Article II
Functions, Powers, Authority and Jurisdiction
Section 1. Functions. It shall be the primary function of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippine Islands (MW IGLPI) 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 its 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. Furthermore, it shall provide Masonic education programs for the development of Masonic leadership hand in hand with human potentials, in consonance with the ancient charges and obligations of the Order.
Section 2. General Powers and Authority. The MW IGLPI shall be vested with the sovereign executive, legislative, and judicial powers and authority of a government of Masons in its jurisdiction. These powers shall be limited only by strict adherence to the Ancient Landmarks of Freemasonry and to its own Constitution, By-Laws, Codes, and Ordinances, as well as the General Regulations of Freemasonry. Toward the exercise of these powers, and to ensure continuity and efficiency, the Grand Lodge shall form various instrumentalities such as but not limited to councils, boards, panels, committees, or offices.
Section 3. Executive Power. The executive power of the Grand Lodge shall include any and all powers necessary to exercise its functions, authority and prerogatives; implement the Constitution and By-Laws, Codes, Ordinances, Rules and Regulations; issue administrative circulars and provide the administrative structure and orders pertinent thereto, including but not limited to the granting of dispensations and charters to establish and perpetuate Lodges together with the power to arrest, withdraw, revoke or reactivate the same under the conditions provided for by law.
3.1 The executive power of the Grand Lodge shall be vested in the Grand Master, with the assistance of an Executive Council, composed of the Grand Master, Deputy Grand Master, Grand Wardens, Grand Treasurer, Grand Secretary, and Grand Auditor.
3.2 The Executive Council shall meet regularly or as often as maybe necessary to discuss matters for the betterment of masonry in general, and for the proper administration of the affairs of the Grand Lodge.
Section 4. Legislative Power. Legislative functions shall extend to every case of legislation, which do not inherently belong to Subordinate Lodges. This Constitution, the By-Laws and all Codes, Ordinances, Rules and Regulations, now or subsequently appended hereto together with Ancient Landmarks and General Regulations of Freemasonry shall be binding upon all Subordinate Lodges and Masons within this jurisdiction.
4.1 The legislative power of the Grand Lodge shall be vested in the Grand Assembly, which shall, among other authorities, propose and promulgate laws and approve or disapprove ordinances, edicts, and other issuances of the Grand Master, under such process as may be later adopted.
4.2. In between Grand Assemblies, legislative power shall be exercised by a Legislative Council, to be chaired by the Deputy Grand Master, which shall be composed of 10 members of Past Grand Masters and Past Masters, who shall review and recommend for approval of the Grand Master, all ordinances, edicts, and other issuances proposed by it, a Subordinate Lodge, incumbent Grand Lodge Officer, and/or groups of Masons. With the exception of the Chairman, the qualifications and tenure of other members shall be provided by law.
4.3. Ordinances, edicts, circulars, and other issuances issued by the Grand Master not approved or acted upon by the Grand Assembly next following its issuance shall immediately thereafter become without any binding force and effect.
4.4 The budget of the Grand Lodge and other unusual appropriations not included in the Annual Budget shall be discussed and approved by the Legislative Council.
Section 5. Judicial Power. The judicial power of the Grand Lodge shall extend only to Masonic controversies or offenses as defined in the Constitution, By-Laws, Codes, Laws, Ordinances, General Regulations and Landmarks. The judicial power of the Grand Lodge shall be vested in Judicial Council, to be chaired by the Senior Grand Warden, composed of seven (7) members. Membership in the Judicial Council shall be appointed from among the Past Grand Masters and/or Past masters with tenures as provided by law.
5.1 The Judicial Council shall have original jurisdiction over controversies involving the Grand Lodge or its incumbent Past or Honorary Officers; all controversies among two or more Lodges, or their members, or between one of them and a member or members of a Subordinate Lodge, and the enforcement of discipline upon all Masons and Lodges under its jurisdiction. The Judicial Council shall also have original jurisdiction over all cases involving incumbent Masters of Subordinate Lodges.
5.2 The Judicial Council shall have appellate jurisdiction over decisions rendered by Subordinate Lodges; provided that decisions of expulsions or suspensions of members of Subordinate Lodges shall be implemented even during the pendency of the appeal, after notice had been sent to the Grand Secretary and the brother so suspended or expelled. Decisions of the Subordinate Lodges imposing expulsion or suspension of one year or more, shall be automatically reviewed by the Judicial Council.
5.3 Actions or decisions of the Judicial Council shall be immediately executory and may be set-aside only by the Grand Assembly.
5.4 The Judicial Council shall, within 90 days from the ratification of this Constitution, draft the pertinent rules and regulations on Charges and Trial.
Section 6. The Council of Elders. The Council of Elders shall act as an advisory body to the Grand Master and to the Grand Lodge. It shall be composed of seven (7) members, with the Chairman, and two vice-chairmen all Past Grand Masters, serving a tenure of three years, provided that the first appointee acting as chairman shall serve for one year, the second for two and the third for three. Law shall provide the qualifications and tenure of other members. The Council of Elders shall be given oversight functions over all the Councils of the Grand Lodge.
Section 7. Jurisdiction. The Grand Lodge shall exercise jurisdiction over all Subordinate Lodges within the territorial jurisdiction of the Republic of the Philippines, affiliated with it and/or chartered under this Constitution.
7.1 Districts or Regions may be formed for efficient and effective administration of Lodges in consonance with the functions and authority of the Grand Lodge. Criteria for such formation shall include the number of Lodges and size of membership, span of control for efficient management, and ability to sustain a turn over of qualified officers. Lodges may petition the Grand Lodge to form a district; districts may petition to form a region, subject to the provisions of the manual or code for Grand Lodge Administration.
