[1] Knighthood confers a personal title (Sir)[2] and its status, as well as any professional affiliation to the Order, is protected by law against impersonation or fraud.

[4] The Order was granted a legislative charter by President Elpidio Quirino[4] 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.

In the salon of the Ayuntamiento, the urn was enshrined on a magnificent catafalque surrounded by innumerable floral wreaths, offerings of the nation.

Next morning, December 30, 1912 -- sixteenth anniversary of the martyrdom -- the urn was borne to the Luneta on an artillery caisson drawn by six horses.

Attached to the bill was an explanatory note that read:The bill if enacted into law will also serve as a historical monument to Rizal; it will constitute an official recognition by the Republic of the Philippines of the inestimable value to the nation of his teachings an examples and the wisdom and necessity of inculcating them into the minds and hearts of our people so they may strive to follow and practice them.

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 various cities overseas, the Order sponsors and marches as honor guards in the Philippine Independence Day Parade and other events in the Filipino community.

Projects include construction of various schoolhouses for children, support for families in times of disaster, sponsorship and scholarship programs for students, among others.

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.

These events usually feature Rigodon de Honor dancing, Filipiniana fashion shows, and music by Filipino artists.

The Knights of Rizal, in keeping with Rizal's advocacy of wellness, has joined hands with the Children's First 1000 Days Coalition (CFDC), an alliance of various government, private, and non-government sectors of Filipino society in its fight against malnutrition during the first 1000 days of a child's life through various health programs, policy reforms, and advocacy efforts.

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.

[2] 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.