National. The chapter is entitled to one (1) delegate
and an additional delegate for every 100 members but not to exceed ten (10). Provided, that one (1)
delegate shall represent all affiliate members. Provided further that all past chairpersons of the House of
Delegates are automatically delegates.

ARTICLE VII
CHAPTER COMMITTEES

Sec. 1. To ensure coordination and efficiency in the delivery of chapter programs and activities, the
following Committees shall be created:
a. COMMITTEE ON NURSING PRACTICE. Shall encompass institutional and community
nursing. It shall:
1. Identify the needs and problems peculiar to nursing practice as basis for initiating
measures that will upgrade the standards of nursing; and
2. Promote quality care in nursing practice.
b. COMMITTEE ON NURSING EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH. Shall include basic
and graduate courses and nursing review programs both local and foreign. It shall:
1. Identify the needs and problems prevailing in nursing education as a basis for initiating
measures that would upgrade the standards of nursing education.
2. Participate actively in reviewing and innovating nursing curricula to make it relevant to
existing situation;
3. Participate actively in the formulation of standards, policies, rules and regulations
related to Nursing Education;
4. Initiate, motivate and participate in research projects/studies related to nursing;
5. Disseminate research findings. conclusions and recommendations for the
improvement of the profession;
6. Receive, keep and preserve records of research projects conducted by nurses; and
7. Recommends due recognition of nurses who have conducted research studies in
nursing; and
8. Identify strategies for the utilization of research findings as appropriate.
9. Conduct accredited Continuing Education Programs.
c. COMMITTEE ON MEMBERSHIP, RECRUITMENT AND ACCREDITATION. Shall have
jurisdiction on all activities related to Ways and Means, Membership, Recruitment, and
Accreditation.
1. Initiate fund raising projects for the Chapter;
2. Sustain and encourage membership to the Chapter;
3. Participate actively in the projects/programs/activities of the Chapter;
4. Encourage/intensify active membership to PNA.
5. Responsible for the processing of chapter accreditation and attend to chapter affairs
needs and problems;
d. COMMITTEE ON SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT. It shall have
jurisdiction on Emergency and Disaster Management and Community Outreach. It shall
encompass bio-socio-economic and cultural factors affecting nurses.
1. Initiate/coordinate/participate with non-governmental agencies, government
organizations in activities/projects to help victims of disaster/calamities;
e. COMMITTEE ON ETHICS AND GOVERNANCE. Shall have jurisdiction on all activities related
to Ethics, Arbitration, By-laws & Legislation and Lobby.
1. Determine legislative agenda that has impact on the practice of nursing.
2. Serve as the lobby group to address issues and other matters related to health and the
nursing profession;
3. Identify ethical issues and concerns affecting nurses and nursing; and
 4. Advocate for clients rights.
5. Identify issues and concerns affecting nurses encompassing spiritual ethico-moral and
political factors affecting nurses and recommend appropriate measures to be adopted;
6. Shall act as an Advisory body to the Board of Directors to resolve conflicts, issues,
problems, concerns related to the proper implementation of the By-laws, rules/
regulations/ policies of the Association.

Sec. 2. All committees and subcommittees shall be composed of at least two (2) members. The
Chairpersons shall be elected by the Board of Directors from among its members. Other members may be
selected from the Board or from the General Assembly. Other committees may be created by the Board of
Directors as the need arises.

ARTICLE VIII
MEMBERSHIP

Sec.1. Membership - A nurse who has been duly registered with the Professional Regulation Commission
(PRC) as required by the Philippine Nursing law shall qualify for membership to the Chapter.

Sec. 2. Categories of Membership - There shall be three (3) categories of membership: regular, honorary,
and lifetime membership.
a. Regular membership to the Abra Chapter shall be open to all in the Chapter’s area of
jurisdiction in accordance with the rules, regulations and policies set forth by the Board of
Governors.
b. Honorary membership shall be conferred by the Board of Directors upon persons who have
contributed substantially to the development of the Chapter subject to the approval of the
Board of Governors.
c. Lifetime membership shall be conferred upon a nurse who has been a regular member for
three (3) consecutive years and who shall have paid the required fees.
d. Associate Membership shall be conferred upon nurses residing abroad upon compliance of
requirements for membership.

Sec. 3. Place of Membership - A nurse must seek membership in the Chapter where one holds office or
residence. In case of transfer to another Chapter, the member shall accomplish a transfer form to be
submitted to both Chapters, to be approved by the receiving chapter. In no case can a nurse be a member
of more than one Chapter.

Section 4. Dues- Every member shall pay membership dues as determined by the BOG.

Section 5. Rights, Duties and Obligations of Regular and Life Members - Every Member of the Chapter has
the right to:
a. present any suggestion that will benefit the Chapter, that such suggestion is in writing, signed
by the maker, to be endorsed by the chapter and to be submitted to the Board of Governors;
b. voted and be voted upon;
c. inspect or cause to be inspected at any time during office hours the books and papers of the
Chapter for a lawful and definite purpose;
d. be heard and to defend himself/herself before removal or dismissal from the Chapter and the
right to appeal;
e. seek protection or assistance on matters affecting him/her in the practice of the profession;
f. transfer to another chapter if not contrary to the provisions of the PNA By-laws.

Section 6. Rights of Honorary Members - Honorary members shall have the rights, duties and obligations
as provided in Article III, Section 5 except the right to vote and to run for any elective position.

Section 5. Disciplinary Action Against Members - Any member may be suspended or expelled from the
organization, or other reasonable penalties may be imposed for (a) non-payment of annual dues, (b) for
breach of and/or disloyalty to the Philippine Nurses Association, or its rules, regulations and policies, and
(c) violation of the Nursing Law, upon a two-thirds (2/3) vote of all the Directors of the Chapter Board at a
regular meeting, or at a special meeting called for the purpose.

Section 6. Reinstatement - Reinstatement shall be made in accordance with rules and regulations as
prescribed by the Board of Governors.

ARTICLE X
ANNUAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING

Sec 1. Frequency and Venue - The Chapter shall hold a general membership meeting annually, the date,
time and place of which shall be decided by the Board of Directors.

Sec 2. Notice - The announcement of the General Membership Meeting shall be made not less than four
(4) weeks before it shall take place.

Sec 3. Special Meetings - A special meeting of the members of the Chapter maybe called by the President
or by five (5) members of the BOD upon request by ten (10) percent of the general membership.

ARTICLE IX
BIENNIAL CHAPTER ASSEMBLY

Sec 1. The Biennial Assembly - For purposes of electing the members of the Board of Directors, there shall
be a Chapter Assembly held every two years. It shall also serve as the general meeting of the Chapter and
its members. The date of the Chapter Assembly should coincide with the Annual Membership Meeting and
it shall be set by the Board of Directors.

Sec 2. Rules and Regulations - The Board of Directors shall adopt Standard Rules and Regulations for the
observance and implementation for the conduct of Chapter Assembly.

ARTICLE X
NOMINATIONS AND ELECTIONS

Sec 1. Creation of NOMELEC – The Nominations and Elections Committee (NOMELEC) shall be
appointed by the BOD, 90 days prior to the Chapter Biennial Assembly. The NOMELEC shall be composed
of five (5) members who shall elect a Chairperson from among themselves. There shall be three (3)
canvassers authorized by BOD who shall be under the supervision of the NOMELEC.

Sec 2. Qualifications - the following are the qualifications for NOMELEC:

a. Active member of PNA;
b. Updated PRC ID to practice nursing in the Philippines;
c. Recognized nursing leader with integrity, objectivity and impartiality;
d. Should not be an incumbent officer in any capacity in the Chapter.

Sec 3. Powers, Duties and Functions - The NOMELEC shall have the exclusive powers to enforce and
administer all provisions, rules and regulations and policies relative to the conduct of the election
authorized by the BOD. Their duties shall be:
a. To promulgate and enforce, in consultation with the BOD the rules and regulations governing the
nomination of candidates and the conduct of election;
b. To proclaim the winners;
c. To receive, investigate and act on complaints under oath relative to elections; and
d. To ensure compliance to the Election Code concerning the Local elections.
e. To receive nominations and screen qualifications of nominees;
f. To make official list of qualified nominees;
g. To monitor the conduct of election; and
h. To designate canvassers who shall be responsible in counting and tallying the votes.
Sec 4. Date and Place of Election -The election of the BOD shall be held during the Chapter Biennial
Assembly at such time and place as may be designated by the Nominations and Elections Committee.

Sec 5. Mode of Voting - Election shall be by secret ballot in person or by proxy.

Sec 6. Filing of Candidacy -Any qualified candidate shall file his/her certificate of candidacy to the
NOMELEC not later than sixty (60) days prior to the biennial elections. Any incumbent officer who shall run
for any other office is deemed resigned upon filing of certificate of candidacy.

Sec 7. Ballots- All ballots shall be secured at the PNA Chapter Office for three (3) months from date of
election after which they shall be disposed of if no protests are filed.

Sec 8. Election Code- There shall be an Election Code that governs the conduct of the elections which
shall be promulgated by the NOMELEC and approved by the BOD.

Sec 9. Proclamation - The winners of the elections shall be proclaimed by the NOMELEC immediately after
the canvassing.

Sec 10. Sanction - Any violation of the provision of the Election Code shall constitute an election offense
and shall be penalized under the existing rules of the Chapter.

ARTICLE XI
FUNDS AND ASSETS

Sec. 1. Depository. All monies received and paid to the Chapter shall be kept in such depository or
depositories as designated by the Board of Directors. Disposition of the funds shall be in accordance with
the policies, rules and regulations of the Philippine Nurses Association.

Sec. 2. Ownership of Funds and Assets. All Funds and Property coming into the custody of the Chapter or
its auxiliary units shall form part of the General Funds and Assets of the PNA and such shall be subject to
the control and disposal of the Board of Directors.

Sec. 3. Co-Mingling of Funds. Co-mingling of the funds and assets of the Chapter with the personal funds
of any member of that chapter is strictly prohibited, and shall be considered Prima Facie Evidence of Fraud
or Intent to Defraud the Philippine Nurses Association. The penalty for co-mingling of PNA funds and/or
assets with private funds and/or assets is expulsion without prejudice to the institution of appropriate
criminal or civil suits against the responsible individual.

ARTICLE XII
DISPUTE RESOLUTION

Sec. 1. All disputes relating to the interpretation and implementation of these By-Laws, Rules and
Regulations, and Policies; the management of the chapter or any other controversy within, between or
among chapters shall be brought to the attention of and resolved by the Board of Governors.

Sec. 2. The Board of Governors shall be the final arbiter of whether any act, policy, rule or regulation of the
Chapter, its Directors or Officers, in consistent with the policies, rules and regulations of the Philippine
Nurses Association.

Sec. 3. Until any dispute or controversy of which the Board of Governors has taken cognizance shall be
resolved, the National President shall take such remedial or provisional measures necessary to preserve
the financial, physical and moral integrity of the organization.

Sec. 4. No suit shall be brought by the Chapter, its Directors, Officers or members, against the Board of
Directors and the Officers of the Chapter in relation to their official functions.
 ARTICLE XIII
AMENDMENTS

Sec. 1. Adoption of Amendments. These By-Laws may be amended, repealed or changed in whole or any
part by an affirmative vote of at least two-thirds (2/3) of all members of the Board of Directors; provided,
that such amendments or changes are in accordance with the policies, rules and regulations and by-laws of
the Philippine Nurses Association. To ensure proper deliberation on said amendments, the text of such
must be submitted to the members of the Chapter Board at least ten (10) days prior to any regular meeting
or special meeting called for the purpose of Chapter Board.

Sec. 2. Approval by the Board of Governors. Any amendment must conform to the rules, regulations and
policies of the Board of Governors. Pursuant thereto, no amendments shall take effect without the approval
of the Board of Governors, provided, that where the Board of Governors has not decided upon the
amendments within ninety (90) days from the submission, said amendments, shall be deemed approved,
unless later explicitly invalidated by the Board of Governors.

ARTICLE XIV
NONDISCRIMINATORY POLICY

Sec. 1. The Chapter shall not discriminate against any applicant or member on the basis of race, creed,
age, sex, and sexual orientation, religion or handicapped. All such individuals shall be judged solely on the
basis of competence and performance.
Sec. 2. The Board of Directors shall monitor compliance with this Nondiscrimination Policy and shall insert
the statement that the Chapter is an equal opportunity group in all its advertisements and publications.

ARTICLE XV
EFFECTIVITY

SEC. 1. The By-Laws of the Chapter shall take effect immediately upon approval by the Board of
Governors as ratified by the Chapter Board of Directors.
The foregoing Constitution and By Laws of the Abra Chapter of the Pambansang Samahan ng mga
Nars ng Pilipinas was hereby approved by the Chapter Board of Directors, on the _____ day of March,
Two Thousand Twelve at Abra Provincial Hospital Conference Room whose signatures are hereunder
affixed.

KATHERINE F. CABUNOC, RN, MAN

Chairman, Board of Directors
Chapter President

HUSSEIN T. SIGANAY, RN, MAN DARREN C. CARINO, RN

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Chapter Vice President Chapter Secretary

ESTRELLA V. LEVISTE, RN, MAN JIMMY V. MANABAT, RN

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Chapter Treasurer Chapter Auditor

FELICITAS B. BERNARDEZ, RN MA. THERESA B. BRINGAS, RN

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Press Relation Officer Business Manager

ZENAIDA TURQUEZA, RN JOSEPH MANUEL RADAM, RN, MAN, PhD

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Business Manager Chapter Representative, House of Delegates

CIRILO GEORGE F. CAOAGAS, RN, MAN YVONE ADRES, RN, MAN

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Committee on Education, Training Chairman, Committee on Membership,
and Research Recruitment and Accreditation

CRISTY DELA CUADRA, RN RUTH PALOS, RN

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Committee on Nursing Practice Chairman, Committee on Ethics and Governance

LEILA BERNAL, RN MYRNA TURALBA, RN, PHN

Member, Board of Directors Member, Board of Directors
Chairman, Committee on Social Welfare and
Community Development