FIFTEENTH CONGRESS 2}
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES %
FIRST REGULAR SESSION: 3

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, Jr.

House Bitt No,_© 09

EXPLANATORY NOTE

This bill was originally introduced as House Bill No. 4199 by the undersigned
Rufus B. Rodriguez during the Fourteenth Congress. It was approved by the
Committee on Basic Education and Culture as substitute House Bill No. 6424 under
Committee Report No. 2062, dated May 26, 2009.

The Constitution declares that it is a policy of the state to inculcate in the
youth patriotism and nationalism. One simple way to inculcate nationalism and
patriotism not just to the youth but to Filipinos of all ages is to emphasize the

importance of the saluting the national flag and the singing of the Philippine National
Anthem.

The national flag is the symbol of the country while the national anthem
embodies and expresses the aspirations, dreams, ideals, longings, commitment and
determination, nationalism and patriotism, sentiment and spirit of the people. The
Supreme Court has also held that the flag is an emblem of national sovereignty, of
national unity and cohesion and of freedom and liberty which it and the Constitution
guarantee and protect

Republic Act No. 8491 otherwise known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the
Philippines states that reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the
anthem, and other national symbols which embody the national ideals and which
express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. This law imposes on
violators a penalty of fine of P5, 000.00 to P20, 000.00 or imprisonment of one year
or both. However, despite the existence of such law, many Filipinos do not accord
the respect due our Philippine Flag and National Anthem. This violation usually
happens in cinemas where moviegoers do not even stand up when the national anthem
is being played.

In the column Opinion of the Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 12, 2008. Jet
Hernandez, wrote:

“I've noticed that some moviegoers at SM cinemas don't
show respect to the Philippine National Anthem while it's being
Played. In one instance, I called the attention of a moviegoer who
remained sitting and eating with his wife and kid as the anthem was


“video-played.” He just snapped back, “How can I stand, I'm
eating.”

xxx

“The singing of our national anthem should be treated as a
sacred and solemn act, not unlike the singing of a prayer to God.

“Minus all the economic and political b.s. in the country, the
singing of the Philippine National Anthem should provide the only
sane moment that reminds a Filipino that he or she is still a Filipino,

and everyone else in this country that he or she is still in the
Philippines.

“Kaya kung ayaw mong magbigay-pugay sa pambansang
awit, get out of the Philippines. This country is not for you.””

This article was cited by Conrado de Quiros in his column in Philippine Daily
Inquirer, of even date, to wit:

“That was a nice point Jet Hernandez made in his letter last
Monday. He is dismayed, he said, that many Filipinos do not stand
up when the National Anthem is played. While in one of the SM
cinemas at one time, he noticed a family who kept to their seats when

the Anthem was played. He reproached the man, who snapped back,
“How can I stand when I’m eating?”

“In fact, says Hernandez, there is such a thing as a Flag and
Heraldic Code of the Philippines that imposes a fine of P5, 000-P20,
000 on violators. He demands that establishments like SM enforce
that law and has several suggestions on it. I leave the reader to look
it up himself (Opinion, May 12).”

He emphasized Jet Hemandez’s statement that minus all the economic and
political b.s. in this country, the singing of the Philippine National Anthem should
provide the only sane moment that reminds a Filipino that he or she is still a Filipino.

He farther states:

“I myself didn't know there was such a law - you learn
something every day - and I’m glad we do. I share Hernandez’s
sentiments wholeheartedly. Any practice or ritual that reminds us of
something we keep forgetting, probably because we want to, which is
our national identity, is wroth enforcing, apart from retaining.”


In view of the foregoing, this bill seeks to increase the penalties for
disrespectful conduct during the playing of the Philippine National Anthem.

Wherefore, the passage of this bill is earnestly sought.

RUFUS B. RODRIGUEZ

Yi}.

MAXIMO B. RODRIGUEZ, JR.


FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE).
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session )

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

6u3

House Bill No. _

Introduced by Representative Rufus B. Rodriguez and
Representative Maximo B. Rodriguez, 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”

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

SECTION 1. Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended as follows:

“SECTION 1. Short Title — This Act shall be known as the “Flag and
Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

“SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy -- 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. 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 prescribe standards for the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-
arms and other heraldic items and devices.


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

(A) “Advertisement or Infomercial” shall mean 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 or information campaigns;

(8) “Display” shall refer to the manner in which the flag is publicly
presented and venerated.

(C)"Festoon” shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two
points as a decoration, curtain, drape, etc;

(0)*Flag” shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated
otherwise;

(E) “Fly” shall mean the part of the fiag outside the hoist or length;

(F)"Government Entities" shall mean 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 including its basic component units;

(G)"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 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” shall mean the long rope where the flag fastens and
which runs up the length of the flagpole;


(I) “Hanging Position” shall mean the white field shall be on top,
the blue field shall be to the right (left to the observer) in time of
peace; the white field shall be on top, and the red filed to the
right (left to the observer) in time of war,

(J) “Heraldic Items/Heraldic Items and Devices” shall mean 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;

(K) “Hoist” shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff of the
canvass to which the halyard is attached;

(L) “Inclement Weather” shall mean 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;

(M)'National Anthem” shall mean the Philippine National Anthem,
entitled “Lupang Hinirang”,

(N)‘Official Residences’ shall mean Malacanang, and other
government-owned structures where the President resides, the
Philippine Consulates or Embassies abroad, and other
structures occupied by national and local public officials;

(0)"Places of Frivolity” shall mean places of hilarity marked by or
providing boisterous merriment or recreation;

(P)'Philippine Sun" shall mean 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” shall mean 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, insignias;

(R)"Uniformed Service” shall mean all branches of the Armed
Forces of the Philippines, those of the Philippine National
Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of
Fire Protection, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation,
Bureau of Customs, Philippine Coast Guard, and of other
agencies using rank insignia;

(S)"Vexillary Items" shall mean national, local, house flags, or
administrative, institutional, corporate, and other organizational
banners; and

(T) “100 to 120 Metronome” shall mean the regulated aural, visual
or tactile pulse to establish a steady tempo in the rendition of
the National Anthem.

CHAPTER 1
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.

“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.


“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: (A) Malacanang Palace; (B) Senate of the Philippines building;
(C) House of Representatives building; (D) Supreme Court building; (E) Rizal
Monument in Luneta, City of Manila; (F) Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite;
(G) Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; (H) Tomb of the Unknown Soldier,
Libingan ng mga Bayani in Taguig City, Metro Manila; (I) All memorials
dedicated to the veterans of the military; (J) Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la
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 Manila; (M) ail international Ports of Entry; and (N) all
other places as may be subsequently designated and marked by the NHI.

The flag, on the above-stated places, shall be properly illuminated at
night.

“SEC.7. Display of Flag in Private Buildings and Offices — The flag
shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised on

flagpoles in front of said buildings during flag days, as provided in Sec. 25 of
this Act.

“SEC.8. Display of Flag on Seafaring Vessels — The flag shall be
flown on all seafaring vessels of Philippine registry.

“On board seafaring vessels, the flag shall be displayed on the flagstaff
at the stern when the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted to the gaff at
the after mast when the ship is at sea.

“SEC.9. The Blue, Red and White Fields of the Flag - The flag, if
hoisted shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top
in time of war; if in 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.


“SEC. 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
of the observer (facing the stage) or left of the office upon entering

“SEC. 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.

“SEC. 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 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 Act.

“SEC. 13. Proper Use, Disposal and Replacement of Worn Out
Flag - The fiag shall be replaced immediately by the concerned
agency/institution/office when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.

The flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It
shall be turned over to the appropriate Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts Local
Council Committee found in the nearest school who shall conduct proper
disposal rites on the worn out flag/s to avoid misuse or desecration.

The manner of disposal of the worn out fiag shall be in accordance with
the rules to be issued by the NHI.


“SEC. 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. 15. Manner of Displaying the Flag — The fiag 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;

“(o) 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 a
lamppost to a pole erected away from the building.

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

“(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 during inclement weather. If already raised
prior to inclement weather, the flag shall not be lowered.

“SEC 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.

“SEC. 17. Flag Ceremony in Public Offices and Educational
Institution - All government offices and educational institutions shall
henceforth observe flag raising ceremony every Monday morning and flag
lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony shall be simple and
dignified and shall include the playing and mandatory singing of the Philippine
National Anthem.

“SEC. 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 and mandatory singing of the
National Anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.

“SEC. 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 in military training uniforms
shall give the salute prescribes by their regulations, which salute shall be
completed upon the last note of the anthem.

“The assembly shall sing the Philippine National 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. 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.


“SEC. 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 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 President, the flag shall be
flown at half-mast for ten (10) days;

“() 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

"(e) 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
NHI, the flag shall be flown at half-mast for any period
less than seven (7) days.

“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,

“SEC. 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 handed over to the heirs of the deceased.

“SEC. 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 ay kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos

Maka-tao

Makakalikasan at

Makabansa

“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.

Iniibig ko ang Pilipinas.

Ito ang aking lupang sinitangan.

Ito ang tahanan ng aking lahi.

‘Ako'y kanyang kinupkop 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 ng 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 pledge must,


nonetheless, show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing
at attention

“SEC. 25 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
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); and 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, 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 celebration a
success.

“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 — \n 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:

“)

"()

“(c)

Alll 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;

All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers
offered for purchase for goverment use shall be
evaluated as to design, color and craftsmanship
specifications by the 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 NHI
by the requisitioning office, not by the flag supplier; and
The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITD!) 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 clue, 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
ITDIPTRI by the manufacturer. The laboratory results
shall be submitted by the said office to the NHI.

“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 NHI as reference.


“SEC. 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. 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.

“SEC 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,
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) Touse the flag

a. As drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
b. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
c. Asa drapery in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
All cloth flags should be displayed freely waving in the air,
d. Asa staff or whip;
e. As covering for unveiling of monuments or statues; and
f. As trademarks of for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels
or designs.
"() To display the flag:
a. Under any painting or picture;


b. Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be
allowed to fall freely:
¢. Below any platform; or
d. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos,
gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.
To wear the flag, seal, coat-of-arms as part of a costume or 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;

"e

"() To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings,
advertisements, or imprint on the flag, seal, coat-of-arm or any
representation therefore;

“g

To print, paint or attach representation of the flag, seal, coat-of-arms
on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of
merchandise; and

"(p) To use or display the flag, seal or coat-of-arms, or be part of any
advertisement or infomercial without the approval of the NHI

CHAPTER I
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

“SEC. 34. Title of the National Anthem — The National Anthem is
entitled Lupang Hinirang

“SEC. 35. Language and Lyrics of the National Anthem - The
National Anthem shall always be sun in the national language within or
outside the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem:

“Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan,
Alab ng puso,

Sa dibdib mo'y buhay.


Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa mantulupig,

Di ka pasisil.

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 luwalhat't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
‘Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.

“SEC. 36. Rendition of the National Anthem — The rendition of the
National Anthem 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 metronomes, in 4/4 beat when sung. The NHI, 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. 37. Manner of Singing the National Anthem — When the
National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band or 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 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. 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.


“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 atte

n.

“The National Anthem shall not be played and sung preceding events
of mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purpose except on the
following occasions:

"(a)_ International competitions where the Philippines is the host or
has a representative;

"(b) National or 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 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 of this Act; and

"(e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the NHI

“SEC. 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 therefor, 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 prescribes for the rendition of
the anthem. Failure to observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative
discipline,

“SEC. 39. Obligations of Education Regulation Agencies - The
DepEd, 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 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.

CHAPTER III
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

“SEC. 41. The National Coat-of-Arms — The National Coat-of-Arms
shall have:

“Field of two (2) pieces, blue with an eagle and red with a lion rampart,
a white field studded with three (3) stars equidistant from each other; and, in
point of honor, white oval with the Philippine sun at the center. Beneath shall
be the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS” inscribed thereon.

“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.

“SEC. 43. Where 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

CHAPTER IV
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 NHI for recording and evaluation as to
precedence, design, customs and traditions. The NHI 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 NHI. 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 NHI.

CHAPTER V
PENALTIES

“SEC. 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 NHI 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 (DEPED) and the Commission on
Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the NHI and after the
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. 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 Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP
50, 000.00) nor more than One Hundred Thousand Pesos (PhP 100,000.00)
and by imprisonment for not more than two (2) years. Provided, That in case
the violation is committed by a juridical person, its president or chief executive
officer shall be liable.

“The NHI may prescribe in the implementing rules and regulations of
this Act other acts or omissions which shall be deemed disrespectful, and thus
prohibited, relative to the flag, National Anthem, Great Seal, Coat-of-Arms,
National Motto, and other heraldic items and devices.

“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 his/her presence and can summon all law enforcement officers to
assist him in conducting citizen's arrest. All security personnel and ushers in
movie houses are likewise authorized to arrest violators.

CHAPTER VI
COMMON PROVISIONS

“SEC. 50. Issuance of Rules and Regulations and their
Enforcement — The NHI shall issue the necessary rules and regulations
within ninety (90) days after the approval of this Act. The NHI shall submit its
ules and regulations to the Office of the President and the Congress of the
Philippines.

“The NHI shall 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.”


SECTION 2. 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.

SECTION 3. 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.

SECTION 4. Effectivity — This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the
date of its publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers

of general circulation, whichever comes earlier.

Approved,