"A LIFE WHICH IS NOT CONSECRATED TO A GREAT IDEAL IS LIKE A STONE WASTED IN THE FIELDS NEVER TO BECOME A PART OF AN EDIFICE"
‑RIZAL
PREFACE
"Order" it has been said is "heaven's first law." The Order of the Knights of Rizal as a civic and patriotic organization has demonstrated a phenomenal growth not only in membership but also in activities since it was incorporated as a private non‑stock corporation on November 16, 1916 and was known then as "Orden de Caballeros de Rizal." The passage of Republic Act 646 converting the Orden de Caballeros de Rizal into a public corporation to be known in English as "Knights of Rizal" infused genuine interest in and ‑recognition to its objectives as a legal entity charged with the propagation of Rizal's teachings and examples.
The Order has expanded considerably since the early 50's when there was only the Manila Council. Since then, chapters had been organized not only all over the Philippines but also in foreign countries having as members foreign nationals who are ardent admirers of our national hero.
The growth of the Order brought with it a myriad of problems concerning the implementation of its objectives; admission of members; administration of chapters; programs and procedures to be pursued; adoption of policies and answers to otherwise unexpected change of circumstances.
The Knight of Rizal Manual is an answer to the felt need to systematize and rationalize the rules and policies of the organization to put "order" so to speak in its objectives and operations.
We have thus put together in this manual a brief history of the Knights of Rizal, the governing charter of the Order, its Code of by-laws, rules, policies, directives and accepted practices including forms and rituals observed in Knighthood Ceremonies in the hope that this Manual will provide direction and serve the needs of the members of the Order for a meaningful service to our country and fellow‑men ‑in the Rizalian way.
This Manual would not have been made possible without the active support and cooperation of the members of the Supreme Council and the clerical Staff of the Order. We are aware that a Manual such as this cannot be inflexible and may need updating at some future time but we are happy in the thought that after 76 years of existence of the Order we have made a beginning and added a 46 stone" to the Rizalian edifice as our humble contribution to all those who believe in the ideas and ideals of Rizal.
SIR JUSTO P. TORRES, JR., KGCR Supreme Commander
Manila, Philippines
December 30, 1985
Table of Contents
Page
PREFACE III
Symbols and Abbreviation Used
GENERAL INFORMATION
History of the Order of the Knights of Rizal
KR Charter Exempt from Corporation Law 2
The Knights of Rizal: An Organization 3
Purposes and Objectives 3
Knights of Rizal Has Corporate Powers
Members of the Order
Qualifications for Membership 4
Degrees of Membership 5
Other Awards 6
Membership Fees
Governing Body
Election of Members to the Supreme Council
SUPREME COUNCIL OFFICERS
Supreme Commander 9
Deputy Supreme Commander
Supreme Chancellor
Supreme Pursuivant
Supreme Exchequer
. .
Supreme Archivist 13
Supreme Trustees 14
ASSEMBLIES
General and Special Assemblies
FUNCTIONAL COMMITTEES
Executive Committee
Public Issues Committee
Finance Committee
Legislative and Legal Affairs Committee
Protocol, Ceremonial and Heraldry Committee
Nomination Committee
Publications and Research Committee
Public Relations Committee
Prefectural Tribunal Committee
Kababaihang Rizalista Committee
Esquires of Rizal Committee
Visitation Committee
June 19th and December 30th Committee
Social Action Committee
Education and Seminars Committee
Rizal Centennial (Dapitan) Committee
Rizal Essay and Oratorical Contests Committee
Community Service Committee
PROGRAM OF ACTIVITIES
Year‑Round Program of Activities
Annual Report
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES
Administrative Officer and Employees
Regional Administration 20
KR Territorial Subdivisions 20
FORMATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF CHAPTERS
Formation and Administration of Chapters
Election of Officers 22
Report of Chapter Formation 24
Pointers on Effective Chapter Administration 25
The Chapter Commander 25
Chapter Activities 25
Chapter Meetings 26
Chapter's Finances 26
Chapter Disputes 27
Chapter's Property 27
TEMPORALITIES OF THE ORDER
Properties of the Order 27
Library and Museum : 28
COUNCIL OF ELDERS
Council as Consultative Body
MISCELLANEA
28
APPENDIXES
Charter of the Knights of Rizal 30
Amended By‑Laws 33
Ceremonial Rituals of the Order (English Version) 48
Ceremonial Rituals of the Order (Pillion Version) 60
Ritual for Neurological/ Memorial Services 67
SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS USED
DSC Distinguished Service Cross
DSS Distinguished Service Star
ER Esquire of Rizal
KM Kabataang Maka‑Rizal
KR Knight of Rizal
KOR Knight Officer of Rizal
KCR Knight Commander of Rizal
KGOR Knight Grand Officer of Rizal
KGCR Knight Grand Cross of Rizal
NOM ; Non Omnis Moriar
(Not everything in me will die)
ORDER Orderof the Knights of Rizal
OCR Orden de Caballeros de Rizal
SC Supreme Commander
DSC Deputy Supreme Commander
SCh . Supreme Chancellor
SP Supreme Pursuivant
SE Supreme Exchequer
SA Supreme Archivist
ST Supreme Trustees
GENERAL INFOR OATION
HISTORY OF THE ORDER OF THE KNIGHTS OF RIZAL
The history of the Order of the Knights of Rizal go back to December 30, 1911 when Colonel Antonio C. Torres organized a 9 group of men from different walks of life for the purpose of commemorating in a fitting manner the execution and martyrdom of our foremost national hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal. Thereafter, year after year, the same group would gather to celebrate the birth and commemorate the death of Dr. Jose Rizal. During Rizal Day celebrations, this group would be seen conspicuously on horseback reminiscent of the knights of old known for their chivalry and exemplary life.
To provide a continuing entity and to encourage others to join tem, these admirers of Dr. Rizal on November 16, 1916, organized a private non‑stock corporation and named it the "Orden de Caballeros de Rizal." The incorporators of the corporation were: Antonio C. Torres, Juan Flameño, Martin P. de Veyra, Jose A. del Barrio and Jose S. Galvez.
Colonel Antonio C. Torres, who before the last war was Chief of Police of Manila, was the first Supreme Commander. The following have since then been Supreme Commanders of the Order: Martin P. de Veyra, Manuel Lim, Juan F. Nakpil, Herminio Velarde, Teodoro Evangelista, Hernenegildo B. Reyes, Santiago F. de la Cruz, Jesus E. Perpiñan, Vitaliano Bernardino, Jose Ma. Paredes Claudio Teehankee, Jose S. Laurel III and the incumbent, Justo P. Torres, Jr.
In 1951 the Supreme e Council of the Order created a Committee on Legislation for the purpose of studying the feasibility of filing a bill in the Congress of the Philippines to be enacted into law to enable the Order to secure a legislative charter. Justice Roman Ozaeta was the Chairman of the Committee with Sirs Carlos Hilado and Pedro Sabido as members.
The bill seeking to give the Order of the Knights of Rizal a legislative charter was docketed as Senate Bill No. 251, with then Senators Enrique Magalona, Lorenzo Sumulong, Esteban Abada, Emiliano Tria Tirona, Camilo Osias, Geronima Pecson, Jose Avelino and Ramon Torres as sponsors. In the lowerhouse, Congressman Manuel Zosa of Cebu was the principal sponsor of the measure. The explanatory note of the Bill read as follows:
"The purpose of the attached bill is to accord to' the civic and patriotic organization known as "Orden' de Caballeros de Rizal" (Order of the Knights of Rizal) the same kind of official recognition and encouragement as that accorded to the Boy Scouts of the Philippines by Commonwealth Act No. 111, by granting to it a legislative Charier and investing 'it with the necessary powers to enable it more fully and more effectively to accomplish the laudable purposes for which it was organized."
" This Bill if enacted into law will also serve as a historical monument to Rizal; it will constitute an official recognition by the Republic of the Philippines of the inestimable value to the nation of his teachings and examples and of the wisdom and necessity of inculcating them in the minds and ‑hearts of our people so they may strive to follow and practice them. The authors and proponents of this Bill believe that if the purposes thereof are faithfully and effectively carried out, social discipline, civic virtues, and love of justice will be fostered, promoted, 'and enhanced in this country, and that the Knights of Rizal as chartered entity is the most convenient instrumentality by which these desirable ends can be attained'. Let Rizal's life and martyrdom influence and guide the destiny of the nation. Let this and future generations live the Rizal Way. "
Recommended for approval on May 15, 1951, the measure was, signed into law by the President of the Philippines on June 14, 1951, becoming Republic Act 646.
KR CHARTER EXEMPT FROM RESTRICTIVE PROVISIONS OF CORPORATION LA
It is patent from the wordings of Act 646 that the purpose in lifting the Knights of Rizal from its status of a purely private corporation to a "public corporation," is to broaden its powers and to exempt it fr9m the restrictive provisions of the Corporation Law (now Corporation Code) to enable it to effectively carry out the objectives for which it was establi6hed. While il is true that the power granted to it "to make and adopt by‑laws, rules and regulations" is qualified in the sense that such adopted by‑laws, rules and regulations should not be inconsistent with the laws of the Philippines, the qualification should be construed as empowering the corporation to adopt by‑laws which are not illicit or contrary to morals, good customs, public order or public policy. (SEC. Opi6ion, January 13, 1969).
THE KNIGHTS OF RIZAL: AN ORGANIZATION
The Order of the Knights of Rizal is a civic and patriotic organization recognized by law as an instrumentality by which the teachings of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal 'may be propagated among the Filipino people, and others who may believe in his teachings to the end that they may emulate and follow his examples.
Aside from its being a civic and patriotic organization it is also cultural, non‑sectarian, non‑partisan and‑ non‑racial.
PURPOSES AND OBJECTIVE
The purposes or objectives of the Knights of Rizal are as follow:
1. To study the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal;
2. To inculcate and propagat6 them in and among all classes of the Filipino people, and by words and deeds to exhort our citizenry to emulate and practice the example and teachings of our national hero.
3. To promote among the associated knights the spirit of patriotism and Rizalian chivalry;
4. To develop a perfect union among the Filipinos in revering the memory of Dr. Jose Rizal; and
5. To organize and hold programs commemorative of Rizal's and martyrdom.
Comments:
Every member of the Order must be familiar with the objectives of the Knights of Rizal. Knowing the objectives of the Order provides a sense of direction for every member. Ad mission to the Order is not merely a ceremonial rite. It implies duties and responsibilities.
Every member has a mission to fulfill ‑ "to study the teachings of Dr. Jose Rizal, and to inculcate and propagate them among all classes of the Filipino people" and others who would want to follow his teachings and examples. Rizal himself said ‑"God has not made anythin6 useless in this world, as all beings fulfill or fill a role in this sublime drama of creation, I cannot exempt‑myself from this duty, and however small, 1, too, have a mission to fulfill ‑as, for example, alleviating the sufferings of my people.
KNIGHTS OF RIZAL HAS CORPORATE POWERS
As a legal entity the Knights of Rizal can exercise corporate powers. Thus, it shall have perpetual succession, with power to sue and be sued, to hold such real and personal property as shall be necessary for corporate purposes; to solicit and receive public contributions; to receive real and personal property by gift, devise, or bequest; to adopt a seal and to alter the same at pleasure; to have offices and conduct' its business and affairs in the City of Manila and elsewhere; to make and adopt by‑laws, rules, and regulations not inconsistent with the laws of the Philippines, and generally to do all such acts and things (including the establishment of regulations for election of associates and successors) as may be necessary to carry into effect the provisions of Republic Act 646 and to promote the purposes of said corporation. (Sec. 3, Rep. Act 646)
MEMBERS OF THE ORDER
The members of the Order are known as Knights of Rizal (Caballeros de Rizal or Mga Maginoong Maka‑Rizal) and are classified into five degrees for those having the necessary qualifications.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP
All persons of legal age; of good moral character and reputation, who are in sympathy with the purposes' of the Knights of Rizal, are eligible for active membership, upon un6nimous approval of the Supreme Council en banc of a written application therefore duly endorsed by at least two active *members of the Order. (Sec. 4, Rep. Act 646) '
The pertinent provisions of the Code of By‑Laws of the Order shall likewise apply in the admission of new members.
DEGREES OF MEMBERSHI
The five degrees of membership in the Order of the Knights of Rizal are as follows:
First Degree ‑ Knight of Rizal
A candidate who is admitted and initiated into the degree of membership is known as a Knight of Rizal.
To qualify for admission to the first degree, one must be of legal age; of good moral character and reputation, who believes in Rizal and is willing to learn more about him' and follow his teachings. Application for membership ‑shall be made in writing and duly endorsed by at least two members in good standing of the Order and approved by the Supreme Council or chapter concerned. (Art. IV, Sec. 1 Code of By‑Laws)
Second Degree ‑ Knight Officer of Rizal
A‑ Knight Officer of Rizal is one who has been elevated to the second degree of the Order upon fulfillment of the following degree work requirements:
He must have served the Order at least‑ six months in the first degree, and must also be favorably recommended by a Special Committee created for the purpose by the Supreme
Council or by the Chapter concerned. (Art. IV, Sec. 1 Code of By‑Laws)
Third Degree ‑ Knight Commander of Rizal
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 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 Chapter
Commander shall be qualified for exaltation as Knight Commander of Rizal.
Provided, how6ver, 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
category upon written recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal created by the Supreme Council or by the Chapter concerned, duly approved by the Supreme Council. The writt(‑n‑recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal created by the Supreme Council or by the Chapter concerned, shall specificaUy state the achievements of the candidate for exaltation which have been considered as the basis for the recommendation for exaltation.
Fourth Degree – Knight Grand Officer of Rizal
A Knight Grand Officer of Rizal is one who has been conferred 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.
Comments:
By virtue of a resolution approved by the Supreme Council a Knight of Rizal duly elected as Supreme Trustee shall be qualified for conferment to the Fourth degree. (November, 1985)
Fifth Deqree ‑ Knight Grand Cross of Rizal
Knight Grand Cross of Rizal is one who has b 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 Councif elected as Supreme Commander shall be conferred the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.
OTHER AWARDS
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE STAR
A Knight of Rizal who has performed an, outstanding achievement for the Order may be awarded the Distinguished Service Star upon the recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal and approved by the Supreme Council.
DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
A Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Philippines or for the Order may be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross upon the recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal and approval by the Supreme Council.
Comments:
This is a higher award than the distinguished service star. The recipient of this award may be a person other than a member of the Order.
MEMBERSHIP FEE
The Supreme Council shall determine the fees and other charges which shall be paid by members of the Order. Such fees may be increased or decreased by the Supreme Council, as circumstances may warrant.
Knights of Rizal or persons conferred the fourth and fifth degrees shall be exempted from payment of membership fees.
Unless otherwise changed or modified by the Supreme Council, the annual fees to be paid by the chapters and members of the Order shall be as follows:
1. Each chapter may collect from its members an annual membership fee in such amount that the member concerned may be willing or can afford to pay, irrespective of rank or position, provided that the same shall not be less than five pesos (P5.00) a month, or sixty pesos‑ (P60.00) a year.
2. The fees collected from the members shall constitute the operating fund of the chapter to be used for its activities and projects, and for the payment of the corresponding chapter fee hereinafter provided.
3. In lieu of remitting a definite portion of the fees collected from its members, each chapter with a membership of less than fifty shall pay an annual fee of two hundred (P200.00). Pesos and three hundred (F300.00) pesos if its members exceed fifty.
4. This re5olution supersedes any previous directive, circular or memorandum issued by the Supreme Council on the subject of the payment of members’ and chapters' fees insofar as they are inconsistent herewith.
5. This resolution is effective starting the year 1985. (Supreme Council Resolution March, 1985
GOVERNING BODY
The general administration and direction of the affairs of the corporation (Order) shall be in the hands of a Supreme Council (Board of Directors) of nine members, which is hereby vested with full powers and authority to act and perform all such functions as the corporation (Order) itself may do and perform. (Sec. 5, Rep. Act. 646).
0
ELECTION OF MEMBERS TO THE SUPREME COUNCIL
The election of the nine (9) elective trustees of the Supreme Council shall be in accordance with Article XIII, Section 2 of the Code of By‑Laws and under the following procedure.
a. Only members in good standing, as provided for in Article IV Section 4 and of Article X, Section 6, of the By‑Laws, shall be entitled to vote or be voted for in any office or position in the Order.
b. Nomination for the nine elective trustees of the Supreme Council shall first be submitted to a Nominating Committee previously constituted by the Supreme Council in any number as it may deem proper.
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 and reputation by the Supreme Commander in the case of members under the National Headquarters or by the Chapter Commander concerned.
All nominees for the Supreme Council shall first accept the nomination before they may be voted upon. (Art. V1, Section 1, Code of By‑Laws).
After the nominations are closed, the members present and qualified to vote shall proceed to vote, depositing their ballots in a box provided for that purpose. No voting by proxy shall be allowed.
c. The Supreme Commander shall appoint a Board of Canvassers of at least three (3) members from among the voting members who shall canvass the ballots cast and verify that they 'tally with the number of members present and qualified to vote, the votes shall then be counted and recorded on tally sheets. The Chairman of the Board of Canvassers shall report the results of the voting to the Supreme Commander.
d. The nine candidates obtaining the highest number of votes shall be proclaimed elected by the Supreme Commander. The Supreme Council shall promulgate rules and regulations to insure the integrity of the election.
The newly elected trustees of the Supreme Council, including the immediate past Supreme Commander, shall then meet and elect from among themselves, the Officers as provided for in Article,V, Section 2 of the
By-Laws. Provided, however, that any Chapter Commander who is elected to the, Supreme Council shall ipso facto be considered resigned from his position as Chapter Commander. (Art. IV, Section 1, Code of By‑Laws).
SUPREME COUNCIL OFFICERS
Once the nine members (trustees) are elected by members in good standing in a general assembly called for the purpose they shall then meet and elect among themselves the following
Executive Officers as follows:
1. Supreme Commander
2. Deputy Supreme Commander
3. Supreme Chancellor
4. Supreme Pursuivant
5. Supreme Exchequer
6. Supreme Archivist
7. Supreme Trustee
8. Supreme Trustee
9. Supreme Trustee
Supreme Commander
The Supreme Commander is the highest 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 other important documents,‑ shall also sign all checks 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 Order during 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.
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