EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B. No, 1984
(5o E-FILED Qz]
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INDEX.
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF RAYS OF THE SUN ON THE PHILIPPINE FLAG, 
AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491, OTHERWISE KNOWN 
AS THE FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Article XVI, Section 1 of the 1987 Constitution provides, “The flag of the Philippines shall 
be red, white, and blue, with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the people and 
recognized by law.”
Sewn by Dona Marcela Agoncillo, assisted by her daughter Lorenzana and by Delfma 
Herbosa Natividad, the flag was formally unfurled during the proclamation of Philippine 
Independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12,1898 by President Emilio Aguinaldo.
The design of the Philippine national flag is governed by Republic Act No. 8491. It is 
rectangular in shape that consists of a white equilateral triangle, a horizontal blue stripe and a 
horizontal red stripe. Three yellow stars frame the white triangle with an eight-rayed golden sun 
at the center. The eight (8) rays represent the 8 provinces that triggered the Philippine Revolution 
and which were put under martial law during the Spanish occupation. These provinces are Manila, 
Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Tarlac, and Nueva Ecija.
A nation’s flag should not only encapsulate a symbolism that survives the passage of time, 
but one which truly reflects the historical accounts and gives due recognition to those who went 
through heroic struggles over the course of national history.
Of struggles for independence and victory against colonizers, our history is replete with 
stories of our mostly-unrecognized Muslim heroes. Among the most bold Muslim warriors was


Lapu-Lapu who is known as the first native to have resisted against the Spanish colonization. There 
was also Sultan Kudarat who led countless raids and battles against the Spaniards.
Our Muslim heroes who equally struggled valiantly for our country’s independence must 
be given due recognition alongside with those already recognized in the most heraldic article of 
national importance, in the Philippine flag. In lieu thereof, this bill seeks to add a ninth ray in the 
sun of the Philippine national flag, amending for the purpose Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise 
known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
In view of the foregoing, the approval of this bill is earnestly sought.
EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO


EIGHTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE ) 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
Second Regular Session 
)
SENATE 
S.B. No. 1984
0ATe:J=y
TIME
S;NDEX
BILLS
INTRODUCED BY: SENATOR EMMANUEL D. PACQUIAO
AN ACT
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF RAYS OF THE SUN ON THE PHILIPPINE 
FLAG, AMENDING FOR THIS PURPOSE 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 ofthe Philippines in Congress 
assembled:
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SECTION. 1. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as follows:
“SECTION 4. The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with A[n] NINE 
[elght]-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by 
the people.”
SEC. 2. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, orders and issuances, or portions 
thereof, which are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, 
amended, or modified accordingly.
SEC. 3. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication in 
the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,