What is the purpose of the Knights of Rizal?
As Knights of Rizal, members of the Order are charged with the relentless pursuit and defense of the values held dear by the Philippine hero Dr. Jose Rizal: civil rights, nonviolence, internationalism, education, and service to community and country.
Under which banner do the Knights of Rizal operate?
The Knights of Rizal is the only state-sponsored order of chivalry in the Republic of the Philippines. The Order operates under a legislative charter, Republic Act 646, and its insignia, ranked seventh in the country's Order of Wear, is widely worn by members of the Philippine government and diplomatic corps both domestic and abroad. It is unlawful for anyone to fraudulently claim membership to the Order and doing so may result in fines, imprisonment, or both.
While orders of chivalry are usually associated with noble houses and the Philippines is a republic without a monarchy, the Philippine government has always recognized the Knights of Rizal as instrumental for the country and notable since its founding. Many of the Republic's founding individuals (e.g. H.E. President Sir Manuel Quezon, KGCR; H.E. President Manuel Roxas) as well as the country's revolutionary heroes (e.g. H.E. President Sir Emilio Aguinaldo, KGCR) were either early members of the Order or were deeply acquainted with it. To date, at least three Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and one National Artist have been Supreme Commanders of the Order. Of the 17 Philippine presidents, 11 have been members of the Order.
While orders of chivalry are usually associated with noble houses and the Philippines is a republic without a monarchy, the Philippine government has always recognized the Knights of Rizal as instrumental for the country and notable since its founding. Many of the Republic's founding individuals (e.g. H.E. President Sir Manuel Quezon, KGCR; H.E. President Manuel Roxas) as well as the country's revolutionary heroes (e.g. H.E. President Sir Emilio Aguinaldo, KGCR) were either early members of the Order or were deeply acquainted with it. To date, at least three Chief Justices of the Supreme Court and one National Artist have been Supreme Commanders of the Order. Of the 17 Philippine presidents, 11 have been members of the Order.
Can I join the Order?
Membership in the Order is by invitation and sponsorship of at least two active members. If petitioning for membership and unknown to all knights, the Chapter Officers will expend every effort to find two sponsors within the Order for every suitable petitioner.
Can I join if I am a member of other Orders?
Yes. If a prospective member is deemed qualified by the Knights of Rizal, their membership in other legitimate orders is irrelevant to admission. We do ask about an applicant's professional achievements and we would love to hear about your other Orders.
What do the Knights of Rizal look for in a prospective member?
Admission to the Order is reserved only to those who exhibit values and deeds aligned with our mission. The admission process requires a private investigation into the applicant’s background, where one's unimpeachable character, personal and professional accomplishments, and record of charitable deeds are all taken into account. Unlike some Orders, membership does not only convey honor and privilege but also requires continuous participation in the Order’s humanitarian and cultural work.
Do you admit women?
While the Knights of Rizal is fraternal, it also awards women medals like the Teodora Alonzo Medal, Rizal Women of Malolos Award, and other honors to recognize the impact and service of distinguished women.
At the same time, the Order has many counterparts that are exclusively for women who wish to pursue the same ideals and values. One of them is the Kababaihang Rizalista that consist of both women who joined independently and those who are wives of the Knights of Rizal. The Ladies do business, vote, and function as an independent but affiliated entity, and we do find times to all gather together for joint projects and events.
At the same time, the Order has many counterparts that are exclusively for women who wish to pursue the same ideals and values. One of them is the Kababaihang Rizalista that consist of both women who joined independently and those who are wives of the Knights of Rizal. The Ladies do business, vote, and function as an independent but affiliated entity, and we do find times to all gather together for joint projects and events.
Do you charge fees?
Like other knighthoods, such as the Vatican's Order of the Holy Sepulchre or the Order of St. John (Bailiwick of Brandenburg), the Knights of Rizal levies an admission fee for all new knights as well as annual dues thereafter. This can vary chapter to chapter as the chapter decides its financial needs. The admission fee for the Manhattan New York Chapter is $180 and covers the first two years of the new knight's dues to his local chapter and the International Headquarters, as well as the cost of his uniform and insignia. Annual dues are more modest contributions that help cover the administrative, charitable, and event organizing costs incurred by the Order. Aside from these, one is also expected to occasionally help raise funds for some of the Order's many projects.
Is the Order Masonic?
No, but many Freemasons do find a home within our ranks. Because Rizal himself was a Freemason (joining lodges across Spain and France starting in 1883), the histories of the Knights of Rizal and the Freemasons have been entangled since the beginning. In 2024, the Supreme Council of the Knights of Rizal signed a memorandum of agreement with the Masonic Grand Lodge of the Philippines.
Is membership restricted to Catholics?
No. While a good number of our members are Catholic (since the Philippines is a Catholic majority country), the Knights of Rizal does not place a religious requirement for admission. The Order admits people regardless of religion, race, or citizenship. There may be instances when Christian ceremonies are included in programs but members are never required to partake in them and most are usually done outside of official Order business.
