EDICT NO. 60, As Amended

THE APPLICANT AND HIS ADVANCEMENT IN FREEMASONRY

WHEREAS, The members of our Fraternity who recommend candidates for the degrees in Freemasonry should put the welfare of the Order above the interest of the recommendees;

WHEREAS, the members of the Investigating Committee should have guidelines in seeking the necessary information about the character and status of the candidates;

WHEREAS, it has been the practice of some Symbolic Lodges to have the candidate in waiting at the outer door of the Lodge while balloting on his petition, which may result in the embarrassment of the candidate and the proposers if rejected.

WHEREAS, it is the object of our Fraternity to prepare fully every candidate that he shall be qualified and proficient before advancement to the next degree; and

WHEREAS, there must be a definite procedure in the examination of every candidate,

NOW THEREFORE, I, DAMASO C. TRIA, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of the Philippines, by virtue of the power and authority in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby amend Edict No. 54 and decree;

1. That the Investigating Committee should be guided by the following questions:

A. To the proposers:

a) How long have you known the candidate? b) Do you meet him often?

1. In your home? ( ) 2) In his home? ( ) 3) At his work? ( ) 4) Socially? ( )

c) Would you be prepared to welcome him into your own family as an intimate friend? d) What reason have you for thinking Freemasonry will interest him?

e) Have you always found him upright and honorable? f) Do you consider him in every respect a suitable and desirable person for admission to the Craft? g) Have you informed him that membership of the Craft and of a particular Lodge means personal effort on his part in the service of the Lodge and of the Community? h) Have you informed him of his financial obligations to the Craft and its benevolent funds? i) Are his usual companions decent people? j) Has he ever to your knowledge, been convicted of a crime or offense? k) Has he lived or have been employed in the jurisdiction of the Lodge throughout the past three years? l) Is he likely to be a permanent resident in the district? m) Would his home or business circumstances make it difficult for him to attend regularly at Lodge meetings?

B. To the Candidate:

a) Have you discussed your seeking membership in Freemasonry with your wife & family? How do they react? (If unfavorable, report to Master.) b) Are you prepared to live an upright life, to be a good man and strictly to obey the moral law? c) Have you been pressed to join the Craft? d) What are your reasons for seeking to become a Freemason? e) Are you aware that Masonic Lodges are not benefit societies? f) Are you also aware that they are not merely Clubs, but that they give men an opportunity of giving personal service to help those among whom they live? g) Are you prepared to devote annually a part of your income to our various charities? h) Do you undertake to attend your Lodge regularly and fulfill all your obligations to it, financial and personal?

2. A candidate shall be initiated Entered Apprentice Mason at least fifteen (15) days from approval on favorable ballot of petition (Edict 161).

3. That an Entered Apprentice shall not be passed and a Fellowcraft shall not be raised unless at least fourteen (14) days have elapsed since his taking the preceding degree;

4. That before passing or raising, the candidate shall prove himself proficient in the required examination which shall be conducted in open lodge as specified in our rituals; and the questions shall be propounded by a competent examiner appointed by the Master and answered by the examinee in a clear and audible tone of voice so as to be heard and understood by all the members present;

5. That every newly-raised Master Mason shall submit himself, in an open lodge, to a strict examination to demonstrate his proficiency in the Master Masons Degree not later than ninety (90) days after his raising. (Edict No. 157)

6. That the Worshipful Master, by virtue of his position shall decide the proficiency and qualification of the candidate upon the report and recommendation of the examiner; and that any brother objecting to the report and recommendation of the examiner shall state in detail the basis of his objection and be prepared to support his contention;

7. That the passing or raising of a candidate without the observance of the period interval referred to in Paragraph 3 and the proficiency examination referred to in Paragraph 4 shall subject the Officers to disciplinary action;

8. That a newly-raised Master Mason who has not complied with Paragraph 5 above shall not:

a) Demit from his Lodge; b) Hold plural membership in any other Lodge; (Edict 186) c) Be issued a Traveling Certificate; d) Hold any office in the Lodge, either elective or appointive; e) Be eligible to receive other Masonic degrees as in the York Rite and Scottish Rite and other appendant bodies. (Edict No. 157) f) Be eligible to receive the Master Mason's diploma; and g) Be qualified for Life Membership by Longevity. (Edict No. 157)

This Edict shall be read in open Lodge at the stated meeting following its receipt, and this action noted in the minutes.

GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge, at the City of Manila, Philippines, this 5th day of August.

(Sgd.) DAMASO C. TRIA Grand Master ATTEST: (Sgd.) ESTEBAN MUNARRIZ, PGM Grand Secretary