Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City

18 CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. 3734

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

EXPLANATORY NOTE

It is hereby declared the policy of the State that 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.

This bill is being filed to reiterate and strengthen respect on the use of our national symbols,
such as the national flag, the anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items for they 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.

‘These proposed amendments to Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as the “Flag and
Heraldic Code of the Philippines, are provided in the light of contemporary changes in attitudes and
idioms.

For these reasons, the passage of the bill is eamestly requested

EVELINA G. ESCUDERO


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City
18° CONGRESS
First Regular Session

HOUSE BILL NO. _*~ 3734

Introduced by REP. EVELINA G. ESCUDERO

AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE RULES ON THE PROPER USE AND DISPLAY OF OUR
NATIONAL SYMBOLS AND THE RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM,
AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS
THE “FLAG AND HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES”, AND FOR OTHER
PURPOSES

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

SECTION 1. Sections 2 to 52 of Republic Act No. 8491 are hereby amended to read as
follows:

“SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. ~ IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THE POLICY OF THE
STATE THAT [RJReverence 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 the
proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other heral

“SEC. 3. Definition of Terms. — [Whenever] AS used in this Act[, the term).

{(a) “Military” shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including
the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau
of Fire Protection;]

“(A) ADVERTISEMENT OR INFOMERCIAL REFERS TO ADVERTISEMENT OR
ANY INFORMATION MATERIAL IN PRINT, RADIO, TELEVISION, CINEMA, VIDEO
AND THE LIKE, OUTDOOR AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA, SEEKING TO PROMOTE
INDIVIDUALS, ENTITIES, PRODUCTS OR SERVICES FOR COMMERCIAL,
POLITICAL PURPOSES OR INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS;


“(B) DISPLAY REFERS TO THE MANNER IN WHICH THE FLAG IS PUBLICLY
PRESENTED AND VENERATED;

“[(b)|(C) [‘Festoon’ shall mean] FESTOON REFERS to hang in a curved shape
between two points as a decoration, CURTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.;

“{(©)|(D) [‘Flag’ shall mean] FLAG REFERS TO the Philippine National Flag, unless
stated otherwise;

“{(@)]© [‘Fly’ shall mean] FLY REFERS TO the part of the flag outside the hoist or

length;

{[(e) “Symbol” shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man’s achievement and
heroism (for orders and decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity (for coat-of-
‘arms, logo and insignia);]

“(F) GOVERNMENT ENTITIES REFER TO ALL BRANCHES OF THE
GOVERNMENT, THEIR BUREAUS AND ATTACHED AGENCIES, CONSTITUTIONAL
OFFICES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GOVERNMENT-OWNED AND/OR -
CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS, GOVERNMENT FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS,
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES
(AFP) INCLUDING ITS BASIC COMPONENT UNITS;

“{()\(G) [“Half-Mast’ shall mean] HALF-MAST REFERS TO lowering the flag to one-
half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. IF THE FLAG IS DISPLAYED IN A
HANGING POSITION OR USED IN A PARADE AS A SIGN OF MOURNING, HALF-
MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING A BLACK RIBBON ON THE BLUE FIELD HOIST
SIDE;

“(H) HALYARD REFERS TO THE LONG ROPE WHERE THE FLAG FASTENS
AND WHICH RUNS UP THE LENGTH OF THE FLAGPOLE;

“() HANGING POSITION REFERS TO 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;

“(J) HERALDIC ITEMS/HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES REFER TO COAT-
OF-ARMS, SEALS, LOGOS, INSIGNIAS, BADGES, FLASHES, PATCHES, ORDERS
AND DECORATIONS, MEDALS, STARS, CITATIONS, LAPEL PINS, TROPHIES, DRY,
WAX OR WET SEALS, AND IMPRINTS ON LETTERHEADS, ENVELOPES AND
CARDS;

“{(g)\(K) [‘Hoist’ shall mean ] HOIST REFERS TO the part of the flag nearest the staff
or the canvass to which the halyard is attached;

“{(a)|(L) [Inclement Weather’ shall mean that a typhoon signal is raised in the locality)
INCLEMENT WEATHER REFERS TO 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;

“[(D|(M) (“National Anthem’ shall mean] NATIONAL ANTHEM REFERS TO the
Philippine National Anthem, ENTITLED ‘LUPANG HINIRANG’;

“{@JCN) (‘Official Residences’ shall mean] OFFICIAL RESIDENCES REFER TO
Malacafiang, 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 NATIONAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS;

“{(k)](O) [Places of Frivolity’ shall mean] PLACES OF FRIVOLITY REFER TO
places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment or recreation; [and]

[() “Institute” shall mean the National Historical Institute.] “(P) PHILIPPINE SUN
REFERS TO THE GOLDEN SUNBURST WITH EIGHT EQUALLY SPACED RAYS
DISPLAYED IN THE FLAG. EACH RAY HAVING ONE MAJOR BEAM, TWICE AS
BROAD AS THE TWO MINOR BEAMS ON EITHER SIDE;

“(Q) SYMBOL REFERS TO ANY CONVENTIONAL SIGN WHICH REVEALS
MAN’S ACHIEVEMENT AND HEROISM USUALLY SHOWN OR DISPLAYED IN
MEDALS, CITATIONS, ORDERS, AND DECORATIONS OR IDENTIFICATION OR
AUTHORITY SUCH AS COAT-OF-ARMS, LOGOS AND INSIGNIAS;

“(R) UNIFORMED SERVICE REFERS TO ALL BRANCHES OF THE AFP,
THOSE OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE (PNP), THE BUREAU OF JAIL
MANAGEMENT AND PENOLOGY (BJMP), THE BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION
(BFP), THE BUREAU OF IMMIGRATION (BOI), THE BUREAU OF CUSTOMS (BOC),
THE PHILIPPINE COAST GUARD (PCG), AND OF OTHER AGENCIES USING RANK
INSIGNIA;

“(S) VEXILLARY ITEMS REFER TO NATIONAL, LOCAL, HOUSE FLAGS, OR
ADMINISTRATIVE, INSTITUTIONAL, CORPORATE, AND OTHER
ORGANIZATIONAL BANNERS; AND

“(T) 100 TO 120 METRONOME REFERS TO THE REGULATED AURAL,
VISUAL OR TACTILE PULSE TO ESTABLISH A STEADY TEMPO IN THE RENDITION
OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM.”

“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 an 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]


“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 every day throughout the year.”

“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]
““(A) Malacafiang Palace; (the]
“(B) [Congress of the Philippines] SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES BUILDING;
“(C) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES building;
“(D) Supreme Court building; {the]
“(E) Rizal Monument in Luneta, CITY OF Manila;
“(F) Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite;
“(G) Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; {the]
“(H) Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani IN TAGUIG CITY,
METRO MANILA;
“()) ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE VETERANS OF THE MILITARY;
(J) Musoleo de los Veteranos dela Revolucion IN THE NORTH CEMETERY, CITY
OF MANILA;
“(K) MARCELA AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN TAAL,
BATANGAS;
“(L) PINAGLABANAN HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN SAN JUAN CITY, METRO

“(M) [a]All International Ports of Entry; and
“QN) [a]Alll other places as may be SUBSEQUENTLY designated AND MARKED by
the [Institute] NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES (NHCP).

“The flag, AT THE ABOVE-STATED PLACES, shall be properly illuminated at
night.”

“SEC. 7, DISPLAY OF FLAG IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND RESIDENCES. ~ The
flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised [in the open on 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 Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); 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 SECTION 25 OF THIS ACT.

“The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings or offices or
raised [in the open on flag-stafis] ON FLAGPOLES in front of private buildings: Provided,
That [they] THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SAID BUILDING SHALL observe flag-raising
ceremonies in accordance with the IMPLEMENTING rules and regulations (IRR) to be issued
by the [Office of the President] NHCP.”

[SEC. 8. 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 groups, non-government organizations and the private
sector are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success.]


“SEC. [9]8. DISPLAY OF FLAG ON SEAFARING VESSELS. ~ The flag shall be
flown on [merchant ships] ALL SEAFARING VESSELS of Philippine registry [of more than
one thousand (1,000) gross tons and on all naval vessels]. “On board [naval] SEAFARING
vessels, the flag shall be displayed on the flag-staff at the stern when the ship is at anchor. The
flag shall be hoisted to the gaff at the aftermast when the ship is at sea.”

“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.}

“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
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 a stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be
at the left OF THE OBSERVER (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering.”

“SEC. [12]11. THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WHEN FLOWN WITH ANOTHER FLAG. —
When the Philippine [f]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
[f]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 [f]Flag but below the latter
and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine [f]Flag.”

“SEC. [13]12. THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WHEN DISPLAYED WITH ANOTHER,
FLAG. ~ When displayed with another flag, the Philippine [f]Flag shall be on the right of the
other flag (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER). If there is a line of other flags, the Philippine [f]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 [f]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 NHCP PURSUANT TO
THE COMMON PROVISIONS STATED IN THIS ACT.”

“SEC. [14]13. PROPER USE, DISPOSAL AND REPLACEMENT OF WORN OUT
FLAG. — THE FLAG SHALL BE REPLACED IMMEDIATELY BY THE CONCERNED
AGENCY/INSTITUTION/OFFICE WHEN IT BEGINS TO SHOW SIGNS OF WEAR AND.
TEAR.


“[AJTHE flag worn out through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away. It shall be
[solemnly burned] TURNED OVER TO THE APPROPRIATE BOY SCOUTS OR GIRL
SCOUTS LOCAL COUNCIL COMMITTEE FOUND IN THE NEAREST SCHOOL WHICH
SHALL CONDUCT PROPER DISPOSAL RITES ON THE WORN OUT FLAGS to avoid
misuse or desecration. [The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs of
wear and tear.]

“THE MANNER OF DISPOSAL OF THE WORN OUT FLAG/S SHALL BE IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHCP.”

“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.”

“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. If 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 a 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 LAMPOST to
‘A pole erected away from the building,

“(e) Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; 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.”

“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]


“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. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the
playing [or] AND MANDATORY singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

*[SEC. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the Institute shall
issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony}

“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 MANDATORY singing of the NATIONAL anthem in
its original Filipino lyries and march tempo.”

“SEC. [21]19. FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY. — During the flag-raising ceremony, the
assembly shall stand in formation facing the flag. PROPER ANNOUNCEMENT SHALL BE
MADE PRIOR TO THE SINGING OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. At the moment the first
note of the NATIONAL 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 chest,
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 NATIONAL anthem,

“The assembly shall sing the Philippine [nJNational {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.”

“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 NATIONAL 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]

“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]
WHERE THE DECEASED WAS HOLDING OFFICE, on the day of official announcement of
the death of any of the following officials:

“(a) The President or a former Preside
MAST for ten (10) days;

THE FLAG SHALL BE FLOWN AT HALF-

“(b) The Vice President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate and the Speaker
of the House of Representatives, THE FLAG SHALL BE FLOWN AT HALF-MAST for seven
(7) days; and

“(¢) [Other persons to be determined by the Institute,] THE INCUMBENT MEMBERS
OF THE SUPREME COURT, THE CABINET, THE SENATE OR THE HOUSE OF


REPRESENTATIVES, AND SUCH OTHER PERSONS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY
THE NHCP, THE FLAG SHALL BE FLOWN AT HALF-MAST for any period less than
seven (7) days.

“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 (5) DAYS,
ON DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION (DEPED) SCHOOLS OR DISTRICT OFFICES
WHERE THE DECEASED WAS ASSIGNED TO TEACH.

[The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent
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.]

“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]

“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 may be 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 the deceased.”

[F. Pledge to the Flag]

“SEC. [25]23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. ~ The following shall be the Pledge of
Allegiance to the Philippine [f]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

“Maka-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.”

“SEC. 24. OATH OF PATRIOTISM. — THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE THE OATH
OF PATRIOTISM TO THE PHILIPPINES WHICH SHALL BE RECITED BY STUDENTS
IN ALL LEVELS IN ADDITION TO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE
PHILIPPINE FLAG:

“INUBIG KO ANG PILIPINAS.

“ITO ANG AKING LUPANG SINILANGAN.
“ITO ANG TAHANAN NG AKING LAHI.
“AKO’Y KANYANG KINUKUPKOP AT TINUTULUNGAN
“UPANG MAGING MALAKAS, MALIGAYA,
“AT KAPAKIPAKINABANG.

“BILANG GANTI,

“DIRINGGIN KO ANG PAYO

“NG AKING MGA MAGULANG.

“SUSUNDIN KO ANG MGA TUNTUNIN

“NG AKING PAARALAN.

“TUTUPARIN KO ANG MGA TUNGKULIN
“NG ISANG MAMAMAYANG MAKABAYAN
“AT MASUNURIN SA BATAS.
“PAGLILINGKURAN KO ANG AKING BAYAN
“NANG WALANG PAG-IIMBOT

“AT NANG BUONG KATAPATAN.

“SISIKAPIN KONG MAGING ISANG

“TUNAY NA PILIPINO,

“SA ISIP, SA SALITA, AT SA GAWA.

“THE OATH OF PATRIOTISM SHALL BE RECITED WHILE STANDING WITH
THE RIGHT HAND WITH THE PALM OPEN RAISED SHOULDER HIGH. IT SHALL BE
RECITED IN ALL BASIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AFTER THE SINGING OF THE
NATIONAL ANTHEM. INDIVIDUALS WHOSE FAITH OR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS
PROHIBIT THEM FROM MAKING SUCH OATH MUST, NONETHELESS, SHOW FULL
RESPECT WHEN THE OATH IS BEING RENDERED BY STANDING AT ATTENTION.”

[G. Flag Days]

“SEC. [26]25. FLAG DAYS. — The period from May 28 (NATIONAL FLAG DAY) to
June 12 (INDEPENDENCE DAY) 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 THE FLAG SHALL BE DISPLAYED IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND
RESIDENCES OR RAISED 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 HEROES DAY); NOVEMBER 30 (BONIFACIO DAY); DECEMBER 30
(RIZAL DAY); AND ON SUCH OTHER DAYS AS MAY BE DECLARED BY THE
PRESIDENT AND/OR LOCAL CHIEF EXECUTIVES.”


“SEC. 26. OBSERVANCE OF FLAG DAYS. - ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES
AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, LOCAL GOVERNMENT OFFICES, GOVERNMENT-
OWNED AND/OR -CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS AND LOCAL GOVERNMENT
UNITS ARE ENJOINED TO OBSERVE FLAG DAY WITH APPROPRIATE
CEREMONIES. SOCIO-CIVIC GROUPS, NONGOVERNMENT ORGANIZATIONS AND.
THE PRIVATE SECTOR ARE EXHORTED TO COOPERATE IN MAKING THE
CELEBRATION A SUCCESS.”

(H. Specifications of the National Flag]

“SEC. 27. 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).”

“SEC. 28. 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.”

“SEC. 29. 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
[GlGovernment;

“(b) All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for purchase for
government use shall be evaluated as to design, color and crafismanship specifications by the
[Institute]NHCP, 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 [InstituteJNHICP by the requisitioning office, not by the flag supplier; and

“(©) 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 canvas submitted, conforms to government
requirement 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
[lnstitute]NHICP.”

“SEC. 30. FLAG PURCHASE INSPECTION. - All deliveries 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 [InstituteJNHCP as
Teference.”

“{SEC. 31.] In carrying out [its] THE ABOVE responsibilities [under Section 4 hereof],
the [Institute]NHCP, THE COA, AND the ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to be approved
by [the Office of the President] ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED.”

“SEC. [32]31. 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.”

“SEC. [33]32. 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 CODE PUBLIC AWARENESS
PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROVISIONS OF
THE FLAG CODE.”

[1. Prohibited Acts]
“SEC. [34]33. PROHIBITED ACTS. - It shall be prohibited:

“(a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit any act or
omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag, for 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) 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;
“(3) AS COVERING [F]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 and
places of vice or where frivolity prevails.


“(e) To wear the flag [in whole or in part], SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS 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 NHCP;

“(f) To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint
fof any nature] on the flag(;], SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS OR ANY REPRESENTATION
THEREFOR;

“(g) To print, paint or attach A 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 in offices of international organizations;]

“[@](H) To use[,] OR display THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, or be part of any
advertisement or infomercial[;] WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE NHCP. [and].”

[G) To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.]

“CHAPTER IL
“THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

“SEC, (35]34. TITLE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. ~ The [N]National [A]Anthem
is entitled Lupang Hinirang

“SEC. [36]35. LANGUAGE AND LYRICS OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. - The
{NJNational [AJAnthem shall always be sung in the national language within or
[withoutJOUTSIDE the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the [N]National
[A]Anthem:

“Bayang magiliw,
“Perlas ng Silanganan,

“Alab ng puso,

“Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.

“Lupang hinirang,

“Duyan ka ng magiting,

“Sa manlulupig,

“Di ka pasisiil.

“Sa dagat at bundok,

“Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
“May dilag ang tula,

“At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
“Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
“Tagumpay na nagniningning,

“Ang bituin at araw niya,

“Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim{,).


“Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
“Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,

“Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
“Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.”

“SEC. [37]36. RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. - The rendition of the
[NJNational [A]Anthem[, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical
arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe] SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE
MUSICAL ARRANGEMENT AND COMPOSITION OF JULIAN FELIPE, IN 2/4 BEAT
WHEN PLAYED; AND WITHIN THE RANGE OF 100 TO 120 METRONOME, IN 4/4
BEAT WHEN SANG. THE NHCP, IN COORDINATION WITH THE PROPER
GOVERNMENT AGENCY, SHALL DISSEMINATE AN OFFICIAL MUSIC SCORE
SHEET THAT REFLECTS THE MANNER IN WHICH THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
SHOULD BE PLAYED OR SUNG.”

“SEC, [38]37. MANNER OF SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. - When the
{NJNational [A]Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or [by singing or
both, or reproduced by any means,] THROUGH THE PLAYING OF A RECORDING IN
ANY FORMAT, the attending public shall sing the NATIONAL anthem. The singing SHALL
BE MANDATORY AND must be done with fervor.

“As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine [f]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 their right palms over their left chests.
[Those in military, scouting, citizens] THE MILITARY AND THOSE IN military training and
security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be
completed upon the last note of the NATIONAL anthem.

“INDIVIDUALS WHOSE FAITH OR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS PROHIBIT THEM
FROM SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MUST, NONETHELESS, SHOW FULL
RESPECT WHEN THE NATIONAL ANTHEM IS BEING SUNG OR PLAYED ON
RECORD BY STANDING AT ATTENTION.

“The NATIONAL anthem shall not be played and sung [for] PRECEDING EVENTS
OF mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:

“(@) International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;

“(b) NATIONAL OR [L]Local SPORTS competitions;

“(@) During the ‘signing off and ‘signing on’ of radio broadcasting and television
stations;

“(d) Before the initial and last screening of films and 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 OF THIS ACT; and

“(@) Other occasions as may be allowed by the [Institute] NHCP.”

“SEC. [39]38. STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH RULES FOR THE RENDITION OF
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. - All officials and employees of the national and local


governments, 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 NATIONAL anthem. Failure to observe the rules shall be a
ground for administrative discipline.”

“SEC. 39. OBLIGATIONS OF EDUCATION REGULATION AGENCIES. — THE
DEPED, THE COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED) AND THE TECHNICAL
EDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY (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 RENDERED DURING THE FLAG CEREMONY CONDUCTED IN
ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ISSUED BY THE NHCP. 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.”

“CHAPTER IIL
“THE NATIONAL MOTTO, THE NATIONAL
“COAT-OF-ARMS AND THE GREAT SEAL

“SEC. 40, THE NATIONAL MOTTO. - The National Motto shall be ‘“MAKA-DIYOS,
MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA’.” [CHAPTER IV] [THE
NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS]}

“SEC. 41, 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 over all the
sun rayonnant with eight minor and lesser rays] WHITE OVAL WITH THE PHILIPPINE
SUN AT THE CENTER. Beneath shall be the scroll with the words ‘REPUBLIKA NG
PILIPINAS:, inscribed thereon.”

[CHAPTER V]
[THE GREAT SEAL]

“SEC. 42. 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 also bear the National Motto.]

“SEC. 43. WHERE TO AFFIX THE GREAT SEAL. - The Great Seal shall be affixed
to or placed upon all commissions 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.”

“CHAPTER [VIJIV
[OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER]
“HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES

“SEC. 44. 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 Congress or the Office of the President.”

“SEC. 45, REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS. ~ Such heraldic devices and items shall
be filed with the [Institute]NHCP for recording and evaluation as to precedence, design,
customs and traditions. The [InstituteJNHCP shall promulgate the corresponding rules and
regulations which shall be submitted for approval to the Office of the President or to
Congress.”

“SEC. 46. 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]NHCP. Such’ items and devices shall be subject to inspection by the purchasing
agency’s internal inspector and the COA representative using the design and specifications
approved by the Office of the President or by the Congress, through the [InstituteNHCP.”

[SEC. 47. No government official or employee shall accept any order or decoration
from any foreign government without the consent of Congress, and without the prior evaluation
and documentation of such order or decoration by the Institute ]

“CHAPTER [VII]V
“PENALTIES

“SEC. [48]47. PUBLIC CENSURE/CANCELLATION OF PERMIT. — Failure or
refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the corresponding rules and
regulations issued by the [Office of the President, NHCP 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]NHCP and after 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 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 tules


and regulations issued by the Office 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 VIOLATIONS. - 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 {(P5,000)] (PHPS0,000.00) nor
more than [Twenty]ONE HUNDRED thousand pesos {(P20,000)] (PHP100,000.00)f, or] AND
by imprisonment for not more than [one (1) 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:] Provided, [further.] 29 That in
case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer
thereof shall be liable.

“SEC. 49. CITIZEN’S ARREST. — ANY CITIZEN SHALL HAVE THE POWER TO
CONDUCT A CITIZEN’S ARREST IF A PERSON IS ACTUALLY VIOLATING ANY OF
THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT IN ONE’S PRESENCE AND CAN SUMMON ALL LAW
ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS TO ASSIST IN CONDUCTING CITIZEN’S ARREST. ALL
SECURITY PERSONNEL AND USHERS IN MOVIEHOUSES ARE LIKEWISE
AUTHORIZED TO ARREST THE VIOLATORS.”

“CHAPTER [VII]VI
“COMMON PROVISIONS.

“SEC. (51]50.- ISSUANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS AND THEIR
ENFORCEMENT. ~ The [Institute]NHCP 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]NHCP shall submit its rules and regulations to the
Office of the President and the Congress of the Philippines.

“[SEC. 52.]The [Institute]NHCP 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. 2. 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 amended accordingly,

SEC. 3. 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. 4. Effectivity. — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its publication
in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,