EDICT NO. 44, as amended

THE FLAG CEREMONY

Edict Nos. 32, 37 and 40 are hereby amended. The following procedure shall be strictly complied with:

1. Usage - The flag ceremony is Optional. It is within the sole discretion of the Master of a Lodge whether or not a Flag Ceremony is to be held; nevertheless, all Masters are enjoined to have a Flag Ceremony at every meeting, particularly at public functions.

2. The Flag - The Philippine Flag will be presented in Lodges, except that in those which are predominantly of a nationality other than Filipino, the Flag of the country which represents the nationality of the majority of the members may be presented. When a flag other than that of the Philippines is presented, the Philippine Flag will be placed in a position of honor in the East prior to the opening of the Lodges. In cases of Lodges outside of the Philippine Archipelago, protocol governing the relative position of Flags placed in the East will be observed; when in doubt, consult the government of the place where the lodge is located.

3. National Anthem - when the Philippine Flag is presented, the Philippine National Anthem may be sung either in Filipino or in English, or played by hand, piano, organ or recording. If the Flag of any other nationality is presented, the National Anthem of that country may be sung or played. It should be remembered that Masonry is international. Consequently, when visitors of other countries are present, we should endeavor to use the language known to them if the National Anthem is sung.

4. General regulations:

(a) The Marshal does not carry the baton during any part of the Flag Ceremony.

(b) The right hand will be placed on the left breast when the Flag is in motion and during the singing or playing of the National Anthem.

(c) The position of attention will be maintained at all other times during the Flag Ceremony.

(d) When the Flag is at the Altar, it will be held perpendicularly. At other times it may be carried at a slant forward not to exceed thirty (30) degrees from the perpendicular; this is not considered dipping the Flag but is the normal way of carrying it.

(e) It is not considered good form to bow to the Flag.

(f) Uniformity is essential. The brethren must take their cue from the East.

5. Presentation:

(a) The Master says: "Brother Marshal, you will retire and present the Philippine Flag" (or other country, where appropriate).

(b) Marshal rises but does not give the sign. After the word "Flag" he goes to the Altar where he gives the sign.

(c) The Deacons rise and take the rods when the Marshal rises. When the Marshal leaves the Altar, the Senior Deacon proceeds along the North and West pavements to the North side of the door and the Junior Deacon proceeds to the South side of the door.

(d) When the Marshal brings the Flag into the Lodge, the Deacons cross their rods over the Marshal.

(e) At the moment the rods are crossed, the Master brings the Lodge to attention, removes his hat and holds it over his left breast,

(f) The Marshal and the Deacons proceeds in a straight line to the Altar.

(g) When the Flag arrives at the Altar (Deacons do not detach rods), the Marshal says: "Worshipful Master, I have the honor to present the Philippine Flag".

(h) Following the National Anthem, the Master says: "Brother Marshal, escort the flag to its proper place in the East". (On the right hand side of the Master). Deacons disengage rods at the word "East". They take two steps backward, ground the rods and drop them diagonally across the body so that the left hand takes the rod (the butt of the rod remains pivoted on the floor); the right hand is placed on the left breast.

(i) When the Marshal places the flag in its stand, the Master puts his hat on; all others resume the position of attention. The Master seats the Lodge. The Marshal and Deacons proceed to their respective places.

6. Retirement

(a) After all business Is finished and before the closing of the Lodge, the Flag is retired.

(b) The Master calls up the Lodge and says: "Brother Marshal, you will retire the Flag".

(c) The Marshal rises but does not give the sign. After the word "Flag" he proceeds to the Flag (going West of, but not stopping at the Altar). He places the Flag in a bearer position, makes a graceful turn to the right until he faces West. (Note: He does not execute an "about-face"). He proceeds to the Altar, going behind the Senior Deacon to a point between the Deacons facing East.

(d) At the moment the Marshal leaves his place to go to the East, the Deacons, with rods, proceed to a point three steps West of the Altar, placing the rods across the body as in the presentation going behind the Senior Deacon to a point between the Deacons facing East.

(e) When the Marshal arrives at the Altar, the Master says: "The brethren will repeat the 'Panunumpa Sa Watawat' with me."

(f) Following the Pledge, the Master says: "Brother Marshal, return the Flag to its proper custodian".

(g) After the word "custodian", the Deacons cross the rods over the Marshal. All three make a graceful turn to the right, the Deacons moving in such a way to remain abreast of the Marshal; all three proceed in a straight line to the door.

(h) The Tyler receives the Flag from the Marshal, who does not go out of the Lodge. The Deacons disengage their rods, and all three proceeds to their respective places.

(i) The Master seats the Lodge when the Flag is received by the Tyler. Following this, he proceeds to close the Lodge.

7. Conclusion: Dignity, proficiency and uniformity are absolutely essential in every part of the Flag Ceremony. Masters will see to it, that the Flag Ceremony is adequately rehearsed until all members are fully familiar with every part of it.

Given under my hand and the seal of the Grand Lodge, at the City of Manila, Philippines, this 12th day of September 1962.

(Sgd.) WILLIAM H. QUASHA Grand Master ATTEST:

(Sgd.) ESTEBAN MUNARRIZ, PGM Grand Secretary