PIDCI ratifies bylaws amid questions over procedure

Lack of quorum questioned.  Photo by Derick Hidalgo

Lack of quorum questioned. Photo by Derick Hidalgo

By Cristina DC Pastor

PIDCI, the beleaguered organization that hosts the annual Independence Day Parade, met this week in a bid to get its house in order and fix loopholes in the management of its finances. This is the same organization where the former treasurer is alleged to have absconded with its funds and yet no charges have been filed. This led to a revocation of PIDCI’s tax-exempt status which has hindered efforts to raise funds for the Madison Avenue parade.

On the agenda of its March 20 meeting was the ratification of bylaws, a set of rules that regulates how an organization is supposed to conduct its actions and guide its leadership. From the beginning, said Alex Esteban of member organization Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc., something did not seem right. He said voting on the proposals proceeded without any discussion of the proposed amendments.

“My concern was why we were ratifying the amendments when there were no deliberations yet on the proposed amendments,” he said in a report distributed to members of the FilAm media.

He noted that the last time PIDCI’s bylaws were amended was six years ago on July 29, 2013. At the time, he said, “The board listened to the feedback and comments and incorporated these comments into the proposed amendments to the bylaws. The bylaws were then presented to the membership for ratification on August 23, 2013. That’s the ideal scenario. There was an open dialogue between the board of directors and the membership.”

Esteban said he voiced his concerns to PIDCI Vice President Rely Manacay, who is also chairman of Bylaws Amendments & Committee on Elections. According to Esteban’s report, Manacay responded saying “the board of directors has already deliberated on these amendments in consultation with Consul General Claro Cristobal. This is the final version and copies were mailed to all the members.”

Atty. Dulce Barangan of the Ilocano American Association, Inc. insisted the body – not just the board – has the “right to deliberate on the issues.”

At far left, Alex Esteban of Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. with Ludi Hughes of the Filipino American Festival, Inc.; Aida Gamolo of Jesus Through Mary; Laura Garcia of Silliman University Alumni Association; and Dulce Barangan of the Ilocano American Association, Inc. Photo courtesy of Laura Garcia

At far left, Alex Esteban of Handang Tumulong Foundation, Inc. with Ludi Hughes of the Filipino American Festival, Inc.; Aida Gamolo of Jesus Through Mary; Laura Garcia of Silliman University Alumni Association; and Dulce Barangan of the Ilocano American Association, Inc. Photo courtesy of Laura Garcia

Quorum was another sticking point. Out of 101 member organizations, only 21 were represented in the voting of the amendments. Ludi Hughes of the Filipino American Festival, Inc. questioned the dismal attendance. Manacay insisted that with 21 members present, a quorum was met.

Aida Gamolo of Jesus Through Mary pointed out that with only 21 members present, “It only goes to show that some members are not interested in ratifying the bylaws or do not understand the bylaws.”

“We had a quorum,” maintained Rely when contacted by The FilAm

“In Art. 4, sec 9 of the old bylaws, quorum is only 1/20, meaning 101 active members over 20 which is equals to five members only. I explained it to them. The new amendment is now 1/5,” he said.

Among the proposed amendments approved:

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP. Section 1. Who May Become Members. An organization claiming to be not-for-profit may not qualify for membership if any or some of its officers or members receive financial benefits and/or it is engaged in activities substantially similar to PIDCI.

Section 6. Duration of Membership and Renewal of Membership. Membership in PIDCI is for one year, which membership may be renewed yearly upon filing of an application for renewal. The application for renewal must be signed by the president or highest officer of the organization and its secretary, and must be accompanied by a list of at least ten (10) officers/members with their respective addresses. An application for renewal may be denied for failure to comply with the requirements, or for participation in any suit against PIDCI and/or its directors within the last five (5) years, or acts by any of its officers or members detrimental to PIDCI.

ARTICLE V – ELECTIONS. Section 5. One Proxy, One Regular Member. If the president or highest official of the member cannot be present, a proxy may be designated. Only an individual whose name appears in the list of members submitted to PIDCI by the organization at the time of the filing of the application for renewal shall qualify as proxy.

ARTICLE V I– BOARD OF DIRECTORS. E. Must have not filed any suit against PIDCI or any of its directors, or actively supported such suit, within the last five (5) years.

The amendments appear to uphold PIDCI’s controversial proxy voting system, as well as the decision to expel four members who have a filed a lawsuit against PIDCI or seen as belligerent toward it.

“Lutong Macao,” cried some members who felt the meeting was rigged and did not follow proper procedure.

© The FilAm 2019



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