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PHILIPPINE NURSES ASSOCIATION, INC.

HOUSE OF DELEGATES

RULES AND PROCEDURES TO BE USED FOR MEETING


OF THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF DELEGATES (HOD)

If the representative wants to obtain the Floor to Make a Motion (Resolution/Talk)

PROCEDURE:

1. Raise your placard to identify your chapter.


2. The floor leader addresses the chairperson and calls for representative of the chapter.
3. Proceed to the designated microphone following the color coding as:
a) Green Ribbon – if the representative wishes to speak in favor of the motion on the floor.
b) Red Ribbon – if the representative wishes to speak against the motion on the floor.
c) White Ribbon – if the representative has information related to the
motion/resolution/question.
4. The representative identifies herself/himself and the name of the chapter she represents
addressing the chairperson.
5. Chairperson recognizes the representative.
6. Representative says “Thank you madam Chair/Chairperson”
7. The recognized representative states her/his purpose.
8. Chair/Chairperson repeats the motion to the assembly.

GENERAL RULES:

1. All business should be brought before the assembly by:


a) Motion or resolution made by the representative
b) Presentation of communication to the assembly
c) Report of a committee
2. Motion should be seconded before deliberation takes place.
3. The representative is entitled to have the floor only once when the same questions raised
before the assembly unless no other representative wants to speak.
4. A non-representative of the HOD can speak for 3 minutes if an HOD representative yields
his/her right to her/him provided there are no HOD representative wishes to speak.
5. The representative who made the motion can vote against but can’t speak against his motion.
6. The proponent of a motion can modify/withdraw the motion if the chairperson has not stated it
and the one who seconded withdraws his/her second. But if the motion has been stated by the
representative, the assembly should be asked if they give their consent.
7. Any representative of the HOD may request the voting of any motion/resolution by secret
ballot. Majority of the representatives shall approve the motion.
8. Remarks should always be directed to the chairperson.
9. In the event that there is no representative who wish to speak against a motion or resolution,
the chairperson may take the vote on the pending motion.
10. Before any subject is open to debate:
a) Motion must be made by a representative who has the floor
b) Seconded
c) Stated by the presiding officer
d) If the motion is written, this is to be handed to the chairperson who reads before it is
debated on.
11. No representative can divide a complicated question or policy. An amendment that effect
should be raised in a motion.

RESOLUTIONS:

Are new items/major issues or problems or major changes in position? Policies adopted by a group
of a representatives/chapter.

ELEMENTS or FORMAT of a RESOLUTION

1. Resolution title
2. Title
3. Whereas clauses circumstances of the resolution as bases/premises for the decision.
4. Resolve Clauses Solutions to the issue/concern
5. Rationale
6. Statement of Effort
7. Name of opponent/s (regions, chapter, person/s)
8. Signature (optional)

GENERAL RULES on RESOLUTIONS

1. The proponent of the resolution shall read the resolution after she/he has obtained the floor
and recognized by the chairperson
2. The proposed resolution shall be presented in a period of (3) minutes.
3. No resolution shall be on the floor for more than 30 minutes, inclusive of all points or order and
points of information.
4. After the proponent of a resolution is heard, speakers shall be recognized in alerting order
those in favor then those opposing. (3 in favor and 3 opposed, to speak for not more than three
minutes). There shall be a timer to this effect.
5. In the event that the representative having the floor will go beyond the time limit, the floor
leader shall give the warning as follows:
Yellow – you have one minute more
Red – your time is up
6. Any amendments to items in the resolution should be significant, specific, the words you want
to be used and the rationale.
7. No amendments to a proposed resolution unless consent of proponents is sought first.
8. Resolutions should not be those that are:
a) Contained in the provisions and guidelines on the PNA By-laws
b) Contradictory to the provisions and guidelines of the PNA By-laws
c) Duplication of previously approved resolutions and are currently adopted,

AMENDMENTS

Rule in Amendments
1. Amendments are introduced to assist in changing, modifying or helping the motion to be more
acceptable to the assembly
2. Amendments are made to make the motion more complete and desirable
3. An amendment must be relevant to the subject
4. An amendment must be seconded and debated
5. Not more than 2 amendments to a motion are permitted to avoid complications. The first
amendment is called “primary amendment” and the second amendment, “ secondary
amendment”.
6. Amendments to amendments are not allowed. If the proposed amendment is accepted, there
will be no further discussion. The amended resolution as proposed shall be the one voted on.
7. If an amendment to the original resolutions has been proposed, the consent of the proponent
shall be first be obtained.

DEBATES and DECORUM

1. When a motion is made and seconded, it shall be stated again by the chairperson before it is
debated.
2. When any representative is about to speak in a debate, he shall obtain the floor.
3. Before any subject is open to debate, it is necessary that the motion be first made by the
representative who has the floor, seconded, and then it is stated by the chairperson. When the
motion is in writing, it shall be handed to the chairperson and read before it is debated.
4. In a debate, a speaker maybe permitted to provide new information.
5. No motion shall be debated for more than fifteen (15) minutes.

VOTING

METHODS OF TAKING THE VOTE

1. By the viva voice (most common)


2. Aye and No
3. Raising right hand
4. Rising
5. Ballots (usually in election)
6. Roll call
7. General consent or unanimous vote (used if no objection)
8. By mail if members are scattered and is authorized by the by-laws
9. Proxy voting (usually in stock corporation)
10. Debate upon a question is not closed by the chairperson rising to put the question, until both
the affirmative and negative are put, a representative can claim the floor and reopen the
debate.
11. The proper reply to “are you ready for the question” is either:
a) Silence, which gives the chairperson authority to proceed with the voting
b) Go to the microphone to express your wish to continue the debate
12. Debate can be closed by the following motions:
a) An objection to the consideration of a question
b) To lay on the table
c) The previous question
d) For the assembly to adopt an order by:
- Limiting the length of speeches
- Closing debate upon the subject at a stated time

CLOSING DEBATE

1. The one who closes the debate is the proponent of the motion
2. Affirmative and negative side shall be heard
3. Debates can be closed by the following motions cited above, which are not debatable

PARLIAMENTARY DON’T’S

1. Don’t be late for the meeting. All participants should register his name and chapter he
represents
2. Don’t sit in the rear. Leave the rear seats for the late comers.
3. Don’t say “I move you” …
4. Don’t say, “I make a motion to …”rather” I move to …..”
5. Don’t wait to obtain the floor in order to second a motion.
6. Don’t stand while another is speaking.
7. Don’t fail to take part in the debate if you have a viewpoint to express/want
information/parliamentary assistance.
8. Don’t claim the floor the second time if there are others who wish to speak the first time.
9. Don’t be silent during the debate and criticize after the meeting
10. Don’t speak on a motion while vote is being counted or taken.
11. Don’t address a woman chairperson as “Chairlady” say “Madam Chairperson”
12. Don’t carry on a conversation with your neighbor while someone is talking.
13. Don’t forget to notify the chairperson of a committee of which you are a member if you cannot
attend a meeting
14. Don’t accept an office unless you are willing to assume responsibilities.
15. Don’t use your knowledge of parliamentary law to hinder business by constantly raising points
or order and insisting upon strict observance of every rule at a meeting in which the majority of
the members have no knowledge about.
16. Don’t leave the meeting unless necessary & until it is adjourned by the chair.
17. Don’t use your cell-phone while session is on.

MRVT/emy
5.27.2013

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