Tuesday, June 19, 2007

IGLPI Judicial Code

Dear Brothers in Freemasonry,

The IGLPI moves forward with the interim approval of its Judicial Code. The judicial power of the Grand Lodge is vested in a Judicial Council chaired by the Senior Grand Warden. The Legislative Council is chaired by the DGM and it is vested with law making powers.This speaks of the democratic principles and of check and balance and of separation of powers. It manifest our ideals against dictatorship and the enormous concentration of all powers in one person. History tells us of our forbears and heroic Masons who fought for freedom and liberty. Thus we should exemplify the ideals which they fought and died for. Thus we also exemplify the tenets and cardinal virtues taught to us.

IGLPI JUDICIAL CODE INTERIMLY APPROVED


The Constitution of the Most Worshipful Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands (IGLPI), which was ratified during the First Grand Assembly on November 28, 2006 provides under Article II Section 5 for a Judicial Council, chaired by the Grand Senior Warden, and further tasked to draft the Judicial Code on Rules and Regulations on Charges and Trials.

The Judicial Council Chaired by RW Manuel L Carranza Jr (Chairman), RW Joseph A Capuyan (Vice-Chairman), VW Francisco G Supnet (Member), VW Federico M Aquino (Member), VW Bayani R Leoncio (Member), WB Danilo T Estapon (Member), and WB Gorgonio V Necessario (Secretary), met, deliberated, finalized and submitted officially on April 20, 2007, the Draft of a Proposed Judicial Code.

The IGLPI EXECOM, in its meeting of April 21, 2007 chaired by MW Jaime V Bantolo, interimly approved the Judicial Code for adoption by the IGLPI Lodges under its Grand Jurisdiction, after RW Nicolas G Ricafrente, Chairman of the Legislative Council favorably endorsed for its interim approval. The Judicial Code will be presented to the next Grand Assembly in November 2007 for official ratification and approval,

The Judicial Code laid down the legal and moral basis of the Masonic Justice System. It aims to render to every man his just due, without exemptions. It reminds us ever to walk and act as a just and upright Mason ever to be “on the level”. It calls to mind the Landmarks XIII, XVII, and XXII. The Judicial power of the Grand Lodge is vested in a Judicial Council.

The Judicial Code contains provisions on its organization, proceedings, charges and trials, preliminary investigation, Trial Commissions, judgement, appeals, reversals and restorations, A salient point is that, charges against the incumbent or Past Grand Master and any elective or appointive Grand Officer, Regional or District Grand Officers could be proffered over the signature of an incumbent Worshipful Master accompanied by an officially approved Lodge Resolution. The decision of the Judicial Council shall be effective and executory as of its date, subject to review by the Grand Assembly which may confirm, modify or reverse such decision.

An Edict will be forthcoming to announce this important event..


April 23, 2007
Bro Jim Bantolo

No comments: