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' FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Secotid Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
COMMITTEE REPORT NO. 5 3 3 
Submitted by the Committee!. on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes 
andLaws 
JUN - 3 2009 
. 
Re: Senate Bill No. 
0 7 , prepared by the Committee. 
Recommending its approval in substitution of Senate Bill No. 2590 and 2994. 
Sponsor. :: Senator Escudero. 
MR. PRESIDENT 
The Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of Codes and 
Laws to which were referred Senate Bill No. 2590, introduced by Senator Gordon, 
entitled: 
"AN ACT 
INCREASING THE NUMBER OF RAYS OF THE SUN ON THE 
PHILIPPINE FLAG FROM EIGHT TO NINE, AMENDING FOR 
THIS PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491, OTHERWISE 
I<NOWN AS THE FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE 
PHILIPPINES" 
and Senate Bill No. 2994, introduced by Senator Escudero, entitled: 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491 ENTITLED, "AN ACT 
PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL 
FLAG, 
ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES" 
ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC 


have considered the same and have the honor to report these bills back to 
the Senate with the recoinmendation that the attached bill, S. No. 3307, 
prepared by the Committee, entitled: 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491 ENTITLED, ”AN ACT 
PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, 
ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES” OTHERWISE 
KNOWN AS THE FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE 
ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC 
be approved in substitution of Senate Bill Nos. 2590 and 2994, with Senators 
Gordon, Escudero and the members of the Committee, as authors thereof. 
RespectjWy submitted: 
h 
BENIGN0 S. AQUINO 111 
M.A. MADRIGAL 
Chairman 
Members: 


MANUEL M. LIT0 LAPID 
JOKER P. ARROYO 
NGILINAN 
,./' 
FRANCIS 
'TO 
. CAYETANO 
Ex Officio Members: 
0-ESTRADA 
QUILINO PIMENTEL, JR. 
Minority Leader 
HON. JUAN PONCE ENRILE 
Senate President 
Senate ofthe Philippines 
Pasay City 


REPUBLIC OF THE PHI LIP PIN^ 
FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF 
Second Regular Session 
S E N A T E  
S. NO. 
3307 
9 JUN -3 Pi3 24 
PTepared by the Committee on Constitutional Amendments, Revision of 
Codes and Laws, with 
Senators Gordon, Escudero and the members of the Committtee, as authors thereof 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491 ENTITLED, ”AN ACT 
PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, 
DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES” OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE 
FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Phizippines in Congress 
assembled: 
MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND 
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follows: 
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as 
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“SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - IT IS HEREBY DECLARED 
THE POLICY OF THE STATE THAT [Rlreverence and respect shall at 
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all times be accorded the flag, the anthem and other national symbols which 
embody the national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of 
sovereignty and national solidarity. The heraldic items and devices shall seek 
to manifest the national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of our 
people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the 
national flag and anthem, and TO STANDARDIZE the proper use of the 
national motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices. 


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SECTION 2. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
“SEC. 3. Definition of Terms - Whenever used in this Act, the term: 
“[(o)J(A)“DISPLAY, HOIST OR RAISE” SHALL REFER TO THE 
MANNER 
IN WHICH THE FLAG IS PUBLICLY PRESENTED AND 
VENERATED. 
”(b) 
points as a decoration, CURTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.; 
”(c ) 
National Flag IN WHATEVER MEDIA, unless stated otherwise; 
“(d) 
”[(f)](E)”Half-Mast” shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the 
distance between the top and bottom of the staff. IF THE FLAG IS 
DISPLAYED IN HANGING POSITION OR USED IN PARADE AS 
”Festoon” shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two 
”Flag” shall mean ANY REPRESENTATION OF the Philippine 
., 
”Fly” shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length; 
A SIGN OF MOURNING, HALF-MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING 
A BLACK RIBBON ON THE BLUE FIELD HOIST SIDE; 
”[(m)J(F)”HANGING POSITION” SHALL MEAN THE WHITE 
FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, THE BLUE FIELD SHALL BE TO THE 
RIGHT (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF PEACE; THE 
WHITE FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, AND THE RED FIELD TO THE 
RIGHT (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF WAR; 
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"(g) 
canvass to which the halyard is attached; 
"(h) 
"Inclement Weather" shall mean [that a typhoon signal is raised 
in the locality] A WEATHER CONDITION SUCH AS RAIN OR 
STRONG WIND THAT WILL BE UNFAVORABLE FOR THE 
RAISING OF THE FLAG SINCE IT WILL LESSEN THE DIGNITY 
THAT SHOULD BE ACCORDED TO THE FLAG. 
"[(a)J(I)"Military" shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines including the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail 
Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection, BUREAU 
OF 
IMMIGRATION AND 
DEPORTATION, 
BUREAU 
OF 
CUSTOMS, COAST GUARD, AND OTHER AGENCIES USING 
RANK INSIGNIA; 
"I(i)l(J) 
Anthem ENTITLED "LUPANG HINIRANG"; 
"[(l)J(K)["Institute"] "NHI" shall mean the National Historical 
Institute; 
"[(j)J(L)"Official Residences" shall mean Malacaiiang, and other 
government-owned structures where the President resides, [and other 
structures 
occupied 
by 
the] 
Philippine 
Consulates 
or 
Embassies abroad, AND OTHER STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY 
"Hoist" shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the 
"National Anthem" shall mean the Philippine National 
THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS; 
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”[(k)](M)”Places of Frivolity” shall mean places of hilarity marked by 
or providing boisterous merriment or recreation; [and] 
“(n) ”PHILIPPINE SUN” SHALL 
MEAN 
THE 
GOLDEN 
SUNBURST WITH NINE RAYS, EQUALLY SPACED; EACH RAY 
HAS ONE MAJOR BEAM, TWICE AS BROAD AS THE TWO 
MINOR BEAMS ON EITHER SIDE; AND 
”[(e)J(O)”Symbol” shall mean any conventional sign which reveals 
man’s achievement and heroism (for MEDALS, CITATIONS, orders, 
and decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity (for 
coat-of-arms, logo and insignia); 
SECTION 3. Section 4 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to 
read as follows: 
”CHAPTER I 
“THE NATIONAL FLAG 
[A. Design of the National Flag] 
“SEC. 4. DESIGN OF THE NATIONAL FLAG - The flag of the 
Philippines shall be blue, white and red with a[n] NINE [eight]-rayed 
golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and 
honored by the people. 
[B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag] 
SECTION 4. Section 5 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to 
read as follows: 
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"SEC. 5. HOISTING AND DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL 
FLAG - The flag shall be HOISTED OR displayed in all public 
buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning 
everyday throughout the year. 
SECTION 5. Section 6 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to 
read as follows: 
"SEC. 6. WHERE FLAG SHOULD BE PERMANENTLY 
DISPLAYED - The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night 
throughout the year, in front of the following: [at] Malacafiang Palace; 
[the] SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES BUILDING; [Congress of the 
Philippines] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES building; Supreme 
Court building; the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila; Aguinaldo 
Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; the 
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng rnga Bayani IN TAGUIG, 
METRO MANILA; ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE 
VETERANS OF THE MILITARY; Muusoleo de los Veteranos de la 
Revolucion 
IN 
NORTH 
CEMETERY, 
MANILA; 
MARCELA 
AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN TAAL, BATANGAS; 
PINAGLABANAN HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN SAN JUAN, 
METRO MANILA; all International Ports of Entry and all other places 
as may be SUBSEQUENTLY designated AND MARKED by the 
[Institute] NHI. 
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"The flag, ON THE ABOVE-STATED PLACES, shall be 
properly illuminated at night. 
SECTION 6. Section 7 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 7. DISPLAY OF FLAG IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND 
OFFICES - The flag shall also be displayed -in private buildings and 
residences or raised in the open flag-staffs in front of said buildings 
[every April 9 (Avaw ng Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 
(National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of 
August (National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and 
December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared 
by the President and/or the local chief executives] DURING FLAG 
DAYS, AS PROVIDED IN SEC. 24 OF THIS ACT. 
THE FLAG MAY ALSO BE DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT 
THE YEAR IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS OR OFFICES OR RAISED 
ON FLAGPOLES IN 
FRONT OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS: 
PROVIDED THAT, THEY OBSERVE FLAG CEREMONIES IN 
ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND 
REGULATIONS (IRR) TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHI. 
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[B. DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG] 
SECTION 7. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
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"SEC. 1918. DISPLAY OF FLAG ON SEAFARING VESSELS - 
The flag shall be flown on ALL SEAFARING VESSELS of Philippine 
registry [of more than one thousand (1000) gross tons and on all-naval 
vessels]. 
"On board [naval] SEAFARING vessels, the flag shall be displayed on 
the flagstaff at the stem when the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be 
hoisted to the gaff at the aftermast when the ship is at sea." 
SECTION 8. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [lo] 9. THE BLUE, XED AND WHITE FIELDS OF THE 
FLAG - The flag, if [flown from a flagpole] HOISTED shall have its 
blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of 
war; if in a hanging position, THE WHITE FIELD SHALL BE ON 
TOP, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of 
peace, and the WHITE FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, and the red field 
to the right (left of the observer) in time of war. 
[The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.] 
SECTION 9. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1111 10. FLAGPOLE IN THE OPENFIELD - If planted on 
the ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of 
such height as would give the flag the commanding position in relation 
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to the buildings in the vicinity. THE FLAGPOLE STAFF MUST BE 
STRAIGHT AND SLIGHTLY TAPERING AT THE TOP. 
"If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof 
or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward. 
"If on stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at 
the left (facing the stage) or left of the office upon entering. 
SECTION 10. Section 12 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [12]11. THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WHEN FLOWN WITH 
ANOTHER FLAG - When the Philippine flag is flown with another 
flag, the flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate 
staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size. The Philippine flag 
shall be TO THE LEFT OF THE OBSERVER AND hoisted first and 
lowered last. 
"If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown DURING 
SPECIAL OCCASIONS in the same [lineyard] HALYARD as the 
Philippine flag but below the latter and it cannot be of greater size than 
the Philippine flag. 
SECTION 11. Section 13 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. 1131 12. THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WHEN DISPLAYED 
WITH ANOTHER FLAG - When displayed with another flag, the 
Philippine flag shall.be on the right of the other flag (LEFT OF THE 
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OBSERVER). If there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall 
be [in the middle of the line] AT THE LEFTMOST OF THE 
OBSERVER. 
"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 THE DISPLAY OF THE 
PHILIPPINE FLAG SHALL BE CONTAINED IN THE IRR TO BE 
ISSUED 
BY 
THE NHI PURSUANT TO THE COMMON 
PROVISIONS STATED IN THIS LAW. 
SECTION 12. Section 14 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [14] 13. DISPOSAL OF WORN OUT FLAG - [A] THE 
flag worn out through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away. It 
shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall 
be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and 
tear. 
SECTION 13. Section 15 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [15] 14. APPROPRIATE TIME FOR FLAG RAISING 
AND LOWERING - The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at 
sunset. It shall be on the mast at the start of official office hours, AND 
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shall remain flying throughout the day. 
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SECTION 14. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [16] 15. MANNER OF DISPLAYING THE FLAG - The 
flag may be displayed: 
"(a) Inside or outside a building or on stationary OR MOVABLE 
flagpoles. It the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall 
be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room; 
From the top of the flagpole, which shall be at a prominent place 
or a commanding position in relation to the surrounding 
buildings; 
"(b) 
"(c ) From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, 
balcony or facade of a building[.]; 
In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building 
OR LAMPOST to A pole erected away from the building; 
Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; 
"(d) 
"(e) 
and 
Hanging in a vertical position across a street, with the blue field 
pointing east, if the road is heading south or north, or pointing 
north if the road is heading east or west. 
"The flag shall not be raised [when the weather is inclement] 
DURING INCLEMENT WEATHER. If already raised PRIOR TO 
INCLEMENT WEATHER, the flag shall not be lowered. 
"(f) 
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SECTION 15. Section 17 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [17] 16. MANNER OF HOISTING THE FLAG - The flag 
shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 
"The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the 
ground, flood, water or other objects. 
"After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded 
solemnly as part of the ceremony. 
[C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony] 
SECTION 16. Section 18 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [18] 17. FLAG CEREMONY IN PUBLIC OFFICES AND 
EDUCATIONAL 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. PROVIDED THAT, ALL EDUCATIONAL 
INSTITUTIONS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION 
(DEPED), COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), 
AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT 
AUTHORITY (TESDA) SHALL OBSERVE THE FLAG CEREMONY 
DAILY. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include 
the playing [or] AND singing of the Philippine National Anthem. 
SECTION 17. Section 19 of Republic Ac.t No. 8491 is hereby deleted. 
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[SEC. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation 
of the Institute shall issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct 
of flag ceremony.] 
SECTION 18. Section 20 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [20] 18. DIGNITY IN THE OBSERVANCE OF FLAG 
CEREMONY - The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic 
gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing 
[or] AND singing of the anthem [in its original Filipino lyrics and 
march tempo]. 
SECTION 19. Section 21 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. 1211 19. FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY - During the flag- 
raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation facing the 
flag. At the moment the first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in 
the premises shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall stop. All 
persons present shall place their right palms over their chests, those 
with hats shall uncover, while those in military, scouting, security 
guard, and citizens military training uniforms shall give the salute 
prescribed by their regulations, which salute shall be completed upon 
the last note of the anthem. 
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"The assembly shall sing the Philippine InJNational [a]Anthem, 
accompanied by a band, if available, and at the first note, the'flag shall 
be raised briskly 
"The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in 
review or in parade. 
SECTION 20. Section 22 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. 1221 20. FLAG-LOWERING CEREMONY - During the 
flag lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the 
flag shall be down the mast at the sound of the last note of the anthem. 
Those in the assembly shall observe the same deportment or shall 
observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony. 
[D. Half Mast] 
SECTION 21. Section 23 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. 1231 21. FLAG IN NALF-MhST - The flag shall be flown at 
half-mast as a sign of mourning on all the buildings and places where 
it is displayed, as provided for in this Act, STARTING on the day of 
official announcement of the death of any of the following officials: 
"(a) 
The President or a former President, for ten (10) days; 
"(b) 
The Vice-president, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, 
and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for seven (7) 
days; and 
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"(c ) Other persons to be determined by the [Institute] NHI, for 
any period less than seven (7) days; 
"The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and 
places where the [decedent] DECEASED was holding office, on the 
day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the 
Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of 
Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the 
[Institute] NHI. 
"The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the 
peak for a moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag 
shall again be raised briskly to the peak before it is lowered for the day. 
[E. Casket] 
SECTION 22. Section 24 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [24] 22. FLAG OVER THE CASKET - The flag may be 
used to cover the caskets of the honored dead of the military, veterans 
of previous wars, national artists, and of civilians who have rendered 
distinguished service to the nation, as maybe 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 
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grave or allowed to touch the ground, but shall be folded solemnly and 
[handled] HANDED over to the heirs of deceased. 
[F. Pledge to the Flag and Flag Days] 
SECTION 23. Section 25 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [25] 23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The following shall 
be the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag: 
"Alto ay Pilipino 
Buong ltatapatang nanunumpa 
Sa uiatawat ng Pilipinas 
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag 
N a  may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan 
N a  pinakiltilos ng sambayanang 
Maka-Diyos 
Malta-tao 
Makaltaliltasan at 
Maltabansa 
"[Such pledge] THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE 
PHILIPPINE FLAG shall be recited while standing with the right hand 
with palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or 
religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge must, 
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nonetheless, show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by 
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standing at attention. 
SECTION 24. Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1261 24. FLAG DAYS - The period from NATIONAL 
FLAG DAY (May 28) to INDEPENDENCE DAY (June 12) of each year 
is declared as Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies and 
instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions 
of learning and private homes are [enjoined] OBLIGATED to display 
the flag. PROVIDED, HOWEVER THAT [Tlthe flag shall [also] be 
displayed in private buildings and residences or raised [in the open 
flag-staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of said buildings every April 9 
(Araw ng Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to 
June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August (National Hevoes 
Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal Day); and 
on such other days as may be declared by the President and/or local 
chief executives 
SECTION 25. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [SI 25. OBSERVANCE OF FLAG DAYS - All government 
agencies and instrumentalities, and local government offices, 
government-owned corporations and local government units are 
enjoined to observe Flag Day with appropriate ceremonies. Socio-civic 
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groups, non-government organizations and the private sector are 
exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success. 
[H Specifications of the National Flag] 
SECTION 26. Section 27 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [271 26. FLAG PROPORTIONS - The flag shall have the 
following proportions. The width of the flag, ONE (1); the length of the 
flag, TWO (2); and the sides of the white triangle, ONE (1). 
SECTION 27. Section 28 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [28] 27. FLAG TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - The 
technical specifications OF THE FLAG shall be as follows: 
"The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, 
Cable No, 80001; the red color, Cable No. 80108; and the golden yellow, 
Cable No. 80068. 
SECTION 28. Section 29 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [2Y] 28. STANDARDS FOR FLAG REQUISITION- In order 
to establish uniform criteria in the making of our national flag and to 
guarantee its durability by the use of quality materials, the following 
standards and procedures shall be observed: 
"(a) All requisitions for the purchase of the Philippine National 
Flag must be based on strict compliance with the design, 
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color, 
craftsmanship 
and material 
requirements of 
the 
Government; 
"(b) All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for 
purchase for government use shall be evaluated as to design, color 
and craftsmanship specifications by the [Institute] NHI, through its 
Heraldry and Display Section, which shall stamp its approval or 
disapproval on the canvass reinforcement of the flag sample 
submitted. The samples shall be sent to the [Institute] NHI by the 
requisitioning office, not by the flag supplier; and 
"(c ) The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) or the 
Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of 
Science and Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality of 
material of all flag samples and certify whether the fabric for the 
blue, white, red and golden-yellow colors, including the canvass 
submitted, conform to government requirements as to quality of the 
material. The samples shall be sent annually to the ITDI/PTRI by 
the manufacturer. The laboratory test results shall be submitted by 
the said office to the [Institute] NHI. 
SECTION 29. Section 30 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1301 29. FLAG PURCHASE INSPECTION - All deliveries 
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of the flags requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the 
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requisitioning agency's internal inspector and by the Commission on 
Audit (COA) using the flag stamped approved by the [Institute] NHI 
as reference. 
"[SEC. 31.1 In carrying out [its] THE ABOVE responsibilities 
[under Section 4 hereof,] the [Institute] NHI, COA, [the] AND 
ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to, be approved by [the Office of 
the President] ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED. 
SECTION 30. Section 32 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 
1321 
30. 
STRICT 
COMPLIANCE 
WITH 
REQUIREMENTS- All government agencies and instrumentalities 
shall ensure that the requirements under this Act with respect to the 
standards, requisitions and delivery of the national flag are strictly 
complied with. 
SECTION 31. Section 33 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1331 31. FLAG REQUISITION BUDGET - All 
departments, 
agencies, 
offices, and instrumentalities 
of 
the 
government, government-owned or controlled corporations, local 
government units, including barangays, shall include in their annual 
budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the national flag. 
FURTHERMORE, ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS ARE 
DIRECTED TO ALLOCATE APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR A FLAG 
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LAW PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE 
PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE 
FLAG LAW. 
SECTION 32. Section 34 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
[I. Prohibited Acts] 
"SEC. [34] 32. PROHIBITED ACTS - It shall be prohibited: 
"(a) 
To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt any act 
or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag [or over 
its surface], ANTHEM, SEAL, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS, 
AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES; 
"(b) 
To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or 
salute; 
"(c ) To use the flag: 
"(1). 
"(2) 
"(3) 
As [a] drapery, festoon, tablecloth; 
As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; 
AS [a pennant] DRAPERY in the hood, side, back and 
top of motor vehicles; ALL CLOTH FLAGS SHOULD 
BE DISPLAYED FREELY WAVING IN THE AIR; 
As a staff or whip; 
AS COVERING for unveiling OF monuments or statues; 
and 
"(4) 
"(5) 
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"(6) 
As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or 
agricultural labels or designs. 
"(d) 
To display the flag: 
"(1) 
"(2) 
Under any painting or picture; 
Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and 
be allowed to fall freely; 
"(3) 
Below any platform; or 
"(4) 
In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, 
gambling joints an places of vice or where frivolity 
prevails. 
"(e) 
To wear the Flag, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS [in whole or in part] 
as PART OF a costume or [uniform] AS A FASHION 
ACCESSORY OR MERELY AS A DESIGN ELEMENT; 
PROVIDED THAT THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, 
MAY BE INCORPORATED AS PART OF THE UNIFORM OF 
FILIPINOS 
REPRESENTING 
THE 
PHILIPPINES 
IN 
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS, CULTURAL OR SCIENTIFIC 
COMPETITIONS OR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS WITH THE 
APPROVAL OF THE NHI; 
To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, 
advertisements, or imprint [of any nature] on the flag[;], SEAL, 
"(f) 
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CO AT-OF-ARMS 
OR 
ANY 
REPRESENTATION 
THEREFORE; 
To print, paint or attach representation of the flag, SEAL, 
COAT-OF-ARMS on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and 
other articles of merchandise; AND 
To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and 
other diplomatic establishments, and non offices of international 
organizations,] 
"(g) 
[h. 
"[i]H. TO USE OR DISPLAY THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT OF ARMS, 
OR 
BE 
PARTOF 
ANY 
ADVERTISEMENT 
OR 
INFOMERCIAL WITHOUT TQE APPROVAL OF THE NHI 
[and]. 
To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by 
aliens.] 
[j. 
SECTION 33. Section 35 Chapter 11 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CYAPTER I1 
"THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 
"SEC. [35] 33. TITLE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The 
National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang. 
SECTION 34. Section 36 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
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“SEC. [36] 34. LANGLIAGE AND LYRICS OF THE NATIONAL 
ANTHEM - The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national 
language within or without the country. The following shall be the 
lyrics of the National Anthem: 
”Bayang magiliw, 
Perlas ng Silanganan, 
Alab ng puso, 
Sa dibdib mo’y bukay. 
Lupang kinirang, 
Duyan lca ng mngitzng, 
Sa manlulupig, 
Di ka pasisiil. 
Sa dagat at bundokc, 
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bugkaw, 
Muy dilag ang tula, 
A t  awit sa paglayang minumahd. 
Ang ltislap ng zvatazvat moly 
Tagumpay na nagniningning, 
Ang bituin at araw niya. 
Kailan pa ma‘y di magdidilim[,l. 
Lupa ng arm, ng luzualhnti’t pagsinta, 
Bukay ay langit sa piling mo, 
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Aming ligaya na pug may mang-aapi , 
Ang mamamatay ng dakil sa iyo."' 
SECTION 35. Section 37 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [37] 35. RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - 
The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung shall be 
in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian 
Felipe, THE ORIGINAL COPY OF WHICH IS OFFICIALLY KEPT 
AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE PHILIPPINES, IN 
TWOPOUR (2/4) BEAT WITHIN THE RANGE OF 100 TO 120 
METRONOME. 
SECTION 36. Section 38 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1381 36. MANNER OF SINGING THE NATIONAL 
ANTHEM - When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, 
whether by a band [or by singing or both,] or reproduced by any 
means, the attending public shall sing the anthem. The singing must be 
done with fervor. 
"As a sign of respect, all persons shail stand at attention and face the 
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall 
face the band or the conductor. Atsthe first note, all persons shall 
execute a salute by placing the right palms over their left chests. [Those 
in military, scouting, citizen's] THE MILITARY AND THOSE in 
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military training and security guard uniform shall give the salute 
prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the 
last note of the anthem. 
"The anthem shall not be played and sung [for] PRECEDING 
EVENTS OF mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes 
except on the following occasions: 
"(a) 
has a representative; 
"(b) 
"(c ) 
International competitions where the Philippines is the host or 
NATIONAL OR [L] local competitions; 
During the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting 
and television stations; 
Before the initial and last screening of films or before the 
opening of theater performances; PROVIDED THAT THE 
"(d) 
OWNERS 
AND 
MANAGEMENT 
OF 
THE 
ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL BE MANDATED TO ENFORCE 
PROPER DECORUM AND IMPLEMENT THE PERTINENT 
PROVISIONS OFTHIS ACT; and 
(e) 
Other occasions as may be allowed by the [Institute] NHI. 
SECTION 37. Section 39 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [39] 37. STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH RULES FOR THE 
RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - All officials and 
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employees of the national and local government, and any agency or 
instrumentality thereof, including government-owned or controlled 
corporations, privately-owned entities or offices displaying the 
national flag and government institutions of learning are 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 discipline. 
SECTION 38. Section 40 Chapter I11 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER I11 
"THE NATIONAL MOTTO, THE COAT-OF-ARMS AND THE GREAT 
SEAL 
"SEC. [40] 38. THE NATIONAL MOTTO - The National Motto 
shall be "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT 
MAKABANSA .'I 
SECTION 39. Section 41 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1411 39. THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS - The 
National Coat-of-Arms shall have: 
"[Paleways] FIELD of two (2) pieces, [azure and gules; a chief argent] 
BLUE WITH AN EAGLE AND RED WITH A LION RAMPART, A 
WHITE FIELD studded with three (3) [mullets] STARS equidistant 
from each other; and, in point of honor, [ovoid argent] WHITE OVAL 
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[overall the sunrayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays] WITH 
THE PHILIPPINE SUN AT THE CENTER. Beneath shall be the scroll 
with the words "REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS," inscribed thereon. 
SECTION 40. Section 42, Chapter V of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follow's: 
[CHAPTER V 
THE GREAT SEAL,] 
"SEC. [42] 40. THE GREAT SEAL - The Great Seal shall be 
circular in form, with the arms as described in the preceding section, 
but without the scroll and the inscription thereon. Surrounding the 
whole shall be a double marginal circle within which shall appear the 
words "Republika ng Pilipinas." For the purpose of placing The Great 
Seal, the color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture 
representation must be used. 
[The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto. ] 
SECTION 41. Section 43 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [43] 41. W E R E  TO AFFIX THE GREAT SEAL - The 
Great Seal shall be affixed to or placed upon all commission signed by 
the President and upon such other official documents and papers of the 
Republic of the Philippines as may be provided by law, or as may be 
required by custom and usage. The President shall have custody of the 
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Great Seal. 
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SECTION 42. Section 44, Chapter VI of Republic Act No. 8491 is 
hereby renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER [VI] IV 
"OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
"SEC. [44] 42. ADOPTION OF HERALDIC AND SIMILAR 
DEVICES - Any government entity, including the military, may adopt 
appropriate HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
SUCH AS 
MEDALS, coat-of-arms, administrative seals, logo, insignia, badges, 
patches, and banners; and initiate awards, citations, orders or 
decorations; as may be authorized by the Congress or the Office of the 
President. 
SECTION 43. Section 45 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [45] 43. REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS - Such 
heraldic devices and items shall be filed with the [Institute] NHI for 
recording and evaluation as to precedence, design, customs and 
traditions. The [Institute] NHI shall promulgate the corresponding 
rules and regulations which shall be submitted for approval to the 
Office of the President or to Congress. , 
SECTION 44. Section 46 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows:.. 
"SEC. 1461 44. PURCHASE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND 
DEVICES FROM ACCREDITED SOURCES - All government offices 
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including the military are hereby ordered to purchase all heraldic items 
and devices from manufacturers accredited and authorized by the 
[Institute] NHI. Such items and devices shall be subject to inspection 
by the purchasing agency's internal inspector and the COA 
representatives using the design and specifications approved by the 
Office of the President or by the Congress, through the [Institute] NHI. 
SECTION 45. Section 47 is hereby deleted. 
[SECTION 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.] 
SECTION 46. Section 48, Chapter VI1 of Republic Act No. 8491 is 
hereby renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER [VII] V 
"PENALTIES 
"SEC. 1481 45. PUBLIC CE$JSURE/ CANCEZLATION OF 
PERMIT - Failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and 
any violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the, 
NHI [Office of the President,] shall after proper notice and hearing, be 
penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a 
newspaper of general circulation. 
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"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 of permit of any 
private educational institution which fails or refuses to observe the 
provisions of this Act for the second time. 
SECTION 47. Section 50 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [50] 46. PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATlONS - Any person 
WHO or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act 
shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five 
thousand pesos (PHP 5,000.00) nor more than Twenty Thousand Pesos 
(PHP 20,000.00) or by imprisonment [for] OF not more than one (1) 
year, 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: Provided, further That in case 
the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief 
Executive Officer thereof shall be liable. 
THE NHI MAY PRESCRIBE IN THE IMPLEMENTING 
RULES AND REGULATIONS OTHER ACTS OF OMISSIONS 
WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED DISRESPECTFUL, AND THUS 
PROHIBITED, RELATIVE TO THE FLAG, THE NATIONAL 
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ANTHEM, THE GREAT SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, NATIONAL 
MOTTO AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES. 
SECTION 48. Section 49, Chapter VI11 of Republic Act No. 8491 is 
hereby renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER [VIII] VI 
"COMMON PROVISIONS 
"SEC. 
[49] 
47. 
OBLIGATIONS 
OF 
EDUCATION 
REGULATION AGENCIES- The [Department of Education, Culture 
and Sports] DEPED, [and the Commission on Higher Education] 
CHED AND TESDA 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 accordance with the rules and regulations 
issued by the [Office of the President] NHI. 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. 
SECTION 49. Section 51 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. 1511 48. ISSUANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS 
AND THEIR ENFORCEMENT - The [Institute] NHI shall issue the 
necessary rules and regulations [to implement the provisions of this 
Act] within ninety (90) days after [effectivity] THE APPROVAL OF 
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THIS ACT. The [Institute] NHI shall submit its rules and regulations 
to the Office of the President and the Congress of the Philippines. 
"[SEC. 52 -1 The [Institute] NHI shall [also] be responsible for 
the strict enforcement of the provisions of this Act. It may call upon 
any 
government 
department, agency, office, or government 
instrumentality, including 
government corporations and local 
government units, for such assistance as it may deem necessary for the 
effective discharge of its functions under this Act." 
SEC 50. Separability Clause. - If for any reason, any portion or 
provision of this Act shall be declared unconstitutional, other parts or 
provisions hereof which are not affected thereby shaII continue to be in full 
force and effect. 
SEC. 51. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules 
and regulations, part or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this 
Act, are hereby repealed or modified accordingly. 
SEC. 52. Effectivity - The Act shall be effective fifteen (15) days from 
the date of its publication in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Appuoved; 
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