FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PIIILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
S. B. NO. 2619 
.~t't1l1tr 
rtm", of t~.)Im.lnr~ , 
'10 
DEC -1 
1'12 :01 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our Constitution mandates every citizen's obligation to love the country. Nationhood 
requires that its citizens agree on forms of expression that symbolize the respect, patriotism and 
love for this country. 
Every nation articulates itself through these symbols, rites or ceremonies. Our national 
symbols, such as the national flag, the anthem, motto, coat-ot~arms, and other heraldic items and 
devices not only link our collective consciousness to a history, but also as a reminder of how we, 
• 
as a nation, must continuously strive for justice, equality, and freedom, which these symbols 
signify. Thus, the respect accorded the use of these symbols form the base of good citizenship 
and must be reiterated and strengthened. 
The amendment of Republic Act No. 8491, or the law that prescribes the Code of the 
heraldic items and devices in the Philippines, is intended to invigorate love of country and 
underscore the importance pf complying with standard expressions of respect for our national 
symbols, 
The intended amendment is focused on distilling the law by polishing the conceptual 
outline of the law; amending certain provisions for clarity, and updating the law in the light of 
contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms. 
More importantly, the proposed amendments are necessary and timely in the light of 
practical issues with respect to the sit1ging of the national anthem and the proper display of the 
flag that have arisen since its implementation in 1998, 
ror these reasons, the passage of the bill is earnestly requested. 
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 


2 
FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OI? THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
Sl<~NATE 
S.B.NO. 2619 
'10 
DEC -1 
Pl2 :01 
--- -."'-----".- .. ~ .. ----~---~. ---
----~----~---
---------------~-~-- ---------
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
• 
• 
_. _._ _ 
_. _______ c_ 
• 
______ " ___ 
• ____________ ~ ____________________ •••• ______________ " 
______ 
• ________ _ 
AN ACT 
STRENGTHENING THE RULES ON TIlE PROPER USE AND DISPLAY OF OUR 
NATIONAL SYMBOLS AND THE RENDITION OF TIlE NATIONAL ANTHEM, 
AMENDING FOR TIlE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS TIlE "FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE Ol? THE PHILIPPINES", AND FOR OTHER 
PURPOSES 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress 
assembled: . 
SECTION I. Sections 2 to 54 of Republic Act No. 8491 are hereby amended as follows: 
3 
"SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THE 
4 
POLICY OF TIlE STATE TIIAT [RIReverence and respect shall at all times 
5 
be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols which embody the 
6 
national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and 
7 
national solidarity. The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the 
8 
national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride 
9 
in their native land. fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, 
10 
. and the proper use of the nati~nal motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items 
I I 
and devices. 
12 
13 
"SEC. 3. Definition o(ferms - Whenever used in this Act, the term: 
14 
15 
"ICa) "Military" shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the 
16 
Philippines including the PI1ilippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail 
17 
Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection 1 
18 
! 9 
"(A) 'ADVERTISEMENT OR INFOMERCIAL' SHALL MEAN 
20 
ADVERTISEMEI)IT OR ANY INFORMATION MATERIAL IN PRINT, 
21 
RADIO, TELEVISION, CINEMA, VIDEO AND THE LIKE, OUTDOOR 
22 
AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA, SE~~KING TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUALS, 


I<:NTITIES, 
PRODUCTS 
OR 
SERVICES 
FOR 
COMMERCIAL, 
2 
POLITICAL PURPOSES OR INI?ORMATION CAMPAIGNS; 
3 
4 
"(B) 'DISPLAY' SHALL REFER TO TilE MANNER IN WHICH 
5 
TilE FLAG IS PUBLICLY PRESI<:NTED AND VENERATED. 
6 
"I (b))( C) 'festoon' sh~1l mean to hang in a curved shape between two 
7 
points as a decoration, CIJRTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.; 
8 
9 
"I(c ](0) 'Flag' shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated 
10 
otherwise; 
1 1 
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"I(d)] (E) 'fly' shaIlmel:)n the part of the flag outside the hoist or length; 
13 
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"[(e) 'Symbol: shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man's 
I S 
achievement and heroism (for orders and decorations), identification, authority 
16 
and a sign of dignity (for coat-oi-arms, logo and insignias)] 
17 
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"(F) 
'GOVERNMENT 
ENTITIES' 
SHALL 
MEAN 
ALL 
19 
BRANCHES OF 
TIlE GOVERNMENT, THEIR 
BUREAUS 
AND 
20 
ATTACHED AGENCIES, CONSTITUTIONAL 
OFFICES, 
LOCAL 
21 
GOVERNMENT 
OFFICE,S, 
GOVERNMENT-OWNED 
AND/OR 
22 
CONTROLLED 
CORPORATIONS, 
GOVERNMENT 
FINANCIAL 
23 
INSTITUTIONS, EOlJCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND TIlE ARMED 
24 
FORCES OJ? THE PJIlLIPPINES INCLUDING ITS BASIC COMPONENT 
2S 
UNITS; 
26 
27 
"[(f)](G) 'Half-Mast' shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the distance 
28 
between the top and bottom of the staff. Jl<' THE FLAG IS OlSPLAYED IN A 
29 
HANGING POSITION OR IJSED IN A PARADE AS A SIGN OF 
30 
MOURNING, 
HAU'-MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING A BLACK 
31 
RIBBON ON Tim BLUE FmLD HOIST SIDE; 
32 
33 
"(II) 'HALYARD' SHALL MEAN THE LONG ROPE WHERE 
34 
THE FLAG FASTENS AND WHICH RUNS 01' THE LENGTH OF THE 
35 
FLAGPOLE; 
36 
37 
"(I) 'HANGING POSITION' SHALL MEAN THE WIIITE FIELD 
38 
SIIALL m: ON TOP, TilE BLUE FIELD SIIALL BE TO THE RIGHT 
39 
(LEVI' OF TIlE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF PEACE; TIlE WIIITE FIELD 
40 
SHALL BE ON TOP, AND THE RED FIELD TO THE RIGHT (LEFT OF 
41 
TIlE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF WAR; 
42 


"(J) 'HERALDIC ITEMS/HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES' 
2 
SHALL 
MEAN 
COAT-OF-ARMS, 
SEALS, 
LOGOS, 
INSIGNIAS, 
3 
BADGES, 
FLASHES, PATCHES, ORDERS AND 
DECORA,}'IONS, 
4 
MEDALS, STARS, CITATIONS, LAPEL PINS, TROPHIES, DRY, WAX 
5 
OR WET SEALS, AND IMPRINTS ON LETTERHEADS, ENVELOPES 
6 
AND CARDS; 
7 
8 
"[(g)I(K) 'Hoist' shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the 
9 
canvass to which the halyard is attached; 
10 
II 
"[(h)J(L) 'Inclement Weather' shall mean [that a typhoon signal is raised 
12 
in the localityJ A WEATHER' CONDITION SlJCH AS RAIN OR STRONG 
13 
WIND THAT WILL BE UNFAVORABLE FOR THE RAISING OF TIlE 
14 
lILAG SINCE IT WILL LESSEN THE DIGNITY THAT SHOlJLD BE 
IS 
ACCORDED TO THE l<LAG; 
16 
17 
"[(i)I(M) 'National Anthem' shall mean the Philippine National Anthem, 
18 
ENTITLED "LUPANG IIlNIRANG"; 
19 
20 
(N) 'NHCP' SHALL MEAN nm NATIONAL HISTORICAL 
21 
COMMISSION OF THE PlIlLIPPINES; 
22 
23 
"[(j)](O) 'Official Residences' shall mean Malacaiiang, and other 
24 
government-owned 
structures' where the President resides, [and other structures 
25 
occupied by] the Philippine ConsulateS or Embassies abroad, AND OTHER 
26 
STRUCTlJRES OCCUPIED BY NATIONAL AND LOCAL PlJBLIC 
27 
OllHCIALS; 
28 
29 
"[(k)](P) 'Places of Frivolity' shall mean places of hilarity marked by or 
30 
providing boisterous merriment or recreation; [and] 
31 
32 
33 
"[(I) 'Institute' shall me~n the National Historicallnstitute.j; 
34 
"(Q) 
'PHILIPPINE 
SUN' 
SHALL 
MEAN 
THE 
GOLDEN 
35 
SUNBURST WITH EIGHT EQlJALLY SPACED RAYS DISPLAYED IN 
36 
THE FLAG. EACH RAY HAVING ONE MAJOR BEAM, TWICE AS 
37 
BROAD AS THE TWO MINOR BEAMS ON EITlmR SIDE; 
38 
39 
"(R) 'SYMBOL' SHALL MEAN ANY CONVENTIONAL SIGN 
40 
willen REVEALS MAN'S AClImVEMENT AND HEROISM USUALLY 
41 
SHOWN OR DISPLAYED IN MEDALS, CITATIONS, ORDERS, 


AND DECORATIONS OR IDENTH'ICATION OR AUTHORITY SUCH 
2 
AS COAT-
OF-ARMS, LOGOS AND INSIGNIAS; 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
I I 
12 
13 
14 
15 
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17 
18 
19 
"(S) 'UNIFORMED SERVIc\<~' SHALL MEAN ALL BRANCHES 
OF THE ARMED FORCES OF TIlE PHILIPPINES, THOSE OF THE 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT 
AND PENOLOGY, BUREAU OF FIR~: PROTECTION, BUREAU 
OF IMMIGRATION, BUREAU OF CUSTOMS, 
PHILIPPINE 
COAST GUARD, AND OF OTHER AGENCIES USING RANK INSIGNIA; 
• 
"(T) 'VEXILLARY ITEMS' SHALL MEAN NATIONAL, LOCAL, 
HOUSI<: 
l<LAGS, 
OR 
ADMINISTRATIVE, 
INSTITlJTIONAL, 
CORPORA'm, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL BANNERS; AND 
"(U) 
'100 
TO 
120 
METRONOME' 
SHALL 
MEAN 
THE 
REGULATED AURAL, VIStJAL OR TACTILE PULSE TO ESTABLISH 
A STEADY TEMPO IN TIlE RENDITION OF TIlE NATIONAL 
ANTHEM." 
CHAPTER I 
20 
TI-IE NATIONAL FLAG 
21 
[A. Design of the National Flag] 
22 
23 
"SEC. 4. DE..',mN OF HIE NA110NAL FTA(; - The flag of the 
24 
PhUippines shall be blue, whit~ and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun 
25 
and three five- pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people." 
26 
27 
[B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag] 
28 
29 
"SEC. 5. lIOIS11NG AND DISPLAY OF 11110' NA110NAL FTA(;. -
30 
The 
flag shall be HOlSTE!? OR displayed in all public buildings, official 
31 
residences, 
public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday throughout the 
32 
year." 
33 
34 
3S 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
"SEC. 
6. 
WHERE 
FLAG 
SIlOULD 
BE 
PERMANEN1TY 
DISPLAYED _. The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout 
the year, in front of the following: [at] (A) Malacafiang Palace; [the) (B) 
SENATE OF TUE PHILIPPINES BUILDING; [Congress of the Philippines] 
, 
(C) HOUSE OF REPRI<~SEN'1'A'fIVES building; (D) Supreme Court building; 
[the) (E) Rizal Monument in Luneta, CITY OF Manila; (1<) Aguinaldo Shrine in 
Kawit, Cavite; (G) Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; [the] (II) Tomb of the 


2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani IN TAGUIG CITY, METRO 
MANILA; (I) ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE VETERANS OF 
THE MILITARY; (J) Mausoleo de los Veleranos de la Revolucion IN THE 
NORTH n~METERY, CITY OJ? MANILA; (K) 
MARCELA 
AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN TAAL, BATANGAS; (L) 
PINAGLABANAN HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN SAN 
JUAN CITY, 
7 
METRO MANILA; (M) all International Ports of Entry and (N) all 
other 
8 
places as may be SUBSEQUENTLY designated AND MARKED by the 
9 
[Institute] NHCP. 
10 
11 
"The flag, ON TIlE ABOVE-STATED PLACES, shall be properly 
12 
illuminated at night." 
13 
"SI!~c. 7. J)]SPLAY OF FLAG IN PRlVAl1? BUlLJ)]NGS AND 
14 
OFFICK'i.- The flag shalt also be displayed in private buildings and 
15 
residences or raised [in the 
open on flag-staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of 
16 
said buildings [every April 9 (Arow ng Kagilingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 
17 
(National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August 
18 
(National I-IeroesDay); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal 
19 
Day); and December 30 (Rizal, Day); on such other days as may be declared by 
20 
the President and/or the local chief executives] DURING FLAG DAYS, AS 
21 
PROVIDED IN SEC. 2S OF THIS ACT. 
• 
22 
23 
"The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings 
24 
or offices or raised [in the open on flag-staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of 
2S 
private buildings: Provided, "I'hat [they] THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SAID 
26 
BUILDING SHALL observe flag-raising ceremonies in accordance with the 
27 
IMPLEMENTING rules and regulations (IRR) to be issued by the [Office of the 
28 
President] NHCP." 
29 
30 
[SEC. 8. All government agencies and instrumentalities, and local 
31 
government 
offices, 
government-owned 
corporations 
and 
local 
32 
government units are enjoined to observe flag day with appropriate ceremonies. 
33 
Socio-civic groups, nOI1-
government organizations and the private sector are 
34 
exhorted to cooperate in making 
the celebrations a success. 1 
35 
36 
"SEC. [91 8. DISPLAY OF J<TA(; ON SEAFARINGVESSELS . ... The 
37 
flag shall be flown on [merchant ships[ ALL SEAFARING VESSE:LS of 
38 
Philippine registry [of more than one thousand (l000) gross tons and on all naval 
3') 
vessels]. 


I 
2 
3 
the 
"On board [naval] SEAFARING vessels, the flag shall be displayed on 
flagstaff at the stern wh~n the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted 
4 
to the gaff at 
the aftermast when the ship is at sea. 
5 
6 
"SEC. [101 9. TIlE BLUE, RED AND WIlITE FIELDS OF TIlE 
7 
nAG - The flag, if [flown fnJm a flagpole] HOISTED shall have its blue field 
8 
on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging 
9 
position, THE WHITE FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, the blue field shall be to 
10 
the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the WHITE FIELD SHALL 
II 
BE ON TOP, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war." 
12 
13 
[The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top·l 
14 
15 
"SEC. [ll]lO. FLAGPOLE IN THE OPEN FIELD . .. If planted on the 
16 
ground, the flagpole shall he at a prominent place and shall be of such 
17 
height as would give the flag the commanding position in relation to the buildings 
18 
in the vicinity. 
THE FLAGPOLE STAFF MUST BE STRAIGHT AND 
19 
SLIGHTLY TAPERING AT TIlE TOP. 
20 
21 
"If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or 
22 
anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward. 
23 
24 
"If on stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left 
25 
OF THE OBSERVER (facing the stage) or left of the otlice upon entering. 
26 
27 
"SEC. [12]11. HIE PlllLlPPlNE FLAG WIlEN FLOWN WITH 
28 
ANOTHER FLAG. - When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the 
29 
flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same 
I 
30 
height and shall be of equal size. The Philippine flag shall be TO THE LEFT 
31 
01<' TIlE OBSERV~~R AND hoisted first and lowered last. 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
"If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown DURING 
SPECIAL OCCASIONS in the same [lineyardl HALYARD as the Philippine 
flag but below the latter and it Gannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag. 
37 
"SEC. 113112. TIlE PIlILIPPINE FLAG WIlEN ])JSPLAYED WI11I 
38 
AN(jrIl~,'R FLAG, - When displayed with another flag, the Philippine 
39 
flag shall be On the right of the other flag (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER). If 
40 
there is a line of other flags, th~ Philippine flag shall be [in the middle of the line] 
41 
AT THE LEFTMOST OF THE OBSERVER. 


2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
"When carried in a parade with flags which are not national flags, the 
Philippine flag shall be in front of the center of the line. 
"ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL FOR TIlE DISPLAY OF THE 
PHILIPPINE FLAG SHALL BE CONTAINED IN THE IRR TO BE 
ISSUED 
BY 
THE 
NHCP 
PURSUANT 
TO 
THE 
COMMON 
PROVISIONS STATED IN THIS ACT." 
"SEC. [l4J 13. PROPER USE, DISPOSAL AND REPLACEMENT OF 
WORN 
OUT 
FLAG. 
-
THE 
FLAG 
SHALL 
BE 
REPLACED 
IMMEDIATELY 
BY 
TIm 
CONCERNED 
AGI~NCYI 
INSTITUTION/OJ?FICE WHEN IT BEGINS TO SHOW SIGNS OJ? WEAR 
AND TEAR. 
[AJ TIlE flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It 
shall be TURNIW OVER TO THE APPROPRIATE BOY SCOUTS OR 
GIRL SCOUTS LOCAL COUNCIL COMMITTEE I"OUND IN THE 
• 
NEAREST SCHOOL WHO SHALL CONDUCT PROPER DISPOSAL 
RITES ON TIlE WORN OUT FLAG/S [solemnly burned] to avoid misuse or 
desecration. [The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs 
of wear and tear. J 
"TIlE MANNER OF' DISPOSAL OF Tim WORN OOT FLAG 
SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH TilE RULES TO BE ISSUED BY 
TIlE NHCP." 
28 
"FLAGS WIIICII ARE 
OJ? 
HISTORICAL SIGNWICANCE, 
29 
WIIETHER LOCAL OR NATIONAL, SHALL BE PR~:SERVED OR 
30 
KEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES ON CONSERVATION 
31 
AND PRESERVATION OF 'nm NHCP." 
32 
33 
"SEC. [15J 14. APPROPRIATE 11MI' FOR FLAG RAISING AND 
34 
LOWERING. - The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall 
35 
be on the mast at the start of official office hours, AND shall remain flying 
36 
throughout the day. 
37 
38 
"SEC. [161 IS. MANNER OF J)JSPLAYING TIlE FLAG. - The flag 
39 
may be displayed: 


"(a) Inside or outside a building or on stationary OR MOVABLE 
2 
flagpoles. If the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall be placed at the 
I 
3 
left orthe observer as one enters the room; 
4 
5 
6 
7 
"(b) From the top of the flagpole, which shall be at a prominent place or a 
, 
commanding position in relation to the surrounding buildings; 
8 
"(c) From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, 
9 
balcony or fayade of a building; 
10 
11 
"(d) In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building OR 
12 
LAMPOST to A pole erected away from the building; 
13 
14 
"(e) Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; and 
15 
16 
"(f) Hanging in a vertical position across a street, with the blue field 
17 
pointing east, if the road is heading south or north, or pointing north if the road is 
18 
heading east or west. 
19 
20 
"The flag shall not be raised (when the weather is inclement] DURING 
21 
INCLEMENT WEATHER. If already raised PRIOR TO INCLEMENT 
22 
WEATHER, the flag shall not be lowered." 
23 
24 
"SEe. (17J16. MANNER OF HOIS11NG 11IE FLAG. - The flag shall 
25 
be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 
26 
27 
"The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, 
28 
water or other objects. 
29 
30 
"After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as 
31 
part oflhe ceremony." 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
41 
(e. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony] 
• 
"SEC. (18] 17. HAG CEREMONY IN PUBLIC OFnCES AND 
EDUC'ATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. - All government offices and educational 
institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday 
morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony 
shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing lorl AND 
MANDATORY singing of the Philippine National Anthem." 


[SEC. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the 
2 
Institute shall issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of flag 
3 
ceremony.) 
4 
5 
"SEC. (20) 
18. J)JGNITY IN THE OBSERVANCE OF FLAG 
6 
CEREMONY. -
The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic 
7 
gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing [or] AND 
8 
MANDATORY singing of the NATIONAL anthem in its original Filipino lyrics 
9 
and march tempo." 
10 
11 
"SEC. [21]19. FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY. - During the flag-raising 
12 
ceremony, the assembly shall, stand in formation facing the flag. PROPER 
13 
ANNOUNCEMENT SHALL BE MADE PRIOR TO THE SINGING OF 
14 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. At the moment the first note of the anthem is 
1 5 
heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall 
16 
stop. All persons present shall place their right palms over their chests, those with 
17 
hats shall uncover, while those, in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens 
18 
in military training uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations, 
1 ') 
which salute shall be completed'. upon the last note of the anthem. 
20 
21 
"The assembly shall sing the Philippine [n]National [aJAnthem, 
22 
accompanied by a band, if available, and at the first note, the flag shall be raised 
23 
briskly. 
24 
25 
"The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review 
26 
or in parade." 
27 
28 
"SEC. [22] 20. HAG-LOWERING CERI:MONY. -
During the flag 
29 
lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the flag shall be 
30 
down the mast at the sound of the last note of the NATIONAL anthem. Those in 
31 
the assembly shall observe the same deportment or shall observe the same 
32 
behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony." 
33 
34 
[D. Half Mast] 
35 
36 
"SEC. [23]21. FLA(; IN HALF-MAc'>'7: - The t1ag shall be flown at half-
37 
mast as a sign of mourning on all the buildings and places [where it is displayed, 
38 
as provided for in this Act] WHERE TilE DECEASED WAS HOLDING 
39 
OFFICE, on the day of official announcement of the death of any of the 
40 
following officials: 


-
- --------------------
2 
"(a) The President or" a former President, THI;~ I?LAG SHALL BE 
3 
FLOWN AT HALF-MAST for ten (10) days; 
4 
5 
"(b) The Vice-President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, and 
6 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, THE FLAG SHALL BE FLOWN 
7 
AT HALF-MAST for seven (7) days; and 
8 
9 
"(c ) [Other persons to be determined by the Institute,] TI-JE 
10 
INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, THE CABINET, 
11 
TilE SENATE OR TIlE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND SUCl-I 
12 
OTHER PERSONS AS MAY BF~ DETERMINED BY THE NIICP, THE 
13 
FLAG SHALL BE 1,'LOWN AT HALF -MAST for any period less than seven 
14 
(7) days; 
15 
16 
["The Dag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places 
17 
where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of 
18 
interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate 
19 
or the I-louse of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by 
20 
the Institute.] 
21 
22 
"The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a 
23 
moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised 
24 
briskly to the peak before it is lowered for the day." 
25 
26 
27 
[E. Casket] 
28 
29 
"SEC. [24]22. FLAG OVER l1IE CASKET. -- The flag may be used to 
" 
30 
cover the caskets of the honored dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, 
31 
national artists, and or civilian~ who have rendered distinguished service to the 
32 
nation, as maybe determined by the local government unit concerned. In such 
33 
cases, the flag shall be placed such that the white triangle shall be at the head and 
34 
the blue portion shall cover the right side of the caskets [.]; PROVIDED, 
35 
THAT IN AN OPEN CASKET, TO VIEW THE CORPSE, THE 
36 
NATIONAL FLAG SHALL BE FOLDED AND PLACED OVER IT. The 
37 
flag shall not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but shall be 
38 
folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs of the deceased." 
39 
40 
[F. Pledge to the Flagl 


2 
"SEC. {25]23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. - The following shall he 
, 
3 
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag: 
4 
5 
"Aka ay Filipino 
6 
Buong katapatang nanunumpa 
7 
Sa wat(.!'vai ng Pilipinas 
8 
AI sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag 
9 
Na may danga/, kalarungan at kalayaan 
10 
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang 
, 
11 
Maka-Diyos 
12 
Maka-Iao 
13 
Makakalikasan at 
14 
Makabansa 
15 
16 
"[Such pledge] niE' PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE 
17 
PHILIPPINE I<'LAG shall be recited while standing with the right hand with 
18 
palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs 
19 
prohibit them from making such pledge must, nonetheless, show full respect 
20 
when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention." 
21 
22 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
"SEC. 24. OATH OF PATRIOl1SM. - TIlE FOLLOWING SHALL 
BE TIlE OATIl OF PATRIOTISM TO THE PHILIPPINES WHIClI 
SHALL BE RECITED BY STUDENTS IN ALL LEVELS IN ADDITION 
TO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE PHILIPPINE FLAG: 
INIIBlG KO ANG I'ILIPINAS. 
ITO ANG AKING LUPANG SINILANGAN. 
ITO ANG T AIl~NAN NG AKING LAHI. 
AKO'Y KANY ANG KINUKUPKOP AT TINUTULUNGAN 
UPANG MAGING MALAKAS, MALIGA VA, AT 
KAPAKIPAKINABANG. 
BlLANG GANTI, DIRINGGIN KO ANG PA YO NG AKING MGA 
MAGULANG. 
SUSUNDIN KO ANG MGA TUNTUNIN NG AKING PAARALAN. 
TUTUP ARIN KO ANG MGA TlJNGKIJLIN NG ISANG 
MAMAMA Y ANG MAKAI~A Y AN AT MASUNURIN SA BATAS. 
PAGLILINGKURAN KO ANG AKING BAY AN 
NANG WALANG PAG-lIMBOT 


.. ~
AT NANG BUONG KATAPATAN. 
2 
SISIKAPIN KONG MAGING ISANG TUNA Y NA PILIPINO, 
3 
SA ISfP, SA SALITA, AT SA GA W A. 
4 
5 
THE OATH 01< PATRIOTISM SHALL BE RECITED WHILE 
6 
STANDING WITU TIm RIGHT llANO WITH THE PALM OPEN 
7 
RAISED SHOULDER IIIGH. IT SHALL BE RECITED IN ALL BASIC 
8 
EDUCATION 
INSTITUTIONS 
AFTER THE SINGING 
011 
THE 
9 
NATIONAL ANTHEM. INDIVIDlJALS WHOSE FAITH OR RELIGIOUS 
10 
BELIEFS PROIIIBIT THEM FROM MAKING SUCII OATH 
MUST, 
II 
NONKrIIELESS, snow FULL RESPECT WHEN THE OAT II IS BEING 
12 
RENDERED BY STANDING AT ATTENTION." 
13 
14 
IG. Flag Daysl 
15 
16 
"SEC. [26125. FLAG DAYS. - The period from May 28 (NATIONAL 
17 
VLAG DAY) to June 12 (INDEPENDENCI~ DAY) of each year is declared as 
18 
Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of 
19 
government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes 
20 
are [enjoinedj OBLIGATED ,to display the flag: PROVIDED, IlOWEVER, 
21 
THAT THE FLAG SHALL BE DISPLAYED IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS 
22 
AND RESIDENCES OR RA(SED ON FLAGPOLES IN FRONT OF SAID 
23 
BUILDINGS EVERY APRIL 9 (ARAW NG ]0WITINGAN); MAY I 
24 
(LABOR ])A Y); 
MAY 28 (NA TIONAL FLAG DA Y) 
TO JUNE 12 
25 
(INDEPENDENCE DAY); 
~~AST SUNDAY 01" AOGIJST (NA 710NAL 
26 
HEROES DA J); NOVEMBER 30 (BONIFACIO /)A Y); AND DECEMBER 
27 
30 (RIZAL 1M Y); 
AND ON SUCH OTHER DAYS AS MAYBE 
28 
DECLARED 
BY 
THE 
PRESID~~NT AND/OR 
LOCAL 
CHIEF 
29 
EXECUTIVES." 
30 
31 
"SEC. 26. OBS'ERVANCE OF FLAC; ])AY,\: - ALL GOVERNMENT 
32 
AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT 
33 
OFFICES, 
GOVERNMENT-OWNED 
AND/OR 
CONTROLLED 
34 
CORPORATIONS 
AND 
LOCAL 
GOVERNMENT 
UNITS 
ARE 
35 
ENJOINED 
TO 
OBSERVE 
FLAG 
DA Y 
WITH 
APPROPRIATE 
36 
CEREMONIES. 
SOCIO-CIVIC 
GROUPS, 
NON-GOVERNMENT 
37 
ORGANIZATIONS AND THE PRIVA'n: SECTOR ARE EXHORTED TO 
38 
COOPERATE IN MAKING TIlE CELEBRATION A SUCCESS." 
39 
40 
[I-! Specifications oflhe National Flagj 


2 
"SEC. 27. FLAG PROPOR110NS . . The flag shall have the following 
3 
proportions. The width of the flag, ONE (1); the length of the flag, TWO (2); and 
4 
the sides of the white triangle, ONE (1)." 
5 
6 
"SEC. 28. FLAG TECHNICAL SPECIFIC 'A 110NS . .. The technical 
7 
specifications OF TilE FLAG 'shall be as follows: 
8 
C) 
"The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No . 
. 10 
80001; the red color, Cahle NO.,80108; and the golden yellow, Cable No. 80068." 
I I 
12 
"SEC. 29. STANDARDS FOR FLAG REQUlSJ11ON. 
In order to 
13 
establish uniform criteria in the making of our national flag and to guarantee its 
14 
durability by the use of quality materials, the following standards and procedures 
IS 
shall be observed: 
16 
17 
"(a) All requisitions for the purchase of the Philippine National Flag must 
18 
be based on strict compliance with the design, color, craftsmanship and material 
19 
requirements of the (OJ Government; 
20 
21 
"(b) All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for 
22 
purchase for government use shall be evaluated as to design, color and 
23 
craftsmanship specifications by the [Institute] NHCP, through its Heraldry and 
24 
Display Section, which shall stamp its approval or disapproval on the canvass 
25 
reinforcement of the flag sample submitted. The samples shall be sent to the 
26 
(Institute] NHCP by the requisit.ioning office, not by the flag supplier; and 
27 
28 
"(c) The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) or the 
29 
Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTR!) of the Department of Science and 
30 
Technology (OOST) shall evaluate the quality of material of all flag samples and 
31 
certify whether the fabric for the blue, white, red and golden·yellow colors, 
32 
including the canvass submitted, conform to government requirements as to 
33 
quality of the material. The samples shall be sent annually to the ITDl/PTRI by 
34 
the manufacturer. The laboratory test results shall be submitted by the said office 
35 
to the (Institute] NIICP." 
36 
37 
"SEC. 30. FLAG PURCHASE INSPEC710N. - All deliveries of the 
38 
flags requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the requisitioning 
39 
agency's internal inspector and by the Commission on Audit (COA) using the 
, 
40 
flag stamped approved by the [Institute] NHCP as reference." 
41 


"[SEC. 31.J In carrying out [itsJ THE ABOVE responsibilities [under 
2 
Section 4 hereof.] the [Institute] NIICP, COA, AND the ITDIIPTRI shall prepare 
3 
guidelines to be approved by [the Office of the President) ALL THE PARTmS 
4 
CONCERNED." 
5 
6 
7 
8 
All 
"SEC. [32131. STRICT COMPLIANCE WI111 REQUJREMEN1:<;. 
government agencies and 
instrumentalities shall 
ensure that the 
requirements under 
this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and 
9 
delivery of the national flag are strictly complied with." 
10 
11 
"SEC. (33)32. FLAG REQUISITION ]JUDGET. -
All departments, 
12 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the government, government-owned or 
13 
controlled 
corporations, local government units, including barangays, shall 
14 
include in their annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the 
15 
national flag. 
16 
17 
FURTHERMORE, ALL LOCAL GOVERNM\<~NT UNITS ARE 
18 
DlRECTIW TO ALLOCATE APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR A FLAG CODE 
19 
P1JBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE PROPER 
20 
IMPLEMENTATION 01< THE PROVISIONS OF THE FLAG CODE." 
21 
22 
[I. Prohibited Acts1 
23 
24 
"SEC. [34]33. PROJJJJJ1TED AC1S 
It shall be prohibited: 
25 
26 
"(a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit 
27 
any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag [or over its 
28 
surface!, 
ANTHEM, SEAL, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS, AND OTHER 
29 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICI<:S; 
30 
31 
"(b) To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or 
32 
salute; 
33 
34 
"(c) To lise the nag: 
35 
"(1). As [a} drapery, festoon, tablecloth; 
36 
"(2) As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; 
37 
"(3) As [a pennant! DRAPERY in the hood, side, back and top of 
38 
motor vehicles; ALL CLOTH FLAGS SHOlJLD BE DISPLAYED 
39 
FREELY WAVING IN THE AIR; 
40 
"(4) As a staff or whip; 
41 
"(5) AS COVERING (F) For unveiling OF monuments or statues; 
42 
and 


"(6) As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels 
2 
or desi gns. 
3 
"( d) To display the flag: 
4 
"(1) Under any painting or picture; 
5 
"(2) Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be 
6 
allowed to fall freely; 
7 
"(3) Below any plat~orm; or 
8 
"(4) In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling 
9 
joints an places of vice or where frivolity prevails. 
10 
"(e) To wear the Flag, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS (in whole or in partJ as 
11 
PART OF a costume or {uniformJ AS A I·'ASHION ACCESSORY OR 
12 
MERELY AS A DESIGN ELEMENT: PROVlJ)ED, THAT THE FLAG, 
13 
SEAL, COAT-OI"-ARMS, MA Y BE INCORPORATED AS PART 011 THE 
14 
UNIFORM 01.' IIILlPINOS REPRESENTING TIm PIIILJPPINES IN 
IS 
INTERNATIONAL 
SPORTS, 
CULTURAl, 
OR 
SCIENTU?IC 
16 
COMPETITIONS OR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS WITn THE APPROVAL 
17 
OJ! THE NHCP; 
18 
"(I) To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, 
19 
advertisements, or imprint {of any natureJ on the flag!;], SEAL, COAT-OI'-
20 
ARMS OR ANY REPRES~:NTATION THEREFORE; 
21 
"(g) To print, paint or attach a representation of the flag, SEAL, COAT-
22 
OF-ARMS on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of 
23 
merchandise; AND 
24 
[h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other 
25 
diplomatic establishments, and non offices of international organizations,J 
26 
"[i] (II). To use [,] OR display TIlE FLAG, SEAL, COAT OF ARMS, 
27 
or be part of any advertisement or infomercial 
{;J 
WITHOUT THE 
28 
APPROVAL OF THE NIICP land]." 
29 
U. To display the flag in,front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens. I 
30 
31 
CHAPTER II 
32 
THE NA TlONAL ANTHEM 
33 
34 
"SEC. {35]34. TITLE OF TIlE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The National 
35 
Anthem is entitled Lupang HiniI;,ang." 
36 
37 
"SEC. [36]35. LANGUAGE AN]) LYRICS' OF TIlE NATIONAL 
38 
ANTHEM. - The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language 
39 
within or {without( OlJTSIDE the country. The following shall be the lyrics of 
40 
the National Anthem: 


2 
3 
4 
S 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
I I 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
"Bayang magiliw, 
Perlas ng Silanganan, 
Alab ng puso, 
Sa dibdib mo y buhay. 
Lupang hinirang, 
Duywi ka ng magiting, 
Sa manlu/upig, 
Di ka pasisiil. 
Sa dagat at bundok, 
Sa simoy al sa langil mong bughaw, 
May, dilag ang lula, 
At awil so pogloyang minamohol. 
Ang kislap ng walawat mo y 
• 
Tagumpay na nagniningning, 
Ang biluin at araw niya. 
Kailan pa ma 'y di magdidilim{,}. 
, 
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalha/i 'I pagsinla, 
Buhay aY,langii sa piling mo, 
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi , 
Ang mama/ay ng daMI sa iyo. 
22 
"SEC. [37J36. RENlJITION OF 11IE NA110NAL ANTHEM. - The 
23 
rendition of the NatiOl1al Anthem ,"whether played or sung shaH be in accordance 
24 
with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe,J SHALL BE IN 
2S 
ACCORDANCE 
WITH 
THE 
MlJSICAL 
ARRANGEMENT 
AND 
26 
COMPOSITION OF ,JULIAN FELIPE, IN 2/4 BEAT WHEN PLA Y~~D; 
27 
AND WITHIN TIlE RANGE.oF 100 TO 120 METRONOME, IN 4/4 BEAT 
28 
WIlEN SUNG. TIlt NHCP IN COORDINATION WITH THE PROPER 
29 
GOVERNMENT AGENCY, SHALL DISSEMINATE AN OFFICIAL 
30 
MUSIC SCORE SIIEET THAT REFLECTS THE MANNER IN WHICH 
31 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SHOULD BE PLAYED OR SlJNG." 
32 
33 
"SEC. [38]37. MANNER OF SIN(;JNG THE NATIONAL ANI1IloM -
34 
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band [or 
3S 
by singing or both,J or [reproduced by any means,J THROUGH TIm 
36 
PLAYING OF A ImCORDING IN ANY FORMAT, the attending public shall 
37 
sing the NATIONAL anthem. The singing SHALL BE MANDATORY AND 
38 
must be done with fervor. 


1 
2 
"As a sign of respect, ,all persons shall stand at attention and face the 
3 
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the 
4 
band or the conductor. At the ',first note, all persons shall execute a salute by 
5 
placing the right palms over their left chests. [Those in military, scouting, 
6 
citizen'sl TIlE MILITARY AND TI'IOS};~ in military training and security 
7 
guard uniform shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute 
8 
shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem. 
9 
10 
"INDIVIDUALS 
WHOSJ;~ FAITH OR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS 
11 
PROIIIBIT THEM FROM SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MUST, 
12 
NONETHELESS, SHOW ICULL RESPECT WHEN THE NATIONAL 
13 
ANTm~M IS BEING SUNG OR PLAYED ON RECORD BY STANDING 
14 
AT ATTENTION. 
15 
16 
"The NATIONAL anthem shall not be played and sung [for) 
17 
PRI!:CI!:DING EVENTS OF mere recreation, amusement or entertainment 
18 
purposes except on the following occasions: 
19 
20 
"(a) International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a 
21 
representative; 
22 
23 
"(b) NATIONAL OR [LI LOcal SPORTS competitions; 
24 
25 
"(c) During the "signing off' and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and 
26 
television stations; 
27 
28 
"(d) Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening of 
29 
theater 
performances; 
PROVIDED, 
THAT 
THE 
OWNERS 
AND 
30 
MANAGEMENT OF THE ~:STABLISHMENTS SHALL BE MANDATED 
31 
TO 
J;~NFORCE PROPER 
DECORUM 
AND 
IMPLEMENT 
THE 
32 
PERTINENT PROVISIONS OFTlIIS ACT; and 
33 
34 
"(e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the [lnstitutel NHCP." 
35 
36 
"SEC. [39J38. Sl1VCT COMPLIANCE WITH RULES FOR THE 
37 
RENDJ110N OF 111E NA110NAL ANl1IEM. - All oftlcials and.employees of 
38 
the national and local governmentS, and any agency or instrumentality thereof, 
39 
including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities 
40 
or offices displaying the national flag and government institutions of learning are 
41 
hereby directed to comply strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of 


the anthem, Failure to observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative 
2 
discipline," 
3 
4 
"SEC. 
39, 
OBLWA710NS OF E1JUCATION REGULA710N 
5 
AGENCIE'S,- THE DEPED, CHED AND TESDA SHALL ENSURE THAT 
6 
TIIJ<: NATIONAL ANTHEM, AS ADOPTED BY LAW, SHALL BE 
7 
COMMITTED TO MEMORY BY ALL STUDENTS OF BOTH PUBLIC 
8 
AND PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND PERFORMED 
9 
DURING TIlE FLAG CEREMONY CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE 
10 
WITH THE RULES AND R.EGULATIONS ISSUED BY THE NHCP, IN 
11 
ADDITION, THEY SHALL MAKE AVAILABLJ<: THE VOCAL, PIANO 
12 
OR BAND SCORES OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, AS ADOPTED BY 
13 
LA W, TO ALL PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS THE 
14 
m:NERAL PUBLIC. 
15 
16 
CHAPTER III 
17 
TI-IE NA TlONAL MOTTO, THE NATIONAL COAT -OJ;'-ARMS 
18 
AND THE GREAT SEAL 
19 
20 
"SEC. 40, TIlE NA770NAL MOTTO, - The National Motto shall be 
21 
"MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA" 
22 
23 
"SEC. 41, 77IE NA 110NAL COAT-OF-ARMS. -- The National Coat-of-
24 
Arms shall have: 
25 
26 
"[Paleways] FIELD of two (2) pieces, [azure and gules; a chief argent] 
27 
BUm WITn AN EAGLE AND RED WITH A LION RAMPART, A 
28 
WHITE FIELD studded with three (3) [mullets] STARS equidistant from each 
29 
other; and, in point of honor, [ovoid argent overall the sun rayonnant with eight 
, 
30 
minor and lesser rays] WIIITE OVAL WITH Tim PHILIPPINE SUN AT 
3 J 
T/·m CENTER. Beneath shall be the scroll with the words 'REPUBLIKA NG 
32 
PILIPINAS,' inscribed thereon." 
33 
34 
[CHAPTER VI 
35 
[THE GREAT SEAL) 
36 
37 
"SEC. 42. TIlE GREAT Sl!."AL. - The Great Seal shall be circular in 
38 
form, with the arms as describe'd in the preceding section, but without the scroll 
39 
and the inscription thereon. 
40 


"Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal circle within which 
2 
shall appear the words 'Republika ng Pilipinas.' For the purpose of placing The 
3 
Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture 
4 
representation must be used." 
5 
6 
[The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto. J 
7 
8 
"SEC. 43. WIIERE TO AFFIX nIE (;REAT SEAL.- The Great Seal 
9 
shall be affixed to or placed upon all commission signed by the President and 
10 
upon such other official documents and papers of the Republic of the Philippines 
II 
as may be provided by law, or as may be required by custom and usage. The 
12 
President shall have custody orthe Great Sea!." 
13 
14 
CHAPTER IVI] IV 
15 
[OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER 1 
16 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
17 
18 
"SEC. 44. AJ)OP11ON OF HWlALJ)]C AND SIMILAR DEVIL'ES. 
19 
Any government entity, including the military, may adopt appropriate 
20 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES SUCH AS MEDALS, coat-ot~arms, 
21 
administrative seals, logo, insignia, badges, patches, and banners; and initiate 
22 
awards, citations, orders or decorations; as may be authorized by Congress or the 
I 
23 
Office of the President." 
24 
25 
"SEC. 45. REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS. - Such heraldic devices 
26 
and items shall be filed with the [Institute] NI-ICP for recording and evaluation as 
27 
to precedence, design, customs and traditions. The [Institute) NHCP shall 
28 
promulgate the corresponding rilles and regulations which shall be submitted for 
29 
approval to the Office of the President or to Congress." 
30 
31 
"SEC. 46. PURClIASE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
32 
FROM ACCREDITED SOURCES. -- All government offices including the 
33 
military are hereby ordered to purchase all heraldic items and devices from 
34 
manufacturers accredited and authorized by the !Institute] NlICP. Such items and 
35 
devices shall be subject to inspection by the purchasing agency's internal 
36 
inspector and the COA representative using the design and specifications 
37 
approved by the Office of the President or by the Congress, through the [Institute] 
38 
NIICP. 
39 


2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
1 I 
12 
J3 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
[SEC. 47. No government official or employee shall accept any orders or 
decorations from any foreign government without the consent of Congress, and 
without prior evaluation and documentation of such order or decoration by the 
Institute,] 
CHAPTER [VII] V 
, 
PENALTIES 
"SEC. [48] 47. PUBLIC CENSUREf('ANCELLA110N OF PERMIT.-
Failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the 
corresponding rules and regul~tions issued by the [Office of the President,] 
NlICP shall after proper notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure 
which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation," 
"The Department of Education [Culture and Sports) (DepEd) and the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the 
!Institute) NHI and after the proper notice and hearing. shall cause the 
cancellation of the recognition or permit of any private educational institution 
which fails or refuses to observe the provisions of this Act for the second time," 
["SEC. 49 - The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) 
and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall ensure that the National 
Anthem, as adopted by law, shall be committed to memory by all students of both 
public and private educational institutions, and performed during the flag 
ceremony conducted in accordimce with the rules and regulations issued by the 
Officer of the President. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano or 
band scores of the National Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public 
schools, as well as the general public,] 
"SEC. [50] 48. PUNISHMENT FOR VJOLA110NS, 
Any person 
WHO or ANY juridical entity' which violates any of the provisions of this Act 
shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than [Five] FIFTY 
thousand pesos [(P5,OOO)] (pnr 50,000.00) nor more than [Twenty] ONI<~ 
HUNDRED thousand pesos [(P20,000)] (PIIP 100,000.00) [,J [or) AND by 
imprisonment for not more than [one (I) year[ TWO (2) YEARS: [or both such 
fine and imprisonment, at the' discretion of the court: Provided, That for any 
second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be 
imposed: I Provided. [ji!l'lherj ''That in case the violation is committed by a 
juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable, 


2 
"THE NIICP MAY. PRESCRIBE IN THE IMPLEMENTING 
3 
RULES AND REGlJLATlONS OF THIS ACT OTHER ACTS OR 
4 
OMISSIONS WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED DlSRESPECTHJL, AND 
5 
THUS 
PROHIBITED, 
RELATIVE 
TO THE 
FLAG, 
NATIONAL 
6 
ANTHEM, GREAT SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, NATIONAL MOTTO, AND 
7 
OTHER mmALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES." 
8 
9 
"SEC. 49. CI11ZEN'S ARRE'ST - ANY CITIZEN SHALL HAVE 
10 
THE POWJ<~R TO CONDlJCr A CITIZEN'S ARREST IF A PERSON IS 
11 
ACTlJALL Y VIOLATING ANY OF TIlE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT IN 
12 
HIS/HER PRESENCE AND CAN SUMMON ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT 
13 
OFFICERS TO ASSIST HIM IN CONDUCTING CITIZEN'S ARREST. 
14 
ALL SECURITY PERSONNEL AND IJSHERS IN MOVlEHOtJSES ARE 
IS 
LIKEWISE AUTHORIZED TO ARREST TilE VIOLATORS." 
16 
17 
CHAPTER [VIIIJ VI 
18 
COMM.ON PROVISIONS 
19 
20 , 
"SEC. [51J SO. APPIWPRIAI10NS. -
TO CARRY OUT TIlE 
21 
PROVISIONS 01" THIS ACT, THE AMOUNT m' FIFTEEN MILLION 
22 
PESOS (Php 15,000,000.00) SHALL BE INITIALLY APPROPRIATED 
23 
OUT OF THE FIJNDS OF TIlE NATIONAL TREASlJRY. SUBSEQUENT 
24 
APPROPRIATIONS SHALL BE PROVIDED BY CONGRESS IN TIU~ 
25 
ANNUAL 
InJDGET 
OF THE 
NIICP 
UNDER 
THE 
GENERAL 
26 
APPROPRIATIONS ACT." 
27 
"SJ<:c. 51. ISSUANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS AND 
28 
11lEIR ENFORCEMENT . The [InstituteJ NHCP shall issue the necessary 
29 
rules and regulations [to implement the provisions of Act} within ninety (90) 
30 
days after [effectivityJ THE APPROVAL OF TIIIS ACT. The [lnstituteJ 
31 
NHCP shall submit its rules and regulations to the Office of the President and the 
32 
Congress of the Philippines." 
33 
34 
"(SEC. 52 -] The (Institute] NHCP shall (also] be responsible for the 
35 
strict enforcement of the provisions of this Act. It may call upon any government 
36 
department, agency, office, or government instrumentality, including government 
37 
corporations and local government units, for such assistance as it may deem 
38 
necessary for the effective discharge of its functions under this Act" 


I 
2 
"[Sec. 53. Separability Clause -- If any provision, or part hereof, is held 
3 
invalid or unsconstitutional, th~ remainder of this Act not otherwise affected 
4 
shall be valid and subsisting.' 
5 
6 
"SEC 52. SEPARABUITY CLAUSE. - IF FOR ANY REASON, ANY 
7 
PORTION OR PROVISION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE DECLARED 
8 
UNCONSTITUTIONAL, OT'HER PARTS OR PROVISIONS HEREOF 
9 
WHICH ARg NOT AFI,'gerED THEREBY SHALL CONTINUE TO BE 
10 
IN FlJLL FORCE AND EFFECT." 
I I 
12 
"[SEC. 54. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
13 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
14 
contrary to part or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
15 
hereby repealed or modified ac~ordingly., 
16 
17 
"SEC. 53. REPEALING CLAUSE. -
ALL LAWS, DECREES, 
18 
EXEClJTIVg ORDERS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, PART OR PARTS 
19 
TIIER~:OF, INCONSISTENT WITH TIlE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, 
20 
ARE HEREBY REPEALED OR MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY." 
21 
22 
SEC. 2. Effectivity - This Act' shall take effect fifteen (15) days [rom the date of its 
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publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
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whichever comes earlier: 
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Approved,