Former Supreme Court Chief Justice & Knights of Rizal Head Visits US Northeast

Supreme Commander Puno with Consul Kerwin Tate, Regional Commander Francis Sison and members of the Knights of Rizal and Ladies for Rizal conduct a wreath-laying ceremony at a momument to Rizal in New Jersey

25 October 2017 NEW YORK – Knights of Rizal Supreme Commander and former Chief Justice of the Philippine Supreme Court Reynato S. Puno held a series of events with members of the Order of the Knights of Rizal in the US Northeast.

Among the highlights of the Supreme Commander’s visit were several speeches on the need for the Philippines to adopt Federalism as a new form of government as well as Knighting events, elevation to the next degree of qualified members, and conferment of awards for distinguished service to the Knights of Rizal.

At a Forum on Federalism in the Philippines sponsored by the Knights of Rizal chapters of Morris County and Long Island held at the Kalayaan Hall of the Philippine Center on October 20, former Chief Justice Puno outlined the advantages of using Federalism as a new governance framework for the Philippines. He relayed his recent discussions with President Rodrigo Roa Duterte on the critical work that needs to be addressed in ensuring lasting peace, security, stability, and prosperity in the Philippines. He likewise shared his views on how Federalism as a form of government could be the long-awaited response to the issues which continue to confront the Philippines such as poverty, peace and order, illegal drugs, an end to secessionist movements, anti-terrorism efforts, the communist insurgency, and overall development of the country.

A talk on Federalism in the US was likewise given by Knight of Rizal member Atty. Ernest Ianetti. The remarks were followed by an open forum with questions ranging from the maturity of the Philippine political system as well as the pros and cons of the Federal system.

For the remainder of his visit, Mr. Puno also addressed other chapters of the Knights of Rizal in New Jersey, presided over wreath-laying ceremonies at monuments of Philippine National Hero Jose P. Rizal in Cherry Hill, New Jersey and Jersey City.

He likewise presided over a special ceremony for knighting and elevation of members of the Knights of Rizal and conferred special honors to Knights from different states. Among the Knights elevated to the next degree was Consul Arman Talbo of the Philippine Consulate General in New York.

Supreme Commander Puno also conferred the highest rank of the Knights of Rizal – the Knight Grand Cross of Rizal (KGCR) on Juan Castro of St. Louis, Missouri and Judge Victor Sison of New Jersey at ceremonies held in Elizabeth, New Jersey on 22 October 2017 at an event organized by the Knights of Rizal under the leadership of US Regional Commander Francis Sison. The ceremony was witnessed by Consul General Theresa Dizon-De Vega. END

For more information, visit www.newyorkpcg.dfa.gov.ph/ www.newyorkpcg.org or https://www.facebook.com/PHLinNY/

Supreme Commander Puno with Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop, Consul General Dizon-De Vega, Sir Francis Sison, Amb. Mario De Leon, Jersey City Council President Rolando Lavarro and Sir Judge Victor Sison witness a turnover of tokens at a Knights of Rizal formal event in New Jersey