MLB.2018

THE

MASONIC LAW BOOK

of the

Most Worshipful
Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted

Masons of the Philippines

2018 Edition



OFFICIAL SEAL
OF THE

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE
OF FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS

OF THE PHILIPPINES



MW Abraham N. Tolentino

100th Grand Master
2017-2018



FOREWORD

Our current edition of The Constitution of the Most Worshipful Grand
Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines (Masonic Law
Book Centennial Edition 1912-2012) was completed in 2012. However,
numerous Edicts have already been approved by the Grand Lodge in
the subsequent years leading up to the present and some of which have
the effect of revising the existing written provisions of the Constitution
and Ordinances. Those approved Edicts are still not integrated and
harmonized into the provisions of the present Constitution and
Ordinances.

Thus, a Special Communication was called by your Grand Master
in order to discuss, deliberate and approve the integration with our
existing Masonic Law Book of all Edicts approved beginning the term
of MW Gabionza up to the term of MW Gazmin in order to update the
Constitution of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons of the Philippines. The Edicts I issued were likewise approved
during the said Special Communication.

Henceforth, this revised Masonic Law Book already included all the
approved Edicts up to my term this Masonic Year 2018. It also contained
Masonic Rituals being used in the Lodge, Grand Lodge and in general.

I therefore wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to all the members
of the Joint-Committee for their selfless dedication and commitment to
devote their precious time and talent to serve the brethren by completing
the integration of all approved edicts and come out with this Revised
Edition of Masonic Law Book 2018.

With this new version of our Masonic Law Book, our brethren will
be fully guided on the updated provisions of our Constitution and
Ordinances including other existing Edicts and Masonic Rituals.

31 March 2018, Manila, Philippines

ABRAHAM N. TOLENTINO
100th Grand Master



GRAND LODGE OFFICERS

MASONIC YEAR 2017-2018

Grand Master MW Abraham N. Tolentino
Deputy Grand Master RW Romeo S. Momo
Senior Grand Warden RW Agapito S. Suan Jr.
Junior Grand Warden RW Rolen C. Paulino
Grand Treasurer MW Juanito G. Espino, Jr., PGM
Grand Secretary MW Danilo D. Angeles, PGM
Assistant Grand Treasurer VW Gregorio M. Monreal
Assistant Grand Secretary VW Nathaniel S. Golla
Grand Auditor VW Romeo A. Bartolome
Grand Chaplain VW Armando G. Cazzola
Grand Orator VW Teodoro Alejandro Y. Kalaw IV
Grand Marshal VW Gilbert L. Mendoza
Grand Historian VW Ludivico D. Badoy
Senior Grand Deacon VW Dexter Y. Macrohon
Junior Grand Deacon VW Zondrex Allan A. Dizon
Grand Standard Bearer VW Ronnie Francis M. Cariaga
Grand Sword Bearer VW Frederick W. Siao
Grand Bible Bearer VW Leo Rafael M. Cueva
Senior Grand Lecturer VW Marcus Antonius T. Andaya
Junior Grand Lecturers
NCR (MD NCR A & G) VW Edwin G. Larida, Jr.
NCR (MD NCR B, C & D) VW Wilfred M. Yu
NCR (MD NCR E & F) VW Mckentyre V. Cabrera
North Eastern Luzon A VW Jose Emmanuel V. Villegas

North Eastern Luzon B VW Eduardo V. Interior
North Western Luzon A VW Geronimo Antonio B. Singson
North Western Luzon B VW Michael Camilo G. Datario
Central Luzon A VW Jose Lucius Pocholo M. Dizon
Central Luzon B VW Victorio V. Vizcocho Jr.
Central Luzon C VW Ferdinando G. Sevilla
Southern Luzon (Bicol) VW Ruf Serafin V. Rosero
Southern Luzon VW Abner DO Malabanan
(Batangas, Rizal,
Quezon, & Mindoro)
Southern Luzon VW Robert Joseph S. Moran
(Cavite & Laguna)
Western Visayas 1 VW Roberto C. Villanueva
Western Visayas 2 VW Reynaldo B. Jampit
Central Visayas VW Janby Earl H. Yu
Eastern Visayas VW Nicolas C. Risos
Western Mindanao VW John Francis G. Go Jr.
Southern Mindanao VW Lorenzo A. Camayang
Northern Mindanao VW Cesar A. Merlas
CARAGA VW Sergio G. Mailig
Overseas VW Erwin Pio B. Bollozos
Senior Grand Steward VW Hector C. Villanueva
Junior Grand Steward VW Eftren T. Arayata Jr.
Grand Pursuivant VW Renato A. Paraiso
Grand Tyler VW Carlito B. Faustino
Grand Organist VW Luis A. Ferrer IV

JOINT-COMMITTEE
FOR SPECIAL COMMUNICATION

(Per Edict No. 295 MW Tolentino)
2017-2018

VW Marcus Antonius T. Andaya, SGL
Chairman

(Chairman – Committee on Revision of the Constitution)

VW Edgardo M. Villareal II, DGL
Vice-Chairman

(Chairman – Committee on Jurisprudence)

Members

Committee on Revision of the Constitution
VW Wharton R. Chan, DDGM
VW Gil B. Mendoza, PDGL

VW Jonald E. Hernandez, DDGM
VW Edwin G. Larida, Jr., JGL

Committee on Jurisprudence
VW Kenneth B. Yambao, DDGM
VW Gonzalo Q. Mapili, Jr., PDDGM

VW Renato A. Paraiso, GP
WB Hubert A. Formento, GLI

Other Members of the Joint Committee
VW Lyceo C. Martinez, PJGL

VW Roberto-Damian A. Morico, DGL
VW Crisostomo C. Beltran, PDGL
WB Darwin S. Reyes



TABLE OF CONTENTS

Foreword
Preamble ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 1

PART I

CONSTITUTION

CHAPTER I

Relating to the Grand Lodge

ARTICLE I – Title and Seal
Sec. 1. Grand Lodge Title .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 1
2. Grand Lodge Seal .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 1
3. Seal ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 2

ARTICLE II – Members, Officers and Titles of Officers
Sec. 1. Members of the Grand Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 2
2. Officers of the Grand Lodge... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 2
3. Elective & Appointive Officers .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 3
4. Qualifications... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 3
5. Title of Officers.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 3
6. Title after tenure of office ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4

ARTICLE III – Powers, Authority and Jurisdiction
Sec. 1. General Power and Authority ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 3
2. Jurisdiction ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4
3. Legislative Powers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 4
4. Executive Powers... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 4
5. Judicial Powers .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 5
6. Final and Executory ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 5

ARTICLE IV – Communications
Sec. 1. Annual Communications ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 5
2. Special Communications ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 6
3. Quorum... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 6
4. Prohibition on Representation by Proxy... . .. . .. . .. . 6
5. Opening of the Grand Lodge... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6
6. Official delegates ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 6

ARTICLE V – Election, Qualifications and Nominations
Sec. 1. Election and Installation of Officers .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 7
2. Appointed Officers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 8
3. Vacancies ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 8

Masonic Law Book xiii

4. Minimum Qualifications for
Grand Lodge Elective Office... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 8
5. Nominations.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 8

ARTICLE VI – Voting, Representation
and Electoral Committee
Sec. 1. Qualified Voters ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 20
2. Number of Votes for qualified
and accredited voters ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 20
3. Prohibition on Voting by Proxy... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 20
4. Unmasonic conduct... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 20
5. Causes of disqualification... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 20
6. Electoral Committee... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 21
7. Powers and Function of ELECOM .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 21
8. Mode of voting by Grand Officers, etc... ... ... ... ... 22
9. Lodge failure to submit Annual Report .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 22
10. Lodges under dispensation.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 22

ARTICLE VII – Standing and Other Committees
Sec. 1. Standing Committees ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 23
2. Special Committees ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 30
3. Other Special Committees .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 31
4. Other Committees, Edicts, Council, Guild, etc... . .. .

ARTICLE VIII – Revenues
Sec. 1. Derivation of revenues ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32
2. The amount of fees, dues, contribution... . .. . .. . .. . 32

ARTICLE IX – The Grand Master
Sec. 1. Powers exercised by the Grand Master
between Communications ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32
2. Enumeration of powers... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 32
3. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 35

ARTICLE X – The Deputy Grand Master
Sec. 1. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 35

ARTICLE XI – The Grand Wardens
Sec. 1. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 36
2. Succession... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 36

ARTICLE XII – The Grand Treasurer
Sec. 1. Powers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 36
2. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 37
3. Official bond.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 38
4. Clearance Certificate
upon expiration of term of office .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 38

xiv THE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE XIII – The Grand Secretary
Sec. 1. Powers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 38
2. Duties .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 38
3. Honorarium .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 39
4. Clearance Certificate
upon expiration of term of office .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 39

ARTICLE XIV – The Grand Auditor
Sec. 1. The Powers and Duties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 40

ARTICLE XV – Council of Elders
Sec. 1. Composition, Powers and Functions ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 40

ARTICLE XVI – The Board for General Purposes
Sec. 1. Composition.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 41
2. Function of the Board... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 41
3. Meetings of the Board... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 41

ARTICLE XVII – The Assistant Grand Treasurer
Sec. 1. Powers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 41
2. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 41

ARTICLE XVIII – The Assistant Grand Secretary
Sec. 1. Powers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 42
2. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 42

ARTICLE XIX – Grand Chaplain
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 42

ARTICLE XX – Grand Orator
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 42

ARTICLE XXI – Grand Marshal
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 42

ARTICLE XXII – Grand Deacons
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 43

ARTICLE XXIII– Grand Historian
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 43

ARTICLE XXIV – Grand Standard Bearer
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 43

ARTICLE XXV – Grand Sword Bearer
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 43

Masonic Law Book xv

ARTICLE XXVI – Grand Bible Bearer
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 44

ARTICLE XXVII – The Grand Lecturers
Sec. 1. The Senior Grand Lecturer Powers and Duties ... ... 44
2. The Junior Grand Lecturers Duties ... ... ... ... ... ... 45

ARTICLE XXVIII – Grand Stewards
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 46

ARTICLE XXIX – Grand Pursuivant
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 46

ARTICLE XXX – Grand Organist
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 46

ARTICLE XXXI – Grand Tyler
Sec. 1. Duty .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 47

ARTICLE XXXII – District Deputy Grand Masters
Sec. 1. Qualifications, Nominations and Appointment... . .. . 47
2. Powers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 47
3. Duties .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 49

ARTICLE XXXIII – District Grand Lecturers
Sec. 1. Number .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 50
2. Duties and Functions ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 50

ARTICLE XXXIV – Grand Lodge Inspectors
Sec. 1. Qualifications .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 50
2. Powers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 50
3. Duties ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 51
4. Prohibited Acts .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 52

ARTICLE XXXV – Amendments
Sec. 1. Procedure in presenting proposed amendments... . 53
2. Adoption of amendments... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 53
3. Laying over of proposed amendment... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 53
4. Effect of “No Vote” upon proposed Amendment/s ... . 53

ARTICLE XXXVI – Transitory Provision
Sec. 1. What is deemed repealed ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 54

xvi THE CONSTITUTION

PART II

ORDINANCES

ARTICLE I – Organization of a Lodge
Sec. 1. Formation of a Lodge ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 55
2. Requisites for the organization of a Lodge... . .. . .. . 55
3. Validity of dispensation... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 57
4. Representation of Lodge Under Dispensation... . .. . 57
5. Constitution of Lodge under dispensation.. . .. . .. . .. 57
6. Failure of Lodge under dispensation
to satisfy requirements... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58
7. Submission of name for approval
of Lodge under dispensation ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 58
8. Officers of the Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 58
9. Primary Purpose of a lodge U.D. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 59
10. Requirement during existence as Lodge U.D.... . .. . 59
11. Prohibitions of Lodge U.D.... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 59
12. Right of lodge U.D.... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 60
13. Obligation of Lodge U.D.... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 60
14. Who are charter members
when a Lodge U.D. is granted charter... ... ... ... ... 60
15. Fee for petitioners to established a Lodge U.D. ... . 60

ARTICLE II – Powers of a Lodge
Sec. 1. Power of a Lodge ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 61
2. General Powers of a Lodge.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 61
3. Specific Powers of a Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 61

ARTICLE III – Duties of a Lodge
Sec. 1. Duties of a Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 63
2. Duties of a Lodge to Grand Lodge... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 63
3. Duties of a Lodge to its members... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 64
4. Duties of a Lodge to other Lodges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 65
5. Duties of a Lodge to the community... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 65

ARTICLE IV – Prohibitions on a Lodge
Sec. 1. Prohibitions on a Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 66
2. Acts prohibited to be performed by a Lodge .. . .. . .. 66

ARTICLE V – Funds and properties of Lodges
Sec. 1. Control of funds and properties ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 69
2. Investments of Lodge funds... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 69
3. Lodge holds title to its assets .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 69
4. Manner of handling its life membership funds... . .. . 69
5. Management of funds... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 69

Masonic Law Book xvii

6. Trust funds ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 70
7. Expenditures of officers or
representative attending the
communication of the Grand Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 70
8. Expenses for refreshments, etc. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 70
9. Prohibitions and duties of Masonic districts ... ... ... 70
10. How to conduct fund raising activity... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 70
11. Prohibition of Brethren in fund raising activity ... ... 71

ARTICLE VI – Degrees and Affiliations

A. Qualification and other Requirements
Sec. 1. Age and other requirements... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 71
2. Residence requirement ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 71
3. Acceptance of petition of a person
who has been rejected ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 72
4. Acceptance of petition of a person
who within the preceding
twelve months has been rejected... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 72
5. Acceptance of petition of a person
whose petition has been rejected
by a Lodge of another jurisdiction... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 72
6. Petition for affiliation
must be accompanied by a demit... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 72
7. Petition for dual membership
must be accompanied by a certificate
of good standing... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 73
8. Petition for degrees and for affiliation
shall be in writing and accompanied by
one-half/(1/2) of the degree fees and photos... . .. . 73
9. Petitions for Degrees and Affilliations
be referred to the Committee of Three ... . .. . .. . .. . 74
10. Privilege of initiated, entered, raised
or obligated brother without proficiency

Examination when the Lodge considered defunct. ... . . 74

B. Referral to Committee on Investigation
Sec. 11. What is included in the report ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 75
12. Special Report of Committee ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 76
13. Withdrawal of petition... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 76
14. Rejection of petition ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...

C. Balloting
Sec. 15. Ballot Box ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 76
16. Content of Ballot Box ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 76
17. Conditions on Balloting

xviii ORDINANCES

on the petition of a candidate.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 76
18. Manner of Balloting... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 77
19. One Ballot for the degrees .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 78
20. Discussion before ballot is taken .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 78
21. Worshipful Master’s Charge on Balloting ... ... ... ... 78
22. Procedure in balloting less than three
or more petitions ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 79
23. Procedure when one black cube appears... ... ... ... 79
24. Discussion regarding unfavorable ballot... . .. . .. . .. . 80

D. Objection and Prohibitions
Sec. 25. Objection to election
may be orally or in writing .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 80
26. Objection made after the election
and before initiation ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 80
27. Objection made after initiation... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 81
28. Procedure in the committee
to resolve objection ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 81
29. Report of committee on the objection... ... ... ... ... 81
30. Advancement of Entered Apprentice
or Fellow Craft to a higher degree... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 82
31. Fees before Entered Apprentice is passed;
and before a Fellow Craft is Raised... ... ... ... ... ... 82
32. Prohibition of Conferring degrees gratuitously ... ... 82
33. Prohibition of Conferring more than one
degree upon a candidate in a meeting .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 82
34. Prohibition of Conferring degree
upon more than one candidate... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 82
35. Prohibition for candidate to pay
or provide refreshments during
period of receiving degrees ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 82

E. How Degrees are Conferred

Sec. 36. Conferral of degrees within this jurisdiction... ... ... 82

37. Receiving degrees from a Lodge

belonging to recognized foreign jurisdiction .. . .. . .. 83

38. Candidate’s Choice of Volume of Sacred Law ... . .. . 83

39. Concurrent jurisdiction in any Masonic District... ... 83

40. Mandatory fifteen (15) day

waiting period before initiation

of candidate after favorable balloting... ... ... ... ... 83

41. Mandatory waiting period

of fourteen (14) days waiting period

before passing & raising ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 83

42. Proficiency Examination in open Lodge

Before Passing and Raising ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 83

Masonic Law Book xix

43. Proficiency Examination of Master Mason
in open lodge not later than
ninety (90) days after raising .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 84
44. The Worshipful Master shall decide the
proficiency and qualification of candidate
after examination .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 84
45. Imposition of disciplinary action
for officers failing to observe the mandatory
waiting period between conferrals... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 84
46. Prohibitions of Master Mason
not complying with the
mandatory proficiency requirement ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 84

F. Related Edicts on Degrees and Affiliations
Sec. 47. Lists of Edicts ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 84

ARTICLE VII – Duties and Fees of Lodges

and Individual Masons

Sec. 1. Fees charged by the Grand Lodge... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 85

2. Annual Dues paid by each Lodge ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 85

3. Dues in case of dual membership... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 86

4. Limitations of Annual membership

dues or degree fees ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 86

5. Granting of Life membership ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 86

6. Remittance of accrued dues... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 87

7. Suspension of member for NPD ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 87

8. Refusal or neglect to pay dues... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 88

9. Master to declare suspension of a member ... ... ... 88

10. Restoration of suspended member ... ... ... ... ... ... 88

ARTICLE VIII- Dissolution of Lodges
Sec. 1. Surrender of Charter .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 88
2. Finality of Surrender of Charter ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 88
3. Certificate of good standing from the
Grand Secretary of Masons whose Lodge
has surrendered its charter ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 89
4. Forfeiture of Charter .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 89
5. No Charter shall be forfeited before charges
against the Lodge shall have been presented
to and investigated by the Grand Lodge ... ... ... ... 89
6. Pendency of arrest of the Charter of a Lodge... . .. . 89
7. Status of members of a Lodge
whose Charter is forfeited .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 89
8. Effect .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 90
9. Dissolution of a Lodge ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 90

xx ORDINANCES

ARTICLE IX – Reactivation of Lodges
Sec. 1. Dissolved Lodge maybe Reactivated ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 90
2. Conditions for reactivation .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 90

ARTICLE X – Officers of Subordinate Lodges
Sec. 1. Election by ballot of Master, Wardens,
Treasurer, Secretary and Auditor.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 91
2. Installation of Officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 91
3. Master of a Lodge shall not be installed
unless he has served as Warden .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 91
4. Senior Warden required to present
Certificate of Proficiency before installation ... ... ... 91
5. Junior Warden required to present
Certificate of Proficiency before installation ... ... ... 91
6. Certificate of Proficiency
sent to Grand Secretary ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 92
7. Failure of Lodge to secure certificate
of proficiency by elected officers .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 92
8. Failure of Lodge to hold election .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 92
9. Vacancy of position of Master .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 92
10. When Master or Warden moves
from jurisdiction of the Lodge.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 92
11. Members in good standing .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 92
12. Master-elect appoints Chaplain,
Marshal, Senior and Junior Deacons, etc... . .. . .. . .. 92

ARTICLE XI – The Master
Sec. 1. Powers of the Master.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 93
2. Duties of the Master... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 93
3. No appeal to the Lodge
from the decision of Master... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 94
4. Deprivation of office, suspension
or expulsion of Master... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 94

ARTICLE XII – The Wardens
Sec. 1. Wardens to assist the Master .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 95
2. Wardens’ assumption of duties
in the absence of the Master ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 95

ARTICLE XIII – The Treasurer
Sec. 1. Duty of the Treasurer ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 95

ARTICLE XIV – The Secretary
Sec. 1. Duty of the Secretary... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 95
2. Books to be kept by the Secretary ... ... ... ... ... ... 97
3. Bond shall be filed by the Secretary ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 99

Masonic Law Book xxi

ARTICLE XV – The Auditor
Sec. 1. Duties of the Auditor .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 99

ARTICLE XVI – The Appointed Officers
Sec. 1. Appointed officers and Duties .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 100
2. Appointment of members by Master-elect ... . .. . .. . 100
3. Funds collected by Almoner
shall be turned over to the Treasurer ... ... ... ... ... 100

ARTICLE XVII – Individual Masons Membership,

Rights and Obligations

Sec. 1. Membership requirement... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 100

2. Termination of membership... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 100

3. No Reimbursement of fees of candidate elected... . .. . 101

4. Rights of Entered Apprentices

and Fellow Crafts ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 101

5. Master Mason must be a member

of some Lodge .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 101

6. Limitations of Memberships... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 101

7. Effects of Suspension of a plural member ... . .. . .. . 101

8. Withdrawal of a plural member

in good standing... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 102

9. Grand Secretary to issue demit

to members in good standing

when Lodge surrenders its Charter... ... ... ... ... ... 102

10. Certificate of good standing issued

to member when applying for affiliation

to another Lodge ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 102

11. Member entitled to be present

and participate in proceeding of Lodge ... . .. . .. . .. . 102

12. Master Mason in good standing

cannot abstain from voting ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 102

13. Honorary member cannot vote or hold office ... . .. . 102

14. Relief cannot be demanded as a right... ... ... ... ... 102

15. Right to visit masonically is not absolute... ... ... ... 103

16. Visitor’s admission in the Lodge... ... ... ... ... ... ... 103

17. Objection to visitor’s admission ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 103

18. Vouching for a visiting brother... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 103

19. Prohibition of a Master Mason

to print and distribute his picture

with Masonic emblems in public... ... ... ... ... ... ... 103

20. Prohibition of a Master Mason

to record portion of the ritual .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 103

21. Masonic intercourse with members

of illegal or clandestine Lodges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 103

xxii ORDINANCES

22. Violation of Ancient Landmarks, etc.... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 103
23. Masonic duty of the Secretary,
scriber of appendant Bodies... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 104

ARTICLE XVIII – Charges, Trial and Procedures

A. Relative to the Grand Master
Sec. 1. Preferment of charges against Grand Master ... . .. . 104
2. Accomplishment of charges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 104
3. Distribution of copies of charges .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 104
4. Organization of Trial Commission ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 105

B. Relative to incumbent past elective grand lodge officers
other than the Grand Master, incumbent or past
appointive grand lodge officers, incumbent masters
of lodges, past masters of lodges and officers and
employees of the Grand Lodge and affiliated allied
organizations and Grand Lodge employees
(Edict No. 293 MW Gazmin).
Sec. 5. Preferment of charges against
any incumbent or Past Elective
Grand Lodge Officers, etc. .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 105
6. Accomplishment of charges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 105
7. Distribution of charges ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 106
8. Referral to committee on preliminary
Investigation / Appointment of Trial Commission.. . .. 106
9. Power of the Committee
on preliminary Investigation... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 106
10. Duty of the Committee
on preliminary investigation... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 106
11. If no answer or position paper... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 106
12. Basis of Decision ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 106
13. Resolution of the Committee of Preliminary
Investigation/Appointment of Trial Commission ... . 107
14. Records of the case be forwarded
to Trial commission... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 107
15. Decision is appealable... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 107

C. Relative to Lodges
Sec. 16. Preferment of charges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 107
17. Accomplishment of Charges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 107
18. Distribution of copies of charges .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 107
19. Appointment of Trial Commission ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 108

Masonic Law Book xxiii

D. Relative to Masons Individually
Sec. 20. Charges may be preferred against
a member of a Lodge ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 108
21. Accomplishment of charges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 108
22. Distribution of copies of charges .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 108
23. Presentation of charges to the
Master of a Lodge under dispensation .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 109
24. Receipt of charges – action thereon ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 109
25. Special meeting to elect Commissioners ... ... ... ... 109
26. Master ex-officio Chairman of Commission... . .. . .. . 109
27. Qualification of Commissioner ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 110
28. Secretary of Lodge as
Secretary of Commission... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 110
29. Masonic charges withdrawn
for failure to prosecute, etc. ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 110

E. Trial Procedure
Sec. 30. Contents of charges ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 110
31. Trial Commission may defer proceedings .. . .. . .. . .. 110
32. Trial Commission shall furnish
respondent with copy of written charges... ... ... ... 110
33. Service of Summon... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 111
34. Objection to any of the Commissioners... . .. . .. . .. . 111
35. Setting of Trial... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 111
36. Preliminary conference and
mandatory appearances ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 111
37. Termination of Preliminary Conferences... . .. . .. . .. . 112
38. Submissions of affidavits and position paper ... . .. . 112
39. Witnesses and documentary evidences... . .. . .. . .. . 112
40. Personal Representation or through counsel .. . .. . .. 112
41. Termination of Proceedings ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 112
42. Penalties Commission may impose... ... ... ... ... ... 112
43. Deliberation by Commissioners... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 113
44. Commission to present its judgment... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 113
45. Decision or judgment of Commission... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 113
46. Effectivity of judgment of Commission.. . .. . .. . .. . .. 113
47. When judgment is reprimand .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 113
48. Duty of the Secretary of Commission ... ... ... ... ... 114
49. How appeal is accomplished... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 114
50. Committee on Grievances ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 114
51. Decision of Grand Master... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 114

xxiv ORDINANCES

F. Cases of Abandonment and other cases tried
and decided by the Grand Master”
Sec. 52. Where to file ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 115
53. Applicability of the Rules on Summary
Procedure; Power of the Grand Master
to hear and decide ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 115
54. Proper Party.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 115
55. Necessity of earnest efforts towards a compromise.115
56. Pardon; Requisites ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 115

G. Reversals and Restorations
Sec. 57. Effect of Reversal of judgment
of suspension or expulsion .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 116

ARTICLE XIX

A. Clothing
Sec. 1. Proper attire in Lodge meetings... ... ... ... ... ... ... 117
2. Regalia of officers at laying
of foundations or cornerstones, etc. ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 117
3. Regalia of officers at funeral
and memorial services ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 117
4. Proper attire at District Conventions,
Masonic functions and
commemoration of Masonic... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 117

B. Grand Lodge Official Regalia
Sec. 5. Collar of the elective officers ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 117
6. Collar of appointive officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 118
7. Collar of Grand Lodge Inspectors ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 118
8. Jewels of Grand Lodge Officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 118
9. Jewels of Regional Grand Officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 119
10. Jewel of District Deputy Grand Master .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 119
11. Jewel of the District Grand Lecturer ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 119
12. Jewel of Grand Lodge Inspector ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 119
13. Apron of Grand Lodge and
Regional Grand Lodge Officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 119
14. Hat of Grand Master... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 120
15. Grand Deacons’ rods .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 120
16. Grand Stewards’ rods ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 120
17. Grand Marshal’s baton... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 120

C. Subordinate Lodge Official Regalia
18. Collar of Subordinate Lodge Officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 120
19. Jewels of Subordinate Lodge Officers... ... ... ... ... 120
20. Marshal’s baton ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 121

Masonic Law Book xxv

21. Deacons’ rods ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 121
22. Stewards’ rods .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 121
23. Aprons for officers ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 121
24. Aprons for members .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 121

ARTICLE XX

A. Amendments
Sec. 1. Proposed amendments to Ordinances ... . .. . .. . .. . 122
2. Adoption of amendment ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 122
3. No vote on proposed amendment... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 122

B. Definitions
Sec. 4. Interpretation of words and terms ... ... ... ... ... ... 122

PART III

UNIFORM CODE OF BY LAWS
FOR SUBORDINATE LODGES

ARTICLE I – Of Name and Officers
Sec. 1. Name of Lodge and Officers... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 127

ARTICLE II – Of Elections and Appointments
Sec. 1. Elective and Appointive Officers of the Lodge .. . .. 127
2. Solicitation by members for
any position in the Lodge ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 127

ARTICLE III – Of Meetings of the Lodge
Sec. 1. Stated Meetings .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 128
2. Special Meetings ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 128
3. Vacation period ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 128

ARTICLE IV – Of Initiation and Membership
Sec. 1. Petitioner shall sign petition... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 128
2. No degree conferral without Orientation. ... . .. . .. . 128
3. Period when elected petitioner
shall present himself for initiation .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 128
4. Signing of By-Laws of the Lodge
by every person securing the degrees
of Master Mason (and exception) ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 129

ARTICLE V – Of the Treasurer
Sec. 1. Duties of Treasurer ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 129
2. Bond executed, if required ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 129

xxvi BY-LAWS

ARTICLE VI – Of the Secretary
Sec. 1. Duties of Secretary ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 129
2. Compensation of Secretary ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 129

ARTICLE VII – Of the Tyler
Sec. 1. Duty of Tyler ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 130
2. Tyler’s Compensation ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 130

ARTICLE VIII – Of Fees
Sec. 1. Table of Fees ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 130
2. Fees accompanying petitions .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 130

ARTICLE IX – Of Dues
Sec. 1. Dues of each member ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 130
2. Arrears for dues at the time of election ... . .. . .. . .. . 130
3. Effect of suspension for non-payment
of dues-how restored ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 130
4. Withdrawal from membership ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 131

ARTICLE X – Of Committees
Sec. 1. Charity Committee ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 131
2. Appointment of Auditing Committee ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 131
3. Reports of Committee in writing ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 131

ARTICLE XI – Of Revealing the Transactions of the Lodge
Sec. 1. Revealing the Transactions of the Lodge ... ... ... ... 131

ARTICLE XII – Of the Order of Business
Sec. 1. Regular order of business .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 131

ARTICLE XIII – Of Amendments
Sec. 1. How amendments of
By-Laws may be made .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 132

Masonic Law Book xxvii

PART IV

RITUALS AND CEREMONIES

A.
1. Lodge

1. Prayer in Lodge –Edict No. 43 (MW Ofilada) .. . .. . .. 133
2. During the Opening Ceremonies of the First,
Second and Third degrees in Masonry,
The Holy Bible should be Displayed on the
Above Cited Psalms, chapters and Verses in
Reference to their Respective Degrees
–Edict No.78 (MW Lacson) .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 133
3. Invocation, Benediction or Prayer referring
only to Supreme Being in names common
to all as God, Father or Supreme Architect
or Ruler of the Universe
–Edict No. 163 9MW Aportadera) ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 133
4. The Flag Ceremony –Edict No. 44,
as amended (MW Quasha) .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 133
5. Regulating the Conduct of Installation
Ceremonies of Officers of Blue Lodges
–Edict No. 238 (MW Gonzales)... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 133
6. To amend the Ritual of Closing
of the Lodge in any Degree
–Edict No. 251 (MW Abergas).. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 133
7. Closing the Lodge
–Edict No. 251-A (MW Gabionza) ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 133
8. Centennial monitor
–Edict Nos. 261, 261-A, 261-B (MW Espino) ... . .. . 133
9. Presentation of the “Scroll of Remembrance”
to the Bereaved Family of a Deceased Brother
–Edict No. 145 (MW Mateo)... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 133
10. Ritual of Closing of Lodge in
Any Degree of the Symbolic Masonry ... ... ... ... ... 133
11. Ceremony of Constituting a Masonic Lodge ... ... ... 133
12. Dedication of Masonic Halls ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 142
13. Ceremony of Formally Opening
(Institution) A New Lodge under Dispensation ... ... 154
14. Ceremony of Cornerstone Laying ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 166
15. Installation Ceremony for the Officers
of Blue Lodges. ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 175
16. Masonic Funeral rites ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 175

xxviii RITUALS AND CEREMONIES

2. District
17. Installation ceremony of Grand Lodge inspectors
–Edict No. 148 (MW Mateo)... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 175
18. Providing for a Uniform Procedure
in the district Turn-Over Ceremonies
Edict No. 274 (MW Rentoy) ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 175
19. Public form for district Turn-Over Ceremonies
–Edict No. 274-A (MW Gazmin) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 175
20. Ceremony for the Lodge Remembrance

3. Grand Lodge
21. Opening and closing of GLP
–Edict No. 249-A (MW Gazmin) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 175
22. Installation Ceremony for the Officers
of the Grand lodge of the Philippines... . .. . .. . .. . .. . 175

4. In General
23. Harmonizing all Existing Edicts Pertaining
to Grand Honors and Reception of dignitaries
–Edict No. 175-B (MW Labitoria)... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 175
24. Amending Par 15 of Edict No. 175-B on the
Reception of Past Grand Masters During Lodge
Meetings or District or Multi-District Convention
–Edict No. 240 (MW Aniag) ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 176
25. Introduction of the Grand Master as
Guest Speaker –Edict No. 281 (MW Rentoy).. . .. . .. 176
26. Appointment of Grand Master’s Duly Authorized
Representative or Grand Master’s Deputy ... . .. . .. . 176

B. EDICTS ON AWARDS

1. On Honors, Awards, and citation
–Edict No. 79 (MW Bunda) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 176
2. On Honors, Awards, and citation
–Edict No. 79-A (MW Labitoria)... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 176
3. Additional honors, Awards and citations to Deserving
Past Master –Edict No. 79-B (MW Labitoria)... . .. . .. . .. . 176
4. Establishing the Hiram award
–Edict No. 166 (MW Aportadera) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 176
5. Additional Honors, Awards, and Citations to
Deserving Master –Edict No. 79-C (MW Gabionza)... ... 176

C. MASONIC CELEBRATIONS
a. Proclaiming the annual Observance of widows and
Orphans day –Edict No. 162 (MW Aportadera)... . .. . .. . 176

Masonic Law Book xxix

b. Declaring December 19 of every
Masonic Year as Past Grand Master’s Day
–Edict No. 278 (MW Rentoy)... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 176
c. ANNUAL OBSERVANCE
OF JUNE 19 AND DECEMBER 20... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 176
d. MASONIC HEROES DAY... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 177

D. OTHERS
1. To all Masters, Officers and Members of Lodge
under this Jurisdiction (Administrative Assistant
to the Grand Master) –Edict No. 72 (MW Kalaw).. . .. . .. 178
2. Standard Building Plan for Provincial Lodges
–Edict No. 123 (MW Choa) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 178
3. Uniform code of By-laws for District
–Edict No. 127 (MW Choa) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 178
4. An Act Providing Permanent Membership numbers
to all Masons thru a New I.D. Card system
–Edict No. 153 (MW Mateo) .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 178
5. RE: Bids of subordinate Lodges to Host Annual

Communications Outside of the City of Manila
–Edict No. 136 (MW Choa) ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 178
6. Regulations Governing the appropriate Use of the
Centennial Monitor and Subsequent Revisions
thereof –Edict No. 260 (MW Gabionza)... ... ... ... ... ... 178
7. Regulating the production, sale, Purchase and Use
of Promotional Masonic Items and Imposing penalties
for violations thereof –Edict No. 273 (MW Rentoy)... ... 178
8. Amending Edict No. 273 by Providing accreditation
Fees in Regulating the Production, Sale, Purchase
and Use of Promotional Masonic Items
–Edict No. 273-A (MW Rentoy).. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 178

PART V

MISCELLANEOUS

Rules of Order and Order of Business-Grand Lodge... . .. . .. . .. . 179
- Rules of Order... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 179
- Order of Business ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 181
Duties and Tenure of Grand Representatives ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 182
Basis for Recognition of Grand Lodge... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 183
Basic Principles for Grand Lodge Recognition.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 183
Official Languages .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 184

xxx MISCELLANEOUS

Prohibition to hold membership, etc.... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 185
Lodge Administration .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 185
Religion in public schools... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 186
Candidates Rejected in Foreign Jurisdiction... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 187
Use of the Title “Masonic” ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 187
Presentation of Bible... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 187
Special Teams for Degree Work ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 187
Use of word “Profane” ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 187
The word “Subordinate” as used in the Constitution... . .. . .. . .. . 188
Souvenir Trowel ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 188
Payment of Burial Expenses not an obligation ... ... ... ... ... ... 188
Printing Matters ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 189
Special Committee on Palma’s Book.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 189
Invitation to sit in the East .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 190
On Communism ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 190
The Ancient Laws ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 191
(i) The Old York Constitution of 926... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 191
Fifteen Articles ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 191
The Fifteen Points... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 192
Additional Ordinances ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 194
(ii) The Constitutions of Edward III .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 194
(iii) Regulation of 1663 ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 195
(iv) The Ancient Installation Charges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 195
(v) The Ancient Charges at Makings ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 196
(vi) The Regulation of 1703 ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 198
(vii) The Regulation of 1717 ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 198
(viii) The Regulation of 1720 ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 198
(ix) The Charges Approved In 1722 .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 198
I. Concerning God and Religion .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 198
II. Of the Civil Magistrate,
Supreme and Subordinate .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 199
III. Of Lodges... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 199
IV. Of Masters, Wardens,
Fellows and Apprentices ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 199
V. Of the Management of the
Craft in Working... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 200
VI. Of Behavior, viz... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 201
(X) The “Old Regulations” in 1721... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 204

The Landmarks or the Unwritten Law... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 214
Of Forms for Various Purposes ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 223
Certificate for a Diploma for a Master Mason.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 223
Certificate for a Diploma for the
benefit of family of a deceased brother... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 224
Petition for a Dispensation to form a new lodge.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 225

Masonic Law Book xxxi

Recommendation of a petition for the
formation of a new lodge ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 226
Certificate of qualification of officers Proposed for a lodge ... ... 227
Dispensation to form a new lodge ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 228
Petition for a Charter .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 230
Charter ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 231
Receipt for Dues... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 233
Notice of Special Meeting to Elect Trial Commissioners... . .. . .. . 234
Certificate of withdrawal without recommendation .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 235
Certificate for amendment of By-Laws... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 236
Charge of unmasonic conduct .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 237
Notification to a Commissioner ... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 238
Notification to an Accuser... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 239
Summons to an Accused Brother.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 240
Certificate of Service .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 241
Summons to Witness .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 242
Letter of Authorization to Take Testimony .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 243
Record of finding... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 244
Form of Transcript of Record of Trial.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 245
Form of record at a meeting
for election of Trial-Commissioners.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 245
Record of Proceedings before Commissioners... . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . 247
Certificate of Master and Secretary... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... ... 251
Waiver of Jurisdiction.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 252
Certificate of Proficiency.. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. . .. 253

xxxii MISCELLANEOUS

PREAMBLE

We, the Members of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free
and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, invoking the aid of the Great
Architect of the Universe, in order to form a Grand Lodge of Free and
Accepted Masons in the Philippines, set forth and exemplify the tenets
and teachings of Freemasonry, promote love, foster brotherhood, and
achieve harmony among Masons and men, enhance the welfare of
our Order, and preserve liberty, equality and fraternity, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution.

PART I
CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE I

TITLE AND SEAL

Sec. 1. Grand Lodge Title.
This Grand Lodge shall be known and referred to as THE

MOST WORSHIPFUL GRAND LODGE OF FREE AND ACCEPTED
MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINES.

Sec. 2. Grand Lodge Seal.
The Seal of this Grand Lodge shall be circular in outline

and shall consist of an oval shield quartered (dexter chief)
argent a base or, changed with the Arms of the Republic of
the Philippines supported dexter and sinister by palm trees
proper, for the geographical location of our Grand Lodge; the
second quarter (sinister chief) with the Arms of the Grand
Lodge of England, to indicate our descent from the Mother of
all regular Grand Lodges; the third quarter (dexter base) with
the Arms of the Freemasons at York representing the Rite
which we practice; and the fourth quarter (sinister base) with
the Square and Compasses and the letter “G” superimposed
upon them.

Cordon: A Cabletow or, double-knotted above the dexter and
sinister chief, pendant and terminating by tassels or.

Supporters: Dexter and Sinister, veiled Cherubim on banks of
cumulus Clouds, all proper and representing Faith and Silence

Masonic Law Book 1

guarding the secrets of Freemasonry.

Crest: On a wreath argent and azure, an Ark of the Covenant,
proper, surmounted by a Delta or, engraved with a Yod sable,
above an All-Seeing Eye, proper, with effulgent rays or.

Motto: On a ribbon gules, below the shield, the words “IN
THE LORD IS ALL OUR TRUST.” Above the ribbon, the words
“XIX DECEMBRIS ANNO LUCIS 5912.” The whole device
surrounded by the words “Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted
Masons, Philippines” outside of which a border consisting of an
endless cabletow.

Sec. 3. The seal shall be affixed to all instruments issued by, or under
the authority of, this Grand Lodge.

ARTICLE II

MEMBERS, OFFICERS, AND TITLES OF OFFICERS

Sec. 1. The Grand Lodge shall be composed of the Past Masters,
the incumbent Masters and Wardens of all its Subordinate
Lodges, any Past Master of any Lodge of another Grand
Jurisdiction who is a resident of the Philippines and a member
of a subordinate Lodge, and those who have been granted
honorary membership or honorary Grand Titles.

Sec. 2. The Officers of the Grand Lodge shall be:

a. The Grand Master;
b. The Deputy Grand Master;
c. The Senior Grand Warden;
d. The Junior Grand Warden;
e. The Grand Treasurer;
f. The Grand Secretary;
g. The Grand Auditor;
h. The Assistant Grand Treasurer;
i. The Assistant Grand Secretary;
j. The Grand Chaplain;
k. The Grand Orator;
l. The Grand Marshal;
m. The Senior Grand Deacon;
n. The Junior Grand Deacon ;

2 THE CONSTITUTION

o. The Grand Historian;
p. The Grand Standard Bearer;
q. The Grand Sword Bearer;
r. The Grand Bible Bearer;
s. The Senior Grand Lecturer;
t. The Junior Grand Lecturers;
u. The Senior Grand Steward;
v. The Junior Grand Steward;
w. The Grand Pursuivant;
x. The Grand Organist;
y. The Grand Tyler;
z. The District Deputy Grand Masters;
aa. The District Grand Lecturers; and
bb. The Grand Lodge Inspectors.

Sec. 3. The first six (6) officers enumerated in the preceding Section
shall be elective. All others to be hereinafter referred to as
Grand Line officers, shall be appointed by the Grand Master.

Sec. 4. Each officer and member of the Grand Lodge must be a
member in good standing of a Subordinate Lodge within this
Jurisdiction. If for any reason he ceases to be a member in
good standing, his office and membership in the Grand Lodge
shall automatically cease. The requirement of membership in
a Subordinate Lodge in this Grand Jurisdiction shall not apply
to honorary members who are members in good standing of
Lodges in other Grand Jurisdictions.

Sec. 5. Titles of Officers. The Grand Master and all Past Grand Masters
shall be addressed as Most Worshipful; the incumbent and all
Past Deputy Grand Masters, Senior Grand Wardens and Junior
Grand Wardens shall be addressed as Right Worshipful; the
Grand Chaplain shall be addressed as Very Reverend; all other
Grand Line officers, except for Grand Lodge Inspectors, shall
be addressed as Very Worshipful. Grand Lodge Inspectors
shall be addressed as Worshipful Inspector.

To further impress upon such Brethren the due significance of
change they have accepted to be stewards of the Centennial
Term, such elective and appointive Grand Lodge Officers,
including the respective Grand Lodge Inspectors of subordinate
Lodges throughout this Jurisdiction, shall be required to
use the designation “Centennial” immediately before the
regular titles they hold during their incumbency. Such titles

Masonic Law Book 3

as modified shall apply even after their tenures in office in
recognition of their participation in the leadership term of the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the Philippines during its Centennial Term. (Edict No. 254
Gabionza)

Sec. 6. The title of all officers, whether elective or appointive, shall
apply even after the officers’ tenure of office.

ARTICLE III

POWERS, AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION

Sec. 1. General Power and Authority.
The MW Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the Philippines is the

Supreme Masonic Power and Authority within its Grand
Jurisdiction, possessing all the attributes of sovereignty and
government – Legislative, Executive, and Judicial -- limited
only by a strict adherence to the Landmarks of the Order
and to its own Constitution, Uniform Code of By-Laws for
Subordinate Lodges, Edicts and General Regulations.

Sec. 2. Jurisdiction.
The Grand Jurisdiction of the MW Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of

the Philippines shall comprise the territory of the Philippines,
South Korea, the Marianas Islands, the Marshal Islands,
the Ryukyu Islands, South Vietnam and its existing Lodges
in Japan. The Grand Lodge may extend its jurisdiction over
other territories in the Orient where no Grand Lodge exists.

Sec. 3. Legislative Powers.
Grand Lodge legislative powers extend to every case of

legislation not expressly delegated to Subordinate Lodges.
This Constitution, the Ordinances appended thereto, the
Uniform Code of By-Laws for Subordinate Lodges, all Edicts
in force and General Regulations of Freemasonry, are binding
upon all Subordinate Lodges and Masons within the jurisdiction
of the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 4. Executive Powers.
Grand Lodge executive powers include the granting of

dispensations and charters to establish and perpetuate
Lodges; the arrest, withdrawal or revocation of charters

4 THE CONSTITUTION

and the reactivation of Lodges, the issuance of special
dispensation for all purposes permitted by the provisions of
this Constitution; the awarding of Masonic honors; and, in
general, the exercise of all authority necessary to carry out its
administrative functions, rights and prerogatives as a Grand
Lodge.

Sec. 5. Judicial Powers. Its judicial powers are of two kinds:

A. Original – the decision of controversies involving the
Grand Lodge or its incumbent, Past or Honorary Officers,
all controversies between or among two or more Lodges
or their members, or between one of them and a
member or members of a Subordinate Lodge, and the
enforcement of discipline upon all Masons and Lodges
under its jurisdiction.

B. Appellate – the review of all matters of controversy or
discipline proper for Masonic investigation which may
have arisen in any Subordinate Lodge over which it does
not have original jurisdiction.

Sec. 6. All actions of the Grand Lodge are final and immediately
executory.

ARTICLE IV

COMMUNICATIONS

Sec. 1. Annual Communication.
The Grand Lodge shall hold its Annual Communication for the

transaction of business in the City of Manila or in any other
place as may be authorized by law, commencing on the fourth
Thursday of April each year at nine o’clock in the morning
subject to the following general rules:

a. No business shall be acted upon at the Annual
Communication until after reference to, and report upon
it by, the proper committee, except by a demand of two-
thirds of the members present.

b. No appropriation of money shall be made until reference
to, and report by, the Committee on Finance.

Masonic Law Book 5

c. No appropriation of money shall be made at any Annual
Communication after the election of Grand Officers,
except by a demand, and two-thirds vote of, the
members present.

Sec. 2. Special Communications.
Special Communications may be called by the Grand Master

whenever such shall promote the welfare of the fraternity.
They shall also be called by the Grand Master upon an
application in writing signed by the Masters of at least one-
third of the chartered Lodges, setting forth the causes which
demand them.

Every call for a Special Communication shall designate its
object so far as is proper to be written and, unless such
Special Communication is called merely for the performance
of some Masonic ceremony, written notice shall be issued to
each Lodge and Grand Officer at least thirty days before the
day stated for the Special Communication. No business shall
be transacted thereat other than that for which it shall have
been specially convened.

Sec. 3. Quorum.
The presence of the Masters, Wardens and/or representative

of at least one-third of the chartered Lodges shall constitute a
quorum for the Grand Lodge to transact any business validly,
either at an Annual or Special Communication. On occasions
of ceremony, however, the Grand Master or his duly authorized
representative, with a sufficient number of Members present
to fill the Grand stations and places may, at any time, open
the Grand Lodge and perform the ceremonies for which it has
been convened.

Sec. 4. No official delegates shall be represented by proxy in any
District and Multi-District Conventions, Annual and Special
Communications of the Grand Lodge (Edict No. 317 MW
Tolentino).

Sec. 5. Only the officers and members of the Grand Lodge and
Representatives of other Grand Lodges shall be present at the
opening of the Grand Lodge. After the Grand Lodge shall have
been declared open, Master Masons who are not members of
the Grand Lodge may be allowed to attend and be present
during the sessions of the Grand Lodge.

6 THE CONSTITUTION

Sec. 6. The Official delegates during District and Multi-District
Conventions, Annual and Special Communications:

The only official delegates of lodges who can speak, comment,
object, move, second, manifest and/or participate in any
discussion and deliberation and vote on any matter during
the District and Multi-District Conventions and Annual and/or
Special Communications are the following:

1. Incumbent Worshipful Masters;
2. Incumbent Wardens;
3. Immediate Past Masters representing the Past Masters

of Chartered Lodges;
4. Past Grand Masters; and
5. Incumbent Grand Line Officers except the Grand Lodge

Inspectors; or
6. In the absence of the delegates of the Lodge,

Representative as defined under Part II, Ordinances.

All other members of the Grand Lodge who are not included
in the above enumeration of official delegates may be present
during the Conventions, Annual and/or Special Communications
as mere observers. Others may be recognized to speak and
participate during the discussion and deliberation only if they
are directly involved or part of the cases or matters decided
by a Committee and/or by the Grand Master at the will and
pleasure of the Grand Master.

Official delegates may only speak and participate in any
discussion and deliberation in accordance with the resolution
or instructions of their respective lodges on matters in the
plenary.

Members of the Committees but are not official delegates may
speak and participate only if the subject matter subject of
the discussion in the plenary is the report of their respective
Committee (Edict No. 317 MW Tolentino).

ARTICLE V

ELECTION, QUALIFICATIONS AND NOMINATIONS

Sec. 1. The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens,
Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary shall be elected by a

Masonic Law Book 7

secret ballot and by Lodge representation at each Annual
Communication and, thereafter, before its closing, installed.
They shall hold office until their successors have been elected
and installed. A majority of all the votes cast shall be necessary
for an election. Provided, that, in the election of the Junior
Grand Warden, the candidate who obtains the highest vote
shall be declared the winner regardless of whether or not such
a candidate garnered the majority votes cast by the voting
delegates (Edict No. 268-D MW Tolentino).

Sec. 2. All other Grand Officers shall be appointed by the Grand
Master-elect immediately after his election at each Annual
Communication. They shall be installed before the close
thereof and shall hold office at his will and pleasure.

Sec. 3. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in any elective office of
the Grand Lodge, the Grand Master shall fill the same by
appointment and the officer so appointed shall hold office for
the unexpired term only.

Sec. 4. Minimum Qualifications for Grand Lodge Elective Office. No
member shall be eligible for nomination and election as an
elective officer of the Grand Lodge unless:

a. (a) He is at least forty (40) years of age at the time of
the ANCOM election.

b. He shall have been a Master Mason in good standing
for at least ten (10) consecutive years immediately
preceding the ANCOM election without any suspension
for whatever reason and regardless of the duration.

c. He shall have served and completed his term of office as
Master of a Lodge of Master Masons;

d. He is an actual resident of the territory within the
jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of the Philippines for
at least two (2) years immediately prior to the ANCOM
election.

e. He has not been found guilty by competent authority of
unmasonic conduct or convicted by a court of competent
jurisdiction of any offense involving moral turpitude. In
both cases, such finding or conviction must be by final
judgment (Edict No. 268-B MW Rentoy).

8 THE CONSTITUTION

Sec. 5. Nominations.
The Grand Master shall call the Past Grand Masters to a

meeting not earlier than April 10 for the purpose of nominating
qualified members for any of the elective positions except for
the Junior Grand Warden whose nomination and election shall
be conducted in accordance with the Rules Governing the
Election of Junior Grand Warden. The presence of the five Past
Grand Masters shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

a. Only the incumbent Junior Grand Warden, Senior Grand
Warden who were elected as such and Deputy Grand
Master shall be deemed automatically nominated to the
next higher position, respectively, and the incumbent
Grand Secretary and Grand Treasurer shall be deemed
renominated to their respective positions, without
prejudice in all these cases to other nominations that may
be made by the Past Grand Masters; Provided, however,
that only Past Grand Masters may be nominated to the
position of Grand Treasurer and Grand Secretary.

b. No member shall be eligible for election unless he is
deemed automatically nominated or is nominated by
the Past Grand Masters.

c. The names of the nominees shall be submitted to the
Electoral Committee not later than April 15 for screening
of their qualifications.

d. Rules Governing the Election of Junior Grand Warden.

1. All nominations for the position of Junior Grand
Warden (JGW, for brevity), shall originate from
the subordinate lodges only. Each subordinate
lodge may nominate, in writing, only one
candidate for the position of JGW; provided, that
a nominee must be a regular or plural member
of the nominating lodge. In addition, he must
possess all the qualifications enumerated in
Section 4, Article V (Part 1) of the Constitution.

2. The nominee shall duly accept his nomination
in writing. Said nomination and acceptance
shall be submitted by the nominating lodge to
the District Deputy Grand Master (DDGM) not

Masonic Law Book 9

later than fifteen (15) days before the District
Meeting, which shall be convened by their
respective DDGMs any day from July 15 to
August 15 of each year to elect their nominees
for the position of JGW.

3. The nomination, once accepted, cannot be
withdrawn. Such acceptance shall be valid and
effective from the lodge level up to the
ANCOM level: any form of withdrawal by
the nominee shall be reported by the DDGM
or Host DDGM concerned (at the Lodge.
District and Multi-District levels) to the Grand
Secretary: and if unjustified, shall cause
his disqualification for nomination for the next
three (3) years.

4. A brother can be validly nominated in only
one (1) Masonic District. Once he accepts his
nomination from a particular subordinate lodge,
he shall be disqualified from accepting another
nomination from another lodge belonging to
another Masonic District. However, a brother
may be nominated by one or more subordinate
lodges; provided, that said lodges belong to the
same Masonic District; and provided, further,
that he is either a regular or a plural member of
either of the nominating lodges.

5. A subordinate lodge cannot validly nominate a
brother belonging to a Masonic District other
than the District where the nominating lodge
belongs.

II. District Level.

6. After the receipt by the DDGM of the nominations
from the subordinate lodges, each lodge in the
District shall be furnished by the DDGM thru the
respective Lodge Secretaries with a Certified
List of all nominees not later than five (5) days
before the District Meeting.

7. The qualified nominees of the District shall then
be voted upon thru secret ballot by the voting

10 THE CONSTITUTION

members of the District during their District
Meeting scheduled between July 15 and August
15 of each year. The voting members are the
Incumbent Masters, Senior Wardens, Junior
Wardens of the Lodges in the District, the Past
Grand Masters and other Grand Lodge Officers,
elected and appointed, as provided in our
Constitution; provided, that they are regular
or plural members of any of the subordinate
lodges within that particular District. The
Grand Lodge Inspector (GLI) shall not be a
voting delegate. Voting members at the District
Level shall vote for one (1) nominee only.

8. The incumbent DDGM and District Grand
Lecturers (DGLs) shall act as the Chairman and
members, respectively of the District Electoral
Committee (ELECOM) and shall not be entitled
to vote. They may call on the brethren in the
District to assist them in the discharge of their
duties.

9. Districts with seven (7) or less lodges shall be
entitled to one (1) nominee and the brother
garnering the highest number of votes shall be
the official nominee of that particular district.
Districts with more than seven (7) lodges
shall be entitled to two (2) nominees and the
two brothers, who garner the highest number
of votes, shall be their official nominees. Only
nominees who are personally present at and
duly registered in, the District Meeting can be
elected. A deliberate or unjustified absence
at, as well as a deliberate or unjustified failure
to register in the District Meeting shall be
tantamount to a withdrawal of candidacy which
is expressly prohibited and which will merit
similar sanctions prescribed by Sec 5 par d-3.
This fact shall be reported by the host DDGM to
the Grand Secretary for future reference.

10. The brethren who garner the highest number
of votes according to the aforementioned
entitlement shall then be proclaimed by
the District ELECOM as the District’s official

Masonic Law Book 11

nominee/s to be included in the Multi-District
election of nominees for the position of JGW.

11. In case of a tie, the tied candidates shall exclude
those with a lower number of votes. If, after
excluding the candidates with a lower number
of votes, a tie still remains for one slot the same
shall be broken by a toss coin and the candidate
who wins in said toss coin shall be proclaimed
the winner. The toss coin shall be done in public
by the DDGM.

12. The DDGM shall, within ten (10) days after the
proclamation by the District ELECOM, officially
communicate to the DDGM of the Host District
of the Multi-District Convention, the official
nominees of the District for the position of JGW.

13. Within ten (10) days after their proclamation
by the District ELECOM the winning nominees
shall secure a certification from the Office of the
Grand Secretary to the effect that they have
all the qualifications for Grand Lodge elective
office as provided for in Section 4. Article V
of the Constitution. This certification shall be
submitted to the host DDGM of the Multi-District
directly or through the District Secretary in order
to qualify them for inclusion in the Consolidated
Official and Certified List of nominees in the
various districts for the position of JGW.

14. To avoid giving undue advantage to any
incumbent Grand Lodge Officer once he is
elected as a nominee for the position of JGW
at the District Level he shall ipso facto be
considered RESIGNED from his Grand Lodge
position. The act of accepting his nomination in
writing at the lodge level and his participation
in the nomination process shall be the operative
acts constituting his assent and acquiescence to
this proviso.

III. Multi-District Level.

15. After receipt of the official list of the nominees

12 THE CONSTITUTION

from the Districts, the Host DDGM thru the
District Secretary shall prepare and disseminate
to each District a Consolidated Official and
Certified List of Nominees from the various
districts for the position of JGW, not later than
fifteen (15) days before the Multi-District
Convention. For this purpose the Multi­
District Convention to elect the Multi-District’s
nominees for the position of JGW shall be held
from September 1 to November 30 of each year
following the schedule prescribed by the Grand
Lodge.

16. On the basis of the number of Lodges and the
number of members in good standing, the
DDGM of the Host Multi-District shall prepare the
number of Multi-District nominees by coming up
with a short-list from the Consolidated Official
and Certified List of District Nominees submitted
by the various Districts, in accordance with the
following entitlement:

Northern Luzon 4 nominees

Central Luzon 6 nominees

National Capital Region 7 nominees

Southern Luzon 4 nominees

Visayas 2 nominees

Mindanao

Northern Mindanao 2 nominees

Western Mindanao 2 nominees

Southern Mindanao 2 nominees

Total Mindanao

Nominees 6 nominees

from 3 Multi-

Districts

Overseas 2 nominees

TOTAL: 31 shortlisted
nominees

17. During the Multi-District Convention, the Host
DDGM shall publicly draw by lot the above
number of nominees from the Consolidated
Official and Certified List of nominees of the
various districts for the position of JGW.

Masonic Law Book 13

Thereafter, the names of the brethren drawn
by lot shall be voted upon thru secret ballot, to
determine the Multi-District’s Official nominees
in the selection process of JGW at the Annual
Communication (ANCOM) level in accordance
with the following entitlement, to wit:

Northern Luzon 2 nominees

Central Luzon 3 nominees

National Capital Region 3 nominees

Southern Luzon 2 nominees

Visayas 1 nominee

Mindanao Northern Mindanao 1 nominee

Western Mindanao 1 nominee

Southern Mindanao 1 nominee

Total Mindanao 3 nominees

from 3 Multi-Districts

Overseas 1 nominee

TOTAL: 15 elected nominees

18. The brethren garnering the highest number of
votes according to the entitlement provided
in the preceding section shall forthwith be
proclaimed by the Multi- District ELECOM as the
Multi-District Convention’s official nominees in
the selection process at the ANCOM Level for
the position of JGW.

19. Only nominees who are personally present
at and duly registered in the Multi-District
Convention may be elected. A deliberate or
unjustified absence at as well as a deliberate
or unjustified failure to register in, the Multi-
District Convention shall be tantamount to
a withdrawal of candidacy which is expressly
prohibited and which will merit similar
sanctions prescribed in Sec 5 par d-3. This
fact shall be reported by the host DDGM to the
Grand Secretary for future reference.

20. The Host DDGM and his DGLs shall act as the
Chairman and members of the Multi­District
ELECOM and shall not be entitled to vote. They

14 THE CONSTITUTION

may seek the assistance of the brethren in the
Multi-District to assist them in the discharge of
their duties.

21. Only the incumbent Worshipful Masters and
Wardens shall be the voting members of the
Multi-District, including the Past Grand Masters
and other Grand Lodge officers, elected and
appointed, as provided in our Constitution;
provided that, they are regular or plural
members of any of the subordinate lodges in
that particular Multi-District. The Grand Lodge
Inspector (GLI) shall not be a voting delegate.
Voting members at the Multi-District Level shall
vote for one (1) nominee only.

22. The brethren who garner the highest number
of votes according to the aforementioned
entitlement (paragraph 17 above) shall then be
proclaimed by the Multi-District ELECOM as the
Multi-District’s official nominees for the position
of JGW at the ANCOM Level.

23. In case of a tie, the tied candidates shall exclude
those with a lower number of votes. If after
excluding the candidates with a lower number
of votes a tie still remains for one slot the same
shall be broken by toss coin and the candidate
who wins in said toss coin shall be proclaimed
the winner. The toss coin shall be done in
public by the DDGM of the Host District.

24. The DDGM of the host District shall, within ten
(10) days after the Multi-District nomination,
officially communicate and certify to the Most
Worshipful Grand Master and Past Grand
Masters, through the Office of the Grand
Secretary, the names of the brethren who are
the official nominees of the Multi-District, by
way of a Consolidated Official and Certified List
of Nominees for said Multi-District.

25. This Consolidated Official and Certified List,
together with the respective program of
governance of each nominee, shall be announced

Masonic Law Book 15

and disseminated thru The Cabletow, Grand
Lodge website and a corresponding Circular of
the Most Worshipful Grand Master addressed
to all the Subordinate Lodges on or before
December 15 of each year.

26. Upon being elected at the Multi-District
Level the prohibitions and restrictions
enumerated hereunder shall strictly apply.
Thus, all nominees elected at the Multi District
level are strictly enjoined to follow all the laws,
edicts, rules and regulations governing Masonic
elections. Any breach thereof, whether done
directly or indirectly, personally or thru agents
or representatives shall not be tolerated. In
addition to the present laws, edicts, rules and
regulations, said elected nominees shall bind
themselves, in writing and under the Masonic
oath, to refrain from committing any or all
of the following acts: (a) directly tolerate any
person or group of persons to work in favor of
his election; (b) attend any blue lodge meetings
(except in his mother lodge), district or regional
convention; (c) accept any invitation to be the
speaker or lecturer in any blue lodge meeting
or district or regional convention or be the
guest honor or installing officer in any blue
lodge installation, and attend or participate in
any Masonic function, fellowship or gathering
whether in the blue lodge or appendant bodies
and other related institutions; (d) commit any
act, directly or indirectly, in violation of Sections
4 and 5, Article VI, part I of the Constitution.
Compliance with the foregoing prohibitions shall
be monitored by the ELECOM. The prohibition
shall last until the day of election for the position
of Junior Grand Warden.

27. It is understood that the foregoing
restrictions and prohibitions do not
apply to situations wherein the nominees are
constrained to register and be present at the
District Meetings. Multi-District Conventions
and ANCOM in order to be qualified to vote and
be voted upon or elected as nominees for the

16 THE CONSTITUTION

position of JGW.

IV. Annual Communications (ANCOM) Level.

28. On the day of the election the Past Grand Masters
(PGMs) shall convene and make a preliminary
determination as to who they believe are best
qualified to be considered by the brethren
as Junior Grand Warden. Of the fifteen (15)
nominees elected by the various Multi-Districts,
the PGMs may opt to reduce the number of
candidates to not less than twelve (12). Such
option by the PGMs to reduce the number of
candidates shall not be exercised if for any
reason, only twelve (12) nominees or less are
submitted by the various Multi-Districts.

29. On the day of the election, and right before
the election of JGW the Past Grand Masters
present shall choose from among themselves a
representative or representatives who shall draw
by lot in public. FIVE (5) names from among the
nominees elected by the various Multi-Districts
and as may be reduced in accordance with
the immediately preceding section (Edict No.
268-C MW Gazmin).

30. The five (5) candidates drawn by lot shall be
required to speak briefly (not to exceed ten [10]
minutes each) according to the order in which
their names were drawn on their respective
platform of governance, plans and programs
(Edict No. 268-C MW Gazmin).

31. Only candidates who are personally present
at and duly registered in the ANCOM may be
elected. A deliberate or unjustified absence at
as well as a deliberate or unjustified failure
to register in the ANCOM shall be tantamount
to a withdrawal of candidacy which is expressly
prohibited and which will merit similar sanctions
prescribed in Sec 5 par d-3. This fact shall be
reported by the ELECOM Chairman to the Grand
Secretary for future reference.

Masonic Law Book 17

32. The ANCOM Electoral Committee (ELECOM)
shall, in accordance with and as mandated by
the Constitution, conduct the election of the
Junior Grand Warden and other elective Grand
Lodge Officers.

33. The incumbent Worshipful Masters, Wardens
and Immediate Past Masters shall be the voting
members at the ANCOM, including the Past
Grand Masters and Grand Lodge officers, elected
and appointed, as provided in our Constitution.
The Grand Lodge Inspector (GLI) shall not be a
voting delegate.

34. In the election of the JGW, the candidate who
obtains the highest vote shall be declared the
winner regardless of whether or not such a
candidate garnered the majority votes cast by
the voting delegates (Edict No. 268-D MW
Tolentino).

35. The candidate who obtains the highest number
of votes by plurality in the single balloting shall
be proclaimed the winner and the duly elected
Junior Grand Warden. In case of a tie, the same
shall be broken by a toss coin and the candidate
who wins in said toss coin shall be proclaimed
the winner and the duly elected Junior Grand
Warden. The toss coin shall be done in public by
the Chairman of the ELECOM (Edict No. 268-D
MW Tolentino).

36. The number of votes currently required by our
Constitution to elect the Most Worshipful Grand
Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand
Warden, Grand Treasurer, and Grand Secretary
shall remain.

V. Continuity Clause.

37. Henceforth, all lodge nominations, with the
written acceptance of the nominees concerned,
shall be submitted to the respective Masonic
Districts WITHIN THE PERIOD June 30 to July 31

18 THE CONSTITUTION