MEMBERSHIP

MEMBERS OF THE ORDER

The members of the Order are known as Knights of Rizal (Caballeros de Rizal or Mga Maginoong Maka-Rizal) and are classified into five degrees for those having the necessary qualifi-cations.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR MEMBERSHIP

All persons of legal age; of good moral character and reputation, who are in sympathy with the purposes' of the Knights of Rizal, are eligible for active membership, upon un6ni-mous approval of the Supreme Council en banc of a written application therefore duly endorsed by at least two active *mem-bers of the Order. (Sec. 4, Rep. Act 646) '

The pertinent provisions of the Code of By-Laws of the Order shall likewise apply in the admission of new members.

DEGREES OF MEMBERSHIP

The five degrees of membership in the Order of the Knights of Rizal are as follows:

First Degree - Knight of Rizal
A candidate who is admitted and initiated into the degree of membership is known as a Knight of Rizal.

To qualify for admission to the first degree, one must be of legal age; of good moral character and reputation, who believes in Rizal and is willing to learn more about him' and follow his teachings. Application for membership -shall be made in writing and duly endorsed by at least two members in good standing of the Order and approved by the Supreme Council or chapter concerned. (Art. IV, Sec. 1 Code of By-Laws)

Second Degree - Knight Officer of Rizal
A- Knight Officer of Rizal is one who has been elevated to the second degree of the Order upon fulfillment of the following degree work requirements:

He must have served the Order at least- six months in the first degree, and must also be favorably recommended by a Special Committee created for the purpose by the Supreme Council or by the Chapter concerned. (Art. IV, Sec. 1 Code of By-Laws)

Third Degree - Knight Commander of Rizal
A Knight Commander of Rizal is one who has been exalted to the third degree of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal, regardless of the degree he is in or of the time he has served therein, who has fulfilled the require-ments as may be prescribed by the Supreme Council for the purpose may-be exalted as "Knight Commander of Rizal," upon approval of the Supreme. Council.

A Knight of Rizal who has been elected as a member of the Supreme Council or as Chapter Commander shall be qualified for exaltation as Knight Commander of Rizal.

Provided, how6ver, that any person, not a member of the Order, who has distinguished himself by meritorious service which has enhanced the objectives of the Order, or has written a book of general acceptance on Rizal, may also be exalted to this category upon written recommendation of the Prefectural Tribu-nal created by the Supreme Council or by the Chapter con-cerned, duly approved by the Supreme Council. The writt(-n-recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal created by the Supreme Council or by the Chapter concerned, shall specificaUy state the achievements of the candidate for exaltation which have been considered as the basis for the recommendation for exaltation.

Fourth Degree – Knight Grand Officer of Rizal
A Knight Grand Officer of Rizal is one who has been conferred the second highest degree of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Philippines or for the Order, may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Officer of Rizal by the Supreme Council.

Comments:
By virtue of a resolution approved by the Supreme Council a Knight of Rizal duly elected as Supreme Trustee shall be quali-fied for conferment to the Fourth degree. (November, 1985)

Fifth Deqree - Knight Grand Cross of Rizal
Knight Grand Cross of Rizal is one who has b the highest degree of the Order.

Any Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for -the Philippines or for the Order, may be conferred the degree of Knight Grand Cross of Rizal by the Supreme Council at a Regular or Special General Assembly called for the purpose.

After the election and organization of the Executive Officers of the Order; a trustee of the Supreme Councif elected as Supreme Commander shall be conferred the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal.

OTHER AWARDS

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE STAR
A Knight of Rizal who has performed an, outstanding ac-hievement for the Order may be awarded the Distinguished Service Star upon the recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal and approved by the Supreme Council.

DISTINGUISHED SERVICE CROSS
A Knight of Rizal or any person who has performed an outstanding achievement for the Philippines or for the Order may be awarded the Distinguished Service Cross upon the recommendation of the Prefectural Tribunal and approval by the Supreme Council.

Comments:
This is a higher award than the distinguished service star. The recipient of this award may be a person other than a member of the Order.