MLB.2018

of every Masonic Year depending on the date of
the District Meeting. All Masonic Districts shall
elect their respective District nominees within
the period July 15 to August 15 of that
Masonic Year; and Multi-District conventions
shall be convened from September 1 to
November 30 of the same Masonic Year
in accordance with the schedule to be prescribed
by the Grand Lodge.

38. The DDGMs of the different Host Districts shall,
within ten (10) days after the conclusion of their
respective Multi-District nominations, officially
communicate and certify to the Most Worshipful
Grand Master through the Office of the Grand
Secretary, the names of the brethren who are
the official nominees of the said Multi-Districts,
by way of a Consolidated Official and Certified
List of Nominees.

39. Such Consolidated Official and Certified List,
together with the respective program of
governance of each nominee, shall be announced
and disseminated thru The Cabletow. the 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. (Edict No. 268-B
MW Rentoy)

VI. Penal Clause.

41. Any violation of the foregoing shall be
considered as unmasonic conduct, and after due
notice and proper proceedings, be punishable
with a penalty of Reprimand in Open Lodge,
Suspension or Expulsion, depending on the
severity of the offense and the attendance of
modifying circumstances, if any (Edict No.
268-B MW Rentoy, as further amended by
Edict No. 282 MW Rentoy).

Masonic Law Book 19

ARTICLE VI

VOTING, REPRESENTATION
AND ELECTORAL COMMITTEE

Sec. 1. Qualified Voters.
Only the following members of the Grand Lodge in good

standing are qualified to vote during the election of officers of
the Grand Lodge during the Annual Communications:

a. All the incumbent elective and appointive officers of the
Grand Lodge, except Grand Lodge Inspectors;

b. The Past Grand Masters;
c. The incumbent Masters, Senior and Junior Wardens of

the accredited Subordinate Lodges;
d. The immediate Past Master of an accredited Subordinate

Lodge, in representation of all Past Masters of his Lodge.

Sec. 2. Only the qualified voters duly accredited in accordance with
existing rules and regulations, who have registered for the
Annual Communications and who are actually present and in
attendance during elections shall be entitled to one (1) vote
each and allowed to cast their ballots during the voting.

Sec. 3. No voter shall be allowed to fill up the ballots and cast the
votes for and in behalf of any other voter.

Sec. 4. It shall be unmasonic conduct for any member, directly or
indirectly, to provide food, accommodation, entertainment, or
any other means to solicit for himself or for any other Mason,
an elective or appointive office in the Grand Lodge. The
commission of any of these acts shall disqualify the offender
from the office which he may have attained by virtue thereof
and he and any other Mason who may have committed such
act may be subject to disciplinary action by the Grand Lodge.

Sec. 5. Soliciting votes and support or campaigning in violation of the
provisions of Section 4 of this Article for nomination/election
to any elective position in the Grand Lodge, and engaging in
any other form of prohibited activity shall be cause for one’s
disqualification.

Those campaigning for him may be dealt with for unmasonic
conduct.

20 THE CONSTITUTION

Sec. 6. The Electoral Committee.
The Electoral Committee (ELECOM) of the Grand Lodge shall

be composed of a chairman and four (4) members appointed
by the Grand Master from among the members of the Grand
Lodge not earlier than three months before the Annual
Communication who shall have the same qualifications as
provided for in Section 4, Article V and whose term of office shall
automatically cease at the end of the election and proclamation
of the Junior Grand Warden during the Annual Communication.
Appointment to any vacancy caused by the death, resignation
or incapacity of any member of the Committee shall be for
the unexpired portion of the term of the Committee member
(Edict No. 314 MW Tolentino).

Sec. 7. The ELECOM shall have the following powers and functions:

a. To promulgate, enforce and administer the rules or
procedures relative to the conduct of nominations and
elections.

b. To screen, evaluate and determine the qualifications of
the nominees.

c. To act on written complaints under oath against any
violations of these rules and regulations by a nominee or
any of his supporters. A vote of three (3) members shall
be sufficient to disqualify a nominee/candidate.

d. To supervise the election of the Grand Lodge Officers
during the Annual Communication. (Edict 268-B MW
Rentoy):

e. To decide all questions affecting the returns and election
of all Grand Lodge Officers. It can suspend the installation
of any candidate whose election appears prima facie to
have been procured thru any violation of these rules.

f. Not later than three (3) hours before the election the
members of the Committee on Credentials, under the
control and supervision of the ELECOM, shall draw up
the official list of qualified electors who have registered
in the Annual Communication.

g. Only the members whose names appear in the official
list of qualified voters shall be given the official ballots to
be filled out during the voting.

h. The presence of at least (3) members shall constitute a
quorum for the transaction of official business. The vote
of three (3) members of ELECOM shall be necessary for
the approval of any matter considered by it.

i. The decision of the ELECOM on any matter relative to

Masonic Law Book 21

or concerning the exercise of its powers and functions
provided for in this section shall be FINAL and immediately
executory, and there can be no appeal of its decisions to
either the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.
Sec. 8. No Grand Officer, Past Grand Master or Past Master, voting in
that capacity, shall vote in any other capacity.
Sec. 9. No Subordinate Lodge which failed to submit its Annual Report
and pay in full its dues and fees to the Grand Lodge within
the period provided for in the Ordinances shall be entitled to
representation at the Annual Communication.
Sec. 10. Lodges under dispensation may send their Masters and Wardens
as delegates to the Annual Communication and, provided they
are duly registered for the Annual Communication, may be
admitted to seats, permitted to speak, and allowed to vote on
all questions, but shall have no vote in the election of Grand
Officers until their Lodge shall have been constituted.

22 THE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE VII

STANDING AND OTHER COMMITTEES

Sec. 1. Standing Committees.
To assist him in the administration of the Grand Lodge, the

Grand Master shall, upon his assumption of office, constitute
the following standing committees whose members shall serve
until the close of the next Annual Communication of the Grand
Lodge.

a) Committee on Finance. The Committee on Finance shall
be composed of all the elective officers of the Grand
Lodge, except the Grand Master, with the Deputy Grand
Master as Chairman, and shall have the following duties,
responsibilities, and functions:

1) To make or cause to be made an annual audit of Grand
Lodge finances; prepare or cause to be prepared a
statement of its financial position as of March 31
and submit the same to the Annual Communication
together with a report of its acts and findings and its
recommendations;

2) To prepare the annual budget of the Grand Lodge for
the ensuing year and to submit the same in writing
to the Grand Lodge for its approval during its Annual
Communication;

3) To study and review all requests or recommendations
made by any member, Subordinate Lodge, Standing
or Special Committee, or any appendant body,
or Grand Lodge-affiliated organization for the
appropriation of money, or increases in existing
appropriations, or increases in fees or annual
payments of any kind required to be made by
Master Masons, and to submit its recommendations
in writing to the Grand Lodge for its approval during
its Annual Communication;

4) To verify that all moneys paid to the Grand Lodge are
properly accounted for and deposited to its credit in
the banks;

5) To verify that accounts receivables from Subordinate
Lodges and other sources are correctly entered in
the books of accounts;

6) To review and study any and all proposals for fund
raising for the benefit of the Grand Lodge and to

Masonic Law Book 23

make a report or recommendation to the Grand
Master for his final decision;
7) To make such reports and recommendations to the
Grand Master from time to time as may be necessary
in the interest of economy and efficiency; and
8) To meet as a Committee at least once a month, or as
often as may be called by the Grand Master.

b) Committee on Accounts. The Committee on Accounts
shall be composed of three (3) members of the Grand
Lodge who shall be residents of Metro Manila to be
appointed by the Grand Master. The Grand Auditor
to be the ex-officio Chairman of the Committee on
Accounts. The Committee shall have the following duties,
responsibilities and functions:

1) To act as the internal auditor of the Grand Lodge;
2) To pre-audit all vouchers, bills, claims and demands

against the Grand Lodge as well as to audit all Grand
Lodge receivables;
3) To verify, pre-audit, and approve for the certification
of the Grand Secretary and approval by the Grand
Master all disbursements of funds of the Grand
Lodge, and no warrant shall be drawn by the Grand
Secretary until such voucher, bill, claim or demand
shall have been pre-audited and approved by the
Committee on Accounts;
The following kinds of disbursement shall be
exempted from pre-audit procedures:

a. Payment of employees salary, allowances,
or compensation along with the mandatory
payments for government exactions such as
withholding taxes, SSS, Pag-ibig, etc;

b. Payments for utilities such as electricity, water,
and telephone evidenced by duly issued bills or
statements from the service provided; and

c. Payment of petty cash fund and vouchers for
payments of supplies and materials and other
emergency purchases of relatively small value
not exceeding Php10, 000.00 (Edict No. 253
MW Gabionza).

4) To verify by actual physical count inventories of
properties of the Grand Lodge or for which it is legally

24 THE CONSTITUTION

responsible as trustee or otherwise not as owner, of
such properties inventoried;
5) To render such reports in writing as may be required
by the Grand Master; and
6) To meet in the Grand Lodge at least once a week to
perform its duties, responsibilities and functions.

c) Committee on Jurisprudence. The Committee shall be
composed of five (5) members including its Chairman
as designated by the Grand Master, majority of whom
shall be members of the Bar. Its functions, duties and
responsibilities are as follows:

1) To render a written opinion on any masonic legal
matter referred to it by the Grand Master. Legal
opinions rendered by the Committee shall not be
considered binding on Subordinate Lodges and
individual Masons unless adopted and promulgated
by the Grand Master as his ruling, in which event,
they shall be considered part of Masonic Law in
this jurisdiction until and unless disapproved by the
Grand Lodge in an Annual Communication;

2) To assist the Grand Master in the settlement of
disputes and special cases, or inquiries involving the
interpretation and application of the Grand Lodge
Constitution, Ordinances, Rules and Regulations;

3) To submit to the Grand Master a written summary
of all masonic legal matters referred to it by the
Grand Master, opinions rendered thereon, and other
actions taken by it on cases referred to it by the
Grand Master; and

4) To review the By-Laws submitted by new Lodges,
or amendments to existing By-Laws of Subordinate
Lodges, and give its recommendation to the Grand
Master.

d) Committee on Revision of the Constitution. The
Committee shall be composed of five (5) members
including its Chairman as designated by the Grand
Master, majority of whom shall be members of the Bar.
Its functions, duties and responsibilities are as follows:

1) To collate all amendments to the Constitution or
Ordinances as approved by the Grand Lodge in the
last Annual Communication and recommend the
dissemination thereof to all Subordinate Lodges;

Masonic Law Book 25

2) To propose or recommend to the Grand Lodge any
amendment to the Constitution, Ordinances, Rules
and Regulations; and

3) To revise or re-write the Constitution and Ordinances
as the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master may direct.

e) Committee on Administration of Lodges, Returns and
Charters. The Committee shall be composed of five (5)
members including its Chairman as appointed by the
Grand Master. Its functions, duties, and responsibilities
are as follows:

1) To assist the Grand Secretary in the administration
of all Subordinate Lodges by seeing to it that the
minutes of the stated or special meetings and all
other monthly reports submitted to the Grand Lodge
by the Secretary of each Lodge are properly recorded
and that the regulations on the submission by each
Subordinate Lodge of Monthly Reports and Minutes
are strictly complied with;

2) To report to the Grand Secretary and recommend
action to be taken on any impropriety or errors in
the Minutes or other monthly reports, or the lack of
reports or copies of minutes required to be submitted
monthly;

3) To review the Annual Reports submitted by all
Subordinate Lodges and therefrom compile data on
the membership of each Subordinate Lodge or Lodge
under dispensation, and submit a written report to
the Grand Secretary not later than the end of March
of each year. If the Annual Report of a Lodge is
not received within the period required by law, the
Committee shall so inform the Grand Secretary for
appropriate action;

4) To review the performance of all Lodges under
Dispensation upon the return of the Dispensation
and other records to the Grand Secretary as required
by law and to recommend appropriate action on
petitions for the issuance of a permanent charter,
or submit other recommendations in respect of any
Lodge, U.D., in a written report to the Grand Lodge
for approval during the Annual Communication; and

5) To meet at least once a week for the performance of
its functions, duties and responsibilities.


f) Committee on Grievances. The Committee shall be

26 THE CONSTITUTION

composed of three (3) members including its Chairman
who shall be a Past Grand Master. Its functions, duties
and responsibilities are as follows:

1) To review the records, proceedings, findings
and decision in any case acted upon by the Trial
Commission of a Subordinate Lodge, when appealed
to the Grand Lodge, and to submit to the Grand
Master its report and recommendation to affirm,
modify, reverse or amend said findings or decision;

2) To submit a written report of its action as approved
by the Grand Master to the Annual Communication
for final ratification, amendment or rejection; and

3) To perform such other duties and responsibilities as
may be conferred upon it by law, or by the Grand
Master.

g) Committee on Correspondence. The Committee shall be
composed of three (3) members including its Chairman
as appointed by the Grand Master. Its functions, duties
and responsibilities are as follows:

1) To review the written proceedings of other Grand
Lodges as may be received by the Grand Lodge and
submit a written report to the Annual Communication
for appropriate action of the Grand Lodge; and

2) To study and review requests from other Grand
Lodges for recognition and to submit to the Grand
Master a written report of its recommendation.


h) Committee on Works. This Committee shall be composed

of the Senior Grand Lecturer as a Chairman and the
Junior Grand Lecturers as members. Its functions,
duties and responsibilities are as follows:

1) To see to it that no innovations in the rituals and
other ceremonies shall be allowed, and that no ritual
or ceremony is performed without the approval of
the Grand Lodge.

i) Committee on Masonic Temples and Buildings. This
Committee shall be composed of five (5) members
including its Chairman as appointed by the Grand Master.
Its functions, duties and responsibilities are, as follows:

1) To exercise supervision over the temples and

Masonic Law Book 27

buildings of the Grand Lodge;
2) To submit recommendations to the Grand Master on

any constructions, remodeling or improvement of
the Grand Lodge Temple and its premises;
3) To assist any Lodge desiring to erect its own temple
with regard to its planning, methods of financing,
legal requirements, and other construction matters;
and
4) To study the plans and specifications, together with
the cost and plan of financing the construction or
renovation of any temple or building of the Grand
Lodge and give recommendations to the Grand
Master.

j) Committee on Ways and Means. This Committee shall
be composed of the officers of the Temple Builders Club
and shall have the following responsibilities:

1) To raise funds for the accomplishment of the
purposes of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the
Philippines;

2) To submit a monthly report to the Most Worshipful
Grand Master; and

3) Such other matters as it may be required to perform
and accomplish by the Most Worshipful Grand Master.

k) Committee on Grand Lodge Scholarship. This Committee
shall be appointed by the Grand Master to serve a term
of two (2) years and which shall supervise the Grand
Lodge Scholarship Fund and shall have the following
functions:

1) Prepare a Circular for approval of the Grand Master
in the implementation of the Scholarship Fund;

2) Prepare Application Forms, receive and screen out
applicants and select Grantees who satisfy the
criteria set by the Grand Lodge;

3) Endorse the Grantees to the Grand Lodge Accounting
Department for the release of their scholarship
subsidies; and

4) Prepare a Quarterly Report on the Fund to the Grand
Master.

l) Committee on Masonic Associations and Clubs. The
Committee on Masonic Associations and Clubs shall,
henceforth, be composed of the following:

28 THE CONSTITUTION

1) Chairman - Deputy Grand Master
2) One (1) Vice-Chairman
3) And Five (5) Members - To be appointed by the

Grand Master (Amended further by Edict No.
256-A MW Rentoy)

The principal objectives of this Committee on Masonic
Association and Clubs are as follows:

1) To coordinate the activities of these organizations
and ensure that their programs are aligned with and
in consonance with that of the Grand Lodge of the
Philippines;

2) To recommend rules and guidelines that will ensure
that the internal rules or law of government and
conduct of these Masonic Associations and Clubs are
in harmony with the general rules and regulations of
the Grand Lodge of the Philippines;

3) To see to it that these organizations would serve the
interest of Freemasonry in general and that of the
Grand Lodge of the Philippines in particular;

4) To recommend to the Grand Master any amendments
or plan of actions that will enable this Committee to
perform its mandated functions (Edict No. 256 MW
Gabionza).

m) Committee on Preliminary Investigation – The Committee
shall be composed of a Chairman and at least five (5)
members. The Chairman shall be an incumbent or
past Grand Lodge Officer with recognized competence
in Masonic laws and jurisprudence. The majority of
members must be lawyers.


Its functions, duties and responsibilities shall be as

follows:

a) It shall be responsible in conducting preliminary
investigation for the purpose of establishing the
existence of probable cause or lack thereof, on all
complaints and charges for violation of the Ancient
Charges, the Constitution, Edicts, Rules, Regulations
and Ordinances of the Grand Lodge, or of the By-
Laws of the Lodge, or for unmasonic conduct or
for offenses against the Grand Lodge and/or its
constituted officers, filed against masons under

Masonic Law Book 29

the exclusive and primary jurisdiction of the grand
Lodge, namely:

i) incumbent past elective grand lodge officers
other than the Grand Master;

ii) incumbent or past appointive grand lodge
officers;

iii) incumbent masters of lodges;
iv) past masters of lodges; and
v) officers and employees of the Grand Lodge and

affiliated allied organizations and Grand Lodge
employees (Edict No. 293 MW Gazmin).

Sec. 2. Special Committees.
The following Special Committees shall be constituted by the

Grand Master for specific purposes and for a limited period as
set forth below:

a. Committee on Credentials. This Committee shall be
chaired by the Grand Secretary and shall be composed of
four (4) other members appointed by the Grand Master
upon recommendation of its Chairman.

Its functions, duties and responsibilities shall be as
follows:

1) Two weeks before the Annual Communication, to
prepare or cause to be prepared I.D.’s or credentials
for all Grand Lodge and Subordinate Lodge Officers,
Past Grand Lodge and Honorary Past Grand Lodge
Officers, Grand Lodge representatives, Past Masters
of Subordinate Lodges and qualified Past Masters of
other Lodges whose officers cannot be present at the
Annual Communication;

2) To be responsible for, in coordination with any
other body hosting the Annual Communication,
the registration of delegates attending the Annual
Communication and the issuance to them of I.D.’s or
credentials;

3) To prepare or cause to be prepared a written list
of all who are present and duly registered for the
Annual Communication and submit the same to the
Grand Lodge, thru the Grand Secretary, for purposes
of record and determination of a quorum for the
conduct of the Annual Grand Communication;

4) To prepare, under the supervision of the ELECOM,

30 THE CONSTITUTION

the official list of qualified electors pursuant to the
provisions of Art. VI, Section 7, Subsection f; and
5) The Committee shall be discharged after it has
performed its duty under Par. 4 immediately
preceding.

b. Committee on Grand Lodge Officers’ Reports. This
Committee shall be composed of three (3) members who
shall be appointed by the Grand Master from among the
incumbent Grand Lodge Officers or Past Grand Masters,
not earlier than two (2) weeks nor later than one (1)
week before the opening of the Annual Communication.

It shall have the following functions, duties and
responsibilities:

1) To review the written report of the Grand Master,
Deputy Grand Master, Grand Treasurer, Grand
Secretary, Senior Grand Lecturer and any other
Grand Lodge officer required to submit written
reports, and submit its recommendations to the
Grand Lodge in Annual Communication.

Sec. 3. Other Special Committees may be appointed by the Grand
Master between Annual Communications.

Sec. 4. The following are the existing Edicts on other Committees,
Council, Guild, etc. :

1. Grand Guild of Past Masters - Edict No. 84 (MW Puno);
2. The Philippine Lodge of Research - Edict No. 109 (MW

Nabong);
3. First Officers The Philippine Lodge of Research Edict

No. 109-A (MW Nabong);
4. Manila North Cemetery Masonic Property - Edict No.

133 (MW Choa);
5. Permanent Commission on Charity and Medical

Assistance - Edict No.134 (MW Choa);
6. Establishing a New Masonic Coordinating Council. Edict

No.138 (MW Guerrero);
7. Composition of Permanent Members of the Committee

on Youth - Edict No. 154 (MW Mateo);
8. On Mandatory Membership in the Grand Lodge Mutual

Aid Program - Edict No. 223 – (MW Pagotan);
9. Creation of the Committee on Resolution and Prescribing

Its Duties and Responsibilities - Edict No. 231 (MW Yu)

Masonic Law Book 31

ARTICLE VIII

REVENUES

Sec. 1. The revenue of the Grand Lodge shall be derived from, among
others:

a. Fees for dispensations, charters, diplomas and other
masonic documents;

b. Proceeds from sales of Masonic supplies.
c. Dues levied upon the Lodges relative to their membership

and degrees conferred;
d. Contributions levied upon recipients of masonic degrees.
e. The funds and the proceeds of sale of all properties of

dissolved Lodges;
f. Other income from offices, buildings and premises of

the Grand Lodge; and
g. Cash donations by individual masons.

Sec. 2. The amount of fees, dues, contributions to be charged by the
Grand Lodge shall be subject to change by the Grand Lodge
in Annual Communications. Applicable fees currently in force
shall be indicated in a circular issued by the Grand Secretary.

ARTICLE IX

THE GRAND MASTER

Sec. 1. The Grand Master, between Annual Communications of the
Grand Lodge, shall exercise all its executive powers, except
the granting of Charters, all its judicial powers, and such
legislative powers as may provide needed legislation that shall
be harmoniously complementary to this Constitution. His
actions are effective immediately.

Sec. 2. The Grand Master shall have the authority to exercise generally
all such powers as by ancient general masonic usage are given
him by virtue of his office, among which are;

a) To grant dispensations:

1) For the organization of new Lodges and to extend
or continue dispensations until the next Annual
Communication;

32 THE CONSTITUTION

2) For a Lodge to hold the election of an officer or
officers at any date other than that of the stated
meeting prescribed by the By-Laws of the Lodge for
the election of officers;

3) For a Lodge to receive and act on the petition for
degrees of a person whose previous petition was
rejected by that Lodge within less than twelve (12)
months;

4) For a Lodge to receive and act on the petition of a
petitioner for degrees of a person belonging to or
serving in the Armed Forces of the Philippines or a
Diplomatic Agency in the Philippines who satisfies
partially of the qualifications of residence;

5) For a Lodge to confer degrees upon more than five
(5) candidates at any meeting and to confer degrees
upon more than one (1) candidate collectively;

6) For a Lodge, in an emergency, to transact business
with less than seven (7) members present; and

7) For a Lodge to meet for the transaction of business
and/or to confer degrees in a place and at a time
other than those fixed by its By-Laws, Charter, or
Dispensation.

b) To convene any Lodge, preside therein, inspect
its proceedings and compel its conformity to the
Constitution and Masonic Usages, Ordinances, Rules
and General Regulations;

c) To open a Lodge when the Master and Wardens are
absent from the territorial jurisdiction of said Lodge, or
to delegate such power to a duly qualified Brother;

d) To open or close the Grand Lodge or any Lodge in short
form provided that the opening and closing prayers are
given;

e) To accept the voluntary surrender of the Charter of a
Lodge;

f) To entertain proceedings on the forfeiture of the Charter
of a Lodge;

g) To arrest, withdraw or revoke for good reasons the
Charter or Dispensation of any Lodge until the next
Annual Communication;

h) To reactivate any Lodge in accordance with masonic law
and procedure;

i) To suspend the Master, or any officer of a Lodge, from
office until the expiration of his term or until the next
Annual Communication;

Masonic Law Book 33

j) To transfer the trial of an accused Brother to another
Lodge, upon the request of the Master to whom the
charge of unmasonic conduct has been presented,
whenever such transfer is in his opinion necessary and
expedient and to direct that the charges and the order
of transfer be transmitted to the Master of the Lodge to
which such transfer shall be made;

k) To require the attendance of and information from any
Grand Lodge Officer respecting matters appertaining to
the duties of his office;

l) To appoint representatives near recognized Grand
Lodges, and to receive and accredit representatives
therefrom;

m) To create Regional Grand Lodges and to appoint the
Regional Grand Master;

n) To require the attendance of, and information from, any
Grand Lodge Committee respecting matters appertaining
to the duties thereof;

o) To divide the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge into
Districts, and to appoint his official representative, to
be known as District Deputy Grand Master, for each
District;

p) To appoint one or more District Grand Lecturers for each
Masonic District;

q) To appoint a Grand Lodge Inspector for each Lodge in
this jurisdiction;

r) To make use of the Board for General Purposes as a
consultative group, an advisory body, a planning group
and/or an implementing agency;

s) To fill any vacancy in any elective office of the Grand
Lodge by appointment and the officer so appointed shall
hold office for the unexpired term;

t) To approve By-Laws of Lodges and any amendments
thereto;

u) To suspend the Charter of any Subordinate Lodge
whenever it has any indebtedness to the Grand Lodge
unpaid for the period of one (1) year from the date
of the earliest unpaid indebtedness and to reinstate
the Charter of the Lodge after the Lodge shall have
completely settled every indebtedness to his complete
satisfaction; and

v) To hear and decide on the expulsion or grant of pardon to
an expelled brother pursuant to Edict on Abandonment
(Edict No. 303 MW Tolentino).

34 THE CONSTITUTION

Sec. 3. It shall be the duty of the Grand Master:

a. To exercise careful supervision over the Craft, and to see
to it that the Ancient Landmarks, the Uniform Code of
By-Laws, Ordinances, Edicts and Rules and Regulations
of the Grand Lodge are obeyed;

b. To institute Lodges under dispensation and constitute
chartered Lodges, in person or by a representative, in
accordance with the ancient usages and regulations;

c. To discharge all duties and perform all functions of the
Grand Lodge between communications;

d. To preside at all Grand Lodge Communications;
e. To present at the Annual Communication a written

message setting forth all his official acts during the year,
the state and general condition of Masonry within the
Jurisdiction, and recommend such legislation as he may
deem necessary, proper or expedient for the welfare of
the Craft;
f. To submit a copy of his Annual message to the Committee
on Grand Lodge Officers’ Reports two (2) weeks before
the Annual Grand Communication; and
g. To choose, with the Deputy Grand Master and the Grand
Wardens, a bank or banks where the moneys belonging
to the Grand Lodge shall be deposited.

ARTICLE X

THE DEPUTY GRAND MASTER

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Deputy Grand Master:

a. To assist the Grand Master in the performance of any
and all his official functions and duties;

b. To perform the official functions and duties of the Grand
Master in the event of the latter’s death, his absence
from this jurisdiction, or his inability to perform his
official functions and duties; and

c. When the Grand Master is outside of the Jurisdiction, the
Deputy Grand Master, in case of emergency, may issue
orders, sign certificates and dispensations as “Acting
Grand Master”. If the Grand Master is unable to perform
his duties, the Deputy Grand Master becomes the Acting
Grand Master. When the Grand Master expects to be out

Masonic Law Book 35

from Manila for some time and is therefore unable to sign
routine papers, he may authorize the Grand Secretary
or the Deputy Grand Master to sign such routine papers
with the words “For the Grand Master” preceding the
signature. Any formal documents, such as checks and
contracts must be signed by the Grand Master, or by
the Deputy Grand Master as “Acting Grand Master”
when the Grand Master is not within his jurisdiction, or
when by reason of sickness or other disability the Grand
Master is not performing the duties of his office. When
a Grand Master dies in office, the Deputy Grand Master
should, as a matter of courtesy, use the title “Acting
Grand Master” until after the funeral services have been
completed. However, during the funeral ceremonies, he
will be addressed as “Most Worshipful Grand Master”. If
there is a printed program, the title of the Deputy Grand
Master should be shown as “Acting Grand Master”.

ARTICLE XI

THE GRAND WARDENS

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Wardens to assist the Grand
Master at all times and, in his absence and that of the Deputy
Grand Master, to preside at Communications of the Grand
Lodge in the order of their rank.

Sec. 2. In the event of death, absence from this jurisdiction, or
inability of both the Grand Master and Deputy Grand Master,
they shall in the order of their rank, be vested with all the
powers and duties assumed.

ARTICLE XII

THE GRAND TREASURER

Sec. 1. It shall be the power of the Grand Treasurer:

a. To direct and supervise the work of the Accountant,
Cashier, and other financial employees of the Grand
Lodge; and

36 THE CONSTITUTION

b. To require the Cashier to obtain and file a surety bond
or other acceptable guarantee from an approved surety
company, with the office of the Grand Master, within 15
days of his appointment.

Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Treasurer:

a. To receive and/or cause to be received all moneys
belonging to the Grand Lodge and keep and/or cause to
be kept in proper books an accurate account thereof;

b. To deposit or cause to be deposited immediately the
said moneys to the credit of the Grand Lodge in a bank
or banks selected by the first four officers of the Grand
Lodge, furnishing the Grand Master with a duplicate
copy of the deposit slip;

c. To countersign checks, drafts or orders signed by the
Grand Master for a withdrawal from the said deposit;

d. To take charge of all property of the Grand Lodge and
keep an accurate account thereof, except those under
the charge and custody of the Grand Secretary. Property
consisting of bonds or other evidence or securities for
debt, shall be deposited in a bank or safe deposit vault
selected by the first four officers of this Grand Lodge
and may be withdrawn only on written order by the
Grand Master and Grand Treasurer;

e. To pay all orders drawn upon funds and money under
such regulations as may be provided by the Grand
Lodge;

f. To attend the Grand Lodge at every Communication,
and the Grand Master upon his call, and when required,
to bring with him the necessary books and papers
appertaining to his office; and also, if required by the
Grand Lodge or Grand Master, to attend, with such
books and papers, upon any committee which may be
appointed to act in relation to the fiscal concerns of the
Grand Lodge;

g. To present, at each Annual Communication, a written
report setting forth a detailed account of his receipts and
disbursements, with proper vouchers for the latter; and
present the existing condition of property and finances
of the Grand Lodge;

h. To submit a copy of his report to the Committee on
Grand Lodge Officers’ Reports two (2) weeks before the
Annual Communication;

Masonic Law Book 37

Sec. 3. He shall execute and file with the office of the Grand Master
within fifteen (15) days after his installation, an official bond in
such penal sum and with such sureties as shall be approved by
the Grand Master, conditioned that he will faithfully discharge
the duties of his office, and at the end of his term turn over to
his successor all funds and properties of the Grand Lodge in
his possession and custody; and

Sec. 4. Upon the expiration of his term of office, he shall secure
from the Grand Lodge or Grand Master a clearance certificate
showing that he has no outstanding monetary or proprietary
obligations with the Grand Lodge. A duplicate of his clearance
certificate shall be filed with the office of the Grand Secretary
for permanent record.

ARTICLE XIII

THE GRAND SECRETARY

Sec. 1. It shall be the power of the Grand Secretary to direct and
supervise the work of the Assistant Grand Secretary and the
office staff.

Sec. 2. It shall be the duty of the Grand Secretary:

a. To record all the transactions of the Grand Lodge which
are proper to be written and supervise their publication
after the close of each communication;

b. To receive and safely keep all papers and documents
of the Grand Lodge and to present those which require
action at each Annual Communication;

c. To keep and affix the Seal of the Grand Lodge with his
attestation to all its instruments and the written official
acts of the Grand Master;

d. To collect and keep a correct account in proper books of
all moneys due to the Grand Lodge and to turn it over
to the Grand Treasurer within ten (10) days from its
receipt requiring his acknowledgement;

e. To present to each Annual Communication a written
account of receipts and disbursement of all moneys
received during the year together with detailed
supporting statements;

f. To report at each Annual Grand Communication all

38 THE CONSTITUTION

Lodges in arrears with the Grand Lodge, or those which
have neglected or refused to comply with any provision
of its Constitution, By-Laws and Regulations;
g. To conduct correspondence of the Grand Lodge and
keep copies thereof;
h. To attend to the Grand Master and the Grand Lodge at
all its Communications with books and papers required;
i. To maintain his office, with all the books and records, in
the Grand Lodge during usual business hours;
j. To transmit to each Lodge three (3) times a month a list
of all individual affiliations, deaths, demits, expulsions,
petitions, restorations, suspensions or reactivation of
Lodges of which he shall have been notified;
k. To notify each Lodge and Grand Officer of all Special
Communications;
l. To take charge of the jewels, furnitures, clothings, and
other paraphernalia of Grand Lodge;
m. To submit a copy of his written report, to include
all unfinished business of the Grand Lodge, to the
Committee on Grand Lodge Officers’ Reports two (2)
weeks before the Annual Communication;
n. To draw warrants upon the Treasurer for all appropriations
by the Grand Lodge and for orders of the Grand Master
during the recess of the Grand Lodge and for accounts
and claims which have been audited and approved by
the Committee on Accounts;
o. To transmit, free of charge, to the Lodge of a deceased
member in good standing a Certificate or Diploma for
the benefit of the family of the deceased Brother (widow
or orphans) when requested to do so by the Lodge;
p. To perform all such other duties appertaining to his
office as the Grand Lodge may direct; and
q. To execute and file an official bond with the office of the
Grand Master within fifteen (15) days after his installation
in such a sum and with a surety company approved by
the Grand Master for the faithful performance of his
duties, with premium for the bond being paid by the
Grand Lodge;

Sec. 3. He shall receive such honorarium for his services as the Grand
Lodge may fix.

Sec. 4. He shall secure a clearance certificate from the Grand Lodge
or Grand Master, upon the expiration of his term of office,
showing that he has no outstanding monetary or proprietary

Masonic Law Book 39

obligations with the Grand Lodge. A signed duplicate copy of
this clearance certificate shall be filed with the Office of the
Grand Secretary for permanent record.

ARTICLE XIV

THE GRAND AUDITOR

Sec. 1. The Grand Auditor shall be vested with the following powers
and duties:

a. To be the Ex-Officio Chairman of the Committee on
Accounts of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the
Philippines and shall together with the Committee on
Accounts, exercise the powers and functions appurtenant
to such Committee;

b. To recommend to the Grand Master the composition of
and the appointees to the membership of the Committee
on Accounts;

c. To act as the formal Adviser of the Grand Master in the
formulation of the audit guidelines and procedures for
adoption by all Lodges within the Philippine jurisdiction;
and

d. To exercise such other powers and functions which the
Grand Master may from time to time delegate.

ARTICLE XV

COUNCIL OF ELDERS

Sec. 1. There shall be a Council of Elders which shall be composed
of all the Past Grand Masters with the following powers and
functions:

a. The Council shall complement the Board for General
Purposes in the exercise of its functions and act as
the Adviser of and assist the Grand Master in his
governance of all matters concerning the Grand Lodge
of the Philippines;

40 THE CONSTITUTION

b. The Council shall meet upon the call of the Grand
Master; and

c. It shall exercise such other powers and functions which
the Grand Master may from time to time delegate to it.

ARTICLE XVI

THE BOARD FOR GENERAL PURPOSES

Sec. 1. Composition.
The Board for General Purposes shall be composed of seven

(7) members who shall be Past Grand Masters. They shall
be appointed by the Grand Master who will designate its
President.

Sec. 2. The Board for General Purposes shall function as a consultative
and advisory body to the Grand Master and, subject always to
his direction and control, he may make use of it as a planning
group and/or an implementing agency.

Sec. 3. The Board shall meet as a body only when convened by
the Grand Master or upon the request of at least three (3)
members, when the interest of the Craft so requires, and
present to the Grand Master its recommendations, suggestions
or observations discussed in said meeting.

ARTICLE XVII

THE ASSISTANT GRAND TREASURER

Sec. 1. The Assistant Grand Treasurer shall be vested with such
powers as may be delegated to him by the Grand Treasurer.

Sec. 2. It shall be his duty:

a. To assist the Grand Treasurer in the discharge of his
duties; and

b. To perform such other duties and functions as may, from
time to time, be assigned to him by the Grand Master.

Masonic Law Book 41

ARTICLE XVIII

THE ASSISTANT GRAND SECRETARY

Sec. 1. The Assistant Grand Secretary shall be vested with such
powers as may be delegated to him by the Grand Secretary.
He shall receive such honorarium as the Grand Lodge or Grand
Master may fix.

Sec. 2. It shall be his duty:

a. To assist the Grand Secretary in the discharge of his
duties; and

b. To perform such other functions and duties as may, from
time to time, be assigned to him by the Grand Secretary
or the Grand Master.

ARTICLE XIX

GRAND CHAPLAIN

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Chaplain during each Annual
Communication and other appropriate occasions to perform
such service appertaining to his office as may be required of
him by the Grand Master.

ARTICLE XX

GRAND ORATOR

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Orator to deliver an address
to the Grand Lodge at its Annual Communication or on other
occasions as the Grand Master may direct upon matters
appertaining to the Craft.

ARTICLE XXI

GRAND MARSHAL

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Marshal:

a. To proclaim the Grand Officers at their installation and
make such other proclamation as may be directed by

42 THE CONSTITUTION

the Grand Master;
b. To introduce the representatives of other Grand Lodges

and all visiting brethren of distinction; and
c. To conduct all processions of the Grand Lodge under the

direction of the Grand Master and perform such other
duties proper to his office as may be required.

ARTICLE XXII

GRAND DEACONS

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Deacons to assist the Grand
Master and Grand Wardens in such manner as the ancient
usages of the Craft prescribe.

ARTICLE XXIII

GRAND HISTORIAN

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Historian to prepare annually
a report of the more significant events that are worthy of
inclusion in a printed history of the Grand Lodge. Two copies
of the report shall be filed in the Office of the Grand Secretary
under the heading “Grand Lodge History” so as to maintain
the history of the Grand Lodge current at all times.

ARTICLE XXIV

GRAND STANDARD BEARER

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Standard Bearer to bear the
Banner of the Grand Lodge in all processions and at all public
ceremonies.

ARTICLE XXV

GRAND SWORD BEARER

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Sword Bearer to attend upon
the Grand Master and bear the Sword of the Grand Lodge in
all processions and at all public ceremonies.

Masonic Law Book 43

ARTICLE XXVI

GRAND BIBLE BEARER

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Bible Bearer to bear the Holy
Writings in all processions and at all public or private Masonic
ceremonies.

ARTICLE XXVII

THE GRAND LECTURERS

Sec. 1. The Senior Grand Lecturer.
The Senior Grand Lecturer shall be vested with the following

powers and duties:

a. To have immediate and direct supervision of, and to
teach the ritual and esoteric work to, the Junior Grand
Lecturers, District Grand Lecturers, and Grand Lodge
Inspectors;

b. To visit Lodges in the jurisdiction and, where
convenient, hold seminars regarding the government
and administration of Subordinate Lodges by the Grand
Lodge, and schools and Lodges of Instruction to teach
the ritual and esoteric work, and to exemplify the work
or require conformity therewith;

c. To examine Masters-elect, Wardens-elect, Treasurers-
elect and Secretaries-elect in that part of the
Constitution, By-Laws, Edicts, and Regulations of the
Grand Lodge referring to the government of Lodges and
the Masters-elect and Wardens-elect in their proficiency
in the work and lectures, and to withhold the issuance of
certificates of proficiency from all who are not proficient
prior to their installation;

d. To issue certificates of proficiency to Master-elect
and Wardens-elect who qualify after the examination
required of them prior to their installation;

e. To delegate to Junior Grand Lecturers, District Deputy
Grand Masters, District Grand Lecturers or Grand Lodge
Inspectors his power and authority to examine Masters-
elect and Wardens-elect as to their respective proficiency
in the work and lectures in the pertinent degrees and to
issue certificates of proficiency prior to their installation;

44 THE CONSTITUTION

f. To issue certificates of proficiency to Master Masons who
are proficient in the work and lectures adopted by the
Grand Lodge;

g. To endorse to the Grand Master the recommendation of
District Deputy Grand Masters for the appointment of as
many Past Masters as may be needed to serve as Grand
Lodge Inspectors;

h. To sign together with the Grand Master, the Commission
of each Grand Lodge Inspector appointed by the Grand
Master;

i. To render a report to the Grand Lodge at each Annual
Communication giving a full account of services
rendered during the year and submit a copy thereof to
the Committee on Grand Lodge Officers’ Reports two (2)
weeks before the Annual Communication; and

j. To delegate to the Junior or District Grand Lecturers such
of his powers and duties as he may consider necessary,
proper and expedient.

Sec. 2. Junior Grand Lecturers.
There shall be one Junior Grand Lecturer appointed by the

Grand Master for each of the following regional divisions:

REGIONS

a. National Capital Region - Masonic District A and G
b. National Capital Region- Masonic District B, C and D
c. National Capital Region - Masonic District E and F
d. North Eastern Luzon A
e. North Eastern Luzon B
f. North Western Luzon A
g. North Western Luzon B
h. Central Luzon A
i. Central Luzon B
j. Central Luzon C
k. South Luzon A
l. South Luzon B
m. South Luzon C
n. Western Visayas A
o. Western Visayas B
p. Central Visayas
q. Eastern Visayas
r. Western Mindanao
s. Southern Mindanao
t. Northern Mindanao

Masonic Law Book 45

u. CARAGA
v. Overseas Districts

The Junior Grand Lecturers shall assist the Senior Grand
Lecturer in the discharge of his duties and shall perform such
other functions as may from time to time be assigned to them
by the Grand Master or may be delegated by the Senior Grand
Lecturer (Edict No. 291 MW Gazmin).

ARTICLE XXVIII

GRAND STEWARDS

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Stewards to superintend the
preparations for all festive occasions directed by the Grand
Lodge.

ARTICLE XXIX

GRAND PURSUIVANT

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Pursuivant:
a. To guard the inner door of the Grand Lodge and
communicate with the Grand Tyler without;
b. To announce all applicants for admission by their names
and proper Masonic titles, and see that all who enter are
properly clothed or wear the jewel and clothing proper
to their rank;
c. To allow none to withdraw who has not obtained
permission to do so from the Grand Master; and
d. To act as assistant to the Grand Marshal in all public
ceremonies.

ARTICLE XXX

GRAND ORGANIST

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Organist to preside at the
organ at the opening and the closing of the Grand Lodge, and
to conduct its music upon all occasions of ceremony, when
required.

46 THE CONSTITUTION

ARTICLE XXXI

GRAND TYLER

Sec. 1. It shall be the duty of the Grand Tyler:

a. To guard the outer door of the Grand Lodge and
communicate with the Grand Pursuivant within;

b. To report all applicants for admission to the Grand
Pursuivant and see that all who enter are duly authorized
and properly clothed;

c. To make suitable preparations for the accommodations
of the Grand Lodge at all its communications, and see
that its hall is kept in proper condition during their
continuance;

d. To take charge of and safely keep the jewels, furniture,
clothing, and other paraphernalia of the Grand Lodge
during its Annual Grand Communication; and

e. To serve all notices and summonses sent by authority of
the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master and perform such
other duties as may required of him by the Grand Lodge
or the Grand Master.

ARTICLE XXXII

DISTRICT DEPUTY GRAND MASTERS

Sec. 1. Qualifications, Nomination and Appointment.
A District Deputy Grand Master shall be a Past Master residing

in the district to which he is appointed. No District Deputy
Grand Master shall hold any office in his Lodge except as
Master. There shall be a Formal Turn-Over Ceremony from
the outgoing to the incoming District Deputy Grand Master to
be held during the first meeting of the District Council.

Sec. 2. Powers.
A District Deputy Grand Master shall have the following

powers:

a. To recommend to the Grand Master through the Senior
Grand Lecturer in consultation with the District Grand
Lecturer(s), the appointment of one Grand Lodge
Inspector for every Lodge in his district and to supervise
his work;

Masonic Law Book 47

b. To visit any Lodge in his District at any time;
c. To require each or any of the Masters in his District to

convene the Lodge for inspection;
d. To require the Inspector to visit the Lodge to which he

has been appointed, and thereafter to render to him and
the Senior Grand Lecturer and Junior Grand Lecturer
concerned, a report of his findings;
e. To examine the records, books and transaction of any
Lodge in his District and to inspect and correct the work
of each Lodge in his District;
f. To exercise authority over the functions of each Inspector
in his District and to admonish him to exercise, at the
proper time, diligent supervision over the annual election
of the officers of the Lodge and the accomplishment of
the report thereon, as well as over the preparation,
accomplishment, and transmittal of the annual report
including the payment thereon to the Grand Lodge;
g. To convene the Lodges in his District to an annual
District Convention and preside thereat;
h. To grant a dispensation and to collect the fee therefor
transmitting it to the Grand Lodge, in the following
cases:

1) To hold election of an officer or officers other than
the regular period herein provided;

2) To receive and act upon the petitions of rejected
applicants for the degrees of Masonry if filed within
a period of less than twelve months as herein
prescribed;

3) To defer the lecture of the first and third degrees as
herein required;

4) For a Lodge, in an emergency, to transact business
with less than seven (7) members present;

5) For a Lodge to meet for the transaction of business
and/or to confer degrees in a place and at a time
other than those fixed by its By-Laws, Charter, or
Dispensation; and

i. To conduct the proficiency examination of Master-elect,
and Wardens-elect when delegated to do so by the
Senior Grand Lecturer in accordance with Art. XXVII,
Section 1, Sub-section (e); and

j. To close a Lodge within his District in short or ample
form, even with the presence of the Grand Master, during
a private or public installation of officers, or a Host

48 THE CONSTITUTION

Lodge or Lodge which opens for a District Convention,
Multi-District or Regional Convention, provided that the
Closing Prayer is rendered and the Altar attended to
(Edict No. 85 MW Puno).

Sec. 3. Duties.
A District Deputy Grand Master shall have the following duties:

a. To visit each Lodge in his District;
b. To report to the Grand Master the failure of any Master

to convene his Lodge for inspection when requested by
him;
c. To report to the Grand Master the failure to qualify within
sixty (60) days subsequent to the election of any newly-
elected Master or Warden of a Lodge in his District;
d. To obtain the approval of the Grand Secretary or the
Senior Grand Lecturer of any program involving the
Grand Lodge or any Grand Lodge Officer;
e. To submit a written report on the District Convention
to the Grand Master within thirty (30) days after the
convention;
f. To make and submit immediately to the Grand Lodge
a report of any dispensation granted by him, together
with the fee collected therefore;
g. To monitor or send his official representative to fund
raising activities of Lodges (Edict No. 255-A par 5 MW
Gazmin); and
h. To disburse the funds of the District only for expenditures
duly approved by majority of the members of the District
Council. At the end of his term, he shall transmit to
the Grand Lodge and to his successor a duly audited
Financial Statement which shall include an accounting to
all receipts and disbursements during his term. (Edict
No. 255-A par 7 MW Gazmin).

ARTICLE XXXIII

DISTRICT GRAND LECTURERS

Sec. 1. There shall be one or more District Grand Lecturers appointed
by the Grand Master for each Masonic District who shall be
under the supervision of the District Deputy Grand Master
concurrently with the Senior Grand Lecturer.

Masonic Law Book 49

Sec. 2. A District Grand Lecturer shall have the following duties and
functions within his assigned area of jurisdiction:

a. To represent the Senior Grand Lecturer on matters
relating to his (SGL) duties as provided by law;

b. To visit alone or with the District Deputy Grand Master
Subordinate Lodges assigned to him in his district;

c. With prior authority from the Senior Grand Lecturer
or Junior Grand Lecturer, and prior consultation with
District Deputy Grand Master, to conduct Lodges of
Instruction for the proper exemplification of the work in
conformity with our rituals;

d. To conduct the proficiency examination of Master-elect
and Wardens-elect when delegated to do so by the
Senior Grand Lecturer in accordance with Art. XXVII,
Section 1, Sub-section (e); and

e. To perform such other duties and submit such written
reports as may from time to time be required of him by
the Senior Grand Lecturer or the District Deputy Grand
Master.

ARTICLE XXXIV

GRAND LODGE INSPECTORS

Sec. 1. Each Grand Lodge Inspector shall be a Past Master residing
in the District comprising the Lodge to which he is appointed.
He (GLI) shall be installed in his assigned Lodge in a proper
Ceremony of Installation by the District Deputy Grand Master
or the District Grand Lecturer.

Sec. 2. Powers.
He shall have the following powers:

a. To visit the Lodge of which he is the Inspector at any
time;

b. To inspect the work and, if necessary, correct the same
in accordance with the work as adopted by the Grand
Lodge;

c. To exercise diligent supervision over the preparation
and accomplishment of the annual report of the Lodge
to the end that the annual report, accompanied with

50 THE CONSTITUTION

payment of dues and fees, is submitted to the Grand
Lodge not later than January 15 of each year;
d. To exercise diligent supervision over the annual election
of the officers of the Lodge and the accomplishment
of the report thereon, and see that the election report
is submitted to the Grand Secretary immediately
thereafter;
e. To see to it that proper clothing be worn and the proper
decorum be observed by the members of a Lodge during
meetings; and
f. To examine, verify and/or review the report of the
Committee on Investigation which has been duly
accepted by the Master, relative to the petition of a
candidate, for the purpose of ascertaining whether the
report and the committee have substantially complied
with the requirements and guidelines provided for in
the Constitution and Edicts of the Grand Lodge of the
Philippines (Edict No. 275 Section 1 MW Rentoy).

Sec. 3. Duties.
It shall be his duty:

a. To attend the stated and special meetings of the Lodge
to which he is appointed and the Lodge of Instruction
held in his District or in the Grand Lodge;

b. To instruct and qualify the officers of the Lodge and,
when delegated by the Senior Grand Lecturer to do so,
to issue certificates of proficiency to those officers who
qualify;

c. To report to the District Deputy Grand Master the failure
of any newly-elected Master or Warden of the Lodge to
qualify within sixty (60) days subsequent to his election;

d. To transmit to the District Deputy Grand Master and the
District Grand Lecturer concerned, on or before the first
day of March of each year, an account of the work and
accomplishment of the Lodge and his official duties;

e. To obtain the approval of the District Deputy Grand
Master of any program of the Lodge involving the
District;

f. To assist the District Deputy Grand Master and the
District Grand Lecturer concerned in the performance of
their duties within the Lodge;

g. To submit a Monthly GLI Report to the District Deputy
Grand Master;

Masonic Law Book 51

h. Within seven (7) days from receipt of the report of the
Committee on Investigation as furnished by the Master
of the Lodge, the Grand Lodge Inspector (GLI) is bound
to do the following:
i. To personally examine and determine the sufficiency
of the investigation report;
ii. In case of DENIAL, make his comment and/or
recommendation on the same report stating the
reason(s) for his denial; and
iii. In case of APPROVAL, make a certification/attestation
that subject recommendation is satisfactory.

Provided, that no petitioner/candidate shall be balloted
unless the Grand Lodge Inspector has made an
attestation/certification that: “he has examined the
report and the same has substantially complied with
the requirements of the Constitution and relevant Edicts
and rules relating to the investigation of a Petitioner/
Candidate”(Edict No. 275 Section 3 MW Rentoy).

i. To be present at the balloting of petitioners or election
of lodge officers and to ascertain that the duties of the
Master under m, n and o of Sec. 2, Art. XI, Part II-
Ordinances and duties of Secretary prescribed in k, l
and m of Sec. 1, Art. XIV, Part II-Ordinances are duly
complied with; (Edict No. 276 MW Rentoy).

Sec. 4. Prohibited Acts

a. Failure or refusal of the Grand Lodge Inspector to
perform his additional duty under Edict No. 275 – MW
Rentoy

b. Abuse of power on the part of the Grand Lodge Inspector
in disapproving, rejecting or denying the investigation
report without proper basis;

c. Neglect, recklessness or want of care on the part of
the Grand Lodge Inspector in approving, attesting or
certifying that the Investigation Report has substantially
complied with the requirements of the Constitution and
other relevant Edicts;

d. Failure on the part of the Grand Lodge Inspector to
submit his denial/rejection or attestation/certification
within the prescribed period; Provided, that in such case
of delay on the part of GLI and with a favorable report of
the Investigation Committee on the petition, the Master

52 THE CONSTITUTION

may ask the approval (dispensation) of the District
Deputy Grand Master to proceed with the balloting
notwithstanding the lack of the requisite attestation/
certification; and
e. Violation of the confidentiality rule on the identities of
the members of the Committee on Investigation.

ARTICLE XXXV

AMENDMENTS

Sec. 1. Any proposed amendment to this Constitution shall be
submitted in writing to the Grand Secretary at least sixty
(60) days before the Annual Communication. It shall be
forwarded to the Committee on Revision of the Constitution
for study, report and recommendation, copies of which shall
be circulated among the Grand Lodge officers and members
present during the Annual Communication.

Sec. 2. If three-fourths (3/4) of the members present shall be in
favor, such proposed amendment shall be declared adopted at
the close of that Annual Communication.

Sec. 3. A proposed amendment receiving only a majority vote, but
less than three-fourths (3/4) votes required for approval, shall
be laid over and published in the proceedings as a “Proposed
Amendment to the Constitution”. If three-fourths (3/4) of
the members then present at the next Annual Communication
vote favorably, it shall be declared adopted at the end of that
Annual Communication.

Sec. 4. There shall be no vote taken upon a proposed amendment
after the election of Grand Officers.

ARTICLE XXXVI

TRANSITORY PROVISION

Sec. 1. All provisions of the Constitution as contained in previous
Revised Editions of our Masonic Law Book not included herein
are deemed repealed.

Masonic Law Book 53

54 THE CONSTITUTION

PART II

ORDINANCES

ARTICLE I

ORGANIZATION OF A LODGE

Sec. 1. A Lodge can be formed only by authority of a dispensation
from the Grand Master and perpetuated by a charter from the
Grand Lodge.

Sec. 2. The Grand Master may, in case of manifest propriety and
necessity, grant a dispensation to form a new lodge upon
receipt of a petition satisfying the following conditions:

a. It must be signed by at least twenty-four (24) Master
Masons in good standing;

b. The Masters and Wardens of a lodge formed under the
dispensation of the Grand Master shall consist only of
Past Masters in good standing; and of the twenty-four
(24) petition signer, at least 12 of them must be Past
Masters. Lodge U.D. shall have the same appointed
officers as are required for chartered lodges and
their appointments accomplished during the “Lodge
Institution Ceremonies” (Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).


c. It must be accompanied by demits or certificates of

good standing of all the signatories and following these
guidelines:

1. Only those with plural membership shall be limited
to three (3) lodges inclusive of the Mother Lodge
may be allowed to become Charter members and
those already having plural memberships in three
(3) lodges inclusive his Mother Lodge must dimit
from one of the lodges; and

2. Charter membership must be limited only to those
residing within the District.

d. It must be accompanied by a recommendation from the
nearest or most convenient lodge or by a majority of the
lodges in a town or city where there are more than two
lodges; provided however, that the recommendation,

Masonic Law Book 55

when refused, may be dispensed with by the Grand
Master when he deems it to be for the best interest of
Masonry;

A Lodge U.D. must ensure that a stable, suitable and
safe lodge hall shall be permanently available, either
by ownership or lease, usufruct agreement or other
similar entitlements for such lodge to hold its monthly
stated business meetings where Masonic labors may
be safely and solemnly performed. Meetings of such
lodge shall also be held only in the place indicated in the
dispensation. No meetings may be held in places freely
accessible and visible to the public such as restaurants,
clubhouses and other similar social establishments or in
places where there is any risk that the secrets of Masonry
may be unlawfully communicated. Provided, however,
that degree works shall only be held in established and
existing consecrated lodge hall; Provided, further that
when such hall is inaccessible or grossly inconvenient
to the members, a dispensation shall be applied from
the grand Master or his District Deputy Grand Master
to hold such degree works in a suitable place closely
approximating the character of a stable, suitable and
safe Masonic lodge hall (Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).

d. It must be accompanied by a set of By-Laws which
shall, among other things, provide for annual dues and
degree fees, the minimum amount of which shall not be
below the dues and fees payable to the Grand Lodge as
prescribed in Article VII, Sec. 1 & 2 of these Ordinances
as applicable;

A Lodge U.D. cannot make its own By-Laws for its
government while working under dispensation as its
existence as such, is governed by the terms of the
Dispensation. When petitioning for a Charter, it is
required to submit to the grand Lodge, for its examination
and approval, a co0py of the proposed By-Laws for its
government as a new Lodge, which By-Laws should be
in conformity to Part III of the Constitution. Such by-
laws shall be regularly adopted by such new lodge, if
even and when, its charter is granted and such lodge
thereafter is constituted and its officers duly installed
(Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).

56 ORDINANCES

e. It must be accompanied by a certification from the
District Deputy Grand Master of the district where the
new lodge shall be established that: (1) the proposed
Master and Wardens are fully competent to confer the
three degrees of Masonry and deliver their lectures
and are thoroughly proficient in those portions of the
Constitution and Ordinances of the Grand Lodge which
relate to government of a lodge; (2) That a safe and
suitable lodge has been provided for; and (3) That it
is equipped with an approved volume of the Sacred
Law, compasses, complete set of working tools,
officers’ jewels and aprons together with a ballot box,
members’ aprons, stewards’ and deacons’ rods, ashlars,
cabletow, blindfold, candidates’ uniforms, 3rd degree
paraphernalia and all other accessories necessary to
carry out its functions; and

f. It must be accompanied by an undertaking that it will
acquire or construct its own permanent lodge or masonic
temple in an identified location within a period of three
(3) years from the date of its Charter. In case of non-
compliance with the undertaking, the Grand Lodge may
review, recommend and if necessary take appropriate
actions thereto” (Edict No. 300 MW Tolentino).

Sec. 3. A dispensation shall be valid only up to the end of the month
preceding the Annual Communication and the lodge under
dispensation shall, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the
Annual Communication, return the dispensation to the Grand
Secretary, transmitting at the same time its By-Laws, books
or records and Annual Report with payment of dues and fees
up to that date.

Sec. 4. A Lodge under dispensation is entitled to representation at
the Annual Communication of the Grand Lodge. It may send
its Master and Wardens who may be admitted to seats and
be permitted to speak and vote on all matters except in the
election of officers.

Sec. 5. Upon return of the dispensation of a new lodge, a charter
may be granted by the Grand Lodge if an examination of its
work and proceedings shall prove satisfactory and upon proof
that it is free from indebtedness and that it has complied with
all other requirements. Such lodge shall then be constituted
within sixty (60) days thereafter.

Masonic Law Book 57

Sec. 6. If the Lodge under dispensation fails to satisfy all the
requirements for the issuance of a Charter, the petition for a
charter may be denied, or a continuance of the dispensation
may be allowed until the next Annual Communication, but no
such continuance shall be authorized the second time.

All Lodges under dispensation (under the jurisdiction of the
Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons
of the Philippines), which fail to qualify for constitution as a
regular lodge shall turn over their records of membership,
minutes of meetings and all their assets, whether in cash or
in kind, to the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines
thru the Grand Secretary for appropriate disposition. Failure of
the responsible officers to turn over the aforesaid documents
and assets to the Grand Secretary within thirty (30) days
after their dispensation has lapsed or upon disapproval of
their request for constitution shall be dealt with appropriately
under our Masonic Laws (Edict No. 269 MW Purisima).

If a Dispensation is subsequently recalled by the Grand Master,
or if the Grand Lodge refuses a charter or refuses to continue
the dispensation, the lodge shall be considered automatically
defunct and the officers thereof shall proceed to liquidate
its funds and properties in accordance with existing edicts. A
member who has been conferred the first, second and third
degree works by a Lodge U.D. which failed to secure or was
denied a Charter shall have the status of regularly demitted
Masons and shall be entitled to be issued a certification of
that fact, or in the form of Certificate of Demit or certificate
ofGood Standing issued by the grand Secretary for purposes
of petitioning for admission in a chartered lodge (Edict No.
294 MW Gazmin).

Sec. 7. The Lodge shall submit its name for approval by the Grand
Lodge which shall not be the name of any living person or
Chartered lodge and must bear the word “Masonic” in its
official name, and request a number for it. No dispensation
shall be granted to form a new lodge unless the official name
of the Lodge bears the word “Masonic” (Edict No. 307 MW
Tolentino).

Sec. 8. A Lodge shall be composed of its officers and members. The
officers shall be the Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden

58 ORDINANCES

Treasurer, Secretary, Auditor, Chaplain, Marshal, Senior
Deacon, Junior Deacon, Senior Steward, Junior Steward, Tyler
and such other officers as its By-Laws may provide.

Sec. 9. The primary purpose of a Lodge U.D. is to “admit, enter and
raise good men as freemasons,” hence its activities must be
geared toward this objective while demonstrating that its
officers and members are properly capable of performing all
the duties and powers incumbent of a regular lodge as stated
under Article II (Powers of a Lodge) and Article III (Duties
of a Lodge) Part II of the Constitution, insofar as applicable.
(Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).

Sec. 10. A Lodge U.D. must be able to raise at least one Master Mason
during its existence as such. All its degree conferrals shall
be conducted and performed strictly by direct participation of
the three lights named in the dispensation and shall not be
delegated to other members, within or without the Lodge. As
far as possible, the roles in the degree works must be filled up
by the members of the Lodge. Lodges under Dispensation are
subject to the same rules as Chartered Lodges, as to balloting
for candidates and the prescribed time before and between
the degrees, and all other pertinent Grand Lodge rules and
regulations regarding the processing of candidates and the
conferral of degrees. (Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).

Sec. 11. A Lodge U.D. shall have the same prohibitions stated under
Article IV, Part II of the Constitution. In addition, a Lodge U.D.
shall observe the following specific restrictions:

a. It shall be prohibited to solicit funds or financial assistance
from other Lodges nor shall it be given dispensation to
conduct fund raising activities;

b. A Lodge U.D. cannot entertain charges against any of its
members, nor try them for Masonic offenses;

c. It cannot add or strike members from the membership roll
as appearing in the dispensation, except by authority of
the Grand Mater for good reason shown;

d. It cannot amend its dispensation or legislate through
resolutions except to arrange for its meetings and the
amount of its fees for degrees;

e. It cannot elect Officers, affiliate members, grant dimits, or
install its officers;

f. It cannot perform Masonic funeral services; and

Masonic Law Book 59

g. It cannot adopt and use a lodge seal (Edict No. 294 MW
Gazmin).

Sec. 12. A Lodge U.D. shall have the same right of Masonic jurisdiction
as Chartered Lodges, provided that it does not have concurrent
jurisdiction granted to regular lodges in the National Capital
Region and in other Masonic districts where concurrent
jurisdiction is allowed. Non-Masons living within its area of
jurisdiction can only petition for membership under such Lodge
working under dispensation. Under no circumstances can a
Lodge U.D. acquire jurisdiction over a petitioner who resides
or works outside of its proposed area of Masonic jurisdiction.
(Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).

Sec. 13. A Lodge U.D. shall conduct its regular meeting in accordance
with the style of a chartered lodge insofar as applicable.
For reporting purposes, it shall submit the same mandatory
regular reports required of a regular lodge strictly on
a monthly basis, namely: Minutes of Stated Meetings,
Secretary’s Financial Report, Treasurer’s Financial Reports
and Monthly membership Reports. It shall observe the order
of business stated under Article XII, Part III of the Uniform
Code by By-Laws of Subordinate Lodges and shall follow the
reporting format prescribed by Circular No. 8-Gazmin insofar
as applicable; (Edict No. 294 MW Gazmin).

Sec. 14. All Brethren who are included in the list of petitioners when a
Dispensation was issued are referred to as Charter Members
and may become regular members when the Lodge U.D. is
granted a charter and shall be subject to the same rights and
obligations or regular membership. However, they may elect
to apply for dimit at any time after the Charter is granted,
and which shall not be unduly withheld. (Edict No. 294 MW
Gazmin).

Sec. 15. No charter shall be granted to a Lodge U.D. unless it is proven
that it is financially capable of operating as a regular lodge
and is free from indebtedness of whatever kind. All its annual
dues consisting of per capita and other authorized Grand
Lodge assessments, conferral fees, temple funds, etc. must
be paid within the prescribed deadline. (Edict No. 294 MW
Gazmin).

Sec. 16. The fee for each member who signs the petition to establish

60 ORDINANCES

a new lodge shall now be fixed at Php1,500.00 the additional
fee to be used for funding the GLP Charity fund and other
Calamity related activities (Edict No. 248 MW Abergas).

ARTICLE II

POWERS OF A LODGE

Sec. 1. The powers of a Lodge are prescribed in its Dispensation or
Charter. They are limited by its own By-Laws and by the
Constitution, Ordinances, Edicts and Regulations of the Grand
Lodge, and the General Regulations of Masonry.

Sec. 2. Its general powers are:

a. Executive – refers to the direction and performance of
its work, as prescribed by the Grand Lodge, under the
control of the Master and in all other matters, in aid of
the Master, who is the primary executive authority of
the lodge;

b. Legislative – refers to all matters of legislation relative
to its internal concerns; and

c. Judicial – refers to the settlement of disputes and
controversies and the discipline of its own members
(except its Master), and all other masons within its
jurisdiction.

Sec. 3. Among its specific powers are:

a. To assemble as a lodge and exercise jurisdiction over its
members;

b. To set the date, time and place of its monthly stated
meetings and to call special meetings whenever
necessary;

c. To raise funds to finance its programs by voluntary
contributions from its members or by fundraising
activities through Dispensation issued by the Grand
Master or his District Deputy Grand Master upon
payment of a fixed Dispensation Fee of Pesos One
Thousand (P1,000.00) payable to the Grand Lodge
(Edict No. 255-A Gazmin).

d. To fix the amount of its annual dues and degree fees,
provided that the same shall not be lower than the

Masonic Law Book 61

minimum prescribed by law;
e. To raise funds to finance its programs by voluntary

contributions from its members or, after approval by the
Grand Master, through other fund raising campaigns;
f. To create a Board of Trustees which shall always be
under its control and which shall have legal authority to
invest or reinvest its funds, hold mortgage or otherwise
dispose of its property, provided the proceeds shall
become part of its general fund;
g. To receive and investigate petitions for degrees,
restoration or affiliation and elect or reject petitioners
after considering the recommendation of its investigating
committee;
h. To confer the degrees upon its qualified candidates and
by courtesy upon those of any other recognized lodge
within this jurisdiction when requested to do so or upon
those of other Grand Jurisdictions when requested to do
so by the Grand Master;
i. To permit Entered Apprentices or Fellow crafts of other
lodges to visit when it is open in a degree taken by
them provided they are accompanied by Master Masons
belonging to their lodge;
j. To open and close in the highest degree in which work
is to be performed during that meeting. If work is to
be done in an inferior degree after which labor shall be
resumed in a higher degree, the Master, after satisfying
himself that all present are entitled to remain, may make
the change by declaration, after which, he will request
the Senior Deacon to properly arrange the Great Lights
and Junior Deacon to inform the Tyler;
k. To form a Board of Relief with other Lodges having
concurrent jurisdiction to assist distressed Masons, their
widows and orphans upon approval of the plan by the
District Deputy Grand Master or by the Grand Master;
l. To contribute to the relief of members of other lodges,
their wives, widows or orphans;
m. To grant life membership by longevity. ;
n. To remit annually the accrued dues of any member who
has rendered special service to the Lodge or who is
unable to pay them;
o. To conduct public or private funeral or memorial services
for its deceased members;
p. To establish and carry out charitable, educational and
community development programs by itself or with other
organizations after approval from the Grand Master;

62 ORDINANCES

q. To consolidate with one or more Lodges located near it;
r. To communicate directly with other Lodges in this

jurisdiction and through the Grand Secretary with
Lodges in other Grand Jurisdiction;
s. To adopt and amend its By-Laws;
t. To establish appointive offices in accordance with its By-
Laws;
u. To hold public installation of its officers;
v. To declare an office vacant if the officer elected or
appointed has failed to attend four (4) consecutive
stated meetings for no valid reason; and
w. To instruct its delegates to the Annual Communication
as to how to vote on any matter except on the election
of Grand Lodge Officers.

ARTICLE III

DUTIES OF A LODGE

Sec. 1. The duties of a Lodge are prescribed in its Dispensation
or Charter. They are further defined by the Constitution,
Ordinances, By-Laws, Edicts, Regulations of the Grand Lodge,
the General Regulations of Masonry and its By-Laws. These
duties are owed to the Grand Lodge, to its members and other
brother masons, to other lodges and to the community in
which it is located.

Sec. 2. Among its duties to the Grand Lodge are the following:

a. To hold one stated meeting a month except in case of
a lodge visitation in accordance with the enumerated
guidelines. (Edict No. 296 Tolentino);

b. To elect its officers at its stated meeting in December;
c. To install its officers not later than March 31 of each

year;
d. To equip itself with an approved volume of the

Sacred Law, Square, Compasses, complete set of
working tools, officers’ jewels and aprons, ballot box,
members’ aprons, stewards’ and deacons’ rods, ashlars,
cabletow, blindfold, candidates’ uniforms, 3rd degree
paraphernalia, a Tyler’s Book, and all other accessories
necessary to carry out its functions;
e. To have a seal which shall be affixed to all its official

Masonic Law Book 63

communications and documents;
f. To have a copy of the Masonic Law Book and its By-Laws

available at every meeting;
g. To provide itself with all the approved record books and

report forms;
h. To declare null and void the degrees conferred on the

ground of false statements or materials omissions in the
petition affecting the qualifications of the candidate;
i. To read all Grand Lodge Communications in open Lodge
and include them in the minutes;
j. To submit to the Grand Lodge its annual report for the
preceding year within the fifteen (15) days of January
of each year and remit the required dues, fees or other
charges for the current year within the first quarter of
the current year. Any dues, fees and/or other charges
not paid within the prescribed period shall be charged
such interest and charges as the Grand Master may
impose;
k. To render promptly all required reports on prescribed
forms;
l. To transmit to the Grand Secretary a copy of any
amendment to its By-Laws as soon as adopted;
m. To course thru the Grand Secretary all communications
with lodges in other jurisdictions;
n. To send representatives to each Annual Communication.
o. To receive the Grand Master or his representative, Past
Grand Masters, all elective officers of the Grand Lodge,
District Deputy Grand Master, Grand Lecturers or Grand
Lodge Inspector with Grand Honors on official visits;
p. To pay all its indebtedness to the Grand Lodge. and
q. All constituent lodges are hereby directed to secure
prior approval of its fund-raising activities through
Dispensation issued by the Grand Master or his
District Deputy Grand Master upon payment of a fixed
Dispensation Fee of Pesos One Thousand (P1,000.00)
payable to the Grand Lodge (Edict No. 255-A par 1
MW Gazmin);

Sec. 3. Among its duties to its members and other brother masons
are the following:

a. To maintain due order and propriety and observe proper
decorum in all its meetings;

b. To grant a demit to a member in good standing upon his
request;

64 ORDINANCES

c. To relieve its distressed members, their widows and
orphans;

d. To perform Masonic funeral services for a member when
requested and bury him when necessary;

e. To perform Masonic funeral services for any mason in
good standing who dies within its jurisdiction, bury
him when requested and to pay the burial expenses
if his financial circumstances are insufficient, which
however, shall be reimbursed by the lodge of which he
was an actual member. No lodge shall fix in advance
the amount to be paid for burial. A lodge may, at its
discretion, perform funeral services for a brother who
was suspended for non-payment of dues, if there is no
other Masonic offense established against him. The
Master and Wardens shall determine the propriety of
burying a suicide with such honors;

f. To conduct orientation lectures to the candidates before
they are initiated, passed, and raised to the sublime
degree; and

g. To furnish all newly raised Master Masons with the
following:

1) Masonic Law Book, latest edition;
2) Monitors;
3) Masonic Demeanor and Proper Decorum Manuals;

and
4) By-Laws of their respective Lodges.

Sec. 4. Among its duties to other lodges are the following:

a. To inform each lodge, through the Grand Lodge, of all
petitions for degrees or affiliations; and

b. To inform each lodge, through the Grand Lodge, of all
demits, suspensions and rejections.

Sec. 5. Among its duties to its community are the following:

a. To aid and support the public school system;
b. To cooperate with and support the law enforcement

agencies; and
c. To assist and participate in worthwhile community

projects, with prior notice to the Grand Master thru the
District Deputy Grand Master.

Masonic Law Book 65

ARTICLE IV

PROHIBITIONS ON A LODGE

Sec. 1. The prohibitions on a lodge are prescribed in its Dispensation
or Charter as well as in the Constitution, Ordinances, Edicts,
Regulations of the Grand Lodge, the General Regulations of
Masonry and its By-Laws.

Sec. 2. Among others, a lodge is prohibited from performing the
following:

a. To hold more than one Stated Meeting a month or to
adjourn or otherwise extend a Stated Meeting;

b. To open and meet at any Stated or Special meeting
without the presence of at least one of the three lights;

c. To meet with less than seven (7) of its members in good
standing present, except for certain ceremonies or under
dispensation from the Grand Master;

d. To open in a place other than that designated in its By-
Laws, except for ceremonial purposes only, and at a date
and time other than the specified in its By-Laws;

e. To change its place of meeting from the city, town or
municipality specified in its dispensation or charter to
another place except (i) Lodges with Masonic Temples
pursuant to Edict No. 302 Tolentino or (ii) unless notice
of such intention is given its members at a stated Meeting
and approval granted by the Grand Master;

f. To meet on Sunday except for funeral services;
g. To open or close in short form except in cases of extreme

emergency or calamity to be determined by the Master;
h. To allow smoking inside a Lodge Hall at any time

during Stated Meetings, Special Meetings, Installations
of Officers, Conventions, Dedications of Lodge Halls,
Institutions and Constitutions of Lodges and while
conducting Lodge of Instructions;
i. To serve or consume alcoholic beverages in Masonic
Temple or in the premises of the building in which it
meets or at a Masonic banquet;
The consumption of alcoholic beverages thereat may be
authorized, subject to the following regulations:

1 Consumption of alcoholic beverages may only be
done at the fellowship area designated and not
elsewhere within the temple or lodge premises. A

66 ORDINANCES

lodge hall can never be designated as a fellowship
area; and
2 The exercise of this privilege should be done in
moderation. The Master of the Lodge, the District
Deputy Grand Master, District Grand Lecturers and
Inspectors having jurisdiction over the activity shall
be principally liable for any untoward incident which
they could have reasonably anticipated. This is
without prejudice to the filing of unmasonic charges
against anyone responsible.

Prior dispensation shall be required in the following
instances:

a. If the fellowship is to be held at the Aguinaldo
Hall of the Grand Lodge, a special written
dispensation issued by the Grand Master or his
duly authorized representative shall be secured;
and

b. If the fellowship is to be held at the designated
fellowship area of subordinate lodges, prior
written dispensation of the District Deputy Grand
Master having jurisdiction shall be secured
(Edict No. 187-B MW Rentoy).

j. To admit a visitor without inquiry or examination and
written evidence under the seal of his lodge that he is
in good standing and shall prove himself to be a Master
Mason by private examination by the Master’s designee
or by avouchment;

k. To hold Masonic intercourse with illegal or clandestine
lodges or individual members thereof or recognize any
entity purporting to be a Masonic lodge, unless it is a
recognized subordinate lodge of a Grand Lodge with which
the Grand Lodge of the Philippines has fraternal relations.
The words “clandestine lodge” and “clandestine mason”
shall refer to a fraternity, organization or association and
a member thereof, which is not recognized by the Grand
Lodge and uses the word “Masonic” as part of its name or
adopts the square and compasses or any other masonic
emblem, regalia, symbol or ritual without authority of
the Grand Lodge;

l. To use any ritual but that of the Grand Lodge of the
Philippines or to receive lectures from anyone not
authorized by the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master.

Masonic Law Book 67

Unauthorized ritual or monitors, included decoded
monitors, may be confiscated by Lodge, District and
Grand Lodge officials and surrendered to the Grand
Lodge for proper disposition;
m. To depart from, make innovations in or change, the
approved ritual, or confer degrees not in conformity
therewith;
n. To allow the reading of the ritual or monitor in the
opening and closing of the Lodge, in conferring degrees
or in examining candidates. The monitor however may be
read when giving the charges of the three degrees, and
in exceptional cases where a lodge lacks fully proficient
Brethren and only with the consent of the assigned
Grand Lodge Inspector for that lodge, the Worshipful
Master may designate the lodge’s appointed lecturer
or custodian of the work, or in the absence of such a
senior member of the lodge, to open one copy during the
conduct the Masonic Work for reference purposes. Such
exceptions may not exceed more than three consecutive
communications of the subordinate lodge concerned,
and at no time may any officer of a lodge, whether actual
or in an acting capacity, have the Monitor open while
presiding or serving in a statin or place in the Lodge
(Edict No. 260 MW Gabionza);
o. To solicit funds or financial assistance from other Lodges
in this or any other jurisdiction;
p. To be represented at the Annual Communication unless
its Annual Report has been submitted to the Grand Lodge
and its dues and fees remitted;
q. To communicate in any manner with other lodges
concerning the election of officers of the Grand Lodge;
r. To construct a Masonic building without prior approval of
the Grand Lodge or the Grand Master;
s. To install any officer by proxy;
t. To bury with Masonic honors any mason who has fallen
in a duel;
u. To appear in Masonic clothing in any public procession or
at a public meeting or place, except for the burial of a
brother, in a memorial service during the commemoration
of the birth or death of a Brother who is a national hero,
in the parade preceding the District Conventions, or for
the performance of some other strictly Masonic duty or
ceremony;
v. Chartered Masonic Lodges including Lodges U.D. are
hereby prohibited from using the word “Memorial” in its

68 ORDINANCES