SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC)
OF THE PHILIPPINES
Third Regular Session )

18 AUG 29 Pd a2

6

s.B.no. 4957

L

Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR BURIAL WITH HONORS TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO
WORKERS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 3 AND 24 OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FLAG AND
HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Section 2(c) of Republic Act No. 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas
Filipino Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act No. 10022 recognizes the
significant contribution of Filipino migrant workers to the national economy
through their foreign exchange remittances.

Overseas employment has been a constant means and variable to sustain
economic growth and achieve national development for many years. Filipino
migrant workers should be credited for keeping the economy afloat with their
remittances. Given their immense contribution to the Philippine economy, Filipino
migrant workers should be deemed as modern-day heroes of the Philippine

economy who have rendered distinguished service to the nation.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought

MARIA COURDESAANCY S. BINAY

Senator



SEVENTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC) ms
OF THE PHILIPPINES

I
Third Regular Session ) 1a NG Pave
SENATE

s.B.NO. 1957 e i

REL

Introduced by Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy S. Binay

AN ACT
PROVIDING FOR BURIAL WITH HONORS TO OVERSEAS FILIPINO
WORKERS AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTIONS 3 AND 24 OF
REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FLAG AND
HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in
Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8491, as amended, otherwise
known as “An Act Prescribing the Act of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-
of-arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines’ is hereby
amended to read as follows:

“Section 3. Definition of Terms - Whenever used in this Act, the
term:

a) “Military” shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the
Philippines including the Philippine National Police, the
Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of
Fire Protection;

b) “Festoon” shall mean to hang in a curved shape between
two points as a decoration;

) “Flag” shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated
otherwise;

d) “Fly” shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or
length;



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e) “Symbol” shall mean any conventional sign which reveals
man’s achievement and heroism (for orders and
decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity
(for coat-of-arms, logo and insignia);

“Half-Mast” shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the
distance between the top and bottom of the staff;
g.

“Hoist” shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or
the canvass to which the halyard is attached;
h

“Inclement Weather” shall mean that a typhoon signal is
raised in the locality;

“National Anthem” shall mean the Philippine National
Anthem;

“Official Residences” shall mean Malacafiang, and other
government-owned structures where the President resides,
and other structures occupied by the Philippine Consulate or
Embassies abroad;

k

“Places of Frivolity” shall mean places of hilarity marked by
or providing boisterous merriment or recreation; and

“Institute” shall mean the National Historical Institute:; AND

m) “OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKER’ REFERS TO A PERSON WHO
IS TO BE ENGAGED, IS ENGAGED OR HAS BEEN ENGAGED
IN A REMUNERATED ACTIVITY IN A STATE OF WHICH HE
OR SHE IS NOT A CITIZEN OR ON BOARD A VESSEL
NAVIGATING THE FOREIGN SEAS OTHER THAN A
GOVERNMENT SHIP USED FOR MILITARY OR NON-
COMMERCIAL PURPOSES OR ON AN INSTALLATION
LOCATED OFFSHORE OR ON THE HIGH SEASE; TO BE USED
INTERCHANGEABLE WITH MIGRANT WORKER.”



Sear anewone

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Sec. 2. Section 24 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as
follows:

“Section 24, The flag may be used to cover the caskets of honored
dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists,
OVERSEAS FILIPINO WORKERS, and of civilians who have rendered
distinguished service to the nation, as may be determined by the
local government unit concerned. In such cases, the flag shall be
placed such that the white triangle shall be at the head and the
blue portion shall cover the right side of the caskets. The flag shall
not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but
shall be folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs of the
deceased.”

Sec. 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders,
proclamations, rules and regulations and other issuance of parts thereof,
inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby repealed or modified
accordingly.

Sec. 4. Effectivity Clause, - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days
after its complete publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general
circulation.

Approved,