IGLPI Second Grand Assembly

The Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI) held its Second Grand Assembly from November 30 – December 1, 2007 at Cavite Lodge Nr 2 Cavite Masonic Center and at the Bagong Buhay Lodge Nr 4 Bagong Buhay Masonic Center. Bagong Ilaw Lodge Nr 6 was the Host Lodge assisted by La Naval Lodge Nr 7 and Mendez Nunez Lodge Nr 8. The Theme was – “Sustaining Progress From a Fresh Start by Putting Masonry in the Heart. “


For complete report, see IGLPI Second Grand Assembly by Jim Bantolo, PGM.

Congratulations to new set of Officers and to all members of IGLPI.

Democratic Freemasonry

by Bro Nonoy Carranza
originally written for West to East Forum
04Nov07

The results of the CONFERENCE OF GRAND MASTERS OF MASONS IN NORTH AMERICA should be taken as a welcome development. Although obviously there was a mixed up in the information gathered about the IGLPI and the UGLP, we should appreciate the fact that the conference has somehow addressed our case. In its report, the fact that the IGLPI is not a duly constituted Grand Lodge was the only big issue that stands along the way to recognition. Maybe, given the proper information and the full documentary coverage of our Declaration of Independence and subsequent constitution they will be able to make a better assessment of our present status as a new Grand Lodge.

The IGLPI after one year has survived the ordeals that normally confront new Grand Lodges. We now have eight member lodges which meet regularly and perform its basic functions as blue lodges. The IGLPI has already accomplished its primary goals:
- to establish a truly democratic Freemasonry in this jurisdiction: one that adheres to the basic tenets (BROTHERLY LOVE, RELIEF & TRUTH) and cardinal virtues of Freemasonry (TEMPERANCE, FORTITUDE, PRUDENCE & JUSTICE) as well as the basic democratic principles of LIBERTY, EQUALITY AND FRATERNITY;
- empower its member lodges without necessarily rendering the IGLPI powerless.

A truly DEMOCRATIC FREEMASONRY is what the IGLPI is all about. Its basic role is to foster harmony among its member lodges within its jurisdiction and harmony with other Grand Lodge jurisdictions.

The IGLPI Constitution and By-Laws and the implementing Legislative, Judicial and Administrative Codes which provide its basic framework are now in place and just awaiting final ratification. We had exhaustive discussion during the last District Meeting about the Legislative and Administrative Codes and all there is left is the finalization of these drafts and its ratification come November 30 - December 1 during our 2nd IGLPI Grand Assembly.

Primer on Grand Lodge Election

iGLPi
THE MW INDEPENDENT GRAND LODGE OF F & A.M. OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS

PRIMER ON GRAND LODGE ELECTION

Date of Grand Election
Second (2nd) day of the Annual Grand Assembly.

This year 2007, it is on 30 November.

Who shall be elected?

The Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Senior Grand Warden, Junior Grand Warden, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary and Grand Auditor for Masonic year 2008. The elective Grand Officers shall be elected through secret balloting by majority vote of the qualified electors.

How are nominees for Junior Grand Warden selected?

It starts with Lodge initiatives. A subordinate Lodge may submit a name of a probable nominee to the position of Junior Grand Warden (JGW) for consideration of the District Council. When such initiative is taken the District Grand Supervisor shall secure from the Election Board, official recommendation forms and a list of all requirements in order to comply with submission standards and the preliminary screening process. A Lodge may name any Past Master, not necessarily from its own roster.

· The official recommendation form consists of three parts: an endorsement page marked top sheet, and official data sheets marked A and B which shall contain the personal and Masonic service data of the recommendee.
· For this election Lodges may submit the names of their probable nominees starting September.
· Lodge initiatives shall be screened by the District Council. The screening shall consider the basic eligibility requirements and qualifications of the persons named, as written and/or attached to their submissions. From among the names submitted by the Lodges, the District shall select and endorse its official recommendee(s).
· For this election the EXECOM shall advise the District of the maximum number recomendees it may pass for submission to the Election Board.
· The District shall forward their endorsed official recommendation forms duly signed by the respective nominees, together with all required documents to the Election Board for pre-qualification. For this election, all endorsements shall be submitted immediately after the October 21st district meeting but not later than 30 October.
· No nominations for any elective position shall be allowed from the floor during the Annual Grand Election.

Qualifications required of all Grand Lodge positions

For an elective position, membership in good standing in a subordinate Lodge for at least ten (10) years and Past Master for at least five (5) years.
No record of any conviction by a court of competent jurisdiction involving disloyalty to the Republic of the Philippines, culpable violation of the Philippine Constitution, dishonesty, violation of human rights, misconduct or commission of any offense involving moral turpitude.
No record of having been found guilty, after due process, of disloyalty to the Grand Lodge or culpable violation of IGLPI Constitution .
No record of suspension for unmasonic conduct or any Masonic offense tried by any trial commission, either in this or in any grand jurisdiction.
No record of having violated any provisions the Election and Appointments Code, other codes, laws, ordinances, edicts, and general regulations of Masonry; or having committed any act or matter inimical to the Fraternity.
Possessing leadership qualities, management skills, human relations skills, and knowledge of Freemasonry


PRIMER PAGE 2

The Election Board

The Election Board shall prepare, conduct and safeguard the annual grand election. Part of its duties is to examine the forms and documents of the recommendees endorsed by the district or region. It may disqualify recommendees for insufficiencies in the forms and documents submitted, incorrect or false entries or derogatory records that may be damaging to the recommendee or the Fraternity. The present Election Board is composed of:

MW Jaime V. Bantolo - Chairman
VW Javier G. del Rosario - Member
VW Redentor G. Aranas - Member

The Panel of Peers

It is a temporary body of not more than five (5) members non-voting Past Masters from accredited subordinate Lodges to be created on the first day of the Grand Assembly. Each Lodge shall submit a name of a non-voting Past Master during the registration period. The Election Board shall collect them and conduct a raffle at the Peer deliberation room to select its members. Once organized, the Panel of Peers shall evaluate the recommended nominees to the position of Junior Grand Warden passed by the Election Board. The deliberation shall be strictly administered. No cell phones shall be allowed and the Panel members shall be asked to remain in the deliberation room until the proceedings are over.

Its evaluation shall be submitted to the Council of Elders through the Election Board, for final evaluation.

The Council of Elders

From the order of ranking submitted by the Panel of Peers, the Council of Elders shall conduct final evaluation of the top five (5) recommendees and nominate three (3) as official candidates for Junior Grand Warden. In case any of these candidates become ineligible, incapacitated, or is disqualified before the balloting, the other two (2) recommendees may be reconsidered. The present Council of Elders is composed of:

VW Edgardo N. Reyes - Chairman
VW Evaristo A. del Mundo - Vice Chairman
VW Cesar D.L. Go - Member
VW Valeriano M. Espiritu - Member
VW Federico M. Aquino - Member
VW Regalado Manimtim - Member
VW Francisco E. Expectation - Member

With the assistance and presence of the Election Board, the Council of Elders shall make official announcement and presentation of candidates not later than 10:00 A.M. on the second day of the Annual Grand Assembly.

The Election Tribunal

The ad hoc Electoral Tribunal shall be created by the Election Board and its members sworn in, as soon as the first recommendation for nomination to the position of Junior Grand Warden is formally received. It shall be automatically dissolved after the elected Grand Officers shall have been installed.

Prohibited Practices during the electoral process
· Electoral Process in the Grand Lodge starts as soon as Lodge initiatives are filed and ends with the installation of officers.
· Electioneering is defined as any act that tends to subvert or unfairly influence the outcome of an election in favor of a nominee or candidate.
· Primary acts of electioneering consist of endorsements, campaigning or advertising using any form of media, distribution of give-away items, bribery and influence peddling.
· Collateral acts which may be considered electioneering consist of :
· Paying dues, fees and/or other assessments of a Lodge or its members for grand election accreditation purposes
· Sponsoring any expenses of a subordinate Lodge or its members to the Annual Grand Assembly; volunteering vehicles to ferry delegates
· Sponsoring socials, entertainment, fellowships or other events
· Donating or sponsoring food, refreshment, gifts, prizes, equipment or facility during any meeting, social gathering or fellowship and/or
· Donations and contributions to fund raising, for which act a nominee or candidate may be identified

PRIMER PAGE 3

Charges and Complaints

Complaints relative to the violation of the Election Code may be filed by any brother of good standing with the Election Board, addressed to the Electoral Tribunal. Complaints may be filed upon the creation of the Electoral Tribunal and until the day of the scheduled convening of the Council of Elders.

Post Election Complaints

Complaints appertaining to alleged violation of this Code or to improper acts committed during the actual Election, and those remanded to the complainant by the Electoral Tribunal for lack of time, may be given due course if filed with the Judicial Council within seven (7) days after the Annual Grand Assembly.

Sanctions and Penalties

Electioneering and other violations of the Election Code shall carry the penalty of reprimand, suspension, nullification of election or nomination, and/or perpetual disqualification from office, without prejudice to other sanctions that may be imposed for other charges that may be filed in the proper venue.

Lodge accreditation

Only accredited subordinate Lodges shall be able to participate in the Annual Grand Election. Election Accreditation Certificate shall be issued by the Committee on Credentials to a Lodge who has submitted its annual report and paid its dues and other Grand Lodge assessment. A Lodge without Election Accreditation shall not be entitled to vote during the election but may participate in other deliberations.

The Committee on Accreditation and Credentials

The present Committee on Accreditation and Credentials is composed of:

RW Armando L. Quion - Chairman
VW Conrado R. Barcega - Member
VW Amorico M. Alvarez - Member
VW Edilberto D. Esperat - Member
WB Francisco A. Carranza - Member
WB Apolonio S. Toledo - Member

Voting Representation

Only qualified voting delegates duly accredited, who have registered in the Annual Grand Assembly, and who are in attendance to personally cast their ballots during the election shall be entitled to vote. Only one (1) vote per voting delegate is allowed. No voter shall be allowed to fill up the ballot and cast the vote for and in behalf of any other voter.

Qualified Electors:

· The six (6) Incumbent Elected Officers of an accredited subordinate Lodge: Worshipful Master, Senior Warden, Junior Warden, Treasurer, Secretary, Auditor .
· The immediate Past Master of an accredited subordinate Lodge, in representation of all Past Masters of his Lodge
· The elected Grand Officers
· The Regional Grand Deputies
· The District Grand Supervisors

Election and Appointments Code

All proceedings, rules and regulations governing the Grand Election are contained in the Election and Appointments Code of the IGLPI. This primer contains abridged version of some of its provisions. For more information, consult the Code.

Edict No. 2

THE MOST WORSHIPFUL INDEPENDENT GRAND LODGE OF

FREE AND ACCEPTED MASONS OF THE PHILIPPINE ISLANDS (IGLPI)
Bagong Buhay Masonic Temple (046) 431-0908
14 Lopez Jaena St, San Roque, Cavite City 4100
Philippines

EDICT NUMBER 2

DECLARING CERTAIN GROUPS AS NON-LODGES

WHEREAS, by virtue of their respective Lodge resolutions, the following seven Lodges declared their independence from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, and formed the Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands;

1. Cavite Lodge No 2
2. Pilar Lodge No 15,
3. Bagong Buhay Lodge No 17,
4. Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No 31
5. Bagong Ilaw Lodge No 97
6. La Naval Lodge No 269
7. Mendez Nunez Lodge No 316

WHEREAS, the Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), was duly constituted on September 10, 2006,

WHEREAS, on December 22, 2006, Pintong Bato Lodge No 51 by virtue of its Lodge resolution declared its independence from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines, and formally affiliated with the IGLPI on January 5, 2007,

WHEREAS, these Lodges after surrendering their old charters were issued new charters under the jurisdiction of the IGLPI and were renumbered as follows:

1. Cavite Lodge No 2 (IGLPI)
2. Pilar Lodge No 3
3. Bagong Buhay Lodge No 4
4. Emilio Aguinaldo Memorial Lodge No 5
5. Bagong Ilaw Lodge No 6
6. La Naval Lodge No 7
7. Mendez Nunez Lodge No 8
8. Pintong Bato Lodge No 9

WHEREAS, all the actions of these lodges were in strict conformity with Ancient Masonic Landmarks, Masonic Laws and traditions;


WHEREAS, Masonic laws provide that a lodge can exist legally and meet regularly only under a valid charter;


NOW THEREFORE I, JAIME V. BANTOLO Grand Master of Masons under the jurisdiction of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands, by virtue of the powers and authority in me vested, do hereby decree that any and all groups purporting to be “lodges”, assuming the names and original numbers of the lodges that have joined the IGLPI, and meeting clandestinely in the absence of a valid charter, are considered as non-lodges or pseudo-lodges.
:
This edict shall take effect immediately upon receipt and shall be read in open lodge at the stated meeting following its receipt and duly recorded in the minutes


Given under my hand and the seal of the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands at the City of Cavite this 28th day of May, 2007



(sgd) MW JAIME V BANTOLO
ATTESTED : Grand Master

(sgd) RW ARMAND L QUION
Grand Secretary