TENETS

 
 
1. The TAU GAMMA PHI is the Triskelions’ Grand Fraternity, my Fraternity, the supreme Fraternity.
 
The first phrase emphasizes the true meaning of Tau Gamma Phi which is the Triskelion Grand
Fraternity. Greek representation of our Fraternity was then very essential to be able to commune with
the then existing fraternity system; a fraternity system which the Triskelions wanted to correct.
Supremacy however as explicitly expressed in the first tenet is a responsibility to be fulfilled. Upon
admittance to the Triskelion Grand Fraternity,  Triskelion is bestowed with a task to attain supremacy in
his field of interest and endeavor. And with each Triskelion fulfilling his duty to be supreme in his realm,
the Triskelion Grand Fraternity shall then attain Supremacy in all fields of human endeavor. So
therefore, the Supremacy we are trying to portray is a collective effort from each Triskelion. In addition,
we have to remember that real Supremacy can only be attained if we can meet the demands of the
present times; if the demands change, so as the level of Supremacy. 
 
 
2. Primum nil nocere – first of all do not harm, let alone in defense of self, for whatever cause man has
come into being, for whatever reason he exist, to wherever he is destined, keen to all living creatures
around him, MAN IS A BROTHER UNTO MAN.
 
The second tenet is the expression of true brotherhood. It reconciles the word Fraternity with its
original and tantamount meaning which is Brotherhood; a Universal kind of Brotherhood. The fraternity
is our training ground on how to become a true brother to our fellow human beings. As long as the one
in front of you is a person, then you should always consider him as a brother. Furthermore, if we are to
treat other persons as our brothers, so much more if they are Triskelions; and if we are to treat
Triskelions as true brothers, then so much more if they are our true Blood Brothers. So therefore, the
expression of our Brotherhood must start in our family but never make the family as an excuse for
inactivity but instead make the fraternity as the reason why we have gained more love and respect from
our families. However, the phrase "let alone in defense of oneself" is an expression of everyone’s right
to self-preservation. It is just right and proper to defend ourselves in times of extreme chaos, but we
have to always bear in mind that we firmly believe in the power of reason and not in the use of force as
a reason.
 
 
3. De gustibus non desputandum est – of likes and dislikes there should be no desputing. LIVE AND LET
LIVE.
 
The third tenet is an expression of respect for an individual’s reewill. We must tolerate the
existence of in dividual differences among Triskelions but if and only if such differences are not
detrimental to the fraternity. The freedom that we are bequeathed upon is within the boundary of our
Tenets and Code of Conduct. This we must comply with in order to be called true Triskelions. We have to
accept that Absolute Freedom is a myth in the real world, so as Triskelions, we have the obligation to
conform with the Triskelion Doctrines such that whatever disposition we have that doesn’t harmonize
with the Triskelion Principles must be corrected.
 
 
4. Preserve yourself, Brain, Brawn and Blood.
 
The fourth tenet is another challenge for the Triskelions. It is a challenge to portray the
authentic image of a Triskelion. This tenet does not mean that we have to preserve whatever we are
today, but rather it conveys a challenge to achieve the highest form of Triskelionism and that we have to
preserve. Yet it may be impossible to achieve this highest form, but with this constantly in our minds, it
will guide us to the path of righteousness.
 
 
5. Brothers I shall love and respect their counsel I shall heed.
 
The fifth tenet considers the fact that each human being shall eventually experience troubles
and difficulties in life. As an answer to this, each Triskelion is given the duty to comfort and assist any
Triskelion in need as well as each Triskelion is given the duty to seek for guidance and counsel from
prominent Brothers in times of problems. We must not forget that the Triskelion is a light over darkness
as shown in our official color. That is why whenever we see a person in darkness, let us always try to
offer him some light to guide him regain his confidence. So if we are the ones in darkness, then we must
seek for light, and that light is your fellow Triskelion.
 
 
6. ______________ is my alma mater, to cherish and to honor, by it’s rules be governed and
be guided.
 
Literally, the sixth tenet simply signifies to always follow the policies of your School and of your
Chapter but in a broader essence there is much more about this tenet. The implication of this tenet is
very vital for each Triskelion because it is a duty to always adhere to the laws provided for in the place
where your feet are set. Just as a Filipino who migrated to the USA cannot anymore exercise some of
the Filipino practices if they are against the law of the USA. A Triskelion must always be aware of his
surroundings especially the do’s and don’ts. Triskelions are survivors, they can’t easily be defeated
because they always study the rules of the game.
 
 
7. The Grand Triskelion is righteous, just and strong. He shall be obeyed. The Grand Triskelion is the
heart of the Chapter that is why all Triskelion members must give all respect and obedience to him.
 
On the other hand, this tenet is also a challenge for the Grand Triskelion himself. A challenge to
be always Righteous, Just and Strong. You can’t be considered a good Grand Triskelion if you cannot
maintain the said qualities. So for all of us, if we are to elect a Grand Triskelion, be sure to select
the one with these three Righteous, Just and Strong.
 
 
8. A Triskelion is a brother to his fellow Triskelion.
 
The Triskelion Brotherhood is extra-ordinary, that is why the last tenet emphasizes the bond
between Triskelions. It is a "mortal sin" to socially discriminate a fellow Triskelion and it is intolerable to
offend a fellow Triskelion. One of the greatest reasons why we became supreme among Fraternities is
the kind of Brotherhood we practice. We are the only Fraternity who practice Universal Brotherhood as
explained in the second tenet. We are the only Fraternity that other people can mingle with in times of
parties and other celebrations. We are the only Fraternity where the young and the olds can commune
with each other without discrimination…… Therefore let us not tarnish this wonderful essence of
Triskelionism because this what makes the BIG DIFFERENCE
 
THE TRISKELION CODE OF CONDUCT
 
 
T – Treat others as you would have them treat you.

This is simply a replica of the Golden Rule. From hereon, we have to always remember that the
interpretation of any of the Triskelion Principles must always be implicated positively. Our
Founding Fathers never intended for us to exploit the Code of Conduct by making twisted
interpretation. Just as we can’t implicate the first code to inflict pain to others just because you’re a
masochist. So the best approach of interpreting our Principles in to interpret it with the same mind-
set of Founding Fathers.
 
R – Rise to defend the name and honor of the Fraternity whenever it is unjustly criticized.

What kind of defense is demanded for the time being should be profoundly considered. There
are many forms of defenses, and only few of these will come out to be best. So let us always relate this
code of conduct to our second tenet
 
I – Inform and orient your fellow brothers on every matter you consider vital to the Fraternity.

Let us always give attention even to the smallest details of our surroundings and try to evaluate
if it is vital to our fraternity. There are things that we see, do or feel that may be of great significance to
our fraternity and we have to be always aware of these. In addition, this code does not only require us
to inform but there is also an implied duty for us to inquire from our fellow Triskelions every time,
specially when we are absent for a period of time.
 
S – Salute and address your fellow brothers in the proper manner.

The best way to know what is proper is to know what is improper. So to name a few, it is
improper to: 

1.turn your back while performing the handshake 

2.insult your fellow Triskelions specially in front of everybody’s eyes.< 
3.subject visiting Triskelions to insulting and tedious test before 
accepting them specially if they are obvious to be true Triskelions. 
4.reject a handshake from fellow Triskelions. 
5.etc….
 
K – Keep decorum in all fraternity meetings and act accordingly outside the fraternity.

As a Triskelion, we are obliged to always pay attention to the speaking in front during meeting
and conferences. K is probably one of the most violated Code of Conduct of our Fraternity. Examples of
violations to this Code are: 

1.Talking while the GT or Gen. Sec. is still speaking during a meeting. 

2.Leaving the room while the meeting is still in session. 
3.Arriving late in the meeting. 
4.Transferring from one seat to another while the meeting is in session 
5.Disrupting the teacher while having a class. 
6.And all misbehavior outside the fraternity.
 
E – Excel in your chosen field of interest and endeavor.

To know the best field for you is to know your strengths, talents and abilities. Don’t be
contented of what you have and what you are if it is not yet the peak of your potentials. Always take the
greater challenge of your life and try to be the best in what you do. In addition, we have to consider that
the biggest step to excel is to be good in your studies, so if you are privilege to be studying, always aim
to graduate, if possible with honors.
 
L – Live a life of moderation, avoid gluttony, vices and drunkenness, lest you forget your
Family, Fraternity, work, and studies.

Too much of anything is harmful. We have to learn how to manage our time well and be aware
of the things that are not good for us. It must also be considered that there are things in this world that
must be absolutely avoided, like poisons, radio-active minerals, illegal DRUGS and many more. So if we
say to be moderate, we can’t include Drugs to be among the things to be moderate about. Drugs is
absolutely prohibited. We may be moderate in drinking alcoholic beverages and in smoking but not on
Drugs.
 
I – In your everyday life, take care of what you write, do, of misinterpretation and lasting
misunderstanding.

It is a fact that no one can please everybody but at least try not to deliberately displease
anybody. In all we do there is always a proper norm on how to do it. May it be the way you speak, walk,
stare or laugh. Try to be always conscious with the people around you and if ever somebody complained
on the way you talk, stare or walk, then try to correct it.
 
O – Obey all fraternity rules and regulations,be guided in your daily ventures by the Tenets of the
Fraternity.
 
N – Never reveal to anyone, not to your family, nor to your friends, the concern of the fraternity.

This Code of Conduct needs to be deeply understood. There are revelations that can exalt the
reputation of our Fraternity and there are also revelations that can be detrimental to our fraternity.
For example, revealing the kind of brotherhood we advocate will probably earn praises from people in
general. So it just a matter of judgement on what to reveal and what not to reveal
 
 
 
THE NEW TRISKELION
 
Temperance
- moderation in action, thought  or feelings. We are reminded of letter
L in the Codes of Conduct.
 
Responsibility
- accountability and trustworthiness. We must be responsible and
held accountable for all our actions.
 
Integrity
- honesty, morality and uprightness. We must be true to ourselves
and to the ideals that we stand for, we must be true to others that we serve.
 
Sacrifice
- renunciation of self for others. Without self-denial, we are encouraged to
give something for the sake, not only of our brothers and sisters, but also others.<
 
Knowledge
- wisdom and understanding. We are constantly reminded to seek wisdom
because it is only through knowledge that we understand the people and the world around us.
 
Exemplary
- unblemished and flawless. We live and lead by example for how do we
expect others to follow if we do not know how to lead.
 
Loyalty
- devotion and allegiance to God and Fraternity. We are bound by a sacred
duty to serve God, first and foremost, and the Fraternity for without the Fraternity
and without God, we are nothing.
 
Inviolate
- pure, sacred and whole. Our intentions must be transparent to all and
clear to everyone, and above all personal motives and self-serving ambitions.
 
Open-mindedness
- tolerant, impartial and compassionate. We do not profess a monopoly of ideas and ideals.
We must< respect the feelings and the rights of others.
 
Nationalism
- love of country. We cannot turn a deaf ear to the needs and aspirationsof our country and people for
we are the people.