CONSTITUTION AND BY- LAWS OF THE PHILIPPINE

SOCIETY OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS

(PSMLS), INC
FIRST AMENDMENT

ARTICLE 1 – NAME, PURPOSE and OBJECTIVES

Section 1 – Name - The name of this organization shall be the

PHILIPPINE SOCIETY OF MEDICAL LABORATORY SCIENTISTS, INC.,
hereinafter referred to as the "PSMLS". It shall be a non stock, non-profit
professional organization for Medical Laboratory Scientists/ Medical
Technologists (MLS/MT’s), incorporated under the laws of the Republic of
the Philippines.

The use of the name and acronym of the organization shall have
the permission from the National Board of Directors.

Section 2 - Purpose and Objectives - The PSMLS endeavors to

provide its members the following:

• FORMULATE GUIDELINES AND POLICIES FOR THE BENEFITS OF

MEMBERS AND PROMOTION OF THIS ORGANIZATION

• FORMULATE GUIDELINES AND POLICIES FOR THE BENEFITS OF

MEMBERS AND PROMOTION OF THIS ORGANIZATION

• ASSISTS TO RESOLVE ISSUES RELEVANT TO THE PROFESSION.

• UPHOLD THE QUALITY OF PROFESSION THROUGH COORDINATION

WITH OTHER RELATED ORGANIZATIONS/ INSTITUTIONS

ARTICLE II. - OFFICIAL LOGO or EMBLEM

Section 3. Official Logo / Emblem - The PSMLS shall adopt its

Official Logo or Emblem which shall be described and
interpreted as follows:

The microscope, as the primary laboratory tool of every

MLS/MT’s, symbolizes the Medical Technology / Medical
Laboratory Science profession.
 The tri-color: yellow, blue and red are equivalent to the 3 colors of
the Philippine flag which means that PSMLS is an organization
founded in the Philippines. The 3 star symbolizes Luzon, Visayas
and Mindanao where PSMLS aims to establish its chapters and
offer its services. The sun symbolizes a fresh start and new hope,
PSMLS as the acronym of the organization and Roman numbers is
theyear when the society was founded.

Article III

MISSION, VISION and TAGLINE

Section 4. Mission, Vision, and Tagline – The PSMLS hereby adopts

the following Mission, Vision, and Tagline.

MISSION:

“Empower colleagues towards excellence in their field of expertise to

provide quality healthcare for the Filipinos”

VISION:

“A globally competitive organization of healthcare professionals”

TAG LINE:

“KALIDAD AT SERBISYO, MAAASAHAN NIYO!”

Article IV.

COMPOSITION OF THE NATIONAL BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 5. The National Board of Directors shall be composed of

eighteen (18) (including VPL, VPV, VPM) members herein referred to as
follows:

I. PRESIDENT

II. VICE PRESIDENTS

a) VICE PRESIDENT FOR LUZON (VPL)

b) VICE PRESIDENT FOR VISAYAS (VPV)

c) VICE PRESIDENT FOR MINDANAO (VPM)

 III. SECRETARY

IV. ASST. SECRETARY

V. TREASURER

VI. ASST. TREASURER

VII. AUDITOR

VIII. PUBLIC RELATION OFFICER

IX. EIGHT (8) BOARD MEMBERS

Section 6. Qualification of National Board of Directors/ Local

Officers/ Adviser – No person shall be qualified to hold any position as
members of the National Board of Directors unless the following
qualifications herein set forth are satisfactorily complied with, to wit:

a) Must be a Filipino Citizen and permanently residing in any

place within the Philippines.

b) Must be a Medical Technologist (MTs) / Medical Laboratory

Scientists (MLS), duly licensed and registered with the
Professional Regulation Commission.

c) At least 21 years old from the time of the submission of his/her

certificate of candidacy with the Committee on Election duly
constituted for the purpose;

d) Of good moral character and has not been convicted by final

judgment of any crime involving moral turpitude;

e) Must be a PSMLS member of good standing for at least four

years, and has been an officer of PSMLS in any capacity;

f) National Board of Directors - No candidate may file his/her

candidacy unless he/she is a Government employed MLS/MTs,
served as Governor/Local Officers in the local council for 3
years, except for compelling reasons and in the interest of
PSMLS, this requirement maybe waived by at least a majority
vote of the National Board of Directors.

g) Local Officers – voluntarily willing to promote, protect and

serve solely the organization.

h) Adviser – must be a Founding National/Local Officer or a Past

National President. Actively served during his/her term.
 Section 7. Election for National VPs- All VPs shall be voted by the
Executive Board of Directors. Candidates coming from Visayas and
Mindanao shall have one (1) seat as Vice President for National Board of
Directors.

Section 8. Compensation - The Board of Directors shall not receive

any compensation, as director, except for reasonable per diems and
transportation expenses shall be reimbursed based on approved LTO tariff
rates on official business approved by the President. Any compensation may
be granted to Board of Directors by the vote of the members representing at
least a majority of the membership at a regular or special member’s meeting.

Section 9. Term of Office – The PSMLS National Board of Directors –

Founding officers shall serve a term of four (4) years and Three (3) years for
Founding Local Officers, both shall be eligible for re-election for one term.
Succeeding set of National Officers shall serve for 1 year, and qualified for
re-election for 2 terms. Re-election of Founding Local Officers, shall serve
for 1 year and can be re-elected for one term. However, he/she may seek
for a re-election for any higher position after his/her term.

Section 10. Duties and Function of the National Board of

Directors-

The duties and functions of the National Board of Directors shall be

determined by themselves, in a special meeting scheduled for such purpose,
which shall be adopted through a Board Resolution duly approved which
shall form part of this By-Laws.

Section 11. Assumption to Office- Upon assumption to Office, all

National Board of Directors duly elected shall take their oath after having
duly proclaimed by the Election Chairperson with the presence of at least 1
National Officer or Respective Governor.

Section 12. Creation of Organizational Structure - It shall be the

duty of the National Board of Directors to convene and create different
divisions with core teams which shall be managed by the National Vice
Presidents. The Divisions that will be created shall be but not limited to the
following, to wit:

A. Professional Upliftment and Policy Development Division (PUPD)

B. Promotion and Benefits Division(PB)
C. Membership Communication and IT Management Division (MCIM)
D. Other Units/ Committees may be created by the National Board of
Directors which may deem necessary for an effective and efficient
PSMLS.
 The Divisions, however, shall select their respective Chairpersons of the
different Core Teams from the list of the nominees in cases where a member
of the Board of Director duly appointed to Chair the Committee failed to
assume his/her post and perform his/her duties

The duties and functions of the said Division not specifically provided
under this By-laws shall be determined by the National Board of Directors
which shall be adopted through a Board Resolution indicated in the
handbook duly approved which shall form part of this By-Laws.

Section 13. Regional Governors – The Regional Governors shall be

an active member of PSMLS in good standing and satisfies the qualifications
provided under Section 6.f, of this By-Laws, duly endorsed by the Presidents
of the Local Council

ARTICLE V -- GOVERNING BODIES

Section 14. Governing Body- The National Board of Directors shall be

the governing body of the PSMLS provided in the preceding Article, which
shall have the authority to act for the PSMLS.

Section 15. Executive Board of Directors. The Officers (Advisers,

President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer, Auditor, Public Relation
Officer, excluding their assistants, shall constitute the Executive Committee
which shall have authority to act for the PSMLS in executing all decisions of
the PSMLS National Board of Directors, to fill vacancies in elective office,
and to ensure that arrangements for the annual business meeting and
special meetings are made.

All Founding Officers and Past Presidents (National and Local) will
automatically act as adviser in their respective area.

ARTICLE VI

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE OFFICERS

Section 16. Duties of the President. The President shall serve as

the Executive officer of the Association; preside at all Board of Directors,
Executive Committee and General Membership meetings; and appoint all
standing and all select committees unless otherwise directed by the motion
creating the committee. The President and the Secretary or any other officer
of the Association authorized by the Board of Directors, shall sign any
contract or other instrument which the Board of Directors has authorized to
be executed, except in cases where the signing and execution thereof shall
be expressly delegated to some other officer or agent of the Board of
Directors. The President shall perform all duties incident to the office of
President and such other duties that shall from time to time be assigned by
the Board of Directors. The President shall also approve proposals of all
Divisions.

Section 17. Duties of the Vice-Presidents – The Vice Presidents

will manage divisions identified in the functional structure on special
subjects as designated by the National Board of Directors.

Section 18. Duties of the Treasurer. The Treasurer shall collect the
annual dues, receive other funds accruing to the PSMLS and shall disburse
funds as directed by resolution or an order of the Board of Directors. The
Treasurer shall prepare a statement for submission at the Annual Meeting
showing receipts and disbursements. The Treasurer shall prepare for
approval of the Executive Committee and distribution to the membership,
guidelines for the reimbursement of expenses.

All expense payments will be approved by the Treasurer in accordance

with these guidelines. Anticipated expenses shall be pre-approved by the
Treasurer to ensure sufficient funds. The Treasurer shall have charge and
custody for money due and payable to PSMLS from any source whatsoever
and assure deposit of all moneys in the name of the PSMLS, in such bank or
other financial institution as shall be selected by the Executive Committee
and in general perform all duties incident to the office of Treasurer and such
other duties as from time to time may be assigned by the Board of Directors.

The Treasurer shall make a report at each Board meeting. Treasurer

shall chair the finance committee, assist in the preparation of the budget,
help develop fundraising plans, and make financial information available to
Board members and the public.

The duties of the Treasurer shall be completed upon the submission of

all financial accounts, funds and records pertaining to the office to the newly
elected Treasurer. The new Treasurer may request a formal audit by the
Audit Committee of the financial records of the Association covering the
fiscal year ending May 31.

Section 19. Duties of the Secretary. The Secretary shall take, prepare,
and keep records of all meetings of the general membership, Board of
Directors and Executive Committee of PSMLS, or shall be responsible for
such action. He/she shall be responsible for distributing minutes of general
membership meetings to all Association members. The Secretary shall also
see that all notices are duly given in accordance with the provisions of the
Bylaws or as required by law; be custodian of the PSMLS records; keep a
register of the name and address of each member; and tally election results.
The duties of the Secretary will include completing the processing and
distribution of the official business conducted at the Annual Meeting (i.e.,
resolutions, motions, directives, etc.), and shall be completed before the
incoming secretary assumes total responsibilities.

ARTICLE V - ELECTION

Section 20. Election of National Officers – the election for the

National Board of Directors shall be held during the Annual Summit to
which the term of the incumbent National Officer will expire, or on a date
duly approved by the Committee on Election

Any qualified MLS/MTs as provided in this By-laws shall file his/her

certificate of candidacy with the Committee on Election or nominated by
active member in good standing at least one (1) month prior to the
scheduled date of election.

The First eighteen (18) Directors who obtained the highest number of
votes shall elect among themselves the respective PSMLS Officers provided
under Section 5 of this By-laws. Canditates for President shall be
deliberated by the National Board of Directors.

In the absence or resignation of the President before his/her term, an

emergency election shall be done by the National Board of Directors.

Section 21. Committee on Election- there shall be created National

Committee on Election composed of a Chairman and two (2) members who
shall be nominated and managed by MCIM. The one who obtained the
highest number of votes shall be declared as the Chairman and the second
and third shall be the designated as the Election Officer I and Election
Officer II, respectively.
 The term of office of the members of the Committee on Election shall
be same as the term of the incumbent National Officers. They can only be
removed from office through resignation or by impeachment to which the
proceedings shall be conducted by the National Board of Directors.

In case of vacancies by reason of death, resignation, termination for

cause (Impeachment), or permanent disabilities, the National Board of
Directors or the Executive Committee shall call a special meeting to elect a
substitute who shall serve the unexpired term. The Chairman and the
members of the Committee on Election shall receive no compensation except
for reasonable per diems, as determined by the National Board of Officers.

The Chairperson shall be the only person who can declare and
proclaim the elected officers, who shall then transmit the result of the
conduct of election to the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

ARTICLE VI – MEETINGS

Section 22. – Annual Business Meetings- An annual meeting of the

members shall take place in the month of May or during occasion of the
Annual Summit, the specific date, time and location of which will be
designated by the President.

Section 23. – Regular Meeting of the National Board of Directors

– it shall be held monthly on a date scheduled by the National Board of
Directors upon prior notice duly served to the Director at least 5 days before
the scheduled meeting.

The Directors Meetings whether regular or special shall be held in any

place in the Philippines, and if practicable in the principal office of the
PSMLS.

Section 24. – Special Meetings- maybe held at any time upon the
call of the President.

Section 25. Notice of Meeting- Written notice, private message or

text of special meetings shall be sent to all Board of Directors at least one (1)
week prior to the meeting, unless a different period is required by the by-
laws.

Section 26- Quorum - The members present at any properly

announced meeting shall constitute a quorum as herein provided:

1. One-fourth (1/4) of the membership shall constitute a quorum at any

PSMLS Annual, Special or Business meeting.
 2. A quorum for meetings of the National Board of Directors shall consist
of 50% members of the board.

Section 27. Voting - All matters and issues to be voted on shall be

decided by a majority of those present at the meeting in which the vote
takes place.

Voting at Annual, Business and Special Meetings shall be limited to

regular members of the PSMLS in good standing (paid-up dues) with one
vote for each member.

The National Board of Directors may submit any question by mail, e-

mail or FAX to the membership. Except for amendments to the By-laws or
policy statements, votes on such questions shall be returned within thirty
(30) days of the submission of the question to the entire membership.

Section 28. Method of Voting. Voting shall be by voice, show of

hands, or by written or electronic ballot. Election of Officers and Directors
shall require a simple majority.

Section 29. Order of Business - The order of this Association’s

Annual Business Meeting shall be:

1. Call to Order by Presiding Officer

2. Invocation

3. Reading and Disposal of Minutes of Previous Meeting
4. Reports of Officers and Committees.
5. Unfinished Business
6. New Business

7. Program
8. Adjournment

Article VII.

GOVERNOR/LOCAL COUNCIL OFFICERS

Section 30. Governor/Local Council. These are the duly organized

and registered PSMLS Local Council in the different provinces of the
Philippines and authorized to carry the name of the Philippine Society of
Medical Laboratory Scientists, Inc.
 Section 31. Officers of the Local Councils. The officer of the local
council shall be composed of the President, Vice-President, Secretary, Asst.
Secretary, Treasurer, Asst. Treasurer, Auditor, Public Relation Officers (PRO)
and Eight Board Members.

Section 32. Local General Membership Assembly Meeting,

Scientific Trainings- A call for a general Membership Assembly Meeting,
Scientific Trainings and seminars specially those to be conducted in line
with the Continuing Professional Education and Developments (CPD) as
provided by law, shall have a prior request to the National Board of
Directors and shall submit the following requirements:

1. Formal letter of request for Seminars and Trainings be made four (4)
to six (6) months before the activity.
2. Topics/Agenda
3. Venue
4. Fees and Charges
5. Name of Speaker w/ Curriculum Vitae and Expertise
6. Number of Members/Participants
7. All financial requirements must be requested to the National Officers
must be made three (3) months before the activity.

Section 33. Election – Election in the Local Council shall be held

every year officiated by any member of the National Board of Directors or
Authorized Member to act as Election Officer. The Authorized Election
Officer must not be a resident of the province.

Article VIII- MEMBERSHIP

Section 34. Classification of Membership- Membership in PSMLS

shall have the following categories, to wit:

Honorary Member – are individuals not necessary in line with the

Medical Technology or Medical Laboratory Science course but with
exemplary contribution to the great welfare of the Medical
Technologists/Medical Laboratory Scientists profession. He/ She has been
nominated and got the majority of votes and approval from the National
Board of Directors.

Regular Member – are Medical Technologists/Medical Laboratory

Scientists duly registered and licensed with the Philippine Regulation
Commission (PRC) and have paid the membership fees and updated annual
dues.

Associate Member – are Medical Laboratory Technicians duly

registered with the Philippine Regulation Commission or PRC and have paid
the annual membership fee.

Auxiliary Member – are members such as BS MT/MLS graduates,

under board and must actively practicing in any accredited laboratories in
the Philippines. He/she must pay the membership fee and annual dues.

Allied Member – are members who are graduates of public health or

other related programs but whose works are relevant to medical research
and laboratory procedures. His membership shall be subject to the
conditions provided in the preceding paragraph on auxiliary members.

Any member whose Membership Fees/Annual dues lapsed for at least

one year shall not be allowed to vote and run for any position as officer in
the PSMLS. All benefits that a PSMLS member may avail shall also be
suspended until his/her dues to PSMLS has been settled.

Article IX. MEMBERSHIP DUES

Section 35. Membership Fees, – Any MLS/MTs who satisfactorily

admitted for membership to PSMLS must pay a one time membership fee of
Three Hundred Pesos Only (P 300.00) for one (1) year and Five Hundred
Pesos only (500.00) for three (3) years, or an amount duly approved by the
National Board of Directors subject to the approval of the general
membership in a meeting called for the purpose. Any Increase in fees shall
mean an amendment to this By-Laws, hence, needs the ratification of the
majority of the members.

Section 36. Other Fees – The following fees shall be collected under
the following circumstances, to wit:

a. Annual Renewal Membership Fee/Annual Dues shall be Two

Hundred Pesos (P 200.00).

b. Replacement of lost ID is One Hundred Fifty pesos (P 150.00).

c. Any member may opt to pay Five Hundred Pesos Membership dues
which shall be valid for three years which shall not be affected by any
increase during the three year period to which such dues has been paid.
 d. All pioneering Board of Directors, Honorary Member and Senior
Citizens are given lifetime membership.

e. Senior Citizens may pay P500.00 membership fee for the first time for
his/her lifetime membership.

Article X.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF GENERAL MEMBERS

Section 37. Duties of General Membership - it shall be the duty of

all members to:

a. Attend all scheduled general meetings and participate in the various

activities of the organization.

b. Pay membership, convention, training and seminar fees and other

financial obligations which the organization agreed upon.

c. Cooperate and support the organization in all its undertakings for the
benefit of the general membership.

d. Know, obey, defend and protect the Constitution and By-Laws of the
Organization.

e. Vote or to be voted into the office, if qualified.

f. Promote PSMLS.

ARTICLE XI
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)

Section 38. Summit/Meetings – the PSMLS shall meet for the

exchange of scientific information at least every biennial unless prevented by
unforeseen circumstances. The time and place of each scientific meeting
shall be determined by the Executive Board or National Board of Officers.

Section 39. Continuing Professional Development (CPD).

a. All CPD activities shall be monitored by the National Board of

Directors or the PUPD Division.

b. To assists all members earn the required Continuing Professional

Development or CPD units as mandated by the Philippine Regulation
Commission or PRC to CPD Providers.
 c. The association will apply as CPD provider to the PRC to help the
members acquire CPD units in a very affordable amount or free.

d. The association shall develop the most effective education plan for
members.

e. The training of trainers per region shall be the focus of the

organization to reach out the far places of the Philippines to bring the
continuing education for members.

f. To provide training to its members by capacitating them through

personality development, professional proficiencies and public health
program.

g. Local Continuing Professional Development or CPD requirements:

i. Formal letter of request for Seminars and Trainings be

made four (4) to six (6) months before the activity.
ii. Topics/Agenda
iii. Venue
iv. Fees and Charges
v. Name of Speaker w/ Curriculum Vitae and Expertise.
vi. Number of Members/Participants.
vii. All financial requirements must be requested to the
National Officers must be made three (3) months before
the activity.

Article XII.

COMMUNITY AND EXTENSION SERVICES

Section 40. Medical Laboratory Missions and Other Community

Services- The PSMLS shall endeavor to participate in any Medical
Laboratory Mission and other Community Services as part of its Outreach
Program either on its own initiative or in partnership with any Government
Organizations (GO) or any Non-Governmental Organization (NGO).
 Article XII.

WELFARE AND BENEFITS

Section 41. Welfare and Benefits – For and in the interest of every
PSMLS members, it shall be the policy of the PSMLS to provide its member
the following benefits:

A. SUMMIT/SEMINAR/TRAININGS
All members in good standing are entitled either free or discounted
fees in all the organization activities.

B. IDENTIFICATION CARD
Any member who is a holder of a valid PSMLS ID Card is an official
member of the organization, as such, he shall be entitled to all discounts
to all PSMLS health partners and affiliate agencies. The valid ID Card
shall serve as the “Discount Card”.

C. REGULATED SALARIES
Only a bonafide member can request from PSMLS authenticated copy
of Board Resolution regarding Standardized Salary prescribed as applied
for PSMLS members. Guidelines shall be formulated for this.

D. EMPLOYMENT ASSISTANCE
Only a bonafide member will be assisted and given recommendations
by the organization.

E. LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Members are entitled to a legal assistance in cases arising out from
any issues and controversies relevant to the practice of Medical
Technology profession.

The PSMLS may provide legal counsel in court cases through PAO
(Public Attorney’s Office).

F. INSURANCE and CASH Assistance

The organization will assist each member being hospitalized or injured
by accidents.

In case of death of member or immediate family member, the

organization will provide cash assistance.

All assistance is subject to availability of funds.

 Article XIII. PSMLS FISCAL YEAR

Section 42. PSMLS Fiscal Year.- The fiscal year of PSMLS shall
begin on the first day of May and end on the last day of April of each year.

Article XIV. IMPOSITION OF PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS

a. Any member who, intentionally or by gross negligence, violates

any provision of this By-Law, fails to perform his/her functions under this
by-laws and/or violates the rights of the member shall be suspended or
dismissed depending on a cause of action and result of investigations.

In all cases, the member shall be accorded due process prior to the
imposition of penalty herein provided.

b. If the act, omission, or violation is committed by its members,

officers or board of directors of the PSMLS who actually participated in, not
being authorized, nor such action was not ratified, such member, officer, or
board of director shall be personally liable to the organization without
prejudice to the filing of any civil, criminal, and administrative action before
a Court or Body having competent jurisdiction.1

c. The use of PSMLS official name, logo or emblem or any

alteration without permission from the National Board of Directors shall be
penalized. vphi1

d. A Fact finding or investigation shall be conducted by the

Committee in charge on the matter.

ARTICLE XV – AMENDMENTS

Section 42. Amendment of Bylaws. - Once adopted, the Bylaws of

this Organization shall be amended by a two-thirds majority vote of
members in attendance at the annual meeting when a quorum is present.

Alternatively, the Bylaws of this Organization shall be amended by a

two-thirds majority vote of members submitting a ballot distributed by mail,
e-mail or FAX. This ballot shall include a copy of the proposed amendment
and the portion of the Bylaws that are affected. Ballots must be mailed, e-
mailed or faxed to all members at least thirty (30) days in advance of the
close of balloting.

The quorum of National Board of Directors may amend the By-laws if

necessary.
 Section 43. Notification of Membership. - The Secretary shall notify
the entire membership of the amended Bylaws.

Section 44. Effective Date. All amendments shall include an

effective date.

CERTIFICATION

These by-laws were approved at a meeting of the board of directors by a two-

thirds majority vote on December 16, 2018.