Amended By-Laws

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

ARTICLE I – NAME

Section 1 :

Pursuant to Republic Act No. 646, this organisation is known as KNIGHTS OF RIZAL in English, and ORDEN DE CABALLEROS DE RIZAL in Spanish. Its motto is "Non Omnis Moriar". The acronym of the Order shall be OKOR.

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 are:

To develop a perfect union among Filipinos and other citizens of the world in revering and perpetuating the memory of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal;
To promote among the Knights of Rizal the true spirit of Rizalian patriotism and chivalry;
To study the life and teachings of our National Hero, Dr. Jose P. Rizal;
To inculcate and propagate Dr. Rizal's teachings in the minds of the Filipino people and other nationals of the world, and, by word and deed, exhort them to emulate and practice the examples set by our National Hero, and
To organize and hold programs, activities and annual festivities in honor of our National Hero.

ARTICLE III – DOMICLE

Section 1 :

The principal office of the Order shall be in the City of Manila, Philippines. It may have other offices in the Philippines and other parts of the world as the Supreme Council may authorise

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 :

Members of the Order shall be known as Knights of Rizal and shall be classified as follows: (a) by type – Regular member, Lifetime member and Honorary member; and (by) by degree – 1st Degree, 2nd Degree, 3rd Degree, 4th Degree and 5th Degree.

Regular members are those who join a Chapter and undergo the regular initiation process and screening by the local Chapter Prefectural Tribunal. They shall be called Knights of Rizal (KR).

Lifetime membership of the Order may be conferred to any member or non member who has contributed or donated such amount as may be determined by the Supreme Council.
Lifetime membership may also be conferred to any member who has continuously and meritoriously served the KoR for twenty-five (25) years as confirmed by the Supreme Council. A lifetime member shall be exempted from the payment of annual membership dues only.
1. 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. Honorary members not regular members of any Chapter, need not pay annual dues, cannot vote and be voted upon for any Knights of Rizal position and shall be differentiated by the addition of 'ad honorem' shortened into a.h. after his rank or degree.

Section 2 :

Membership degrees may be classified as follows:

First Degree – KNIGHT OF RIZAL (KR)

The rank Knight of Rizal is granted to a regular member who has been dubbed.

Any person of legal age, of good moral character and reputation, who believes in our National Hero, Dr. Rizal, willing to learn about him and follows his teachings, is eligible for admission to the First Degree. Application for membership shall be made in writing, with recommendation by at least two (2) members in good standing in the Order, screened and favorably endorsed by the concerned Chapter Council, and approved by the Supreme Council. All candidates for knighthood shall wear the prescribed uniform of the Order during their initiation

Second Degree – KNIGHT OFFICER OF RIZAL (KOR)

The rank Knight Officer of Rizal is conferred to a member who has been elevated to the second degree rank of the Order upon fulfillment of the following requirements: He must have served at least one (1) year in the Order; recommended by the concerned Chapter Prefectural Tribunal to the concerned Chapter Council, and endorsed to the Supreme Council for approval. Provided, that the Chapter officers of a new Chapter may be immediately granted the rank Knight Officer of Rizal.

Third Degree – KNIGHT COMMANDER OF RIZAL (KCR)

The rank Knight Commander of Rizal is conferred to a member who has been exalted to the third degree rank of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal, regardless of his degree or the time he has meritoriously served and who has fulfilled the prescribed requirements, may be exalted as “Knight Commander of Rizal” upon approval of the Supreme Council.

A member who has been elected Chapter Commander or given lifetime membership, is qualified for exaltation as Knight Commander of Rizal.

Fourth Degree – KNIGHT GRAND OFFICER OF RIZAL (KGOR)

The rank Knight Grand Officer of Rizal is conferred to a member who has been exalted to the fourth 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 member with a third degree rank who has been duly elected as Supreme Trustee is qualified for conferment to the fourth degree with the rank of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal.

Fifth Degree – KNIGHT GRAND CROSS OF RIZAL (KGCR)

The rank Knight Grand Cross of Rizal is conferred to 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 Order, the country or humanity, may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal by the Supreme Council.

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

ARTICLE V – SUSPENSION, TERMINATION AND REINSTATEMENT OF MEMBERSHIP

Section 1 :

Membership to the Order may be suspended or terminated due to any of the following causes:

Death or resignation;
Failure or refusal to pay membership dues, assessments and other charges, including the surcharges owing thereon, after having been duly served at least two (2) written collection notices; or,
Commission of any offense involving moral turpitude or any misconduct or misbehavior affecting the dignity, integrity or reputation of the KoR, including but not limited to, defiance of or refusal to obey, an order or decision of the Supreme Council or the Council of Elders.
Violation of the rules and regulations of the Supreme Council for the conduct of free, fair and honest election of officials of the Order.

Section 2 :

The Supreme Council, in the case of any member of the Order, or the Chapter Council, in the case of any of its members, shall have the power to investigate and determine whether a member should be suspended following the procedure in these By-Laws.

Section 3 :

Any member under suspension for non-payment, may be reinstated after payment of all his outstanding obligations to the Chapter and to the International Headquarters, upon the recommendation of two-thirds (2/3) votes of the Chapter Council and majority of the Supreme Council.
Any member under suspension for any other cause, may be reinstated upon recommendation of the majority of his Chapter Council and approved by the Supreme Council.
Any member who has been expelled may, for good reason, be re-admitted as new member after the lapse of at least four (4) years upon recommendation of two-thirds (2/3) votes of his Chapter and the majority of the Supreme Council.

ARTICLE VI - DUES AND ASSESSMENTS

Section 1 :

The Supreme Council shall determine the membership dues, registration fees, assessments and other charges that shall be paid by members or chapters of the Order, the amount of which may be adjusted by the Supreme Council as circumstances warrant. The Chapter Council may impose reasonable membership dues on its member in addition to the amount determined by the Supreme Council.

Section 2 :

The membership dues collected from members shall be remitted to the International Headquarters on or before January 31st of each year.

ARTICLE VII ADMINISTRATION

Section 1 :

The general administration and direction of the affairs of the Order shall be vested in the Supreme Council with full power to act as is proper and necessary.

Section 2 :

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

Section 3 :

The Executive Officers shall hold their respective offices for a term of two (2) years following their elections to commence June 19 of the same year, and until their successors are duly elected and qualified.

A trustee who has served as Supreme Commander cannot be elected to any other position in the Order. No trustee can be elected for more than three (3) consecutive terms.

Section 4 :

In case of vacancy in the Supreme Council due to death, resignation, suspension, expulsion or other causes, the remaining Trustees of the Supreme Council still constituting a quorum, shall upon majority vote elect any Trustee who is at least of a third degree rank, to serve the unexpired term of the vacant position.

Section 5 :

After the organization of the Supreme Council, the Supreme Commander shall form the various committees and positions necessary for the proper administration of the Order.

Section 6 :

The trustees and members of the committees and positions organized shall not be entitled to any compensation for their services except the payment of actual, necessary and reasonable expenses with prior approval by the Supreme Council. The Executive Director shall be fully compensated for his services as determined by the Supreme Council and in accordance with law.

ARTICLE VIII – ELECTION OF THE SUPREME TRUSTEES

Section 1 : Election.

The election for the nine (9) Trustees of the Supreme Council shall be done during the General Assembly held every two (2) years on the fourth Sunday of May of the designated year in the City of Manila and rotated in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao whenever beneficial and practicable.

The election shall be governed by these By-Laws and the rules and regulations which the Supreme Council may promulgate from time to time to ensure a free, fair, honest, and orderly election.

Section 2 : Member/Chapter in good standing.

A Knight who has been a member for at least six (6) months prior to and including the date of the election, paid all membership dues, assessments, charges and with no other financial obligation, and who is not under suspension is a member in good standing of the Order and shall be entitled to vote on any matter requiring vote. Any member whose Chapter is not in good standing, shall not be entitled to exercise the right to vote and be voted upon.

Section 3 : Qualification.

A candidate for the Supreme Trustees shall be at least of third degree rank and in good standing.

Section 4 : Qualified Voters.

Those qualified to vote for the nine (9) Trustees shall be classified as follows:

Individual Voter – 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, a Chapter Commander, a Deputy Chapter Commander and a Chapter Chancellor shall be entitled to one (1) vote each. Provided that a member is entitled to only one (1) vote regardless of rank and number of his positions.
Chapter Voters – A Chapter shall be entitled to one (1) vote for the first five (5) of its members. Each Chapter shall be entitled to additional one (1) vote for every additional fifteen (15) members, or major fraction thereof, in excess of the first five (5) of its members.
The Chapter vote(s) shall be cast by an Electoral Delegate or Alternate electoral Delegate selected by the concerned Chapter Council from among its members.

Section 5 : Overseas Representative.

At least one (1) seat in the Supreme Council shall be reserved for overseas representation to be rotated from among the overseas Chapters pursuant to the rules of the Supreme Council.
In the absence of a qualified overseas candidate reserved for the overseas representation, any qualified candidate from other regions in the order of their rotation can be voted for said office.
The representative of the overseas KoRs must attend at least six (6) regular meetings of the Supreme Council for each year of his term of office.

Section 6 : Election Tribunal.

The Supreme Council shall constitute an Election Tribunal composed of five (5) members whose task is to conduct and ensure free, fair, honest and orderly election. The Tribunal shall elect from among themselves its Chairman, a Nominations Chairman, a Canvassers Chairman, a Legal Chairman and a Secretary. It may establish other committees to carry out its functions.
Members of the Tribunal shall possess at least a third degree rank, of known probity and reputation, and with experience in the conduct of election. Past Supreme Commanders and incumbent Trustees of the Supreme Council cannot be appointed to the Tribunal.
The term of office of the members of the Election Tribunal shall be three (3) years provided that of the five members appointed, one (1) shall serve for one (1) year, two (2) for two (2) years and the other two (2) for three (3) years. Thereafter, all appointees to the Election Tribunal shall have a full three (3) year term.

Section 7 : List of Qualified Voters.

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 in the list or the non-inclusion of qualified voters therein shall be filed within one (1) week after the date of publication, to the Election Tribunal specifying in writing the reasons thereof. The Tribunal shall render its decision on the complaint within one (1) week after its filing. Its decision shall be final.

Section 8 : Who May File.

Each chapter may nominate only (1) candidate to the Supreme Council Trustees. A regular member of a chapter who wants to be a candidate shall be nominated by his Chapter Commander to the Election Tribunal at least thirty (30) days prior to the date of election in the form prescribed by the Election Tribunal. A Chapter Commander who is a candidate shall be nominated by any member of his Chapter Council.
Members of the International Headquarters may nominate only one (1) candidate to the Supreme Council. The candidate shall be certified in good standing by the incumbent Supreme Commander.
All nominees for the Supreme Council must accept the nomination in writing before they may be voted upon.
The period for filing of nomination for the position of Trustees shall end thirty-day before the date of Election. The list of nominee shall be published by the Election Tribunal for the information of all the members of the Order. The Tribunal shall entertain a complaint against the eligibility of any candidate within five (5) calendar days after publication of the list of nominees. The complaint shall be resolved by the Nomination Committee within one (1) calendar week from its receipt. The decision of the Nomination Committee may be appealed by the aggrieved party to the Election Tribunal within three (3) calendar days after receipt of the decision. The Election Tribunal shall resolve the appeal within one (1) calendar week and its decision shall be final.

Section 9 :

No voting by proxy shall be allowed.

Section 10 :

During the election of Trustees, the voting members, electoral delegates and alternate electoral delegates shall vote in accordance with these By-Laws, rules and regulations.
The Election Tribunal shall appoint a Committee of Canvassers composed of at least three [3] members from the voting members of the Order. The Committee shall canvass the ballots cast and verify if they tally with the number of qualified members who voted. 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 11 :

The eight (8) candidates for the regular seats and the overseas representative who garnered the highest number of votes in their respective category shall be proclaimed by the Election Tribunal as the nine (9) trustees elected.

Section 12 :

Subject to appropriate rules and regulations, the Supreme Council may allow the use of postal, e-mail and other technological ways for the casting of votes in the election of Trustees.

Section 13 : Prohibited Act.

Any candidate for an elective office in the Order is prohibited from committing any of the following acts for the purpose of inducing or influencing a member or Chapter to vote for or against a candidate, directly or indirectly, in any form or manner, by himself or through another:

Paying the dues or any financial obligation of any member or Chapter to the Order,
Giving food, drink, entertainment, transportation or article of value, or any similar consideration to any member or Chapter, or
Causing an expenditure to be made, offered or promised to any member or Chapter.

Section 14 : Appeal.

Any losing candidate desiring to contest an election result shall, within five (5) working days after the date of the election, file with the Election Tribunal, a written verified protest setting forth its specific ground. The Election Tribunal shall render its decision on the protest within fifteen (15) working days from the submission of the last pleading of the parties. The decision of the Election Tribunal may be appealed to the Council of Elders within seven (7) working days from the receipt of said decision by the protestant. The decision of the Council of Elders shall be rendered within seven (7) working days from the last pleading of the parties. The decision shall be final.

Section 15 : Proclamation.

The newly elected Trustees shall immediately meet after their proclamation and elect, from among themselves, the Officers as provided in these By-Laws. The meeting shall be presided by the outgoing Supreme Commander, or, in his absence, any past Supreme Commander present.

ARTICLE IX – POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE SUPREME COUNCIL

Section 1.

The Supreme Commander is the Chief Executive Officer of the Order and shall have general supervision over the management of its affairs. He shall preside at all the meetings of the Supreme Council and the General Assemblies; sign all certificates, contracts and all other important documents; sign all checks and withdrawal slips drawn against bank accounts; create and organize with the approval of the Supreme Council, all committees of the Order; submit to the General Assembly a report covering the activities of the Supreme Council and of the Order during his incumbency; call Regular or Special meetings of the Supreme Council whenever necessary, and perform such other duties as are incidental to his office or as maybe required of him by the Supreme Council.

Section 2.

The Deputy Supreme Commander shall assist the Supreme Commander in the performance of his duties.

In the absence, inability, resignation or death of the Supreme Commander, the Deputy Supreme Commander shall assume the powers and duties of the Supreme Commander.

Section 3.

The Supreme Chancellor shall be the ceremonial officer of the Supreme Council. He 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. He shall perform such other duties as may be required of him by the Supreme Commander or Supreme Council.

In the absence, inability, death or resignation of both the Supreme Commander and the Deputy Supreme Commander, the Supreme Chancellor shall succeed as the Supreme Commander with all the powers and duties of that office.

Section 4.

The Supreme Pursuivant shall prepare, publish all circulars, memoranda and resolutions of the Order when directed by the Supreme Commander. He shall co-sign all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against the bank accounts of the Order; and perform other duties as are incident to his office or required by the Supreme Council.

Section 5.

The Supreme Exchequer shall be the custodian of the funds and properties of the Order. He shall prepare the budget of the Order; keep an accurate account of all money received and disbursed by the Order; deposit in safe banks all collections and funds of the Order; co-sign with the Supreme Commander all checks or withdrawal slips drawn against such funds when disbursements thereof have been authorized by the Supreme Council; submit to the Supreme Council a monthly statement of the financial condition of the Order; and perform such other duties as are incidental to his office or required of him by the Supreme Council.

Section 6.

The Supreme Archivist shall keep all records, documents and correspondence of the Order. He shall act as its Historian and Librarian and recommend the procurement of books, relics, or other objects pertaining to Dr. Jose Rizal, or of interest to the Order; and perform such other duties as are incidental to his office or required by the Supreme Council.

Section 7.

The Supreme Auditor shall review and audit the receipts, disbursements and expenses of the Order. He shall certify in writing that the financial statements and reports of the Supreme Exchequer are duly audited and reviewed; that the expenses and disbursements are proper and authorized by the Supreme Council.

Section 8.

The Deputy Supreme Pursuivant and the Deputy Supreme Exchequer shall assist the Supreme Pursuivant and the Supreme Exchequer, respectively, in the performance of their duties.

The Supreme Commander shall be assisted by the Executive Director who shall receive reasonable compensation for his services in accordance with law.

ARTICLE X - USE OF PROPERTY, ASSETS AND EARNINGS

Section 1

No part of the Order’s property or income shall inure to benefit of any member or trustee except as to pay the salaries and benefits of its employees who have rendered services to the Order as provided by law. No property, asset or earnings held in Trust by the Order can be used for a purpose other than that for which it was given.

ARTICLE XI - COUNCIL OF ELDERS

Section 1.

There shall be a Council of Elders composed of all past Supreme Commanders and the incumbent Supreme Commander.
The Council of Elders shall elect a Chairman from among themselves.

Section 2.

The Council of Elders may be consulted by the Supreme Council on vital matters affecting the interest and integrity of the Order.
In the event of a dispute causing serious dissension in the Supreme Council or the unlawful disposition of the assets of the Order, the Supreme Commander or any three of the executive officers of the Council or at least ten (10) Chapters in good standing, may petition the Council of Elders for intervention. The Council of Elders shall exert all efforts to mediate the dispute and in case of failure, decide the same by majority vote of its members in accordance with the rules it may promulgate for the purpose. Its decision shall be final and immediately executory.

ARTICLE XII - DISPUTE, MEDIATION AND ARBITRATIONS

Section 1.

It is the policy of the Order to encourage its members to settle their OKOR related disagreement amicably through mediation or arbitration, or both. All remedies in the Chapter, Area, or Regional level shall be exhausted before any dispute can be elevated to the Supreme Council for final decision.

Mediation. Pursuant to the rules of the Chapter, the Chapter Commander shall mediate all disputes of their members. Area Commander shall mediate disputes between Chapters within his area. The Regional Commander shall mediate disputes between chapters and their members located in different areas and disputes among his Area commanders.
Arbitration. If the dispute, cannot be settled by mediation, the parties may bring to arbitration for resolution.

Each Region shall create a Conflicts Resolution Committee to be composed of three members of the Order in good standing and with reputation for impartiality. When a dispute is submitted to the Committee, each party shall nominate one member to represent him in the Regional Conflicts Resolution Committee. A member of Regional Conflicts Resolution Committee shall act as Chairman to arbitrate and decide the dispute. The contending parties shall sign a statement that they shall abide by the decision of the Regional Committee. Any decision of Regional Committee may be appealed, within seven (7) calendar days from receipt by the aggrieved party, to the Supreme Council’s Conflicts Resolution Committee whose decision shall be final. Any party who refuses to comply with the Supreme Council’s Conflict Resolution Committee’s decision may be penalized in accordance in these By-Laws.

ARTICLE XIII – CEREMONIES AND RITUALS

Section 1.

The ceremonies and rituals of the Order to be observed in initiation, elevation, exaltation, and conferment to higher degrees and awards shall be prescribed by the Supreme Council.

Section 2.

The ceremonies for the admission of new members and the elevation to Knight Officer of Rizal (2nd degree) shall be performed by the Supreme Commander or Chapter Commander concerned. The ceremonies for the exaltation to Knight Commander of Rizal, (3rd degree) shall be performed by the Supreme Commander or by any member of the Supreme Council or any Knight of Rizal with the rank not lower than the third (3rd) degree upon authority of the Supreme Commander. The ceremonies for the conferment of the Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (4th degree), the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (5th degree), the Rizal Pro Patria award, the Teodora Alonzo award and the Rizal Women of Malolos award shall be performed by the Supreme Commander and other officers duly deputized for the purpose.

Section 3.

The ceremonies for the chartering of a new chapter shall be performed by the Supreme Commander or any member of the Supreme Council, or any Knight of Rizal with the rank not lower than the third (3rd) degree upon authority of the Supreme Commander.

ARTICLE XIV – CHAPTER FORMATION AND ORGANIZATION

Section 1.

A group of five (5) or more persons, of legal age, residing 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 Regional Commander concerned and approval in writing by the Supreme Council. The chapter organized is encouraged to increase its membership to at least nine (9) for governance purposes.

Section 2.

It shall be the duty of each chapter to promote and carry out the purposes and objectives of the Order in their respective locality.

Section 3.

Upon filing of petition for the organization of a Chapter, the registration fee shall be paid to the International Headquarters. Said fee shall not be refunded in case of disapproval of the petition. No initiation, elevation and exaltation of members shall be allowed unless the required fees and other assessments have been paid in advance to the Headquarters.

Section 4.

The Charter of any Chapter which has ceased to be in good standing for at least two years shall be automatically cancelled. Any Chapter whose charter has been cancelled may be reactivated upon such terms and conditions as may be prescribed by the Supreme Council.

Section 5.

Each chapter shall elect its officers within one (1) month after the election of the Trustees of the Supreme Council. The officers shall formulate their programs and activities consistent with their Charter, these By-Laws and the rules and regulations of the Supreme Council. They shall hold office for a term of two (2) years until their successors shall have been duly elected and qualified.

Section 6.

The general administration and affairs of a Chapter shall be vested in nine who shall elect from among themselves the following:

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

ARTICLE XV – GEOGRAPHICAL TERRITORIES OF THE ORDER

Section 1.

The Supreme Council shall divide the Philippines and overseas territories of the Order into as many regions and areas as necessary to effectuate the purposes of the Order of the Knights of Rizal.

Section 2.

The Officers of the different Chapters in the regions shall submit at least three (3) nominees to the Supreme Commander for the position of Regional Commander and Area Commander. The Supreme Commander, with the concurrence of the Supreme Council, shall appoint the Regional Commanders and Area Commanders from these lists of nominees. Subject to confirmation by the Supreme Council, the Regional Commanders and Area Commanders shall choose their respective deputies to assist them in the supervision of their regions or areas. The term of office of the Regional Commanders and Area Commanders and other appointed officers shall be co-terminous with the term of office of the appointing Supreme Commander.

Section 3.

The Regional Commander of each region shall be at least a Past Chapter Commander in good standing and a resident in the region to which he is appointed.
The Regional Commanders shall be ex-officio members of the Supreme Council without the right to vote and their attendance in the meetings shall not be granted in determining the quorum.
A Regional Commander shall have the following powers and duties within his region:

To implement the program and activities of the Supreme Council;
To ensure the propagation of Rizalian ideals and teachings;
To strengthen the growth of each Chapter by helping craft short, medium and long-term programs;
To reactivate inactive chapters, organize new chapters and counterpart organizations and campaign for lifetime membership;
To visit his areas and Chapters;
To regularly report to the Supreme Council on the activities in his territory;
Upon prior authority of the Supreme Council, to oversee ceremony for the admission of new members, elevation and exaltation of members;
To perform other duties that may authorized by the Supreme Council.

Section 4.

An Area Commander shall be at least a Past Chapter Commander in good standing and a resident in the area to which he is appointed.
An Area Commander shall have the following powers and duties within his area:

To visit the Chapters;
To propagate the Rizalian ideas and teachings;
To organize new Chapters;
To report to the Regional Commander the state of each Chapter in his Area;
To require the Chapters in his Area to submit their programs and annual accomplishment reports

Section 5.

A Chapter Commander shall have the following powers and duties within his Chapter:

To assemble its members;
To preside in its meetings;
To examine and note the minutes of each meeting;
To approve the report of the Chapter Exchequer; and
To submit to the Area Commander a report containing the activities of the Chapter including:

Membership
Programs
Rizalian Education; and
Proposed projects.

To recommend candidates for promotion, awards and recognition to the Supreme Council. The Council shall get the comments of the Area and Regional Commanders before acting on the recommendation.

Section 6.

The Deputy Regional Commander of each region and the Deputy Area Commander of each area shall be at least a Past Chapter Commander, in good standing and a resident in the region to which he is appointed. They shall assist the Regional Commander and Area Commander, respectively, in all of their duties and functions.

Section 7.

The territorial divisions of the Order shall be as follows:

National Capital Region
Northern Luzon Region
Central Luzon Region
Southern Luzon Region IV-A
Southern Luzon Region IV-B
Bicol Region
Visayas Region (Central, Eastern and Western)
Mindanao Region (Central, Eastern and Western)

United States of America (Eastern, Western and Central)
Canada (Eastern, Western, and Central)
Europe (Eastern, Western and Central)
Middle East and African Regions
Australia, New Zealand and Oceana Regions
Asian Regions

Section 8.

The Supreme Council may delineate, create, combine or dissolve Regions and Areas as may be necessary.

ARTICLE XVI – COUNTERPART AND PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

Section 1:

The Supreme Council shall review its relationship with existing counterpart organizations. It may recognize and accredit partner organizations which are dedicated in promoting the purposes of the Order. Said organizations shall collaborate and coordinate their activities in pursuance of their common objectives and may be requested to submit their programs and activities to the Council. For good reasons, the Council may withdraw its recognition of partner and counterpart organizations.

ARTICLE XVII - ASSEMBLIES, MEETINGS AND QUORUMS

Section 1:

The Order shall hold biennial assemblies and whenever necessary, annual and special assemblies.

Section 2:

The Supreme Council may call for special assemblies for the following purposes:

Initiation of new members (Knight of Rizal);
Elevation to the 2nd degree (Knight Officer of Rizal);
Exaltation to the 3rd degree (Knight Commander of Rizal);
Conferment of the 4th degree (Knight Grand Officer of Rizal);
Conferment of the 5th degree (Knight Grand Cross of Rizal);
Conferment of awards and recognitions; and
Other purposes

Section 3:

The Supreme Council shall hold regular meeting once a month. The Supreme Commander may call special meetings of the Supreme Council upon written request of at least three (3) of its members on such date, time and place as the Supreme Commander may designate. Any member or individual may be invited by the Supreme Commander to attend any meeting of the Supreme Council to give his opinion on matters of interest to the Order.

Section 4:

A majority of the members present at any general or special general assembly shall constitute a quorum to transact business.

Section 5:

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

Section 6:

Notice of annual or special assembly shall state its date, time, place and purpose and shall be given to all concerned through postal mails, emails or any other effective means of communications at least fifteen (15) calendar days prior to the meeting.

ARTICLE XVIII - ORDER OF BUSINESS

Section 1:

The Order of business in all meetings shall be:

Calling of meeting to order;
Determination of a quorum;
Reading and approval of minutes;
Business arising out of the previous meetings;
Actions on the unfinished business;
New business; and
Adjournment

ARTICLE XIX - UNIFORMS, INSIGNIAS,AWARDS AND DECORATIONS

Section 1:

The uniforms, insignias, awards and decorations for all degrees of the Order shall be 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 and other programs and events of the Order. Only the insignia for the highest degree shall be worn in all official functions. Wearing of uniform and insignia of the Order by a non-member is punishable under Republic Act No. 646.

Section 3:

All Supreme Commanders shall be conferred the highest decoration of the Order, the Rizal Pro Patria Medal upon the end of their term of office.

Section 4:

The Council of Elders may confer on any of its members the Supreme Commander Emeritus title upon the two third (2/3) votes of its members.

Section 5:

There shall be a Higher Prefectural Tribunal composed of the past Supreme Commanders and chaired by the Chairman of the Council of Elders.
There shall be a Lower Prefectural Tribunal composed of members of the Supreme Council and chaired by the incumbent Supreme Commander.
The Higher Prefectural Tribunal shall act on the recommendations of the Supreme Council on the conferment of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal (KGOR), Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR), the Rizal Pro Patria Medal, the Teodora Alonzo Medal and the Rizal Women of Malolos Medal.
The Lower Prefectural Tribunal shall recommend to the Supreme Council those qualified for admission to the Knight of Rizal rank up to the Knight Commander of Rizal rank. It shall also recommend to the Supreme Council those qualified for the Medal of Recognition, Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Service Star and Distinguished Cross.
The expenses incidental to the promotion and giving of awards as determined by the Supreme Council, shall be paid by the Chapter making the nomination.

ARTICLE XX - SEAL and LOGO

Section 1:

The Order shall have a logo and seal which shall bear upon its face, in a circular design, the words “KNIGHTS OF RIZAL” dominating the circle and the words “NON OMNIS MORIAR” on the bottom of the circle. An equilateral triangle bearing the front profile of Dr. Jose Rizal in black and white in the center with the name “RIZAL” on top and a five (5) pointed star also in white superimposed on the eight (8) rays of the sun in gold. And each ray with six (6) points and a triangle surrounded by a garland of sampaguita with the letter “K” on the right side and “R” on the left side. The word “PHILIPPINES” written in a ribbon shall appear beneath the garland and a native salakot shall appear on top of the center rays.

Section 2:

All certificates and other important documents issued by the Supreme Council shall bear the dry seal and logo of the Order.

Section 3:

The International Headquarters shall be the custodian of the official seal and logo of the Order.

ARTICLE XXI - AMENDMENTS TO THE BY-LAWS

Section 1:

These by-laws may be amended or repealed by the affirmative vote of the majority of the members in good standing present and voting at any regular or special Assembly called for the purpose.

Section 1:

All provisions of the 2006 Amended By-Laws, rules and regulations inconsistent with the 2018 By-Laws are deemed repealed.

ARTICLE XXII - EFFECTIVITY

Section 1:

These 2018 Amended By-Laws of the Knights of Rizal shall take effect on June 19, 2018.

Approved and ratified this 27th day of May 2018 during the Biennial General Assembly and Election of Supreme Council Trustees for Rizalian years 2018-2020 at Manila Hotel.