[1] Knighthood confers a personal title (Sir) and this status, as well as any professional affiliation to the Order, is protected by law against impersonation or fraud.[3] The Order was granted a legislative charter by President Elpidio Quirino[3] as a non-sectarian, non-partisan, civic, patriotic, and cultural organization under Republic Act 646 on June 14, 1951.A year later, on December 30, 1912, a state funeral was held to transfer Rizal's remains from his family's house in Binondo, Manila for a wake in the Ayuntamiento and finally a burial in Luneta.The authors and proponents of this bill believe that if the purposes thereof are faithfully and effectively carried out, social discipline, civic virtues, and love of justice will be fostered, promoted, and enhanced in this country, and that the Knights of Rizal as a chartered entity is the most convenient instrumentality by which this desirable ends can be attained.Knights lead or take an active role in official and diplomatic ceremonies commemorating important dates in José Rizal's life and the Philippine Independence Day.In New York City, the Order sponsors and marches as honor guards in the Philippine Independence Day Parade, the world’s largest such celebration outside of Manila.In 2024, the Fairfield Chapter in Connecticut donated $35,000 (PHP 2,000,000) to build classrooms in two remote barangays in Luzon, Philippines, in keeping with the Order's similar previous work in Visayas and Mindanao to aid communities that do not receive enough government funding.In coordination with the New York State Command, Sir Michael Dadap's Handurawan concert at the Kaufman Music Center donated a portion of its proceeds to help victims of Hurricane Milton in Florida.Various fundraisers, balls, and galas are held throughout the year by chapters across the world to raise money in support of the Order’s mission and to exhibit Filipino culture and cuisine.All knighthoods are substantive and never simply honorary as they are not only a recognition of past service and charitable deeds but also an expectation of future active work and growth within the Order.[15] For example, a Christine Reyes, wife of Sir Juan de la Cruz, may be styled as: Note that this differs from Western convention, specifically that of the British system used in the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth realms (e.g. Order of the British Empire) where wives of knights prefix Lady to their surname instead and only if they use their husband's surname.Most Philippine presidents since the country first declared independence from colonial powers in 1898 have received the honor of knighthood or an award from the Order by virtue of their office and/or services they have given to the Filipino people.
December 30, 1912: The catafalque carrying the urn that contains Jose Rizal's remains is marched through Manila to Luneta with the Knights of Rizal as honor guards and the
Freemasons
of the
Grand Lodge of the Philippines
marching in step.
Historical marker at the headquarters of the Order in Manila
Stamp released by PHLPost to celebrate the centennial of the Order's initial formation in 1916, featuring a profile of Rizal.
Regalia of a KR is a ribbon of the Order
Regalia of a KOR is a ribbon with a golden anahaw rosette
Regalia of a KCR is a neck ribbon of the Order
Regalia of a KGOR includes a silver breast star and sash of the Order
Regalia of a KGCR includes a gold breast star and sash of the Order
Diosdado Macapagal photo
Senator Sir Benigno Aquino Jr. on a PHLPost stamp released in 2000