The Legitimate and Historic Spanish REAA in the Philippine Islands.

Historical Information
The Grande Oriente Español (GOE) was officially founded on May 21, 1889. This
organization was born from the union of several previous Masonic currents, primarily the
Gran Oriente Nacional de España and the Gran Oriente de España (GODE), under the
leadership of Miguel Morayta Sagrario, who served as its first Grand Master.

Origin and Context of the GODE
The Gran Oriente de España (GODE) was officially founded in September 1868 by the
Count of Aranda, coinciding with "La Gloriosa," the revolution that dethroned Isabella II.
• Expansion: It grew under the impulse of Grand Master and Sovereign Grand
Commander Manuel Ruiz Zorrilla in September 1870, who was also the President
of the Parliament.
• Leadership: Ruiz Zorrilla led this Masonic obedience during the Democratic
Sexennium and the First Republic (1870–1874).
• Political Climate: Its birth was closely linked to the arrival of democratic
freedoms in Spain. During the Democratic Sexennium, the GODE was the most
powerful and politically influential Masonic organization.
• Headquarters: Madrid served as its primary center of operations.
• Final Leadership: The last Grand Master of the GODE before its integration into
the GOE was Manuel Becerra y Bermúdez, a prominent politician and minister
who held the position between 1884 and 1889.

International Recognition
The recognition by the Grand Orient of France (GODF) was fundamental for the
international projection of Spanish Masonry.
• Recognition Treaty: In the 1870s, under the mandate of Práxedes Mateo Sagasta,
the GODE sought European legitimacy. The GODF recognized the GODE as a
sovereign power on November 18, 1870, with official ratification in Spain occurring
on May 1, 1871.
• Ideological Affinity: Both organizations shared a vision of liberal Masonry and
social commitment. The GODF had removed the requirement to believe in the
"Great Architect of the Universe," embracing freedom of conscience.
• Consequences: French backing allowed the GODE to gain prestige, expand
overseas (Cuba, Puerto Rico, Philippines), and establish a support network for
future exiles.

Philippine Patriots and the GODE
Historically, Philippine patriots were initiated into the GODE before the transition to the
GOE in 1889. While Philippine Masonry grew under Morayta, the GODE was the original
point of entry.
• Logia Solidaridad: In 1886, under Manuel Becerra, an effort was made to organize
Filipino students in Madrid. Graciano López Jaena and José Rizal had their first
Masonic contacts under the GODE during this era.
• Marcelo H. del Pilar: Known as "Plaridel," he recognized that the GODE's legal
structure and recognition were perfect tools for denouncing religious abuses and
gaining a voice before the Spanish Courts.
• Transfer of Members: Upon the founding of the GOE in 1889, figures such as
Mariano Ponce and Antonio Luna moved from the GODE to the GOE, preserving
the doctrinal base of the Cerneau-line REAA.

The GODE-Cerneau Connection
The Supreme Council of the GODE was linked to the Cerneau line (USA and France).
• Alternative Legitimacy: While others so
ught recognition from Charleston, the
GODE relied on the Cerneau line to establish its authority.
• Liberal Affinity: The Cerneau Rite was viewed as more "democratic," fitting the
GODE’s revolutionary profile.
• Masonic Conflict: This choice triggered a "Masonic war" with the Supreme
Council of Charleston and fractured Spanish Masonry for decades.
Filipino patriots reached high hierarchies within this Cerneau/France line:
• Marcelo H. del Pilar (33°): The soul of the Supreme Council for Philippine affairs.
• Mariano Ponce (33°): Key in international logistics and influence.
• Graciano López Jaena (30°/33°): His status allowed him to interact with GODE
dignitaries who were Spanish ministers.
• José Rizal (30°): Though offered the 33rd degree, he focused on civil action.

Legacy and Sovereignty
The granting of the Patent for a new "Supreme Council of the 33rd and Last Degree of
the REAA of the Philippine Islands" and his "Gran Logia del Lejano Oriente, Islas Filipinas" by the "Supreme Council of the 33rd Degree for Spain

of the Ancient and Accepted Rite" represents a historical reparation.

This movement reclaims the "Latin Way," moving away from the Charleston model to
allow for a patriotic and social REAA. By possessing both lines—Charleston for technical
form and Cerneau for the historical soul—the new Philippine Supreme Council positions
itself as a beacon of sovereignty and a model for Masonic decolonization.

Joaquim Villalta, 33º
Muy Poderoso Soberano Gran Comendador.
Supremo Consejo del Grado 33º para España del Rito Antiguo y Aceptado.