Why Not

Why only one Grand Lodge can exist in the Philippines? Why not? Removing the prejudicial thinking of the motive, be it may imagine or reality, Freemasonry spread around the world not because a Grand Lodge “authorized” the creation of another Grand Lodge but because three or more Lodges banded together and formed their own. Neither Modern nor Ancient Grand Lodges of England authorizes the creation of Grand Lodge of New York or Pennsylvania or California to form Nevada. Individual Lodges warranted by either Grand Lodge of England formed their own Grand Lodge due to their own reasons. Even Spain at one time had two Grand Lodges until both sides settled their differences and merged into one. Needless to say the result of union of Ancients and Modern to become United Grand Lodge of England. If we look back to the history of Grand Lodge of Japan, GLP’s reaction was not something we could be proud of.

Now how about if the three Lodges in Guam decided to form the Grand Lodge of Micronesia or Guam, would GLP declare our Brethren from Guam clandestine too? Or should GLP be a proud parent of a new born GL? Instead of putting roadblocks, GLP could be an example of how a good and caring parent would act watching his offspring takes it's baby step toward maturity.

Why Not?

RmOlano
Hanford Lodge No. 279
GLofCA

Political and Religious Discussions

It is NOT the discussion of politics within the Lodge that is prohibited but rather it is the sectarian or the my-way-or-highway approach to civil discussion which often led to disharmony among Brethren. What is not allowed is the mentality that my opinion, my party, my religion and my God is right and all others are wrong. Politics and religion will always be in our thought, to "prohibit" its discussion is to say, I have provided all the argument and all available documentations therefore, the case is close---Period. This kind of mind-set ought to be prohibited not the content of the discussion whether its politics, religion, sports or the best watering hole in the area.

Political and Religious Discussions.

F/
RmOlano

Distorted Report

2008 Finding of CIR re: PHILIPPINES. Source: http://www.recognitioncommission.org/2008 Report

PHILIPPINES
The Grand Lodge of the Philippines has provided additional clarification on the situation with Freemasonry in that country. Members in seven of the eighteen Lodges in the Cavite District formed Lodges with the same name, but different numbers, and formed what they call the Independent Grand Lodge of the Philippine Islands, without a legitimate charter. All those members have been expelled from the Grand Lodge of the Philippines. As stated last year, the Grand Lodge of the Philippines is the only Grand Lodge in that country that meets the standards for recognition.

There is a big difference between "members in seven of the eighteen Lodges" and "seven of the eighteen member Lodges." The people from GLP who wrote, signed and provided this information knew exactly what they are feeding to the Commision. This is NOT a typo error nor gramatical oversight. This distortion of facts came from official documents of a Masonic body which billed themselves as "The Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the Philippines." Somebody ought to examine the real meaning of "Most Worshipful" even to this contemporary times.

For more comments see VW Ben Apacible's "Personal Comment on 2008 Report."

F/
RmOlano
"Words are manifestition of our inner thoughts, once released it can not be taken back therefore, if not sure it is wiser to keep it or take the responsibilities/consequences of your words--written or spoken."