FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No.2 6 91 
Introduced by Senator Ramon "Bong" Revilla 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
"11 
FEB 14 P 01 :06 
Every citizen of a country has the moral obligation to love its 
motherland. Our 1987 Constitution mandates this obligation. 
In our country, such national symbols like the national flag, 
anthem, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices are 
the representation of the Philippines. Thus, it is innate to every Filipino 
to respect, learn it and live by it. 
Republic Act 8491, also known as, "The Flag and Heraldic Code 
of the Philippines", is hereby amended to highlight the importance of 
complying, abiding and conforming to the standard expression as 
prescribed by law. 
Hence, passage of this bill is earnestly sought. 


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
'11 
FEB 14 P 3 :06 
SENATE 
Senate Bill No. 2 6 91 
Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. 
AN ACT 
AMENDING REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491 ENTITLED, "AN ACT PRESCRIBING 
THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT·OF·ARMS 
AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES" 
OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE 
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines 
in Congress assembled: 
SECTION 1. Section 2 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as 
follows: 
"SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - IT IS HEREBY DECLARED 
THE POLICY OF THE STATE THAT [R]reverence and respect shall at 
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. 
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) 
"Festoon" shall mean to hang in a curve shape between two points 
as a decoration, CURTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.; 
1 


"(c) 
"Flag" shall mean ANY REPRESENTATION OF the Philippine 
National Flag IN WHATEVER MEDIA, unless stated otherwise; 
"(d) 
"Fly" shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length; 
"[(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 A 
SIGN OF MOURNING, HALF-MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING A BLACK 
RIBBON ON THE BLUE FIELD HOIST SIDE; 
"[(m)](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; 
"(g) 
"Hoist" shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the 
canvass to which the halyard is attached; 
"(h) 
"Inclement Weather" shall mean [that a typhoon signal is raised in 
the locality] 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)] (1)"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)] (J) 
"National Anthem" shall mean 
the Philippine National 
Anthem ENTITLED "LUPANG HINIRANG"; 
"[(I)] (K)["lnstitute"] "NHI" shall mean the National Historical Institute; 
"W)] (L)"Official Residences" 
shall 
mean 
Malacafiang, 
and 
other 
govemment-owned structures where the President resides, [and other 
structures 
occupied 
by 
the] 
Philippine Consulates 
or Embassies 
abroad, AND OTHER STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY THE NATIONAL 
AND LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS; 
"[(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 
2 


q"[(e)] (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 NA TlONAL 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: 
"SEC. 
5. 
HOISTING AND DISPLA Y 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 
PERMANENTL Y 
DISPLA YED - The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night 
throughout the year, in front of the following: [at] Malacaiiang 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 
8ayani 
IN TAGUIG, METRO 
MANILA; ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE VETERANS OF 
THE MILITARY; Mausoleo 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. 
3 


"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. 
[B. DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG] 
SECTION7. Section 9 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered and 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [9]8. DISPLA Y 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 after mast when the ship is at sea." 
SECTION 8. Section 10 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [10] 9. 
THE BLUE, RED 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.] 
4 


SECTION 9. Section 11 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered and 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [11] 10. FLAGPOLE IN THE OPEN FIELD - 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 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 [Iineyard] 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. [13]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 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: 
5 


"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 shall remain 
flying throughout the day. 
SECTION 14. Section 16 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended as follows: 
"SEC. [16] 15. MANNER OF DISPLA YING THE FLAG - The flag 
may be displayed: 
and 
"(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; 
"(b) From the top of the flagpole, which shall be at a prominent 
place or 
a 
commanding 
position 
in 
relation to 
the 
surrounding buildings; 
" (c) From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, 
balcony or facade of a building[.]; 
"(d) In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building 
OR LAM POST to A pole erected away from the building; 
"(e) Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; 
"(f) 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. 
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. 
6 


"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 
[an 
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 
DEVELOPMENTAUTHORITY (TESDA) SHALL OBSERVE THE FLAG 
CEREMONY DAIl. Y. 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. 
[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 amenejed 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. [21] 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 
7 


their regulations, which salute shall be completed upon the last note of 
the anthem. 
"The assembly shall sing the Philippine [n)National [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. (22) 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. (23) 21. FLAG IN HALF·MAST - 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 
"(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) 
8 


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 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. [25J 23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The following shall be 
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag: 
"Ako ay Pilipino 
Buong katapatang nanunumpa 
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas 
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag 
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan 
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang 
Maka-Diyos 
Malta-tao 
Makakalikasan at 
Makabansa 
"[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, nonetheless, 
show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at 
attention. 
SECTION 24. Section 26 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [26] 24. FLAG DA YS - The period from NATIONAL 
FLAG DAY (May 28) to INDEPENDENCE DAY (June 12) of each year 
is declared as Flag Days, during which period al\ offices, agencies and 
instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of 
learning and private homes are [enjoined] OBLIGATED to display the flag. 
PROVIDED, HOWEVER THAT [T]the flag shall [also] be displayed in 
private buildings and residences or raised [in the open flag-staffs] ON 
9 


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 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 local chief 
executives. 
SECTION 25. Section 8 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered and 
amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [8] 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. Socia-civic 
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. [27] 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. [29] 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, color, 
craftsmanship 
and 
material requirements of the 
Government; 
10 


"(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 (ITO I) 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. [30] 29. FLAG PURCHASE INSPECTION - All deliveries 22 of 
the flags requisitioned 
by 
the government shall be inspected by 
the 
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.] 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. [32] 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. [33] 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 LAW 
11 


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: 
salute; 
[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 
"(c) To use the flag: 
"(1) As [a] drapery, festoon, tablecloth; 
"(2) As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; 
"(3) 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; 
"(4) As a staff or whip; 
"(5) AS COVERING for unveiling OF monuments or statues; and 
"(6) As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural 
labels or designs. 
"(d) To display the flag: 
"(1) Under any painting or picture; 
"(2) 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; 
"(f) To 
add 
any 
word, 
figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, 
advertisements, or imprint [of any nature) on the flag[;), SEAL, COAT-
OF-ARMS OR ANY REPRESENTATION THEREFORE; 
12 


"(g) To print, paint or attach representation of the flag, SEAL, COAT-
OF-ARMS on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of 
merchandise; AND 
[h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other 
diplomatic establishments, and non offices of international organizations,] 
"[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]. 
[j]. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.] 
SECTION 33. Section 35 Chapter 11 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER" 
"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: 
"SEC. 
[36] 34. LANGUAGE AND L YRleS OF THE NA TlONAL 
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 magi/iw, 
Per/as ng Silanganan, 
A/ab ng puso, 
Sa dibdib mo'y buhay. 
Lupang hinirang, 
Duyan ka ng magiting, 
Sa man/u/upig, 
Di ka pasisiil. 
Sa dagat at bundok, 
Sa simoy at sa /angit mong bughaw, 
May diJag ang tu/a, 
At awit sa pag/ayang minamaha/. 
Ang kis/ap ng watawat mo'y 
Tagumpay na nagniningning, 
Ang bituin at araw niya. 
KaiJan pa ma 'y di magdidiJim[,j. 
Lupa ng araw, ng /uwa/hati't pagsinta, 
Buhay ay /angit sa piling mo, 
Aming /igaya na pag may mang-aapi , 
13 


Ang mamamatay ng dahil sa iya. m 
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 TWO/FOUR (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. [38] 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 shall 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. At the 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 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) International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a 
representative; 
"(b) NATIONAL OR [L] local competitions; 
"(c) During the "signing oft" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and 
television stations; 
"(d) Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening 
of theater performances; 
PROVIDED 
THAT 
THE 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. 
14 


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 
NA TlONAL 
ANTHEM -
All officials 
and 
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 111 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby 
renumbered and amended to read as follows: 
"CHAPTER III 
"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, MAKAKALlI<ASAN AT MAKABANSA.n 
SECTION 39. Section 41 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby renumbered 
and amended to read as follows: 
"SEC. [41] 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 [overall the sun rayonnant 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. 
15 


[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. WERE 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 
Great Seal. 
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. [46] 44. PURCHASE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
FROM ACCREDITED SOURCES - All government offices 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. 
16 


[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. [48] 45. PUBLIC CENSURE/ CANCELLA TlON 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. 
"The [Department of Education Culture and Sports] DEPED and the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon there commendation 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 VIOLATIONS - 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 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 
17 


"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. [51] 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 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 shall 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. 
Approved; 
18