FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )

oi FEB 201
SECOND REGULAR SESSION ) : Z

Introduced by Rep. Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales, Jr.

EXPLANATORY NOTE

Public school teachers play a very important role in our country’s educational
system. They are the backbones of our free public education in the elementary and
high school levels and it is through their selfless dedication and commitment that the
said system continues to stand.

While there are measures to further improve their social and economic status as
well as their living and working conditions, it is this representation’s belief that so much
more can be done to give due recognition to our heroes of education.

‘One very significant act that the State can give as tribute to our public teachers,
both retired and in active service, is to allow the Flag to be flown in half-mast on the
DepEd school and district office where a deceased public school teacher was teaching or
was assigned to.

Section 23 of RA 8491, otherwise known as Heraldic Code of the Philippines,
allows the flag to be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of offical
announcement of the death of high government official. Doing the same for our public
school teachers, who dedicate their lives in the service of education, is not only fitting
but shows our country’s respect and admiration for our mentors.

In view of the foregoing, the immediate approval of this measure is hereby
requested.

REP. AURBLID “DING” D. GONZALES, JR.
3" Difrict, Pampanga


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE REPUBLIC )
OF THE PHILIPPINES )
SECOND REGULAR SESSION )

Introduced by Rep. Aurelio “Dong” D. Gonzales, Jr

AN ACT
ALLOWING THE FLAG TO BE FLOWN AT HALF MAST IN CERTAIN
DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION SCHOOLS OR DISTRICT OFFICES TO
MOURN THE DEATH OF FORMER OR INCUMBENT PUBLIC SCHOOL
TEACHERS ASSIGNED THEREAT, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE,
SECTION 23 OF REPUBLIC ACT 8491 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FLAG
AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES

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

SECTION 1. Declaration of Policy. — It is hereby declared the policy of the
State to continue promoting and improving the social and economic status of
public school teachers, including their living and working conditions.

SEC. 2. Recognition - To give due recognition and tribute to the selfless
dedication of public school teachers, the Flag shall be allowed to be flown at half-
mast as a sign of mourning on the day of the official announcement of the death
of a retired or incumbent public school teacher, for a period of not more than five
(6) days, on Department of Education (DepEd) schools or district offices where
the deceased was teaching or was assigned to

SEC. 3. Implementing Rules. - The DepEd and the National Historial
Institute shall promulgate the necessary Implementing Rules and Regulations

within 60 days from the effectivity of this Act.


SEC. 4. Repealing Clause. — Section 23 of Republic Act 8491 is hereby
modified accordingly. All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and regulations
or parts thereof which are inconsistent with this Act are hereby repealed or
modified accordingly

SEC. 5. Effectivity Clause. ~ This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days

after its publication in at least two (2) national newspapers of general circulation

Approved,