AMENDED BY-LAWS OF THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF RIZAL

ARTICLE I – NAME

Section 1 – This organization shall be known as the ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF RIZAL; in Spanish as ORDEN DE CABALLEROS DE RIZAL and in the national language as SAMAHAN NG MGA MAGINOONG MAKARIZAL. The term “Order”, wherever used herein, shall refer to said organization.

Section 2. The Order is a civic, patriotic, cultural, non-partisan, non-sectarian, and non-profit organization.

ARTICLE II – PURPOSES

Section 1 – The general purposes of the Order shall be:

[a] To study the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal;

[b] To propagate and inculcate said teachings in the minds of the Filipino people and other citizens of the world and, by word and deed, exhort them to emulate and practice the examples set by Dr. Jose Rizal;

[c] To promote among the Knights of the Order the true spirit of patriotism and Rizalian chivalry;

(d) To develop a perfect union among Filipinos and other citizens of the world in revering the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal; and

(e) To organize and hold programs, activities and annual festivities in honor of Dr. Jose Rizal.

Section 2. The specific objectives of the Order shall be:

[a] To study and spread the ideals, teachings and exemplary life of Dr. Jose Rizal especially among the Youth of the Land;

[b] To organize Chapters in the Philippines or any part of the world, undertake programs which will promote individual commitment to the ideals and teachings of Rizal, and encourage enlightened personal involvement in addressing contemporary issues; and

[c] To train and develop the Youth in character building, citizenship training, democratic leadership, patriotism, universal brotherhood, and dedicated service to God, country and people.

ARTICLE III – DOMICLE

Section 1 - The principal office of the Order shall be in the City of Manila, Philippines.

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 - Members of the Order shall be known as Knights of Rizal (Caballeros de Rizal or Mga Maginoong Maka-Rizal) and shall be classified as follows: (a) by type - Regular and Honorary; and (b) by degree - 1st degree up to 5th degree.

Section 2 - (a) Regular members are those who join a Chapter and go through the normal initiation process and screening by the local Chapter Prefectural Tribunal. They start as Knights of Rizal (KR) and are levied annual dues to maintain their good standing.

(b) Honorary members are those who are awarded any degree of membership in recognition of their meritorious and distinguished service to the country or the Order. The award is granted by the Supreme Council upon the written recommendation of its Prefectural Tribunal or a Chapter Council. The recommendation shall specifically state the achievements of the candidate which shall be the basis for action by the Supreme Council.

Section 3 - Members classified by degree are as follows:

First Degree – KNIGHT OF RIZAL (KR)

A Knight of Rizal is one who has been initiated in the first degree of the Order.

Any person of legal age, of good moral character and reputation, who believes in Rizal and is willing to learn more about him and follow his teaching is eligible for admission in this degree. Application for membership shall be made in writing, duly recommended by at least two (2) members in good standing of the Order, screened and favorably endorsed by the concerned Chapter Council, and approved by the Supreme Council.

Second Degree – KNIGHT OFFICER OF RIZAL (KOR)

A Knight Officer of Rizal is one who has been elevated to the second degree of the Order upon fulfillment of the following minimum degree work requirements:

He must have served at least six (6) months in the first degree, must be favorably recommended by a Chapter Prefectural Tribunal to the concerned Chapter Council, and favorably endorsed by the latter for approval by the Supreme Council.

Third Degree – KNIGHT COMMANDER OF RIZAL (KCR)

A Knight Commander of Rizal is one who has been exalted to the third degree of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal, regardless of the degree he is in or of the time he has meritoriously served therein, who has fulfilled the requirements as may be prescribed by the Supreme Council for the purpose, may be exalted as “Knight Commander of Rizal” upon approval of the Supreme Council. A Knight of Rizal who has been elected as a member of the Supreme Council or as a Chapter Commander, or has been given lifetime membership, shall be qualified for exaltation as Knight Commander of Rizal.

Provided, however, that any person, not a member of the Order, who has distinguished himself by meritorious service which has enhanced the objectives of the Order or has written a book of general acceptance on Rizal, may also be exalted to this degree upon written recommendation of the Chapter Prefectural Tribunal to the Chapter Council concerned, and upon the endorsement of the latter to the Supreme Council for its approval. The Supreme Council may on its own, and upon the written recommendation of its Prefectural Tribunal, also exalt such a person to this degree. The written recommendation of the concerned Prefectural Tribunal shall specifically state the achievements of the candidate which have been considered as the basis for the recommendation for exaltation.

Fourth Degree – KNIGHT GRAND OFFICER OF RIZAL (KGOR)

A Knight Grand Officer of Rizal is one who has been exalted to the second highest degree of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Philippines or for the Order, may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal by the Supreme Council.

A Knight of Rizal, with a third degree or lesser rank, who has been duly elected as Supreme Trustee, shall be exalted to the fourth degree with the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal.

Fifth Degree – KNIGHT GRAND CROSS OF RIZAL, KGCR

Knight Grand Cross of Rizal is one who has been exalted to the highest degree of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Philippines or for the Order, may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal by the Supreme Council at a Regular or Special General Assembly called for the purpose.

After the election and organization of the Executive Officers of the Order, a trustee of the Supreme Council elected as Supreme Commander shall be conferred the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.

Section 4 – [a] The Supreme Council shall determine the annual membership dues, registration fees, other assessments and/or charges that shall be paid by members or chapters of the Order, which may be increased or decreased by the Supreme Council as circumstances so warrant.

    [b] Of the annual membership dues collected from members, the following shall be remitted to the National Headquarters on or before January 31st of every Rizalian Year: (i) a minimum of P150.00 for each member of Chapters in the Philippines, and (ii) a minimum of US$15 net of bank charges, or its equivalent in any convertible foreign currency satisfactory to the Supreme Council, for each member of overseas Chapters.

Section 5 - Every member under the National Headquarters shall pay his annual membership dues, authorized assessments and other valid charges to the Supreme Exchequer while members of other Chapters shall pay their annual membership dues, authorized assessments and other valid charges to the Chapter Exchequers concerned.

Section 6 – [a] Every member of the Order who has paid all membership dues, authorized assessments and other valid charges, plus applicable surcharges owing thereon, and who is not under suspension from the exercise of any membership right or privilege, is a member in good standing of the Order.

    [b] Every Chapter which has paid to the Supreme Exchequer all registration fees, chapter remittances under Section 4 (b) above, authorized assessments and other valid charges, plus applicable surcharges owing thereon, and is not under suspension from the exercise of any Chapter right or privilege, is a Chapter in good standing of the Order.

Section 7 – Voluntary contributions or donations may be accepted from members or from the public. Members of the Order who have contributed or donated P25,000.00 or more, or its equivalent in any convertible foreign currency satisfactory to the Supreme Council, and members who have continuously and meritoriously served the Order for twenty-five years as confirmed by the Supreme Council, shall be considered as lifetime members. They shall be exempted from the payment of further annual membership dues without prejudice, however, to the applicable provisions of Sections 8 and 9 of this Article and such implementing guidelines as may be adopted on the matter by the Supreme Council from time to time.

Section 8 - [a] – Membership in the Order may be terminated

[i] By death or voluntary resignation;

[ii] By failure or refusal to pay the annual membership dues, authorized assessments or other valid charges, plus applicable surcharges owing thereon, after having been duly served at least three (3) written collection notices; or

[iii] By the commission of, or involvement in, any offense involving moral turpitude, or any misconduct or misbehavior affecting the dignity, integrity and/or reputation of the Order including, but not limited to, defiance of, or refusal to obey, an order or decision of the Council of Elders.

   [b] Membership in the Order may be suspended, rather than terminated, depending on the circumstances of each case, for any of the causes specified in Section 8 [a] [ii] or [iii] above.

Section 9 – The Supreme Council, on its own, in the case of any member of the Order, or the Chapter Council concerned in the case of any of its members, shall have the power to investigate and determine whether or not a member should be suspended or terminated. Provided, however, that the member concerned shall be notified in writing by the Supreme Pursuivant or Chapter Pursuivant, as the case may be, of such investigation at least ten (10) calendar days prior to the date set for the hearing. An affirmative vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Supreme Council or Chapter Council concerned, sitting en banc, shall decide a case of suspension or termination. Provided, further, that the decision of the Chapter Council concerned for suspension or termination of a member may be appealed to the Supreme Council for final decision.

Section 10 – Any member of the Order whose membership has been terminated or suspended under Section 8 [a] [ii] of this Article may be reinstated upon recommendation of five [5] members in good standing and approval of the Supreme Council or the Chapter Council concerned, as the case may be. Provided, however, that in the case of termination or suspension of membership under Section 8 [a] [ii] of this Article, reinstatement of the member concerned may be effected only, in addition to the fulfillment of the requirements herein, by full settlement of all his back accounts to the Order.

ARTICLE V – ADMINISTRATION

Section 1 - The general administration and direction of the affairs of the Order shall be vested in the Supreme Council (Board of Directors) of nine (9) elective trustees which is hereby vested with full powers and authority to act and perform all such functions as the corporation itself may lawfully undertake pursuant to its charter.

Section 2 - The following are the Executive Officers of the Supreme Council:

Supreme Commander
Deputy Supreme Commander
Supreme Chancellor
Supreme Pursuivant
Supreme Exchequer
Supreme Archivist
Supreme Auditor
Deputy Supreme Pursuivant, and
Deputy Supreme Exchequer

Section 3 – The Officers referred to in the preceding Section shall hold their respective offices for a term of two years and until their successors are duly elected and qualified. No trustee elected as Supreme Commander can run for any further office elected by the General Assembly of the Order.

Section 4 - In case of vacancy by death, resignation, or other cause in the Supreme Council, the latter shall appoint a member of the Order, of at least a third degree rank, who shall serve for the unexpired term.

Section 5 – All such positions, as well as those of the various committees created pursuant to these By-Laws, are honorary and no member of the Supreme Council or any member of a committee shall be paid or receive compensation for their services.

Section 6 – After the organization of the Supreme Council, the Supreme Commander, with the approval of the Supreme Council, shall proceed with the organization of various committees, and the creation of various positions, as may be required hereunder or as he may deem necessary for the proper administration of the Order.

ARTICLE VI - ELECTION OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 1 - The election of the nine (9) Trustees of the Supreme Council shall be held during the General Assembly as provided under Section 2, Article XIII of these By-Laws. The election shall be governed by the provisions specified in this Article, other applicable provisions of these By-Laws, as well as such rules and regulations which the Supreme Council may promulgate from time to time to ensure the free, honest, and orderly conduct of election.

Section 2 - Only members in good standing, as provided for in Section 6 [a] of Article IV, shall be entitled to vote on any matter requiring votes or be voted upon for any office or position in the Order.

Section 3 - Qualified voters for the nine (9) Trustees of the Supreme Council shall be the following: (i) Individual Voters – A member of the Council of Elders, a Trustee of the Supreme Council, a Knight Grand Cross of Rizal, a Knight Grand Officer of Rizal, a lifetime member, and a Chapter Commander, Deputy Chapter Commander and Chapter Chancellor shall be entitled to one vote each provided said member is continuously a member in good standing of the Order for at least six (6) months prior to and including the date of the election; and (ii) Chapter Voters - Each Chapter, including the National Headquarters voting as a Chapter, shall be entitled to one vote for the first nine (9) to fifteen (15) members of the Chapter provided the Chapter is a Chapter in good standing of the Order for at least six (6) months prior to and including the date of the election. A Chapter shall be entitled to one additional vote for every additional fifteen members, or a major fraction thereof, in excess of the first fifteen members of the Chapter provided the additional members are all members in good standing of the Order for at least six months prior to and including the date of the election. The Chapter vote or votes shall be cast by an Electoral Delegate or Alternate Electoral Delegate selected by the concerned Chapter Council among its members and whose names are notified in writing, at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the date of the election, to the Supreme Council and the Election Tribunal specified in Section 5 hereunder.

Section 4 - [a] At least one office of Trustee in the Supreme Council shall be reserved for overseas representation in the Supreme Council. Such representation shall be rotated, in accordance with such schedules and arrangements as the Supreme Council may adopt, among the overseas areas into which the different overseas Chapters of the Order may be grouped by the Supreme Council. In the absence of a qualified candidate for the office of Trustee of the Supreme Council reserved for overseas representation, any other qualified candidate can be voted for said office.

   [b] Any candidate from an overseas chapter, who wins an election for the office of Trustee in the Supreme Council, shall attend at least six (6) regular meetings of the Supreme Council for each year of his term of office. Section 5 - [a] The Supreme Council shall constitute an Election Tribunal composed of five (5) members of the Order whose task is to conduct and ensure free, honest and orderly election of Trustees of the Supreme Council. The Election Tribunal shall be assisted by a Nominations Committee, a Committee of Canvassers and such other committees as said Election Tribunal shall establish to assist it in carrying out its functions. The Election Tribunal shall have the power to promulgate such implementing guidelines as may be necessary and proper to carry out its responsibilities provided the same are not inconsistent with the Charter of the Order, these By-Laws, and the rules and regulations adopted by the Supreme Council.

   [b] Members of the Election Tribunal shall be members with at least a third degree rank, of known probity and reputation, and in good standing with the Order for at least three (3) years prior to their appointment to the Election Tribunal. Past Supreme Commanders and incumbent Trustees of the Supreme Council shall not be appointed to the Election Tribunal.

    [c] The term of office of the members of the Election Tribunal shall be three (3) years provided that of the original five members appointed, one shall serve for one year, two for two years and the other two for three years. Thereafter, each appointee to the Election Tribunal shall have a full three-year term.

    [d] The members of the Election Tribunal shall elect their Chairman from among themselves.

Section 6 - The Election Tribunal shall cause the publication of a certified list of qualified voters at least sixty [60] calendar days prior to the date of the election. Only qualified voters included in the list shall be allowed to vote. Any complaint regarding the eligibility of a voter on the list or the non-inclusion in the list of a qualified voter shall be submitted, within one (1) week after the date of publication, to the Election Tribunal specifying in writing the reasons for the complaint. The Election Tribunal shall render its decision on the matter within one (1) week after submission of the complaint. Its decision shall be final and executory.

Section 7 - [a] Nominations for the nine (9) Trustees of the Supreme Council shall, at least thirty (30) calendar days prior to the date of election, be submitted to the Nominations Committee. The Nominations Committee shall be chaired by a member with at least a third degree rank. Except for members under the National Headquarters, no Chapter shall nominate more than one (1) candidate to the Supreme Council. Such nominee shall be certified to as a member in good standing by the Supreme Commander in the case of members under the National Headquarters or by the Chapter Commander concerned in the case of members from other chapters. All nominees for the Supreme Council shall first accept the nomination in writing before they may be voted upon.

   [b] Any complaint relating to the eligibility of a candidate must be raised before the Nominations Committee within three (3) calendar days after the deadline for the submission of nominations. Said matter shall be resolved by the Nominations Committee within one week from receipt of the complaint. The decision of the Nominations Committee may be appealed to the Election Tribunal within three (3) calendar days after receipt of the decision of said Committee. The Election Tribunal shall have one (1) week to resolve the appeal and its decision shall be final and executory.

Section 8 - No voting by proxy shall be allowed.

Section 9 - [a] During the General Assembly for the election of Trustees to the Supreme Council, the voting members, and electoral delegates or alternate electoral delegates as the case may be, who are present, shall proceed to vote in accordance with the provisions of this Section and such other procedures and arrangements as may be determined by the Supreme Council.

   [b] The Election Tribunal shall appoint a Committee of Canvassers of at least three [3] members from among the voting members of the Order. The Committee shall canvass the ballots cast and verify that they tally with the numbers present and qualified to vote. The votes shall then be counted and recorded on tally sheets. The results of the voting shall be reported to the Chairman of the Election Tribunal by the Chairman of the Committee of Canvassers.

Section 10 - The nine candidates securing the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected by the Chairman of the Election Tribunal in the event said candidates include a candidate whose nomination is reserved for overseas representation in the Supreme Council. Where no candidate, whose nomination is reserved for overseas representation, is among the nine (9) candidates securing the highest number of votes, then the candidate reserved for overseas representation who secures the highest number of votes among the candidates reserved for such overseas representation shall be proclaimed elected by the Chairman of the Election Tribunal together with the eight candidates securing the highest number of votes.

Section 11. The Supreme Council may allow, at such times and subject to such rules and regulations as it may determine appropriate and necessary for the purpose, the use of postal, e-mail and other electronic mail for the purpose of casting votes in the election of Trustees of the Supreme Council.

Section 12 - [a] The following acts relative to the conduct of election shall be prohibited:

(1) When a candidate for any elective office in the Order or any other member of the Order, directly or indirectly, in any form or manner, by himself or through another, commits any of the following acts for the purpose of inducing or influencing a member or Chapter to withhold a vote or to vote for or against a candidate:

(i) paying the dues or other indebtedness of any member or Chapter,

(ii) giving of food, drink, entertainment, transportation or any article of value, or any similar consideration to any member or Chapter, or

(iii) causing an expenditure to be made, offered or promised to any member or Chapter.

(2) When a member or Chapter of the Order calls for or conducts, or attempts to call for or conduct, an election for Trustees of the Supreme Council without the consent and approval of the Supreme Council or in opposition to the arrangements duly made for the purpose by the Supreme Council as mandated by the Charter of the Order, these By-Laws and other rules and regulations promulgated for the purpose by the Supreme Council.

     [b] Any violation of the provisions of this Section shall be a ground for suspension or termination of a member or Chapter from the Order.
<BR< a from executory.

Section 14 - The newly elected Trustees of the Supreme Council shall immediately meet after their proclamation and elect, from among themselves, the Officers as provided for in Section 2 of Article V of these By-Laws. Provided, however, that the immediate past Supreme Commander, or, in his absence, any past Supreme Commander present, shall join and preside in said meeting. Provided, further, that any Chapter Commander who is elected to the Supreme Council shall ipso facto be considered resigned from his position as Chapter Commander.

Section 15 - The General Assembly for purposes of electing the Trustees of the Supreme Council may, upon approval of the Supreme Council, be held in a place outside the City of Manila and rotated, to the greatest extent practicable and beneficial, between Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

ARTICLE VII – DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Section 1 – The Supreme Commander is the Chief Executive Officer of the Order, as such he shall have general supervision over the management of the affairs of the Order; shall preside at all the meetings of the Supreme Council and the General Assemblies; shall sign all certificates, diploma, contracts and all other important documents; shall also sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against bank accounts, jointly with the Supreme Exchequer; shall create with the approval of the Supreme Council, all committees of the Supreme Council which he may deem necessary; shall submit to the General Annual Assembly a report covering the activities of the Supreme Council in particular and of the Order in general during each year of his incumbency; shall call Regular or Special General Assemblies of the Order or special meetings of the Supreme Council whenever he deems it necessary, and shall perform such other duties as are incident to his office or required of him by these By-Laws or the Supreme Council.

Section 2 – The Deputy Supreme Commander shall assist the Supreme Commander in the performance of his duties, and in the absence, illness, inability or resignation of the Supreme Commander, shall have the powers and discharge the duties of the Supreme Commander, and shall sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against bank accounts, jointly with the Supreme Exchequer or Deputy Supreme Exchequer or such other officer designated by the Supreme Council, in the absence of the Supreme Commander.

Section 3 – In the event that both of the above officers are unable to discharge their duties as herein prescribed, the Supreme Chancellor shall be the Supreme Commander protempore with all the powers and duties of the Supreme Commander.

Section 4 - The Supreme Chancellor shall be the ceremonial officer of the Supreme Council and as such shall assist the Supreme Commander in all the ceremonies of the Supreme Council, in the installation of officers or formation of Chapters and in all social and civic activities of the Supreme Council, and shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Supreme Commander or Supreme Council.

Section 5 – The Supreme Pursuivant shall prepare and publish all orders and resolutions of the Order when directed by the Supreme Commander; shall sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against bank accounts, jointly with the Supreme Exchequer, in the absence of both the Supreme Commander and Deputy Supreme Commander; and in general, shall perform such other duties as are incident to his office or required by the Supreme Council.

Section 6 – The Supreme Exchequer shall be the custodian of the funds and properties of the Supreme Council; shall keep an accurate account of all money received and disbursed by him; shall deposit all collections and funds of the Supreme Council; shall sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against such funds when disbursements thereof are authorized by the Supreme Council, jointly with the Supreme Commander, or the Deputy Supreme Commander, or the Supreme Chancellor, or Supreme Pursuivant, as the case may be; shall submit monthly to the Supreme Council a statement of the financial condition of the Order; shall submit to the General Annual Assembly the audited report covering the financial condition of the Order during each year of his incumbency; and shall perform such other duties as are incident to his office or required of him by the General Assembly or by the Supreme Council.

Section 7 – The Supreme Archivist shall keep all records, documents and correspondence of the Order and of the Supreme Council as may be directed by the Council; shall act as Historian and Librarian thereof and make recommendations for the acquisition of such books, relics, or other objects pertaining to Dr. Jose Rizal or of interest to the Order; and shall perform such other duties as are incident to his office or required of him by the Supreme Council.

Section 8 - The Supreme Auditor shall review and audit the disbursements and expenses of the Order from time to time and shall certify to the Supreme Council in writing that the financial statements and reports of the Supreme Exchequer were audited and reviewed by him; that the expenses and disbursements as shown therein are duly authorized by the Supreme Council in accordance with the provisions of these By-Laws.

Section 9 – [a] The Deputy Supreme Pursuivant and the Deputy Supreme Exchequer shall respectively assist the Supreme Pursuivant and the Supreme Exchequer in the performance of the latter’s duties. They shall also perform such duties as may be assigned to them by the Supreme Council.

    [b] The Supreme Council shall appoint an Executive Director, and may create such other staff or employee positions, with such duties and reasonable compensations as the Council may determine appropriate, for the proper and efficient day-to-day administration of the Order.

Section 10 – The Supreme Council shall, subject to such changes as it may determine appropriate, divide the Philippines and overseas areas into as many regional or administrative areas as it may deem necessary for the efficient administration of the affairs of the Order. The Supreme Commander shall, with the concurrence of the Supreme Council, appoint the incoming Regional Commanders, Deputy Regional Commanders and concerned Area Commanders from a list of at least three (3) nominees for each relevant position. The lists of nominees shall be submitted, at such time as the Supreme Commander may determine appropriate, by the concerned incumbent Regional Commanders in consultation with the Deputy Regional Commanders, Area Commanders and Chapter Commanders within their respective regional or administrative areas. The term of office of the Regional Commanders, Deputy Regional Commanders and Area Commanders shall be co-terminous with the term of office of the appointing Supreme Commander, unless sooner terminated by the latter with the approval of the Supreme Council.

Section 11 - The Regional Commanders shall be ex-officio members of the Supreme Council but shall not have the right to vote, and their attendance in the meetings of the Supreme Council shall not be counted to constitute a quorum.

ARTICLE VIII – USE OF PROPERTY, ASSETS AND EARNINGS

Section 1 – No part of the Order’s property or income shall inure to the benefit of any member, trustee, officer or any private individual, corporation or association except as may be necessary to compensate reasonably staff members and other employees and person who have actually rendered services in furtherance of the purposes and/or objectives of the Order. Neither shall any of the property, assets or earnings of the Order be used for other than the purpose/s for which it was organized.

ARTICLE IX – COUNCIL OF ELDERS

Section 1- [a] There shall be a Council of Elders to be composed of all past Supreme Commanders and the incumbent Supreme Commander.

  [b] The Council of Elders shall elect a Chairman from among themselves.

Section 2 – The Council of Elders may from time to time be consulted by the Supreme Council on vital matters affecting the interests and integrity of the Order; provided, however, that in the event of an internal controversy or dispute arising out of or in connection with the administration of the business or affairs of the Order or disposition of the assets of the Order or issues likely to cause or causing a stalemate and/or deadlock or dissension in the Supreme Council, the matter shall be referred to the Council of Elders who shall act as arbitrators and whose decision, reached by a majority of its members within thirty (30) calendar days from the time the issues have been elevated for its consideration, shall be final and executory. The recourse to the Council of Elders shall be made whenever the incumbent Supreme Commander, any three (3) Executive Officers of the Supreme Council or a group of at least ten (10) members in good standing of the Order shall certify the same to the Council of Elders and only after conciliation efforts in accordance with arrangements established by the Supreme Council have failed.

ARTICLE - X – CEREMONIES AND RITUALS

Section 1 – The ceremonies to be observed in the initiation of new members, in the elevation, exaltation and conferment to higher degrees and/or awards shall be the rituals prescribed by the Supreme Council.

Section 2 – The ceremonies for the admission of new members and the elevation to Knight Officer of Rizal (2^nd degree) shall be performed by the Supreme Commander or Chapter Commander concerned, and the ceremonies for the exaltation to Knight Commander of Rizal. (3^rd degree) shall be performed by the Supreme Commander of the Order, or by any member of the Supreme Council or any Knight of Rizal with the rank not lower than the 3^rd degree upon authority from the Supreme Commander.

The ceremonies for the conferment of the Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (4^th degree) and the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (5^th degree) shall be performed by the Supreme Commander and the other officers of the Order.

Section 3 – The ceremonies for the establishment of chapters shall also be prescribed by the Supreme Council and performed by the Supreme Commander or any member of the Supreme Council, or any Knight of Rizal with the rank not lower than the 3rd degree upon authority from the Supreme Commander; and shall be held at the domicile of the chapter or at some other place that the Supreme Council may designate.

ARTICLE XI – MUNICIPAL, CITY, OVERSEAS
AND INSTITUTIONAL CHAPTERS

Section 1. A group of nine (9) or more persons of legal age, residing in any municipality, city or equivalent political unit in the Philippines or overseas, of good moral character and reputation, and interested in promoting the purposes and objectives of the Order, may organize themselves into a Chapter of the Order upon recommendation of the corresponding Regional Commander and approval in writing by the Supreme Council upon petition filed for the purpose.

Section 2 – A group of nine (9) or more persons enrolled in the collegiate level in school, college or university and who are of good moral character and reputation may organize themselves into an institutional chapter of the Order called “Esquires of Rizal” upon recommendation of the corresponding Regional Commander and approval in writing by the Supreme Council: Provided, however, that only one institutional chapter shall be permitted to be organized in school, college or university.

Section 3 - It shall be the duty of each chapter to promote and carry out the purposes of the Order in the locality where the chapter is organized.

Section 4 - Upon approval of a petition for the organization of a chapter, the sum fixed by the Supreme Council shall be paid to the National Headquarters as registration fee of the chapter. Provided that the Esquires of Rizal shall be exempted from the payment of registration fees and chapter remittances to the Supreme Council.

Section 5 – The charter of any chapter which has ceased to be in good standing for at least two years shall be automatically cancelled, provided, however, that any chapter whose charter has been cancelled may be reactivated upon such terms as may be prescribed by the Supreme Council.

Section 6. Each chapter shall elect its officers within one month after the election of Trustees to the Supreme Council and adopt such policies and guidelines set by and/or consistent with the Charter of the Order, these By-Laws and the rules and regulations formulated by the Supreme Council from time to time. The officers of each Chapter shall hold office for a term of two years and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

Section 7 – The general administration and direction of the affairs of a chapter shall be in the hands of nine (9) Chapter Trustees who shall elect among themselves the following officers:

Commander
Deputy Commander
Chancellor
Pursuivant
Exchequer
Archivist
Auditor
Deputy Pursuivant, and
Deputy Exchequer

Section 8 – The general administration and direction of the affairs of each chapter of the Esquires of Rizal shall be in the hands of the following officers:

Grand Esquire
Deputy Grand Esquire
Chancellor
Recorder
Treasurer
Scribe
Auditor
Deputy Recorder, and
Deputy Treasurer

ARTICLE XII – COUNTERPART ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1 – The Kababaihang Rizalista, a national organization of women, the Kabataang Pangarap Ni Rizal (KAPARIZ), the Kapisanan Ng Mga Gurong Nagmamahal Kay Rizal (KAGUNARI), and the Philippine Association of Teachers of History and Rizal, Inc.– (PATHRI), the latter two being both organizations of Rizal course teachers, the Maria Clara Ni Rizal (MACLARIZ) and Maria Clara Ni Rizal Senior Citizens Club, which are all dedicated to the same aims and purposes as the Knights of Rizal, are hereby recognized as counterpart organizations of the Order. The Supreme Council may, as it deems proper and necessary, recognize as a counterpart organization any other organization which is dedicated to and interested in promoting the purposes of the Order. Said organizations and the Order shall collaborate and coordinate their activities in pursuance of their common objectives.

ARTICLE XIII – MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

Section 1 – The Order shall hold annual and whenever necessary, special general assemblies.

Section 2 – The General Assembly for the purpose of electing Trustees of the Supreme Council as provided for in Section 1 of Article VI of these By-Laws shall be held every two years on the fourth Sunday of May of the relevant year or on such other date as the Supreme Council may determine.

Section 3 – Other Annual Assemblies shall take place in June and December of each year for any or all of the following purposes:

[a] Initiation of new members;
[b] Elevation to the 2^nd degree (Knight Officer of Rizal);
[c] Exaltation to the 3^rd degree (Knight Commander of Rizal);
[d] Conferment to the 4^th degree (Knight Grand Officer of Rizal); and
[e] Conferment to the 5^th degree (Knight Grand Cross of Rizal);

Provided, however, that the Supreme Council may call special general assemblies, far any or all of the above purpose/s whenever necessary.

Section 4 – Special General Assemblies, other than those provided for in Section 3 of this Article, may be called by the Supreme Commander, at his discretion, upon written request of at least 25 members in good standing or upon joint petition of two or more chapters concerned, on such date, time and place as the Supreme Commander may determine for the purpose of strengthening relations and for such other purposes as he may deem necessary. No business except those stated in the notice shall be discussed at any special assembly.

Section 5 – The Supreme Council shall hold regular meetings once a month. The Supreme Commander may call special meetings of the Supreme Council at his discretion or upon written notice of at least three (3) members of the Supreme Council on such date, time and place as the Supreme Commander may designate and for such purpose as he may deem necessary. Any Knight of Rizal may be invited by the Supreme Commander to attend any meeting of the Supreme Council for the purpose of expressing their opinion on matters of interest to the Order.

Section 6 – A majority of the members present at any general annual or special general assemblies shall constitute a quorum. Provided, however, that any and all proceedings held in any general assembly shall be considered valid in all respects once quorum has been declared by the Supreme Commander at any such general assembly.

Section 7 – In the meetings of the Supreme Council, the attendance of five (5) members thereof shall constitute a quorum.

Section 8 – No proxies shall be accepted or recognized at any general assembly of the Order.

Section 9 - Each Chapter of the Order shall meet regularly at least once a month. At the end of each Rizalian Year, each Chapter, through its Chapter Commander or Grand Esquire as the case may be, shall submit to the Supreme Council a written report of its programs and activities for the past Rizalian year.

NOTICE AND MEETINGS

Section 1 – Notices of annual, or special general assemblies shall state the date, time, place and purpose or purposes of such General Assembly and shall be mailed to each Chapter through the Commander (15) days prior to the date set for such General Assembly.

Section 2 – Notices for the meetings of the Supreme Council shall be mailed or delivered personally to each member of the Supreme Council at least three (3) days prior to the date set for such meeting.

ARTICLE XIV – ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1 – The Order of business in all meetings shall be:

a. Calling of meeting to order;
b. Roll call;
c. Determination of quorum;
d. Reading and approval of minutes;
e. Unfinished business;
f. New business; and
g. Adjournment

ARTICLE XV – UNIFORM, INSIGNIA, AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Section 1 – The uniforms, insignias, awards, decorations and titles for all degrees of the Order shall be those prescribed by the Supreme Council.

Section 2 – The uniforms, insignias or medals prescribed by the Supreme Council shall be worn by the members of the Order in all official assemblies, rituals, ceremonies of the Order and other appropriate occasions.

Section 3 - The Supreme Commander Emeritus is the ultimate honorific title that the Order can confer singly and for life on the most senior and deserving past Supreme Commander for outstanding service and leadership in the Order.

ARTICLE XVI – SEAL

Section 1- The Order shall have a dry seal which shall bear upon its face in a circular design, the words: “KNIGHTS OF RIZAL’’ AND ‘’MANILA PHILIPPINES’’ and within the circle, an equilateral triangle bearing the profile of Dr. Jose Rizal in the center, the name “Rizal” and the abbreviation and figures “Inc., 1916,“ under it, a five pointed star in each angle of the triangle, all mounted on a sun with eight (8) salient rays as background.

Section 2 – All diploma and certificate for chapters, Knight of Rizal, Knight Officer of Rizal, Knight Commander of Rizal, Knight Grand Officer of Rizal and Knight Grand Cross of Rizal, and other important documents issued by the Supreme Council requiring the Corporate seal, shall bear this dry seal when so directed by the Supreme Council.

Section 3 - The Supreme Pursuivant shall be the guardian of the official seal of the Order.

ARTICLE XVII - AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS

Sector 1 – These by- laws may be amended or repealed either in full or in part by the affirmative vote of the majority of the members in good standing present and voting at the time such amendment or repeal is submitted to voting at a regular or a Special General Assembly called for the purpose.

ARTICLE XVIII – TRANSITORY PROVISIONS AND EFFECTIVITY

These 2005 Amended By-Laws shall take effect upon their approval provided that the incumbent Trustees of the Supreme Council shall not be eligible for any elective office during the first elections to be held under these 2005 Amended By-Laws; provided, moreover, that the date for the first election to be called after the approval of these 2005 Amended By-Laws shall be in accordance with the date specified under Section 2 of Article XIII of the March 27, 1983 Amended By-Laws; provided, further, that the term of office of the Incumbent Trustees of the Supreme Council shall end when their successors shall have been elected and qualified pursuant to the first elections conducted under these 2005 Amended By-laws; and provided, furthermore, that past Supreme Commanders are ineligible to run for any office elected by the General Assembly. The members of the Committee on Revision of By-Laws shall not be eligible to vote during the first elections for Trustees of the Supreme Council conducted pursuant to these 2005 Amended By-Laws.

CERTIFIED TRUE AND CORRECT AS RATIFIED ON JANUARY 7, 2006

(Original signed)
SIR JOSE D. LINA, JR., KGCR
Supreme Commander

(Original signed)                                     (Original signed)
SIR VICENTE G. RAMOS, KGOR               SIR PABLO S. TRILLANA III, KGOR
Supreme Chancellor                                    Deputy Supreme Commander

(Original signed)                                     (Original signed)
SIR EUGENIO S. LABITORIA, KGOR         SIR REGHIS M. ROMERO II, KGOR
Supreme Exchequer                                   Supreme Pursuivant

(Original signed)                                     (Original signed)
SIR TIRSO DC’ VELASCO, KGOR             SIR REYNOLD S. FAJARDO, KGOR
Supreme Trustee                                        Supreme Archivist

(Original signed)
SIR REYNOLD A. MATEO, KGOR
Supreme Trustee and Deputy Supreme Exchequer