ARTICLE III MEMBERSHIP’S QUALIFICATION, IDENTIFICATION AND CONFIRMATION

Section 1. The members of the STONE GUARDIANS Brotherhood Incorporated;
            
             1. Those who at the time of the adoption of this Constitution and By-Laws are incumbent members of Colleagues of Amended GUARDIANS Brotherhood Int’l. Inc. under the leadership of STONE Group and its chapters – locally and internationally, and other GUARDIANS faction members, who will be admitted pursuant to the provisions of this Constitution and By-Laws;

             2. Those who are hereafter admitted as members of the organization in accordance with this Constitution and By-Laws.

Section 2. QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP. The new applicants for membership must possess the following qualifications:

1. A citizen of the Philippines.

2. With good standing in the community.

3. Must not have been convicted of any crime involving moral turpitude.

4. The age requirement is at least eighteen (18) years old but not more than fifty-five (55) years old, and is physically and mentally fit.

5. Will pass the organization’s screening and testing procedure or pre-membership requirements after an application is made in writing.

Section 3. PRE- MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS. The pre-membership requirements are as follows:
1. APPLICATION. An applicant/aspirant shall accomplish an official application form duly endorsed by any bonafide member of SGBI, known as sponsor, of the organization which shall be submitted to the Screening Committee of the local chapter concerned for evaluation, examination and approval;



2. BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION. A background investigation shall be conducted by the Chapter tasked officers. No one shall be admitted in the organization unless his background has been thoroughly known and investigated to ensure that he will not be a liability or source of embarrassment in the future. As part of the investigation, an applicant is required to present a police clearance or Barangay Clearance from his/her residence;



3. PRESENTATION OF APPLICANTS. The applicants must be presented to all members of the chapter (where he/she will be serving) or council during a scheduled chapter’s / council’s monthly meeting whereby the former shall state his/her personal circumstances and the reasons for joining the Association. An objection from the members will automatically disqualify the applicant but the objection must be justified and approved by the members present. If there is no objection, the applicant must be immediately scheduled for indoctrination/seminar/lecture or orientation;



4. INDOCTRINATION SEMINAR/LECTURE. Primarily the sponsor is held responsible for the orientation of his/her applicant. Secondarily, the screening committee will designate a resource speaker to lecture on principles, nature, purpose, objectives, membership, and financial obligations relative to these By-Laws. Thereafter, the screening committee will turn-over the applicants with their corresponding application forms to the Council.



5. INDOCTRINATION RITES. Selected Chapter Officers will take exclusive charge of indoctrination rites. It has been the practice of the brotherhood to adopt certain customs and traditions that make us unique from other organization.



6. RECOGNITION/ACCEPTANCE. In this final stage, the members are turned over by the Chapter Council to the Association in an appropriate ceremony to instill pride of belongingness and identity essential to the progress and success of the latter. He/she must perform an additional positive act like payment of membership and identification card in order to become a full pledge member.



Section 4. RIGHTS OF MEMBERS. A member shall have the following rights.

1. To exercise the right to vote on all matters relating to the affairs of the organization;

2. To be eligible to an elective or appointive office of the association;

3. To participate in all deliberation/meetings of the association;

4. To avail of all facilities of the Association according to his needs and / or necessity;

5. To examine all official records of books of the association during business hours upon compliance with proper procedure and during regular meeting or on special meeting duly called for that purpose;

6. To be informed on matters of general concern.

7. To have S.G.B.I. identification card and to wear assigned uniforms when officially representing the organization and/or attending the organizations’ meetings and participating on activities.

8. To a membership, unless withdrawn or expelled for a cause; and

9. To recommend only applicant(s) for membership belonging to his class or category per recruitment schedule.



Section 5. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MEMBERS. A member shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

1. To obey and comply with the By-Laws, rules and regulations that may be promulgated by the association from time to time;

2. To pay membership dues and other assessment of the Association;

3. To attend all meetings of his/her chapter and to actively participate in all activities which may be conducted, held or initiated by the officers of his chapter or Chapter Founders, by the entire S.G.B.I.

4. To attend to such other duties and responsibilities that the association may promulgate from time to time. The organization may promulgate rules providing for additional rights, duties and responsibilities of members in order to achieve the objectives and goals of the organization as ordained in this constitution and by-laws.



Section 6. CLASSES OF MEMBERS. Members of the Association shall be classified as follows:



1. FOUNDER (F) - is composed of senior members of the Association coming from the rank of Ranking MAGIC Group with active participation in the organization and having been recommended by a higher rank, who shall then take exclusive charge of indoctrination rites.



2. GRAND SUPREMO - A title given to the highest incumbent National Official of the organization whether coming from the Supreme Godfather (SGF) Supreme Godmother (SGM) Group or MAGIC Group.



3. SUPREME GODFATHER SGF) / SUPREME GODMOTHER (SGM) – is a commissioned officer of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) with at least one (1) year of active membership.



4. RANKING MAGIC GROUP (RMG) - is composed of selected civilian members who are professionals and/or respected leaders of the community having rendered exemplary service coming from the rank of MAGIC Group who are equivalent in rank with the Senior Godfather/ Senior Godmother.



5. MAGIC GROUP (MG) - is composed of civilian members with an educational qualification of at least third year-college during regular recruitment, or at least a high school graduate during special recruitment, or those who possessed special skills and technical know-how who are willing to render services beneficial to the Association. The word “MAGIC” is an acronym, which stands for:




M

-

Magistrate


A

-

Advocator


G

-

Grievances


I

-

Impotent


C

-

Citizens




6. Godfather (GF) / Godmother (GM) – a title given to members who are enlisted non-commission officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with the rank of duty Sergeant to Master Sergeant coming from the lower ranks;



7. BLUE (B) – a title given to member who is an enlisted personnel of the Philippine Army with the rank lower than sergeant.



8. AIR (A) – a title given to member who is an enlisted non-commission officer of the Philippine Air Force with the rank lower than sergeant.



9. NAVY (NAV) – a title given to member who is an enlisted non-commission officer of the Philippine Navy with the rank lower than sergeant.



10. GOLD (G) – a title given to member who is an enlisted non-commission officer of the Philippine National Police and Bureau of Fire Protection and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology with the rank of not lower than Special Police Officer one or its equivalent.



11. MAROON (MAR) – a title given to member who is an enlisted non-commission officer of the Philippine Marines with the rank lower than sergeant.

12. WHITE (W) – Military Police (brigade AFP)



13. ADVISORY BODY (AB) - A title given to members who did not subject themselves for marking/tattooing for personal reasons. They are the honorary members who are duly recognized as part of the organization but limited to their rights to vote and be voted for higher positions.

The promotion to the ranks of Founder (F), Supreme Godfather/Godmother (SGF/SGM), Ranking Magic group (RMG) Godfather/Godmother (GF/GM) shall be subject to the approval of the National Founders committee or Regional Legislative Board and upon recommendation of the local chapter or any committee created for the purpose.

Section 7. MARKING OR TATOOING. All members and officers of the organization will go through the process of marking (tattooing) to follow the traditional condition to become a full-pledge member. The said mark will not be used as body ornament but instead, this will be a mark of lifelong dedication and oath to which the organization represents. This also means the rights and responsibility and not just a mark. This will be also be a warning to those members who do not uphold whole-hearted acceptance, dedication and being true to what the organization represents.



A. GENERAL MARKINGS: tattooed on the superior area between the thumb and the point finger of the right hand identify their rank.





G - (Gold) represents the PNP/BFP/BJMP

R - (Red) represents the Philippine Constabulary



N - (Navy) represents the Philippine Navy

C - (Coast) represents the Philippine Coast Guard

M - (Maroon) represents the Philippine Marines

RMG - Ranking Magic Group

RLG - Ranking Lady GUARDIANS

MG - Magic Group (Men Members)

LG - Lady GUARDIANS



B. SPECIAL MARKINGS: tattooed on the superior area between the thumb and the point finger of the right hand identify their rank.



PCGS - Prime Chief Grand Supreme

CNF - Charter National Founder – Incorporators

NF - National Founder

MF - Master Founder

F - Founder



C. Upper Right Arm Markings



1. Year of Recognition – the current year when the member was confirmed accepted and recognized as member of the organization.

2. The mark of the GUARDIANS (Acronym) shall be tattooed on the right upper arm in a triangular manner :

3. The letter markings ‘GM” stands for Guardians Mindanao, “GV” stands for Guardians Visayas, and “GL” stands for Guardians Luzon tattooed on the superior area between the thumb and the point finger of the left hand to easily identify areas of acceptance or recognition;



4. The letter GI (GUARDIANS International) represents all members of the organization who are living outside the Philippines and/or the Overseas Filipino Workers;

5. Pseudonym - When one is admitted as a full-fledged member of the organization, he/she shall assume a pseudonym - other than his/her real name by which he/she shall then be known and addressed by fellow GUARDIANS.

6. S.G.B.I. – is the standard identification of S.G.B.I. Members

7. Chapter Name – name of the group / chapter affiliated with S.G.B.I.





Year of Recognition


D


R I


A (GI / GL / GM / GV) A


U PSEUDONYM N


G SGBI S






Section 8. CHANGE STATUS OF MEMBERS. In case of change of status pursuant to Section 7 hereof, the affected member shall be marked with the appropriate tattoo in line with original mark for all promotions, except promotion for Founder which shall be on top of the original mark that will reflect his present status, subject to another screening and testing procedure.



Section 9. RECONCILIATION/TRANSFER OF MEMBERSHIP - Reconciliation/Transfer of Membership from other Guardians aggrupation, association or factions who opt to rejoin STONE GUARDIANS Brotherhood Incorporated, shall require to submit certificate of clearance from his/her mother chapter certifying thereof that he/she is not denouncing or resigning from his/her current Guardians Brotherhood membership.



Section 10. MARKINGS OF TRANSFEREES – The initials “S.G.B.I.” must be added to the existing tattoo of a transferee from another branch of GUARDIANS. More than just establishing his/her new affiliation, this shall determine if the transferee is sincere in wanting to join S.G.B.I.



Section 11. PROMOTION OF MEMBERS. The association shall determine the criteria for promotion of members, except Founders whose qualifications shall be prescribed by the Founders Council. The promotion to the ranks of Founder (F), and Ranking MAGIC Group (RMG) or Ranking Lady Guardians shall be subject to the approval of the National Founders committee or Regional Legislative Board and upon recommendation of the local chapter or any committee created for the purpose.



Section 11. SUSPENSION OF MEMBERS. Any member who is found guilty of slight or less serious crimes and/or slight or less grave offenses against the Association may be suspended after due notice or hearing. He is not entitled to his rights, privileges and benefits during the period of suspension.



Section 12. EXPULSION OF MEMBERS. Any member who is found guilty of serious crimes and/or grave offenses against the Association shall be summarily expelled, after due notice and hearing. All benefits or privileges due to him/her shall be denied. Thereafter, he shall voluntarily cause the erasure of his tattoo marks. The Association reserves the right to do what has to be done under the circumstances.



Section 13. MANO PO - The “Mano po” symbolizes respect for higher rank, position or status, GUARDIANS do the traditional “pagmamano” which entails bringing the hand of the recipient to touch the subordinate’s forehead. This “mano” immediately follows the embrace in the handshake-embrace-handshake sequence.



Section 14. HANDSHAKE AND EMBRACE

- The handshake and embrace connotes respect, love, oneness, fortitude and altruism to each other.



Section 15. DISREGARD OF RANK, POSITION, UNIT OR BRANCH OF SERVICE

- Inside the organization, no one can contravene with an open, free and truthful communication between the members. If the purpose is for the greater good of the organization to achieve harmony, all members have to forget their ranks and position. On the other hand, in order to preserve respect in all undertakings of the organization, the positions of CNF, NF, MF, F and RMG are to be recognized in all dealings with fellow GUARDIANS.



Section 16. OATH OF ALLEGIANCE - A bonafide member of the organization shall recite an Oath of Allegiance.



Section 17. CODE OF CONDUCT - The association will adhere to S.G.B.I. adopted uniform Code of



Conduct for all of the members of GUARDIANS:



1. Love and reverence to God, who is the most merciful, most gracious and most loving, the life and law-giver, being the universal master founder of all. All men came from one God and we owe everything from Him.



2. Duty to serve the country with all sincerity in the spirit of volunteerism.



3. Respect towards the dignity of all persons and abstain from physically, psychologically, or sexually abuse to any other individual.



4. Be a good example at all times. Maintain the values of high sense-of-honor in the commitment of excellence as GUARDIANS member. Encourage others to demonstrate the behavior which exemplifies this Code of Conduct.



5. Responsibility to fellow GUARDIANS. Hold thy self-accountable for thy actions and deeds, and to always understand the fundamentals of the organization.



6. Set aside personal differences and always bear in mind the obligation to make an effort towards upliftment of any promotional advancement, professional and personal welfare of a fellow member.



7. Sobriety towards the proper consumption of alcohol and abstinence from the use of illicit drugs. The aberrance from immoral misconducts that may distort the image of the organization.



8. To be financially responsible towards thy obligation to both the Chapter and the whole of STONE GUARDIANS Brotherhood Incorporated.



9. Encourage and preserve the Filipino culture and traditions, and work towards its promotion and maintenance.



10. Discourage discrimination of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, physical ability or age in this organization.



Section 18. EQUALITY AMONG MEMBERS. In this organization, there shall be no obstacle to an open, free and honest interaction among members. Within the organization, or in strictly GUARDIANS affairs, the members shall disregard military or police rank and civilian distinctions of office, profession, occupation, economic clout or social standing. However, in order to maintain decorum and a sense of hierarchy GUARDIANS-wise, the classification of members shall be regarded accordingly.