iGLPi Admintrative Code (proposed)

SALIENT PROVISIONS OF THE IGLPI ADMINISTRATIVE CODE

The IGLPI Administrative Code consist of three parts - Part 1 – General Provisions, Part 2 – The Grand Lodge, and Part 3 - The Administration of Lodges. The Code codified the principles and rules of governance of the Grand Lodge and its Subordinate Lodges. It provides for structures and procedures that will provide for effective management and administration of the affairs of the Grand Lodge and the Subordinate Lodges.

Among the underlying principles of the IGLPI is the system of democratic governance; the empowerment of Lodges; the exact role of Grand Lodge to serve the Lodges; the responsibilities, authorities and accountabilities of officers; electoral reforms; brethren – friendly and lodge-supportive; respect to the value, dignity and rights of men

The First Principle states - the true power of Freemasonry belongs to the Subordinate Lodges and the Grand Lodge merely exercises administrative functions over them. The power of governance comes from the Subordinate Lodges and the authority of the Grand Lodge emanates from them.

The Second Principle states – It is the primary function of the Grand Lodge to preserve, protect, promote, and propagate the tenets and ideals of Freemasonry, and to enhance the welfare of the Fraternity and the Lodges under its jurisdiction. It shall provide mechanisms to foster and preserve harmony and unity among the Lodges and their members through effective executive, legislative, and judicial measures that are fair, just, and consistent with Masonic Laws, General Regulations and Ancient Landmarks…

The Third Principle states – The Grand Lodge values the dignity of every man and Mason and guarantees full respect of his rights.

The Fourth Principle states - The right of the Subordinate Lodges to effective and reasonable participation at all levels of decision-making shall not be abridged. The Grand Lodge shall, by legislation, facilitate the establishment of adequate consultation mechanism with its regions, districts, and Lodges.

The Fifth Principle states - The Grand Lodge shall ensure the autonomy of its Subordinate Lodges, limited only by a strict adherence to the Landmarks of the Order and to its Constitution, Codes, By-Laws, Edicts, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge and the General Rules and Regulations of Freemasonry

The Sixth Principle states - The Subordinate Lodges shall give due respect to the Grand Master and his officers and adhere to the Landmarks of the Order and to its Constitution, Codes, By-Laws, Edicts, Rules and Regulations of the Grand Lodge, and the General Rules and Regulations of Freemasonry.

The Deputy Grand Master is the Chairman of the Legislative Council- the law making body; and prepares the program and budget for the ensuing Masonic year for submission to the Legislative Council

The Senior Grand Warden is the Chairman of the Judicial Council and acts on cases brought to their cognizance.

The Junior Grand Warden is the Chief Operations Officer who plans, supervises, and executes Grand Lodge wide affairs such as Grand Assemblies, Grand Lodge Anniversaries, Independence Day Celebrations.

The Grand Inspector General monitors compliance to Grand Lodge policies, rules and regulations relative to administration of Lodges and their labors are in accordance with approved rituals; and recommends appointment of and supervises the performance of Regional and District Inspectors

The Grand Legal Officer handles all legal matters involving the Grand Lodge and represents it in all litigations and cases.

The Title of Past Master (PM) refers to one who has been elected, installed, and has served for at least eight (8) months, until the installation of his successor, as a Master of a Lodge in this or any Grand Jurisdiction recognized by the Grand Lodge, provided that he remains in good standing in a Subordinate Lodge of this jurisdiction. A PM is entitled by right to receive a Past Master’s Apron and Diploma at the end of his term.

A Masonic District shall be composed of at least five (5) Subordinate Lodges with at least 150 organic Master Mason and not less than fifteen (15) Past Masters.. A Provisional District with at least three (3) constituted or chartered Lodges maybe formed. The District shall receive from the Grand Lodge an amount equivalent to ten per cent (10%) of the total per capita and degree fees paid for use as District Council administrative expenses and for emergency assistance to the Lodges.

A Regional Grand Lodge may be formed from at least three (3) contiguous regular Districts

The IGLPI incorporation had been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission.(SEC). The IGLPI created a Committee on Corporate Affairs with the JGW as Chairman to oversee the corporate affairs of the IGLPI and to all reportorial requirements.

A new Lodge can be formed through a Petition signed by at least Fifteen (15) Master Masons in good standing.

The Lodge may award Life Membership by Longevity to a MM in good standing to the Fraternity for a CUMULATIVE period of at least twenty-five (25) years or a Special LML for those with at least twenty (20) years or EXEMPT a brother from payment of dues and assessment with at least fifteen (15) years of good service to the Lodge.

A Lodge may restore a member suspended for non-payment of dues upon payment of all arrears up to the date of suspension plus dues and fees for the current year, or two years dues plus current assessment, WHICHEVER is LESS.

A Petitioner for the Degrees or for Affiliation must be a resident in the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge for at least six (6) months.

A Member in Good Standing is defined as one who is not suspended or expelled due to any Masonic offense, is not suspended for non-payment of dues, and has attended at least two (2) Stated Meetings, excluding the election month and special meeting for degree conferrals. Only members in good standing shall be entitled to vote in an election and hold office.

A Lodge, may form a Temple Association as a non-profit association or as a general law corporation under Philippine Laws, for the purpose of purchasing, erecting or maintaining and holding title to real estate for a Temple for Lodge use and purposes. Space in such Temple may be rented for commercial and other uses for the benefit of the Lodge.

A Lodge must at all times retain control of its funds and properties. It shall hold title to all its assets with the power to acquire, mortgage, sell and convey property. A Lodge may invest and reinvest its funds in sound and reputable banks and in other safe securities to realize maximum income.


The Administrative Code will be subject to ratification in the IGLPI Second Grand Assembly on November 30, 2007.