1

MOST COMMONLY USED PARLIAMENTARY ABILITIES

(Arranged in their order of precedence)

PRIVILEGE MOTIONS INCIDENTAL MOTIONS SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS

Fix time for adjournment Request for information Lay on the table

Adjourn Point of order Limit or close the debate

Take a recess Division of assembly Postpone to a definite time

Question of privilege Suspend rules Refer or commit to a

committee

Call for orders of the day Appeal Amend an amendment

Previous question Amend the motion

Parliamentary inquiry MAIN MOTION OR

RESOLUTION

The first three motions are
privileged only when other
motions are pending at the
time they are presented
Withdraw a motion
No order of precedence; Each maybe made while
each motion must be the motions below it are on
disposed of before another the floor
in this group may be
presented

Any motion which is made while no other pending business comes on the floor as a
simple main motion. It may have subsidiary motions applied to it in order of their
precedence. Privilege, incidental and subsidiary motions must be disposed in order of
their descending order as shown above before a vote can be taken on the main motion.
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COMMON PARLIAMENTARY FACTS

KINDS OF MOTIONS NEEDS DEBATABLE AMENDABLE RECONSIDERED VOTES

SECOND
1. Adjourn to a definite time Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
2.Adopt/Accept a report Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
3.Adopt a resolution Yes Yes Yes (1) Yes Majority
4.Amend a motion Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
5.Amend an amendment Yes Yes Yes (1) Yes 2/3 (7)
6.Amend by-laws Yes Yes Yes Yes 2/3
7.Appeal from a decision Yes Yes No Yes Majority
8. Call for orders of the day No No No No Majority
9.Call for previous question No No No Yes (2) 2/3
10.Call for division of the No No Yes No Majority
house
11.Close the nomination Yes No Yes No 2/3
12.Commit to a committee Yes Yes Yes Yes (3) Majority
13.Fix time for adjournment Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
14.Lay motion on the table Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
15.Limit or extend the debate Yes No Yes Yes 2/3
16.Main or principal motion Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
17.Make motion a special order Yes Yes Yes Yes 2/3
18.Parliamentary inquiry No No No No Majority
19.Postpone definitely Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
20.Postpone indefinitely Yes Yes No Yes (4) Majority
21.Objection to consideration No No No Yes (5) 2/3
22.Raise a point of order No No No No Majority
23.Question of privilege No No No No Majority
24.Suspend the rules Yes No No No 2/3
25.Suspend a standing rule Yes No No Yes Majority
26.Take a recess Yes Yes Yes Yes Majority
27.Take motion from the table Yes No No No Majority
28.Withdraw a motion Yes (6) No No Yes Majority

1 - Except when amendment is second degree

2 - Except when a vote under it has been taken

3 - Except when committee has started its work

4 - Except a negative vote

5 - Except an affirmative vote

6 - Except when not yet stated by the chair

7 - Except if specified differently

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PURPOSES AND EFFECTS OF COMMON MOTIONS

Kind of Motion Object or Purpose Effect when Approved

Adjourn to a definite time To stop proceedings until Disband temporarily
next meeting
Appeal from a decision Ask assembly to reverse Votes to decide whether
chair’s decision the chair is right
Call for orders of the day Demands the matters be Corrects itself by following
followed as planned plan of work
Division of assembly Verify votes on a question Takes a standing vote on a
question
Close the nomination Stop nomination Proceeds to election
immediately
Commit to a committee To have a group to study Commits the question and
takes up another
Fix time for adjournment Specify time to adjourn Cannot adjourn before the
fixed time
Lay motion on a table Defer the consideration Consider others
Limit or extend debate Fix time or manner of Stops debate to conform to
stopping motion
Make motion an order Fixes time when and how Consider the motion when
to take up motion the time comes
Object to consideration Not to consider the Not to entertain the motion
question presented
Postpone action Delay action on a question Stops consideration of the
pending question
Previous question, Call Demand vote at once Immediate vote
Point of order Correct disorder committed Observes order
Request information Ask for vital data Gives data needed
Suspend the rules Rules of the day be Considers matter
suspended regardless of the rules
Take a recess Stop for a while Disbands temporarily up to
the end of the recess
Take motion from the table Bring back a motion laid Considers a question laid
Withdraw a motion Remove a motion from the Stops considering the
floor withdrawn motion
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COMMON PARLIAMENTARY TERMS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS

1. Calling an assembly meeting to order

It means bringing a group of persons who are assembled to a state of readiness to
transact smoothly all business, which comes up in the meeting. After determining the
quorum, the meeting will be called to order by the chairman. (The chair taps the gavel 3
times for the assembly to stand, once for them to take their seats and 2x to mark the
beginning of the formal meeting and the transaction of the official business). It also
means the resumption of a meeting after recess.
A. Meetings
a. Regular meetings-held regularly on schedule of certain days in a week or
month or years as the case maybe.
b. Special meetings-Are those held out of regular schedule for special
matters.
B. Parliamentary process
a. Calling the roll of members
b. Introducing visitors
c. Taking -up the order of the business
d. Reading, corrections and adoption of the latest minutes
e. Committee reports
f. Special orders
g. General orders
h. New business
i. Varying from the order of business
j. Suspending rules on order of the business
2. Calling for motion naming a chairman

After calling the meeting to order, the presider should announce the need for a
chairman. It may either be done by nomination from the floor or on motion.
3. Obtaining the floor

It seeks a permission to speak before an assembly. It is addressed to the Chairman

who is the only authorized person to award the floor. One should raise his hand and when
noticed by the chair, says; Mr. Chairman, when recognized, he should rise to speak. One
should not rise while asking for the floor.
4. Presenting motion naming a Chairman

A motion is a proposal for the assembly to consider or not. Therefore, when the
proposal to name the chairman is disapproved, the temporary presiding officer continues.
It can be presented by raising hand for recognition and giving remarks why there is a need
for a new chairman, “ Mr. Chairman, in the sense that most of the proposals before the
floor are those of the present chair, I move to name a new chairman” or the Chairman
himself may yield in favor of another member so that he can participate or he would like
to inhibit in the deliberation.
5. Seconding a motion

It is an expression of agreement with the proposal. It is therefore obvious when

 5

several members of the assembly seconded; they will vote in favor of the proposal. Only
one, however, is needed to second a motion. Seconding on a motion may be done while
seated by saying, “ I second the motion,” or “I second it”. When a motion needs second,
the chairman should always ask to verify by saying, “Was there a second?”, “Was it
seconded?” or “Did I hear a second?”. No motion which needs a second will be
entertained before the floor if not seconded and can be declared by the Chairman lost or
not in order by saying, “ Due to lack of a second, the motion just presented is lost” or For
lack of second, the motion which states that…………. is lost.”
6. Stating a motion

It means that the Chairman should repeat every motion for information and
consideration of the assembly. He should always state a newly presented motion provided
it is in order. The Chairman should repeat the motion in verbatim or exactly the same as it
was presented. The chairman himself is authorized to present a motion or a proposal.
Stating a motion shall be done as follows, “It has been moved and seconded that the
Chapter will put up a poultry project!” “ Any Remarks?”, “Any Discussion?”
7. Discussing the proposal

It is at this juncture that the merits and demerits of the proposal are analyzed and
with the end in view of how it should be disposed of. The discussion usually starts with
the explanations and remarks of the mover who has the priority to speak on his motion.
After he has spoken, others can be given the floor to give their views or move subsidiary
motions. Modifications are done in a form of amendment/s as follows;
Substitution- an inappropriate word/or phrase is replaced by an acceptable term or
phrase.
Striking-out or Deleting- a word or phrase can be removed/deleted from the actual text if
it renders redundancy to the thought.
Adding- words and phrases can be added to have a complete thought of the motion.
Since the purpose of amendments is to modify or grammatically check the
proposal, this can be done until the second degree in order that the whole concept of such
proposal is completed.
When an amendment has to be made to the main motion, a speaker may ask
recognition to have the floor and express his remarks in favor or against the motion before
presenting his amendment whose manner shall be specified. “ Mr. Chairman (after being
recognized), I am very much in favor of putting –up a poultry project but because we do
not have the expertise on the said venture so I therefore move to amend the main motion
by adding the words, provided however that a technician shall be hired to tend for the
project.”
8. Voting on a proposal
At this juncture, the assembly decides whether a proposal has to be approved or
disapproved. It is taken to determine the affirmative and the negative votes on a certain
proposal. Using ballots or by viva voce as means of reaching group decisions is essential
democratic processes.
After all the pros and cons, the positive or affirmative and the negative has been
given enough time to air their views in a form of remarks and motions, the Chairman asks
for more remarks and proceeds, if there is none, by asking “ Are you ready for the
 6

question?” then the assembly replies by saying “Question!” It may also be done by a
member of the assembly by saying; “ I call for the previous question. ” The chair then
yields to the call by saying “Previous question has been called for” and proceeds directly
by asking “ As many as those who are in favor of the call for previous question may
please raise your right hand and those opposed may do the same.” If an affirmative vote
has been declared, the vote for the immediate previous question should immediately be
undertaken.
Voting on a question may be done through viva voce. The Chairman can simply
ask, “As many as those who are in favor of the motion which states that……. may say
Aye, those opposed may say Nay. Another method is by raising hands or at most, when
someone asks for the division of assembly, voting can be done by standing.
A tie vote on a question renders it disapproved. If the Chairman so desires to break
the tie, he does it by saying “The chair will break the tie. The Chair is in favor of……”
Usually, it is better for the Chairman to abstain from voting if his vote could not
materially alter the decision of the assembly.
9. Announcing the result

It tells the assembly on the manner of voting and the decision reached. It is
usually done by saying; “With the majority of the members who answered Nay, the
motion just presented which states that …is lost” or “With the 2/3 vote cast in favor of the
motion which states that ….., then it is carried.”
The chair then announces the approved motion.
10. Calling for nominations

When there is a need to identify one who may function as maybe specified, a
nomination is called. “We need a Secretary who will keep records of the minutes of the
meeting. The table is now open for nominations for the Secretary.”
11. Presenting nomination

A nomination is a proposal or a suggestion. Mr. Chairman, I nominate Mr.

Aguila.” Since there may be as many nominations, the names should be listed in order as
they were presented. The Chairman then announces the nominee as saying; “Mr. Ruiz is
nominated, some more nominations from the floor?”
12. Closing nomination

It means stopping the presentation of more nominees. A motion to close a

nomination is done by saying, after obtaining the floor, “Mr. Chairman, I move to close
the nominations for Secretary.” Once seconded, the Chair states the motion; “It has been
moved and seconded that the nominations for Secretary be closed. Any Remarks? Any
Objection?” If there is no objection to the motion, voting must be done.
13. . Conducting an election

It is determining who among those nominated is the choice of the assembly. Secret
balloting, standing, raising of hands or by acclamation maybe followed.
 7

MOVING AND STATING COMMON MOTIONS

Through many years of usage, parliamentary practice has developed certain

terms, expressions and practices that are distinctly its own. Most of them are repeatedly
included in the different lessons and role plays in many parliamentary books. But for
the benefit of beginners, these terms are presented in such a way that each participant
gets a ready grasp of words and phrases to be used. Beginners need to learn these terms
and expressions well and say them fluently at the right time. The sooner they can do
this, the better they become leaders.

OPENING A MEETING
a. Mass Meeting
Leader: The meeting will please come to order. I move that Mr. A will
preside until we can elect a Chairman.
b. Regular meeting
Chairman The Chair declares that there is a quorum. Our meeting will
: please come to order.
A. MAIN MOTIONS
a. Original Main Motion
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I move that our Chapter will…….
Chairman It was moved and seconded that….. Are there any remarks?
:
b. Incidental Main Motion
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I move that the report of the committee on
(subject previously referred to it) be now……..
Chairman It was moved and seconded that…………Any remarks?
:
B. SUBSIDIARY MOTIONS
a. Lay on the Table
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I move to lay on the table the motion that our
chapter will …….
Chairman: It was (or has been) moved and seconded that the motion
which states that our chapter will ……Any remarks?
b. Previous Question
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I move (or demand or call for) the previous
question on….
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Chairman The previous question is moved (or demanded or called for)

: on (specify which). This motion is undebatable and cannot be
amended. As many as those who are in favor of ordering the
previous question on (specify) will raise their right hand.
Those who oppose will please do the same. (Announce the
result and effect of the vote just taken.)
c. Limit or Extend debate
Mover: Mr. Chairman, believe that other important matters have yet to
be taken up, so I therefor move to limit the debate on (specify)
by giving each speaker a minute to talk.
Chairman It has been moved and seconded that the debate be limited ….
: by giving each speaker a minute to talk. This motion is
undebatable but may be amended. Are there any remarks?
(Pauses) Are you ready for the question?
Mover: In the sense that the topic on the floor needs more time for
discussion so I therefor move that the debate on……… be
extended by giving each speaker two minutes to talk
…………….. Any remarks?
d. Close the Debate or Fix the Time to Close the Debate
Mover: Mr. Chairman, since both the affirmative and the negative
were already given enough time for the discussion, I move that
the debate will close at … to give ample time for other matters
to be considered.
Chairman It was moved and seconded that the debate be closed at …
: (Note: The time should be specified)
e. Postpone Definitely
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I believe that most of us are not ready for the
discussion of the motion on the floor, so I therefore move to
postpone this meeting at 5:00 p.m. until next meeting.
Chairman It has been moved and seconded to (or that) ……….. Any
: remarks?
f. Commit or Refer to Committee
Mover: Mr. Chairman, the topic at hand needs thorough study and
preparations so I therefor move to commit (or refer) the
question (or proposal) to the committee on (name the
committee)… for further study.
Chairman It was moved and seconded to commit (or refer the question to
: the committee on ………………). Any remarks?
g. Amend a Motion or Amendment regarding something).
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I am in favor that …… so I therefor move to
amend the motion which states that…… by adding the phrase
“provided that sufficient funds are made available”,… which
when approved will run like this…..
Chairman It has been moved and seconded that the motion which states
: that ………………... be amended. This motion is debatable
and amendable. Any remarks?
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h. Renew a Motion
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I am still on the premise that my proposal
which states that……is feasible and practical so I therefore
move to renew my motion which states that…..
Chairman It was moved and seconded that the pending question be laid
: on the table. Any remarks?

B. INCIDENTAL MOTIONS
a. Point of Order
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of order!
Chairman (If chairman has the floor) Will the gentleman please state
: his point of order?
(If another member has the floor) Pardon me Mr. (member of
the floor). Mr. (mover) wishes to raise a point of order. Let us
hear what it is. Mr. Mover, please state your point of order.
b. Appeal from the Decision of the Chairman
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I appeal from the decision of the (Chairman,
President, or Presiding officer).
Chairman There is an appeal from the decision of the chair. The appeal
: has been seconded. Shall the decision of the chair be
sustained? All those in favor of the chair’s decision say “aye”.
Those who are opposed say “no”. The decision is sustained (or
reversed).
c. Suspend the Rules
Mover: Mr. Chairman, an item in the agenda is the presence of our
visitor. May I request that he be given time first to present his
proposal; hence, I move to suspend the orders of the day and
proceed to the proposal on….
Chairman It has been moved and seconded that the orders of the day on
: (specify) be suspended. Any remarks?
d. Objection to Consideration
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I object to the consideration of the motion just
presented.
Chairman (second not necessary) Objection to the consideration of the
: motion is raised. (The Consideration of the motion is being
objected to.) Shall the motion be considered? Those who are
in favor of the objection may say “aye”. Those who opposed
may say “no”. (Tell the result and effect of vote)
e. Division of Assembly
Mover: (Rule do not require a mover to rise and may not even need to
secure the floor. However, it is best for any respectable
member to address the Chairman and rise) Mr. Chairman, I
call for the division of the assembly.
Chairman Division of the assembly has been called. This time I ask those
 10

: who are in favor of the motion to please rise. Those who

oppose please do the same. Majority are in favor /or against
the motion. The motion then is approved (or lost).
f. Parliamentary Inquiry
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I rise to a parliamentary inquiry.
Chairman Will the gentleman please state the inquiry?
: (Note: It is also proper to use the following)
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of information (or I raise to a
point of information.)
Chairman Will the gentleman state his inquiry? (The chair may give the
: requested information or refer it to one who is supposed to
know and can be in a better position to answer the inquiry.)

g. Request for Information from Speaker

Mover: Mr. Chairman, I rise to a point of information. I would like to
ask the gentleman (speaker) a question.
Chairman The gentleman from Davao would like to direct a query to the
: speaker. The speaker may yield if he wishes to.
D. PRIVILEGE MOTIONS
a. Call for Orders of the Day
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I call for the orders of the day.
Chairman Will the gentleman point out what order of the day is not
: followed?
b. Making Something a Special Order
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I move that this resolution which I read be a
special order during our next regular meeting.
Chairman It was moved and seconded that ………. Any remarks?
:
c. Raise a Question of Privilege
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I rise for a Question of Privilege.
Chairman Will the gentleman state his question?
:
(NOTE: If the question to be raised is more specifically about those privilege of
a member, or relating to his character, it is a question of personal privilege.)
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I rise for a Question of Personal Privilege.
Chairman Will the gentleman state his question of personal privilege?
:
d. Take a Recess
Mover: In the sense that most of the members are feeling uneasy for
the long discussion, I move to Take a Recess for five minutes.
Chairman It has been moved and seconded that we take a recess for five
: minutes. The motion is debatable and amendable, any
remarks?
e. Adjourn Meeting
Mover: Mr. Chairman, I believe that most of us have yet to travel far
and it is almost 5:00 in the afternoon and having acted upon on
all matters in the agenda, I move to adjourn this meeting.
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Chairman It has been moved and properly seconded that we adjourn the
: meeting. Any remarks?
f. Fix Time at Which to Adjourn
Mover: Mr. Chairman, please be informed that the same members of
this assembly are participants to the Seminar this afternoon so
I therefor move to Fix the Time for Adjournment at 11:00 am.
Chairman It has been moved and seconded that the meeting be adjourned
: at 11:00 am today. Any remarks?

PARLIAMENTARY GUIDE QUESTIONS WITH ANSWERS

1. Q- What are the seven essentials of a good student organization?

A- 1. Members who are interested, active and punctual
2. Officers who are dedicated, capable and dynamic
3. Program of work that is challenging and progressive
4. Funds that are adequate and well budgeted and kept
5. Responsibility that is shared and accepted by all
6. Responsibility that is shared and accepted by all
7. Feeling of equality, oneness and comradeship by all
2. Q- Name the ten essentials of a good association meeting.
A- 1. Well planned in advanced with a good agenda
2. Starts promptly and ends with good accomplishment
3. Conducted in a business like and orderly manner
4. Proceeds are according to accepted rules and procedures
5. Attended by all with deep interest and enthusiasm
6. Includes well-prepared reports and wise proposals
7. Participation of members is equalized and as desired
8. Actions proceed with dispatch and thoroughness
9. Evident knowledge on the functions and responsibilities of members
10. With profitable entrepreneurial activities and seeks the welfare and
well-being of its members
3. Q- Give the eight functions/officials of the association
A- 1. President 5. Auditor
2. Vice-President 6. Information officer (PRO)
3. Secretary 7. Sentinel
4. Treasurer 8. Adviser
4. Q- State the five functions/duties of a President of an association
A- 1. Calls the assembly for a meeting and preside over it
2. Presides and ensures the participation of all the members in the
execution of the plans and programs of the association
3. Informs the members and the community of the association activities
and programs
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4. Leads in the implementation of the programs and projects of the

association
5. Show good leadership examples at all times
5. Q- Can you give the five duties of the Secretary?
A- 1. Prepares activities and correspondences for the assembly
2. Prepares and keeps records of the minutes of meetings of the
association
3. Report the attendance and number of votes of all resolutions
4. Prepares reports and keeps records of all correspondences
6. Q- Give the common duties of a treasurer of societies.
A- 1. Receives and acts as custodian of funds and property
2. Keeps record of collections and expenditures
3. Disburses funds as directed and render reports
7. Q- Give two common duties of sentinels of associations.
A- 1. Prepare the meeting room and keep it comfortable
2. Welcome visitors and assist in maintaining order
8. Q- What are the two important duties of advisers of societies?
A- 1. Advise and assist the officers whenever needed
2. Keeps officials and community well-informed of the work, needs and
problems of the association.
9. Q- Give the use and meaning of the taps of the gavel.
A- 1. Two taps to call assembly to order as meeting starts
2. After calling an assembly to order, three taps signify that the assembly
should rise for rituals, if any.
3. After the ritual, one tap signifies that the assembly may then sit down
for the transaction of business.
4. During meeting, one soft tap follows a decision on any motion or
Question presented to the assembly.
5. During meeting when there is a need of using the gavel to restore
order, one sharp tap or a series of sharp taps may be made.
However, using the gavel to silence the assembly or a member must be used
sparingly. One tap follows an announcement of adjournment just like the
announcement of a decision of the assembly.
10. Q- What is a motion? How are they classified?
A- It is a proposal presented before an assembly for action.
They are classified as (a) main motions, (b) subsidiary motions,
(c) Incidental motions, (d) privileged motions (e) special main and
unclassified motions.
11. Q- Give the two kinds of main motions and their purposes
A- 1. Original Main Motion – present new subject.
2. Incidental Main Motion – present a subject that is incidental or related
to the business of the assembly, or its past or future action.
12. Q- List some of the incidental main motions.
A- 1. Accept or adopt a report upon a subject referred to a committee
making the report.
2. Adjourn at, or to a future time
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3. Adjourn, if unqualified and it dissolves assembly.

4. Appoint time and place for next meeting if introduced when there is
no pending business.
5. Amend the Constitution, By Laws, Standing Rules, or Resolutions
that were previously adopted.
6. Ratify or confirm; or rescind or repeal action taken.
13. Q- Give the objects of subsidiary motions.
A- To modify or dispose the motion to which they apply.
14. Q- List subsidiary motions in descending order of rank.
A- 1. Lay motion on the table
2. Previous question
3. Limit or extend debate
4. Postpone definitely
5. Refer motion to committee
6. Amend pending motion
7. Postpone indefinitely
15. Q- What are incidental motions? List common examples.
A- 1. Point of order
2. Division of assembly
3. Parliamentary inquiry
4. Suspend the rules
5. Appeal from decision
6. Close nominations
7. Withdraw a motion
8. Various requests
16. Q- What are privileged motions?
A- Those pertaining to the conveniences of the assembly and members, and the
rights and reputation of members.
17. Q- List the common motions that cannot be amended.
A- 1. To adjourn (if unqualified) 9. Orders of the day*
2. Division of assembly* 10. Suspend the rules*
3. Question of order 11. Appeal and requests
4. Objection to 12. To consider
consideration*
5. Lay motion on the table 13. Take from the table*
6. Withdraw a motion 14. Previous question*
7. Take up motion laid 15. Postpone indefinitely
8. Nomination
18. Q- List the common motions which are undebatable. (In addition to those
marked with * above)
A- 1. Amend an undebatable motion
2. Reconsider an undebatable motion
3. Dispense with the reading of minutes
19. Q- What is the purpose of laying a motion on the table?
A- To temporarily delay its consideration in favor of a more urgent business, or
for further study.
 14

20. Q- How long should a motion may be laid on the table without “dying”?
A- Up to the next meeting. If not taken up, it is “dead”
21. Q- When is an amendment unamendable?
A- When it amends a proposed amendment.
22. Q- When can a vote be considered on a question?
A- If time to reconsider vote has not yet lapsed, and it is presented by one who
voted with the prevailing side.
23. Q- List the motions that cannot be reconsidered.
A- 1. To adjourn 5. Suspend the rules
2. Take a recess 6. Suspend order of business
3. Take from the table 7. Reconsider a vote
4. Lay on the table 8. Amend (if affected)
24. Q- When is a motion to adjourn out of order?
A- While voting is going on and result is not yet announced.
25. Q- When is a motion raising a point of order out of order?
A- If raised when no breach of order has been committed.
26. Q- When is a motion to amend undebatable?
A- If the motion to which it applies is undebatable.
27. Q- How may a Chairman leave the chair to join a debate?
A- By asking the Vice-Chairman or another to preside.
28. Q- What motion needs a majority vote and yet an amendment to it requires a
two-thirds vote?
A- One amending a motion which makes a general order into a special order.
29. Q- Give the difference between a main and incidental main motion with
respect to their disposal.
A- Action on former can be objected to while objection to the consideration of
the latter cannot be raised.
30 Q- List the motions that need two-thirds vote for approval.
A- 1. Amend (Annul, Repeal, or Rescind) any part of the Constitution,
By-Laws, Rules, etc. previously adopted.
2. Amend or Rescind a Standing Rule, order or resolution previously
adopted.
3. Take up a question out of its proper order.
4. Suspend the Rules.
5. Make a special Order.
6. Discharge an Order of the Day before it is pending.
7. Sustain an Objection to Consider a Question.
8. Previous Question
9. Limit or Extend the Limits of Debate.
10. Extend the time appointed for adjournment or recess.
11. Close nomination or the pools
12. Expel one from membership or office.
13. Discharge a committee when no previous notice was given.
31. Q- What is the sum of ordering the previous question?
A- To stop debate and bring a question to a vote immediately.
32. Q- What must be done if the time to which a question is postponed falls within
 15

the next session?

A- It must first fix the time for adjournment and the question is postponed to
such meeting.
33. Q- What does “going to committee of the whole” mean?
A- The whole assembly operates as a committee to discuss the question
informally before a decision is reached.
34. Q- What is the effect of approving to reconsider a question?
A- It places before the assembly a question in exactly the same position it
occupied before it was voted upon.
35 Q- When is it too late to rescind a previous decision?
A- After the assembly has done something it cannot anymore undo. It may,
however, rescind the unexecuted portion.

How can an assembly bring back to the floor for reconsideration a proposal
36. Q- that has been rejected or adopted earlier?
A- It must first approve a motion to reconsider the vote.
37. Q- How can a Chairman stop the giving of dilatory motion?
A- By refusing to recognize those who use to present them.
38. Q- Up to when can a member change his vote on a question?
A- Up to any time before the vote is announced.
39. Q- How can one change his vote if it is too late to do so?
A- He can secure permission to change his vote by general consent, or have a
motion to this effect approved.
40. Q- When is a decision by general consent?
A- When there is no objection whatsoever.
 16

PARLIAMENTARY TERMS USED DURING MEETINGS

The following are parliamentary terms which beginners should know and use
properly during business meetings.

1. Abstention – It refers to those who do not vote on a question although

they are present. One can abstain from voting.
2. Acclamation – Voting orally by ‘aye’ or ‘nay’ or living vote. One may be
elected by acclamation and greeted with applause.
3. Address chair – Speak to or communicate with presiding officer at a
meeting by saying, “Mr. Chairman,” or “Mr. President,”
after one has risen and is about to speak on the floor.
4. Adjourn – To stop or suspend a meeting until a certain specified time
or indefinitely, as the case may be.
5. Adjournment – The period when a body is adjourned. It may be at the end
of a regular session, or sine die session when no fixed end
of adjournment is given.
6. Adopt – To accept a motion, report, etc. that is before an assembly
for consideration.
7. Amend – To modify, alter or change the wording, construction or
idea in a motion or legislation.
8. Amendment – A modification or alteration in legislation.
9. Announce vote – The act of informing an assembly how it voted and the
result and effect of the decision just reached.
10. Annul – To make void or no effect an act or decision or legislation.
To abolish or make a rule in effective.
11. Appeal – An incidental motion which pleads for the reconsideration
of a decision made by certain authority like the chair. One
who disagrees with a decision can appeal.
12. Assembly – A group of persons who have organized themselves as a
distinct body that has gathered to transact business in
accordance with practice accepted and followed by them.
 17

13. Association – A group of person who have organized themselves as a

distinct body such as a society, club or union for a certain
purpose which becomes the binding force that foster unity
and comradeship among the members.
14. Ballot – A system of voting by writing down on a paper (ballot
sheet) the name of the candidates for whom votes are cast.
15. Business – It refers to matters, activities, etc, that are handled during
an assembly meeting, it may be old or new business.
16. By-Laws – The set of basic laws or rules made and adopted by an
association as its guide in the management of its affairs.
17. Call to order – An expression used in bringing about order at the
beginning of a business meeting, and in restoring order
while the meeting is in progress. The presiding officer calls
the assembly to prepare.
18. Chairman – The official or presiding officer who occupies the “chair”
at a certain meeting time. He is usually known as president
or chairman.
19. Chamber – This refers to either house in a bi-cameral legislative
assembly.
20. Commit – A term used interchangeably with the word “refer”, which
means to entrust a business to a committee. The committee
receives what is being committed or referred to it.
21. Committee – A group of members in an organized body that is dully
created to perform certain tasks. A committee may,
however, be a committee of one, or a committee of the
whole in which all the members of the assembly are in the
committee.
22. Consider – To deliberate on something with the view of either
rejecting or adopting a proposal that has been presented.
23. Constitution – A written document containing the fundamental laws and
principles governing the organization and operation of an
association. In typical permanent societies the constitution
and by-laws are combined into one document.
24. Convene – To assemble as a body to transact business. It refers to the
calling of a group so it may transact business.
25. Debate – This refers to the formal discussion of a question or an
issue. It includes the presentation of reasons or argument.
26. Division of – An incidental motion which seeks to verify the result of a
assembly voice or show of hands system of voting. The members are
then asked to stand as they vote.
27. Election – The process of choosing or selecting by voting a person to
office.
28. Fix time at which – A privileged motion which proposes adjournment at a
to adjourn certain definite time.
29. Gavel – an instrument (mallet) used by a presiding officer as
symbol of authority during an assembly meeting. The
 18

number of taps made with the gavel conveys certain

meaning.
30 General consent – A term used interchangeably with “unanimous approval”.
It means there is a general agreement.
31. General orders – Matters or items of business included in the “Orders of the
Day”, and which are scheduled consideration during a
particular meeting.
32. Germane – A term which characterizes a proposal as one which
pertains or relates to another that is under consideration. A
proposal is germane if it has bearing on a case on hand.
33. Incidental motion – One which arises out of another motion that is pending,
and to which it takes precedence. An incidental motion
pertains to the pending question and / or the manner in
which the assembly transact its business.
34. Incidental main – A main motion that is incidental or related to the business
motion of the assembly, or its past action. An example is a motion
to adopt the report of a committee on a subject which had
been committed to it in the past.
35. Lay a motion – A subsidiary motion that puts aside a pending question
and everything adhering to it.
36. Limit the debate – A subsidiary motion which seeks to limit the debate on a
question which has become the subject of a long debate.
37. Main motion – A main proposal that is presented before an assembly for
consideration.
38. Majority vote – It refers to the way (for or against) more than half of those
in an assembly vote. A majority vote is needed in the
approval of nearly all main motions.
39 Meeting – The time at which an assembly remains together to
transact business. It may be the act of transacting business.
40. Nomination – A suggestion that someone be considered for an office.
One who is nominated is a nominee.
41. Objection – An incidental motion which seeks to prevent the
consideration of a question just stated by the chair.
42. Obtain the floor – It means securing permission to speak before an assembly
that is transacting business.
43. Order of business – It refers to the items of business in the agenda for a
business meeting of an association or assembly.
44. Orders of the day – This refers to the general and special orders which an
assembly has scheduled for consideration during a certain
meeting.
45. Parliamentary – The business procedures which originated in the
procedures Parliament of England, and which are generally adopted and
followed by the law making bodies of democratic countries.
Although certain modifications may have been made to
conform to local conditions and traditions, the essence of
the democratic process is still very evident.
 19

46. Pending question – The question before the assembly that has not yet been
disposed either permanently or temporarily. If a motion,
amendment to it, and an amendment to such proposed
amendment form a series of question to be disposed of, all
of them constitute the pending question. However, that
which needs immediate attention is the immediately
pending question.
47. Plurality vote – The vote obtained by a candidate or a proposal which
received more than the others. A plurality vote, however, is
not necessarily more than half of all the votes cast.
48. Point of Order – An incidental motion presented to call attention to a
supposed breach of order, violation of rules or irregular
procedure during a business meeting. A point of order may
be raised by anyone who notices the mistake committed.
49. Postpone – A subsidiary motion which seeks to delay the action on a
indefinitely pending question to an indefinite time.
50. Putting the – It means submitting the question to the assembly for a
question voice or decision.
51 Precedence – The rank of importance which a motion has over another
as determined by the rules in parliamentary procedure.
52. Previous question – A subsidiary motion which seeks to put a pending
question to a vote immediately.
53. Privileged motion – Any motion which pertains to the convenience and rights
of the assembly or its members.
54. Question – A motion or proposal which is the subject of consideration
and appropriate action.
55. Question of – A privilege motion which pertains to the health, welfare
privilege and rights of the assembly or its members.
56. Quorum – The number of person that must be present during a
meeting to transact valid business. It is usually one more
than half of the number of active members of an
association.
57. Recess – The intermission during a meeting or session of an
assembly. It may last for several minutes or a few days
depending on the need and nature of the body taking a
recess.
58. Reconsider vote – It refers to the act of voting once more on a question in
view of representations made by one or more members who
previously voted with the prevailing side.
59. Regular meeting – A meeting held in conformity with the constitution of a
society or body.
60. Renew a motion – The act of presenting a proposal for the second time after
it failed to obtain approval. Some motions which can be
renewed are to take from the table, to adjourn and to take a
recess.
61. Request – An incidental motion growing out of the business on
 20

hand.
62. Rescind – The act of nullifying a previous action of the assembly
when it is too late to reconsider the vote on the matter.
63. Resolution – A main motion or proposal in written form and which is
usually read when presented for consideration.
64. Rituals – Certain unique forms of ceremonies during meetings.
65. Second – An orally expressed approval or endorsement made by
one who is in favor of a proposal presented before and
assembly.
66. Session – A series of meeting closely following each other (morning
and afternoon) during successive days.
67. Special meeting – A meeting called for a special purpose.
68. Special order – An order that is given specific time for its consideration
by the assembly or organization.
69. Standing rules – Rules of permanent nature adopted by a majority at any
meeting of an assembly or organization.
70. State a motion – The chairman’s act of announcing before the assembly
that a motion has been moved and seconded.
71. Subsidiary motion – A motion that applies to another motion for the purpose of
modifying or disposing such other motion immediately.
72. Take from table – The act of bringing back to the floor for consideration a
motion that had been laid on the table.
73. Tie vote – A condition where the votes on either side are equal. A
motion is lost when the result of the voting is a tie vote.
74. Two-thirds vote – The condition when two-thirds of the vote cast are
necessary for the approval of a question.
75. Table a motion – To lay a motion on the table thereby putting it aside and
clear the floor for new business.
76. Undebatable – Motions which cannot be the subject of debate. They
motions pertain to procedural matters.
77. Unfinished – Matters which were left unfinished during an earlier
business meeting.
78. Vary from order of – Act of deviating from the usual order of business by
business approving a motion to this effect.
79. Viva voce vote – Voting by saying “Ayes” or “Nays”.
80. Withdraw a – The act of taking back a motion from the floor.
motion
81. Yield the floor – The act of giving up the floor to another.
 21

SAMPLE MINUTES OF A MEETING

A REGULAR MEETING OF THE FFPCC MARBLE CHAPTER HELD AT COC ON
SEPTEMBER 18, 2007
Members Present:
Mr. A, B, C, D, E, F and Ms. G.
The meeting started at 8:00 a.m. with Mr. Gaa, presiding. After considering all the
preliminaries, Mr. A moved and duly seconded that the Orders of the Day be Suspended
and was carried with a 2/3 vote. The Chair immediately asked the Secretary to read the
agenda for the day.
A proposal is presented that the Chapter will put- up a Piggery to serve as an
instructional unit and as an income generating project. Mr. B raised his remark regarding
the meager fund of the association to finance its activities in preparation for the
forthcoming Regional FFPCC Convention at RSC Main Campus. He further explained
that the present market status of Odiongan is very feasible for the project having a
minimum of 40 heads of gilts butchered daily and moved for the adoption of the agenda.
It was duly seconded and remarks ensued. Mr. C claimed that nobody in the association
have the time and expertise for the purpose so he moved, and duly seconded, to amend
the main motion by adding the phrase “provided however that a paid labor be hired to
tend for the animals.” An inquiry was sought by Mr. D regarding the possibility of using
half of the unused facility of the college. Mr. Ylagan, the Adviser, assured the body of the
use of the facility which he sought permission prior its meeting.
 22

Mr. F raised a point of information regarding the present financial status of the
organization and was informed of a P100, 000.00 fund for the purpose. After hearing the
information, he moved, and duly seconded, to amend the amendment to the main motion
by adding the phrase; “and to allocate an amount of P80, 000.00 pesos from the
membership funds for the project. The main motion together with its amendment were
finally modified and approved and read as follows; “The Chapter will put-up a piggery
project to be attended to by a hired caretaker and an initial capital of P80, 000.00 pesos
shall come from the Membership fund.” It was approved with a majority vote. There was
no objection on the motion to adjourn the meeting and so the meeting was adjourned at
10:00 a.m.
I certify to the correctness of the foregoing minutes.
__________________________

Secretary
Attested:
___________________________
President

SAMPLE RESOLUTION

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE USE OF FUND OF

P80, 000.00 PESOS TO FINANCE A
PIGGERY PROJECT
Resolution # 003-s-2007

WHEREAS, the Chapter is a recognized association of agricultural students of the

Romblon State College, Odiongan, Romblon;
WHEREAS, the association is foreseeing a legitimate expenditure being the host to the
“First FFPCC Regional Convention” in February 2008;
WHEREAS, the association has a “sleeping fund” of P100, 000.00 pesos from its
membership fees;
WHEREFOR, considering the foreseen expenses of the association, on motion and duly
seconded;
RESOLVED, that the association will put- up a piggery project to be funded from its
membership fees and to serve as an experiential learning unit of the
students
and to authorize the use of P80,000.00 from the membership fund.
RESOLVED further that copies of this resolution be furnished the Chairperson of the
BAO,
Office of the Dean of Agriculture, the Adviser and to be published in the
 23

Bulletin Board of the Association.

I CERTIFY TO THE CORRECTNESS OF THE FOREGOING.

__________________________

Secretary

Attested:
___________________________
President

SAMPLE BUDGET PROPOSAL

A. Source/s of Fund Amount (Php)

1. Membership Fees 12,000.00
2. Dues from 1,000.00
Penalties
Opening Balance 13,000.00

B. Projects/Activities

1. Lingo ng Wika
a. Prizes 500.00
b. Stage decoration 1,000.00
c. Refreshments 1,500.00

2. Painting of SSC
office
a. White paint with 2,000.00
tinting color-4 gal
b. Wages 1,000.00
3. Purchases
a. Office tables -2 2,000.00
 24

units
4. Students’ Day
a. Prizes 2,000.00
b. Refreshments 500.00
TOTAL EXPENSE (A-B) 12,500.00
Ending Balance 500.00

Prepared by:
_____________________
Treasurer
Audited by: ______________________
Auditor
Attested: ______________________
SSC President
Noted: ______________________
Adviser
Approved: ______________________
Dean of Students

SAMPLE FINANCIAL STATEMENT

Amount (Php)
Receipts
SSC Membership Fees 5,800.00
Other Receipts 6,000.00
Balance in Bank (March 1,200.00
2007)
TOTAL 13,000.00
Less Disbursements
Payment of various accounts 9,500.00
Payment for office supplies 3,000.00
TOTAL 13,000.00

ENDING BALANCE -0-

Prepared by:
_____________________
Treasurer
Audited by: ______________________
Auditor
 25

Attested: ______________________
SSC President
Noted: ______________________
Adviser
Approved: ______________________
Dean of Students

References:

Juan, V. C., 1970. Parliamentary Guide. Lucky Press, Manila

Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised, 10th edition, Perseus Books Group,
Cambridge MA, 2000, p. xxv. http://www.rulesonline.com/