ARTICLE I
NAME AND DOMICILE
Section 1. The Demokratiko-Sosyalistang Kabataan ng Pilipinas, DSKP for short as used in this Constitution, is an independent and autonomous organization of youth and students embodied along the Filipino Democratic Socialist line and is based on the basic tenets of Critical Realism and Authentic Humanism.
Section 2. The National Headquarters of the DSKP shall be situated in Metro Manila. These headquarters may be transferred by decision of the National Congress or by the National Council.
ARTICLE II
GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
Section 1. The DSKP commits itself to the pursuit of the ideals of the embodied in the declaration of Principles and Policies in this Constitution in the context of the realities of the Philippine Society. In accordance with the principles set forth in this Declaration and especially as concretized in Filipino historical, cultural and social experience, the DSKP commits itself to the building of a truly democratic and socialist society. These, further, in the context of global struggle for an authentically humanist civilization.
Section 2. The DSKP commits itself to the achievement of the following objectives:
(a.) Unite the Filipino youth and students into broad mass organization for the effective pursuit and promotion of their material, political, social, cultural and spiritual well-being;
(b.) provide the necessary education and training to all its members so as to become effective in the DSKP revolutionary works;
(c.) serve as a motive force in the conscientization of the broad masses of people on the crisis of the Philippine society and present the Democratic Socialist Alternative;
(d.) work for the promotion and protection of the Filipino youth, students and young workers’ rights and welfare;
(e.) strengthen, protect and extend democratic institutions, civil rights and liberties and secure the full participation of the youth in the political process of society;
(f.) build principled alliances of different levels with other organizations and movements of the basic masses; and
(g.) establish fraternal relations with Democratic Socialist and Social Democratic youth organizations throughout the world (IUSY) ,
Section 3. Realizing the collective character of this objectives, the DSKP enjoins all youth and students and there organizations to come together in true solidarity to achieve this objectives.
ARTICLE III
MEMBERSHIP
Section 1. Eligibility. Any Filipino citizen, who is from fifteen to thirty-five years of age, who accept the tenets of Authentic Humanism, the Programmes and the organic laws of DSKP, and commits himself to active work within the units in the DSKP's organizational structure, to obey the decision of the DSKP, to pay such regular dues and special assessments as the DSKP require, and a member of a DSKP fraternal youth mass organizations, maybe allowed to apply for membership in the DSKP.
Section 2. Categories of Membership. Membership in the DSKP shall be classified into two categories, as follows:
(a.) Regular Members. These are person who have fulfilled the education and training requirements of the DSKP, and have taken oath and training requirements of the DSKP, and have taken oath of allegiance to and membership in the DSKP.
(b.) Candidate Members. There are persons who are undergoing education and training toward regular membership in the DSKP, having been recommended and approved for such education and training by duly-designated DSKP organs or committees.
Section 3. Accreditation. Membership in the DSKP is granted according to the following system of accreditation:
(a.) An applicant maybe admitted to candidate membership upon sponsorship by one regular member in good standing, with the recommendation of the political officer of the DSKP local collective to which he is making his application, and with the approval of the political officer of the DSKP local chapter, after a probation period which shall vary as follows:
(i.) For workers, rural workers, poor peasants, poor fisherman or urban poor, at least four weeks as candidate member active in the DSKP unit working primarily among the basic masses;
(ii.) for middle peasants, middle fisherman, office workers, small businessman, professionals and collage and university students at least six weeks as a candidate member active in a DSKP unit working primarily among the basic masses;
(iii.) for those with class situations other than the above, at least eight weeks as a candidate active in a DSKP unit working primarily among the basic masses.
Section 4. Duties of Regular Members. All regular members shall internalize and faithfully observe the Code of Ethics of the DSKP.
(a.) by advancing the unity and strength of the DSKP through the raising of the level of their understanding of Authentic Humanism and its application to the concrete problems of the DSKP and the revolution;
(b.) by placing the interest of the people and those of the DSKP over their own interests, and faithfully serving the people;
(c.) by learning from the masses and explaining to them the policies and decision of the DSKP, and conscientiously reporting to the DSKP the needs and aspiration of the people;
(d.) by combating rightist and extreme leftist deviations from the Democratic Socialist line and all erroneous tendencies of thought and action within the DSKP;
(e.) by following the organic laws and programmes of the DSKP;
(f.) by thoroughly carrying out the DSKP's line and all particular task assigned to them;
(g.) by excelling in their line of work and becoming exemplary in discipline, diligence in work, humility and austerity of life in the DSKP units, mass organizations, among the people;
(h.) by carrying out the criticism and self-criticism in order to identify errors and weaknesses, and by honestly striving to overcome these and improve their political work;
(i.) by working within a particular DSKP unit and faithfully attending and participating in meetings;
(j.) by conscientiously participating in study courses and constantly reading and propagating the publications of the DSKP;
(k.) by remaining faithful to the DSKP and providing all the data and evidence needed for the formation of correct decisions;
(l.) by scrupulous of regular dues and special assessments;
(m.) by vigilantly watching out for any situation or event within or outside DSKP, and combating all which are detrimental to the welfare of the DSKP and the people; and
(n.) by recruiting for, and organizing of DSKP units.
Section 5. Rights of Regular Members. The right of the DSKP members derive from their human dignity and the democratic and fraternal character of DSKP life and organization, are meant to facilitate the performance of their tasks for the advancement of the revolution. The most important rights include the following:
(a.) To freely participate in deliberations in DSKP meetings on theoretical and practical problems regarding the line, policies and decision of the DSKP;
(b.) to elect and be elected to office within the DSKP;
(c.) to submit suggestions, manifestations and complaints to any unit or organ of the DSKP at any level, using proper channels;
(d.) to constructively criticize any unit or organ or any member of the DSKP in any meeting;
(e.) to examine the qualification of candidates for any office or position;
(f.) to appeal any decisions to higher organs of the DSKP, according to the rules in the organic laws of the DSKP; and
(g.) to petition to be allowed to attend any meeting called to examine their qualities of work or any disciplinary action imposed on them, except when their attendance is rendered inadvisable because of danger to the security of the DSKP.
Section 6. Duties and Rights of Candidate Members. The duties and rights of candidate members are the same as those of regular members except that they neither elect nor be elected to DSKP office and they have no voting powers in terms of decision and policy-making.
Section 7. Loss of Membership.
(a.) Membership maybe lost by resignation, expulsion or by unjustified prolonged inactivity in the affairs of the DSKP.
(b.) Candidate members and regular members are free to resign from the DSKP. Each resignation shall be fully explained in the DSKP unit or organ concerned
(c.) Determination of unjustified prolonged inactivity shall be the prerogative of the DSKP unit or organ with immediate presumptive jurisdiction over the person concerned.
Section 8. Offenses and Disciplinary Measures. Members accused of offenses against the Code of Ethics and particular DSKP policies and directives shall be given fair treatment according to the rules in the Code of Disciplines of the DSKP.
ARTICLE IV
THE NATIONAL CONGRESS
Section 1. Supreme authority in the DSKP reside in the National Congress.
Section 2. The National Congress shall:
(a.) Review and adopt the basic policies of the DSKP:
(b.) hear and discuss the Report of the Chairperson on the governance and activities of the DSKP;
(c.) adopt Program of Action;
(d.) fix the rates of dues and other assessments;
(e.) elect by secret ballot the member of the National Council; and
(f.) otherwise, make all decisions which are in the national interest of the DSKP.
Section 3. The National Congress shall be held once after three (3) years.
Section 4. Members in good standing shall be entitled into one (1) voting delegate per collective which shall not be less than seven (7) full pledge dues paying members to the National Congress sectorally and geographically distributed into barangays, schools, clubs, factories and/or organizations.
Section 5. Affiliated youth, students and young workers organizations in good standing shall also be entitled to send their delegates.
ARTICLE V
THE NATIONAL COUNCIL
Section 1. Between sessions of the National Congress, the government of the affairs of the DSKP shall be vested in the National Council.
Section 2. The National Council shall be composed of one (1) representative from each region and four (4) members-at-large to be elected by the National Congress.
Section 3. The National Council shall:
(a.) elect among themselves the Executive Committee of the DSKP;
(b.) recommended amendments to the Constitution and By-Laws and basic policies and programmes of DSKP;
(c.) discuss and promulgates implementing guidelines to basic policies and programmes approved by the National Congress;
(d.) adopt the annual budget;
(e.) hear, and discuss and adopt the reports and recommendations of the Executive Committee;
(f.) draft the agenda and decide on the date and place of the National Congress; and
(g.) otherwise, make all decisions which are of general interest to the DSKP in accordance with its Constitution, basic policies and programmes.
Section 4. The National Council shall meet quarterly, special meetings of the council may be called by a two-thirds (2/3) majority decisions of the officers or by written request of the majority of Council members.
Section 5. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum to transact business. Except as otherwise provided in this constitution, a majority vote of the quorum shall suffice to pass any decision of the Council.
ARTICLE VI
THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Section 1. The executive committee shall implement the policies and programmes adopted by the National Congress and the National Council.
Section 2. The executive committee shall be composed of the Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson for Organization, the Vice-Chairperson for the Propaganda and Education, the Vice-Chairperson for the Political Affairs, the Vice-Chairperson for Internal Affairs, the Secretary-General, the Deputy Secretary-General, the Treasurer, the Auditor and the Press Relation Officer (PRO).
Section 3. The members of the Executive Committee shall hold office for one (1) year from the election and assumption until their successor shall have been duly elected by the council.
Section 4. The Executive Committee shall meet once a month to transact business of the DSKP. A majority of those present shall suffice to make decisions.
Section 5. The Chairperson shall:
(a.) be the Chief Executive and official spokesman of the DSKP;
(b.) preside over meetings of the Congress, Council and Executive Committee;
(c.) in behalf of the Executive Committee, report on the governance and activities of the DSKP to the Congress and Council;
(d.) represent DSKP on meetings, conferences, and similar activities when DSKP is invited; and
(e.) acts as co-signatory in bank deposits and disbursements and see other Financial transactions.
Section 6. The Vice-Chairperson of Organization shall take charge of all organizational efforts particularly in terms of expansion and consolidation of the DSKP.
Section 7. The Vice-Chairperson for the Propaganda and Education shall take charge of all propaganda and educational drives of the DSKP. Formulate and set guidelines to guard and ensure ideological purity and direction of the DSKP.
Section 8. The Vice-Chairperson for the Political Affairs shall take charge, if not, coordinate all mass actions and mass campaigns of the DSKP.
Section 9. The Vice-Chairperson for International Affairs shall take charge of all international relations and activities of the DSKP.
Section 10. In case of death, disability, resignation or impeachment of the Chairperson, the Council shall elect the successor from the Vice-Chairpersons.
Section 11. The Secretary-General shall:
(a.) Be the chief Administrative Officer of the DSKP;
(b.) organize, head and supervise the National Secretariat which shall aid him in his work; and recommend the appointment of the staff for review and approval of the Council;
(c.) perform such other functions as may be directed by the Council or consistent with the mandate of his office.
Section 12. The Deputy Secretary-General shall:
(a.) Succeed the secretary-general in case of the latter's death, disability, resignation, impeachment or absence;
(b.) perform such other functions as may be assigned to the position by the Secretary-General or the Council.
Section 13. The Treasurer shall:
(a.) Safeguards all funds and properties of the DSKP;
(b.) deposits the funds of the DSKP in a reputable bank to be designated by the Council and serve as principal signatory in all Financial transactions of the DSKP;
(c.) prepare and sign the Annual Financial Report; prepare a propose budget of the DSKP for review and approval of the Council; report on the Financial status of the DSKP to the Congress, Council and Committee;
Section 14. The Auditor shall:
(a.) Audit periodically the finance of the DSKP and certify the Financial Report of the Treasurer;
(b.) together with the Treasurer, recommended sound Financial Practices and system to the Council.
Section 15. The Press Relation Officer (PRO) shall take charge liaison with the press and projecting the DSKP through media or through other means.
ARTICLE VII
THE REGIONAL COUNCIL
Section 1. The regional council shall be the highest policy an implementing body of the DSKP and the regional level.
Section 2. The regional Council shall be composed of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Regional Executive Committee members equivalent to that of the National level, and one representative per collective and of affiliated youth, student and young workers organizations.
Section 3. The Regional Council shall:
(a.) Executive DSKP policies and program of action at the regional level;
(b.) report to the Executive Committee of the activities of the region; and
(c.) coordinated with the Executive Committee and National Secretariat the Administration of the affairs of the DSKP.
ARTICLE VIII
THE LOCAL COLLECTIVE
Section 1. The Local Collective are the basic unit of the DSKP composed of at least seven (7) and up full pledge members geographically, sectorally distributed into barangays, schools, clubs, factories, and/or organizations.
Section 2. They shall be managed by their elected officers in accordance with the Constitution and basic policies of the DSKP.
Section 3. The Local Collective shall:
(a.) Executive policies and program of action of the DSKP at the local level;
(b.) engage in activities geared for the general welfare of it’s members and the DSKP.
(c.) otherwise, perform all other functions as provided for in this Constitution.
Section 4. The Local Collective shall hold quarterly general membership meeting or as often as deem necessary by its officers.
Section 5. A simple majority shall constitute a quorum in the local collective membership and a majority vote for the quorum shall suffice to pass any decision of the collective, except as otherwise provided in the Constitution and by-laws of the Local Collective.
Section 6. All vacancies in Local collective officers shall be promptly filled by election, provided that the local collective may provide other means for fillings such vacancies.
ARTICLE IX
THE COMMISSION ON ELECTION
Section 1. The Commission on election shall be composed of five (5) members appointed by the Council from among the members of the DSKP who are not candidate for any elective position in the Council and Executive Committee. The COMELEC shall be constituted at least one (1) month prior to every Congress and its members shall hold office upon their appointment until the newly elected officers of the Executive Committee shall have been proclaimed.
Section 2. The COMELEC shall:
(a.) Accept nominations for elective positions in the Council and Executive Committee;
(b.) conduct the election of members to the Council and officers of the Executive Committee;
(c.) canvass the votes and proclaim the winners;
(d.) otherwise adopt their own rules and regulations not in consistent with this Constitution and the policies promulgated by the Council.
ARTICLE X
THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT
The National Secretariat shall take charge of administering the daily affairs of the DSKP under the supervision of the Secretary-General.
ARTICLE XI
VACANCIES
Section 1. Except as provided in this Constitution, all vacancies in the Executive Committee shall be filled by the Council from among it’s members.
Section 2. A vacancy in the Council shall be filled by the Council from nominees of regions, affiliated youth, students and young workers organizations.
ARTICLE XII
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Section 1. Membership in the DSKP entails a firm adherence to a Nationalist, democratic, socialist and revolutionary line engaged in the struggle for national liberation of the Filipino people through participation in the waging of the Filipino social democratic revolution. The highest duty of the entire DSKP membership consist of sincere service to the welfare of the people. Members are expected to pledge their commitment to the principles and actions of the DSKP within an important component of the movement for national liberation. In this regard, members are always being called to mind carry out the Code of Ethics of the Demokratiko-Sosyalistang Kabataan ng Pilipinas.
Section 2. In order to be an effective instrument for national liberation, the DSKP as a whole shall strictly observe the policy of Criticism-Self-Criticism. This aims to reinforce correct attitudes, policies and practices, and to rectify erroneous ones.
Section 3. Democratic unity is the principle that governs the DSKP’s organization. The life and strength of the DSKP’s units and organs are advanced by the practice of unity based on democracy under a unified leadership. In order to achieve this, the following basic conditions are necessary:
(a.) The principle elements of the organs of the DSKP shall be elected by and be responsible to the unit of assembly that elected them.
(b.) After free and thorough discussions, the DSKP shall be strictly enforced according to the following standards:
(i.) The individual shall submit to the collective;
(ii.) the minority shall submit to the majority;
(iii.) the subordinate levels shall submit to the superior levels of the DSKP organization; and
(iv.) the whole membership of the DSKP shall submit to the National Council and to the National Congress.
(a.) The leadership organs of the DSKP shall pay careful attention to the reports and position of the subordinate organs and mass membership and shall constantly learn from concrete experiences and give prompt assistance for the solution of problems.
(b.) Subordinate DSKP units and organs shall submit regular and special reports regarding their political work to superior organs and shall conscientiously seek directions regarding problems requiring decisions by superior DSKP organs.
(c.) All DSKP unit shall follow the principle of collective leadership and shall collectively decide all important questions.
ARTICLE XIII
THE DSKP SYMBOLS AND CUSTOMS
Section 1. The DSKP flag is red. In the middle of the red field is a golden upright equilateral triangle. Inside the triangle is a “tambuli” and letters SMK written in the old Filipino alphabet.
(a.) The red color signifies revolutionary valor in the struggle for national liberation;
(b.) The golden triangle represents the revolutionary triple alliance of peasants, workers, and small bourgeoisie;
(c.) The “tambuli” (carabao horn) symbolizes the call for unity of the Filipino masses for the advancement of the Filipino social democratic revolution; and
(d.) Letters SMK in old Filipino alphabet symbolizes DSKP’s nationalism. It also represents the historical continuity of DSKP as predecessor of the Sandigan ng Malayang Kabataan, the youth arm of Partido Demokratiko-Sosyalista ng Pilipinas (Philippine Democratic-Socialist Party).
Section 2. The DSKP shall observe the following holidays:
(a.) 17th of February (1872) - The Martyrdom of GOMBURZA.
A cause and symbol of emergence of Filipino nationalist consciousness.
(b.) 1st of May - World Labor Day
(c.) 7th of July (1892) - Foundation of the Kataastasan Kagalanggalang na Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Most Exalted and Most Honorable Society of Sons of the People).
(d.) 23rd of August (1896) - Cry of Pugadlawin.
(e.) 30th of November (1863) - Anniversary of the birth of Andres Bonifacio.
(f.) 15th of December (1875) - Anniversary of the Birth of Emilio Jacinto
Founding anniversary of the Sandigan ng Malayang Kabataan.
