EDICT NO. 82

REQUIRING ATTEMPTS AT CONCILIATION BEFORE THE INSTITUTION OF THE SUITS

WHEREAS, one of the most beautiful tenets of Freemasonry is the reminder that in dealing with an erring brother we should "...whisper good counsel in his ear, gently admonish him of his error and in the most friendly manner possible endeavor to bring about a reform".

WHEREAS, the cogency of its concept cannot be doubted for even our civil laws and rules of court prohibit members of a family litigating against each other without first exhausting all possibilities of an amicable settlement;

WHEREAS, the Masonic Fraternity is a brotherhood of men whose strength lies in the harmony of its members;

WHEREAS, we shall not only be giving realism to these Masonic precepts but we will also be alleviating the congestion of cases in court, by requiring brethren with disputes against each other to seek first the good offices of the Grand Lodge before resorting to redress in our regular courts, quasi-judicial agencies and other government offices so that all possibilities of settlement can be explored and exhausted in the Masonic spirit of brotherly love, relief and truth;

WHEREAS, the spectacle of a brother filing cases against another brother in court and other government agencies without giving the Craft a chance to harmonize their relationship has exposed the fraternity to unnecessary public ridicule, embarrassment and contempt;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, REYNATO S. PUNO, Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of F. & A.M. of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby promulgate and decree:

a) that the filing of any administrative, civil or criminal case by a member of the Craft against another in any government office, quasi-judicial agency, or regular court without notifying the Grand Lodge, thru the Grand Secretary, and give the latter a reasonable opportunity to settle their disputes as Masonic

brothers shall henceforth be considered unmasonic conduct and shall be dealt with in accordance with our constitution and ordinances.

b) that within three (3) days after the Grand Lodge shall have been informed of such dispute, the Grand Master shall form a Special Committee for Settlement of Dispute consisting of five (5) brethren preferably Past Masters, from the jurisdiction where the disputants belong who shall immediately conciliate and endeavor to restore peace and harmony between or among the parties, and submit its findings to the Grand Lodge;

c) provided, however, that after exhaustion of all possibilities for settlement, a member of the Craft who still feels aggrieved by another member may resort to the regular remedies provided by the laws of the land to vindicate his claim or cause of action;

This Edict shall be read in open Lodge at the stated meeting next following its receipt and shall be recorded in the Minutes.

GIVEN under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge at the City of Manila, this 31st day of July, 1984.

(Sgd.) REYNATO S. PUNO Grand Master

ATTEST:

(Sgd.) MANUEL M. CRUDO, PGM Grand Secretary