EDICT NO. 82-A

STRENGTHENING EDICT NO. 82 BY INSTITUTIONALIZING MEDIATION AS AN ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION MECHANISM

WHEREAS, Edict No. 82-Puno requires conciliation attempts to be made by Masons before Institution of suits outside the bounds of the fraternity;

WHEREAS, while such Edict has proved to be an effective tool in dispute resolution among Masons and its wider application will be helpful in further promoting harmony among the brethren;

WHEREAS, Mediation is a mode of alternative dispute resolution being promoted by the Supreme Court of the Philippines as well as other countries to ease congestion in the judicial system;

WHEREAS, utilizing Mediation to resolve conflicts among Masons on both Masonic and Non-Masonic matters will greatly fortify the mystic and brotherhood ties of the brethren;

WHEREAS, if Masons effectively apply Mediation as an alternative dispute mechanism, peace-making will become another legacy of Freemasons in this jurisdiction and Masons can actively promote peace in their own communities;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, RICARDO P. GALVEZ, Grand Master of Masons in the jurisdiction of the Philippines, by virtue of the powers in me vested by the Constitution, do hereby promulgate and decree that:

Sec. 1. A permanent body to be known as Masonic Mediation Center (hereinafter referred to as the "Center") is hereby created and established under the direction and control of the Grand Master;

Sec. 2. The Center shall have the following functions:

a. plan and implement a program that will effectively enable the brethren to settle Masonic and Non-Masonic disputes as well as rules and regulations pertaining to its operation;

b. provide mediation techniques trainings to brethren throughout the jurisdiction;

c. exercise other acts as are incidental to or are appropriate and necessary in furtherance of the purposes of the

creation of the Center;

Sec. 3. The Officers of the Center shall be composed of an Executive Director and seven (7) Directors and the following shall serve as its initial Executive Director and Directors:

Executive Director: VW Godofredo Señlres, Jr. Deputy Executive Director: VW Enrique Flores, Jr. VW Roberto Asunclon VW Isidro Banaria VW Guillermo Lazaro VW Celso Viray VW Suharto Mangudadatu VW Homobono Pique WB Rolando Rocha VW Victor Yu

Sec. 4. The initial officers shall serve a period of three (3) years commencing on the date of appointment and expiring at the close of the Annual Communications three (3) years after.

Sec. 5. The Center may accept donations in cash and/or in kind; and also engage in fund raising activities provided all donations shall be coursed through the Grand Lodge and fund raising activities shall have the prior approval of the Grand Master.

Sec. 6. The Center shall render to the Grand Master at least sixty (60) days prior to the Annual Communication an annual report of its activities and financial performance and condition properly audited by the Committee on Accounts. Such report shall be included in the annual report of the Grand Master to the Annual Communication.

This Edict shall take effect immediately and shall be read in open Lodge at the Stated meeting next following its receipt and shall be recorded in the minutes thereof.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge on this 29th day of March, 2004 in Manila, Philippines.

(Sgd.) RICARDO P. GALVEZ Grand Master

ATTEST: (Sgd.) REYNALDO S. FAJARDO, PGM, GMH Grand Secretary