, ',", 
Sl'n 
SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
) 
tJ91L;r ~;f 
,-1::"-1~1'1'4"'r~ 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
) 
First Regular Session 
) 
"13 
Jill -4 
II S :14 
" 
-(j-
H 
"~I , 
SENATE 
S.B.No. 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
EXPLANATORY NOTE 
Our Constitution mandates every citizen's obligation to love the country. Nationhood 
requires that its citizens agree on forms of expression that symbolize the respect, patriotism and 
love for this country. 
Every nation articulates itself through these symbols, rites or ceremonies. Our national 
symbols, such as the national flag, the anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and 
devices 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. Thus, the respect accorded the use of these symbols form the base of good citizenship 
and must be reiterated and strengthened. 
The amendment of Republic Act No. 8491, or the law that prescribes the Code of the 
heraldic items and devices in the Philippines, is intended to invigorate love of country and 
underscore the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for our national 
symbols. 
The intended amendment is focused on distilling the law by polishing the conceptual 
outline of the law; amending certain provisions for clarity, and updating the law in the light of 
contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms. 
More importantly, the proposed amendments are necessary and timely in the light of 
practical issues with respect to the singing of the national anthem and the proper display of the 
flag that have arisen since its implementation in 1998. 
For these reasons, the passage of the bill is earnestly requested. 
- ~-
FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
\. , 


SIXTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session 
) 
) 
) 
SENATE 
SBNo 
43H 
.. '---
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
AN ACT 
i3 
JUt. -4 i\8 :14 
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: 
1 
SECTION 1. Sections 2 to 54 of Republic Act No. 8491 are hereby amended as follows: 
2 
3 
"SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy - IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THE 
4 
POLICY OF THE STATE THAT [RjReverence and respect shall at all times 
5 
be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols which embody the 
6 
national ideals and traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and 
7 
national solidarity. The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the 
8 
national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride 
9 
in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, 
10 
and the proper use of the national'motto, coat-of-anus and other heraldic items 
11 
and devices. 
12 
13 
"SEC. 3. Definition of Terms - Whenever used in this Act, the tenn: 
14 
15 
"[(a) "Military" shall mean all branches of the Anned Forces of the 
16 
Philippines including the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail 
17 
Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection] 
18 
19 
"(A) 'ADVERTISEMENT OR INFOMERCIAL' SHALL MEAN 
20 
ADVERTISEMENT OR ANY INFORMATION MATERIAL IN PRINT, 
21 
RADIO, TELEVISION, CINEMA, VIDEO AND THE LIKE, OUTDOOR 
22 
AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA, SEEKING TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUALS, 
1 


1 
ENTITIES, 
PRODUCTS 
OR 
SERVICES 
FOR 
COMMERCIAL, 
2 
POLITICAL PURPOSES OR INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS; 
3 
4 
"(B) 'DISPLAY' SHALL REFER TO THE MANNER IN WHICH 
5 
THE FLAG IS PUBLICLY PRESENTED AND VENERATED. 
6 
"[(b)](C) 'Festoon' shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two 
7 
points as a decoration, CURTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.; 
8 
9 
"[(c )(D) 'Flag' shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated 
10 
otherwise; 
11 
12 
"[(d)] (E) 'Fly' shall mean the part ofthe flag outside the hoist or length; 
13 
14 
"[(e) 'Symbol' shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man's 
15 
achievement and heroism (for orders and decorations), identification, authority 
16 
and a sign of dignity (for coat-of-arms, logo and insignias)] 
17 
18 
"(F) 
'GOVERNMENT 
ENTITIES' 
SHALL 
MEAN 
ALL 
19 
BRANCHES OF 
THE GOVERNMENT, THEIR BUREAUS AND 
20 
21 
ATTACHED AGENCIES, CONSTITUTIONAL 
OFFICES, 
GOVERNMENT 
OFFICES, 
GOVERNMENT-OWNED 
LOCAL 
AND/OR 
22 
CONTROLLED 
CORPORATIONS, 
GOVERNMENT 
FINANCIAL 
23 
INSTITUTIONS, EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND THE ARMED 
24 
FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES INCLUDING ITS BASIC COMPONENT 
25 
UNITS; 
26 
27 
"[(t)](G) 'Half-Mast' shall mean lowering the flag to one-halfthe distance 
28 
between the top and bottom of the staff. IF THE FLAG IS DISPLAYED IN A 
29 
HANGING POSITION OR USED IN A PARADE AS A SIGN OF 
30 
MOURNING, 
HALF-MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING A BLACK 
31 
RIBBON ON THE BLUE FIELD HOIST SIDE; 
32 
33 
"(H) 'HALYARD' SHALL MEAN THE LONG ROPE WHERE 
34 
THE FLAG FASTENS AND WHICH RUNS UP THE LENGTH OF THE 
35 
FLAGPOLE; 
36 
37 
"(I) 'HANGING POSITION' SHALL MEAN THE WHITE FIELD 
38 
SHALL BE ON TOP, THE BLUE FIELD SHALL BE TO THE RIGHT 
39 
(LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF PEACE; THE WHITE FIELD 
40 
SHALL BE ON TOP, AND THE RED FIELD TO THE RIGHT (LEFT OF 
41 
THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF WAR; 
2 


I 
2 
"(J) 'HERALDIC ITEMS/HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES' 
3 
SHALL 
MEAN 
COAT-OF-ARMS, 
SEALS, 
LOGOS, 
INSIGNIAS, 
4 
BADGES, FLASHES, PATCHES, ORDERS AND DECORATIONS, 
5 
MEDALS, STARS, CITATIONS, LAPEL PINS, TROPHIES, DRY, WAX 
6 
OR WET SEALS, AND IMPRINTS ON LETTERHEADS, ENVELOPES 
7 
AND CARDS; 
8 
9 
"[(g»)(K) 'Hoist' shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the 
10 
canvass to which the halyard is attached; 
11 
12 
"[(h»)(L) 'Inclement Weather' shall mean [that a typhoon signal is raised 
13 
in the locality] A WEATHER CONDITION SUCH AS RAIN OR STRONG 
14 
WIND THAT WILL BE UNFAVORABLE FOR THE RAISING OF THE 
15 
FLAG SINCE IT WILL LESSEN THE DIGNITY THAT SHOULD BE 
16 
ACCORDED TO THE FLAG; 
17 
18 
"[(i)](M) 'National Anthem' shall mean the Philippine National Anthem, 
19 
ENTITLED "LUPANG HINIRANG"; 
20 
21 
(N) 'NHCP' SHALL MEAN THE NATIONAL HISTORICAL 
22 
COMMISSION OF THE PHILIPPINES; 
23 
24 
"[0»)(0) 'Official Residences' shall mean Ma1acafiang, and other 
25 
government-owned 
structures where the President resides, [and other structures 
26 
occupied by] the Philippine ConsulateS or Embassies abroad, AND OTHER 
27 
STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY NATIONAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC 
28 
OFFICIALS; 
29 
30 
"[(k)](P) 'Places of Frivolity' shall mean places of hilarity marked by or 
31 
providing boisterous merriment or recreation; [and] 
32 
33 
"[(I) 'Institute' shall mean the National Historical Institute.]; 
34 
35 
"(Q) 
'PHILIPPINE 
SUN' 
SHALL 
MEAN 
THE 
GOLDEN 
36 
SUNBURST WITH EIGHT EQUALLY SPACED RAYS DISPLAYED IN 
37 
THE FLAG. EACH RAY HAVING ONE MAJOR BEAM, TWICE AS 
38 
BROAD AS THE TWO MINOR BEAMS ON EITHER SIDE; 
39 
40 
"(R) 'SYMBOL' SHALL MEAN ANY CONVENTIONAL SIGN 
41 
WHICH REVEALS MAN'S ACHIEVEMENT AND HEROISM USUALLY 
3 


----- ,
I 
2 
SHOWN OR DISPLAYED IN MEDALS, CITATIONS, ORDERS, 
AND DECORATIONS OR IDENTIFICATION OR AUTHORITY SUCH 
3 
AS COAT-
OF-ARMS, LOGOS AND INSIGNIAS; 
4 
5 
"(S) 'UNIFORMED SERVICE' SHALL MEAN ALL BRANCHES 
6 
OF THE ARMED FORCES OF THE PHILIPPINES, THOSE OF THE 
7 
PHILIPPINE NATIONAL POLICE, BUREAU OF JAIL MANAGEMENT 
8 
AND PENOLOGY, BUREAU OF FIRE PROTECTION, BUREAU 
9 
OF IMMIGRATION, BUREAU OF CUSTOMS, 
PHILIPPINE 
10 
COAST GUARD, AND OF OTHER AGENCIES USING RANK INSIGNIA; 
11 
12 
"(T) 'VEXILLARY ITEMS' SHALL MEAN NATIONAL, LOCAL, 
13 
HOUSE 
FLAGS, 
OR 
ADMINISTRATIVE, 
INSTITUTIONAL, 
14 
CORPORATE, AND OTHER ORGANIZATIONAL BANNERS; AND 
15 
16 
"(U) 
'100 TO 120 
METRONOME' 
SHALL 
MEAN 
THE 
17 
REGULATED AURAL, VISUAL OR TACTILE PULSE TO ESTABLISH 
18 
A STEADY TEMPO IN THE RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL 
19 
ANTHEM." 
20 
21 
CHAPTER I 
22 
THE NATIONAL FLAG 
23 
[A. Design of the National Flag] 
24 
25 
"SEC. 4. DESIGN OF THE NATIONAL FLAG - The flag of the 
26 
Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun 
27 
and three five- pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people." 
28 
29 
[B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag] 
30 
31 
"SEC. 5. HOISTING AND DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG. -
32 
The 
flag shall be HOISTED OR displayed in all public buildings, official 
33 
residences, 
public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday throughout the 
34 
year." 
35 
36 
"SEC. 
6. 
WHERE 
FLAG 
SHOULD 
BE PERMANENTLY 
37 
DISPLAYED - The flag shall be pennanently hoisted, day and night throughout 
38 
the year, in front of the following: [at] (A) Malacafiang Palace; [the] (B) 
39 
SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES BUILDING; [Congress of the Philippines] 
4 


I 
(C) HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES building; (D) Supreme Court building; 
2 
[the] (E) Rizal Monument in Luneta, CITY OF Manila; (F) Aguinaldo Shrine in 
3 
Kawit, Cavite; (G) Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; [the] (H) Tomb of the 
4 
Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani IN TAGUIG CITY, METRO 
5 
MANILA; (I) ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE VETERANS OF 
6 
THE MILITARY; (J) Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolucion IN THE 
7 
NORTH CEMETERY, CITY OF MANILA; (K) 
MARCELA 
8 
AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN TAAL, BATANGAS; (L) 
9 
PINAGLABANAN HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN SAN 
JUAN CITY, 
10 
METRO MANILA; (M) all International Ports of Entry and (N) all 
other 
II 
places as may be SUBSEQUENTLY designated AND MARKED by the 
12 
[Institute] NHCP. 
13 
14 
"The flag, ON THE ABOVE-STATED PLACES, shall be properly 
15 
illuminated at night." 
16 
"SEC. 7. DISPLAY OF FLAG IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND 
17 
OFFICES. 
-
The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and 
18 
residences or raised [in the 
open on flag-staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of 
19 
said buildings [every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 
20 
(National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August 
21 
(National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal 
22 
Day); and December 30 (Rizal Day); on such other days as may be declared by 
23 
the President and/or the local chief executives] DURING FLAG DAYS, AS 
24 
PROVIDED IN SEC. 25 OF THIS ACT. 
25 
26 
"The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings 
27 
or offices or raised [in the open on flag-staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of 
28 
private buildings: Provided, That [they] THE OCCUPANTS OF THE SAID 
29 
BUILDING SHALL observe flag-raising ceremonies in accordance with the 
30 
IMPLEMENTING rules and regulations (IRR) to be issued by the [Office ofthe 
31 
President] NHCP." 
32 
33 
[SEC. 8. All government agencies and instrumentalities, and local 
34 
government 
offices, 
government-owned 
corporations 
and 
local 
35 
government units are enjoined to observe flag day with appropriate ceremonies. 
36 
Socio-civic groups, n01\-
government organizations and the private sector are 
37 
exhorted to cooperate in making 
the celebrations a success.] 
38 
5 


1 
"SEC. [9] 8. DISPLAY OF FLAG ON SEAFARlNGVESSELS. - The 
2 
flag shall be flown on [merchant ships] ALL SEAFARING VESSELS of 
3 
Philippine registry [of more than one thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval 
4 
vessels]. 
5 
6 
"On board [naval] SEAFARING vessels, the flag shall be displayed on 
7 
the 
flagstaff at the stern when the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted 
8 
to the gaff at the aftermast when the ship is at sea. 
9 
10 
"SEC. [l0] 9. THE BLUE, RED AND WHITE FIELDS OF THE 
11 
FLAG - The flag, if [flown from a flagpole] HOISTED shall have its blue field 
12 
on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging 
13 
position, THE WHITE FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, the blue field shall be to 
14 
the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the WHITE FIELD SHALL 
15 
BE ON TOP, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war." 
16 
17 
[The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.] 
18 
19 
"SEC. [11]10. FLAGPOLE IN THE OPEN FIELD. - If planted on the 
20 
ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of such 
21 
height as would give the flag the commanding position in relation to the buildings 
22 
in the vicinity. 
THE FLAGPOLE STAFF MUST BE STRAIGHT AND 
23 
SLIGHTLY TAPERING AT THE TOP. 
24 
25 
"If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or 
26 
anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward. 
27. 
28 
"If on stage or platform or govenunent office, the flag shall be at the left 
29 
OF THE OBSERVER (facing the stage) or left of the office upon entering. 
30 
31 
"SEC. [12]11. THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WHEN FLOWN WITH 
32 
ANOTHER FLAG. - When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the 
33 
flags, if both are national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same 
34 
height and shall be of equal size. The Philippine flag shall be TO THE LEFT 
35 
OF THE OBSERVER AND hoisted first and lowered last. 
36 
37 
"If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown DURING 
38 
SPECIAL OCCASIONS in the same [Iineyard] HALYARD as the Philippine 
39 
flag but below the latter and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag. 
40 
6 


--- -----------
1 
"SEC. [13] 12. THE PHILIPPINE FLAG WHEN DISPLAYED WITH 
2 
ANOTHER FLAG. - When displayed with another flag, the Philippine 
3 
flag shall be on the right of the other flag (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER). If 
4 
there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall be [in the middle of the line] 
5 
AT THE LEFTMOST OF THE OBSERVER. 
6 
7 
"When carried in a parade with flags which are not national flags, the 
8 
Philippine flag shall be in front of the center of the line. 
9 
10 
"ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL FOR THE DISPLAY OF THE 
11 
PHILIPPINE FLAG SHALL BE CONTAINED IN THE IRR TO BE 
12 
ISSUED 
BY 
THE 
NHCP 
PURSUANT 
TO 
THE 
COMMON 
13 
PROVISIONS STATED IN THIS ACT." 
14 
15 
"SEC. [14] 13. PROPER USE, DISPOSAL AND REPLACEMENT OF 
16 
17 
WORN 
OUT FLAG. 
IMMEDIATELY 
BY 
-
THE 
FLAG 
SHALL 
BE 
REPLACED 
THE 
. CONCERNED 
AGENCY/ 
18 
INSTITUTION/OFFICE WHEN IT BEGINS TO SHOW SIGNS OF WEAR 
19 
AND TEAR. 
20 
21 
[A] THE flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It 
22 
shall be TURNED OVER TO THE APPROPRIATE BOY SCOUTS OR 
23 
GIRL SCOUTS LOCAL COUNCIL COMMITTEE FOUND IN THE 
24 
NEAREST SCHOOL WHO SHALL CONDUCT PROPER DISPOSAL 
25 
RITES ON THE WORN OUT FLAG/S [solemnly burned) to avoid misuse or 
26 
desecration. [The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to show signs 
27 
of wear and tear.] 
28 
29 
"THE MANNER OF DISPOSAL OF THE WORN OUT FLAG 
30 
SHALL BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES TO BE ISSUED BY 
31 
THE NHCP." 
32 
33 
"FLAGS WHICH ARE OF HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE, 
34 
WHETHER LOCAL OR NATIONAL, SHALL BE PRESERVED OR 
35 
KEPT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES ON CONSERVATION 
36 
AND PRESERVATION OF THE NHCP." 
37 
38 
"SEC. [IS] 14. APPROPRIATE TIME FOR FLAG RAISING AND 
39 
LOWERING. - The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall 
7 


1 
be on the mast at the start of official office hours, AND shall remain flying 
2 
throughout the day. 
3 
4 
"SEC. [l6j 15. MANNER OF DISPLAYING THE FLAG. - The flag 
5 
may be displayed: 
6 
"(a) Inside or outside a building or on stationary OR MOVABLE 
7 
flagpoles. If the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall be placed at the 
8 
left ofthe observer as one enters the room; 
9 
10 
"(b) From the top of the flagpole, which shaH be at a prominent place or a 
11 
commanding position in relation to the surrounding buildings; 
12 
13 
"(c) From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, 
14 
balcony or fayade of a building; 
15 
16 
"(d) In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building OR 
17 
LAMPOST to A pole erected away from the building; 
18 
19 
"(e) Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; and 
20 
21 
"(f) Hanging in a vertical position across a street, with the blue field 
22 
pointing east, if the road is heading south or north, or pointing north if the road is 
23 
heading east or west. 
24 
25 
"The flag shall not be raised [when the weather is inclement] DURING 
26 
INCLEMENT WEATHER. If already raised PRIOR TO INCLEMENT 
27 
WEATHER, the flag shall not be lowered." 
28 
29 
"SEC. [17]16. MANNER OF HOISTING THE FLAG. - The flag shall 
30 
be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously. 
31 
32 
"The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, 
33 
water or other objects. 
34 
35 
"After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as 
36 
part of the ceremony." 
37 
38 
[e. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony] 
39 
8 


I 
"SEC. [18] 17. FLAG CEREMONY IN PUBLIC OFFICES AND 
2 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS. - All government offices and educational 
3 
institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday 
4 
morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony 
5 
shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing [or] AND 
6 
MANDATORY singing of the Philippine National Anthem." 
7 
8 
[SEC. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the 
9 
Institute shall issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of flag 
10 
ceremony.] 
11 
12 
"SEC. [20] 18. DIGNITY IN THE OBSERVANCE OF FLAG 
13 
CEREMONY. -
The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic 
14 
gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing [or] AND 
15 
MANDATORY singing ofthe NATIONAL anthem in its original Filipino lyrics 
16 
and march tempo." 
17 
18 
"SEC. [21]19. FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY. - During the flag-raising 
19 
ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation facing the flag. PROPER 
20 
ANNOUNCEMENT SHALL BE MADE PRIOR TO THE SINGING OF 
21 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. At the moment the first note of the anthem is 
22 
heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall 
23 
stop. All persons present shall place their right palms over their chests, those with 
24 
hats shall uncover, while those in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens 
25 
in military training uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations, 
26 
which salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem. 
27 
28 
"The assembly shall sing the Philippine [n]National [a) Anthem, 
29 
accompanied by a band, if available, and at the first note, the flag shall be raised 
30 
briskly. 
31 
32 
"The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review 
33 
or in parade." 
34 
35 
"SEC. (22) 20. FLAG-LOWERING CEREMONY. - During the flag 
36 
lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the flag shall be 
37 
down the mast at the sound of the last note of the NATIONAL anthem. Those in 
9 


I 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
the assembly shaH observe the same deportment or shaH observe the same 
behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony." 
[D. Half Mast] 
"SEC. [23]21. FLAG IN HALF-MAST. - The flag shaH be flown at half-
mast as a sign of mourning on aH 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 
foHowing officials: 
12 
"(a) The President or a former President, THE FLAG SHALL BE 
13 
FLOWN AT HALF-MAST for ten (10) days; 
14 
15 
"(b) The Vice-President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, and 
16 
the Speaker of the House of Representatives, THE FLAG SHALL BE FLOWN 
17 
AT HALF-MAST for seven (7) days; and 
18 
19 
"(c) [Other persons to be determined by the Institute,] THE 
20 
INCUMBENT MEMBERS OF THE SUPREME COURT, THE CABINET, 
21 
THE SENATE OR THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, AND SUCH 
22 
OTHER PERSONS AS MAY BE DETERMINED BY THE NHCP, THE 
23 
FLAG SHALL BE FLOWN AT HALF-MAST for any period less than seven 
24 
(7) days; 
25 
26 
["The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places 
27 
where the decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of 
28 
interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate 
29 
or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by 
30 
the Institute.] 
31 
32 
"The flag when flown at half-mast shaH be first hoisted to the peak for a 
33 
moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shaH again be raised 
34 
briskly to the peak before it is lowered for the day." 
35 
36 
37 
[E. Casket] 
38 
39 
"SEC. [24]22. FLAG OVER THE CASKET. - The flag may be used to 
40 
cover the caskets of the honored dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, 
10 


national artists, and of civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the 
2 
nation, as maybe determined by the local government unit concerned. ill such 
3 
cases, the flag shall be placed such that the white triangle shall be at the head and 
4 
the blue portion shall cover the right side of the caskets [.]; PROVIDED, 
5 
THAT IN AN OPEN CASKET, TO VIEW THE CORPSE, THE 
6 
NATIONAL FLAG SHALL BE FOLDED AND PLACED OVER IT. The 
7 
flag shall not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground, but shall be 
8 
folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs ofthe deceased." 
9 
10 
[F. Pledge to the Flag] 
11 
12 
"SEC. [25]23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE. - The following shall be 
13 
the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag: 
14 
15 
"Ako ay Pilipino 
16 
Buong katapatang nanunumpa 
17 
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas 
18 
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag 
19 
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan 
20 
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang 
21 
Maka-Diyos 
22 
Maka-tao 
23 
Makakalikasan at 
24 
Makabansa 
25 
26 
"[Such pledge] THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE 
27 
PHILIPPINE FLAG shall be recited while standing with the right hand with 
28 
palm open raised shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs 
29 
prohibit them from making such pledge must, nonetheless, show full respect 
30 
when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention." 
31 
32 
"SEC. 24. OATH OF PATRIOTISM. - THE FOLLOWING SHALL 
33 
BE THE OATH OF PATRIOTISM TO tHE PHILIPPINES WHICH 
34 
SHALL BE RECITED BY STUDENTS IN ALL LEVELS IN ADDITION 
35 
TO THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE PHILIPPINE FLAG: 
36 
37 
INIIBIG KO ANG PILIPINAS. 
38 
39 
ITO ANG AKING LUPANG SINILANGAN. 
40 
ITO ANG TAHANAN NG AKING LAHI. 
11 


I 
AKO'Y KANYANG KINUKUPKOP AT TlNUTULUNGAN 
2 
UPANG MAGING MALAKAS, MALIGAYA, AT 
3 
KAPAKIPAKINABANG. 
4 
BlLANG GANTI, DIRINGGIN KO ANG PAYO NG AKING MGA 
5 
MAGULANG. 
6 
SUSUNDIN KO ANG MGA TUNTUNIN NG AKING PAARALAN. 
7 
TUTUPARIN KO ANG MGA TUNGKULIN NG ISANG 
8 
MAMAMAYANG MAKABAYAN AT MASUNURIN SA BATAS. 
9 
PAGLILINGKURANKOANGAKINGBAYAN 
10 
NANGWALANGPAG-IIMBOT 
II 
AT NANG BUONGKATAPATAN. 
12 
SISIKAPIN KONG MAGING ISANG TUNAY NA PILIPINO, 
13 
SA ISIP, SA SALITA, AT SA GAWA. 
14 
15 
THE OATH OF PATRIOTISM SHALL BE RECITED WHILE 
16 
STANDING WITH THE RIGHT HAND WITH THE PALM OPEN 
17 
RAISED SHOULDER HIGH. IT SHALL BE RECITED IN ALL BASIC 
18 
EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS AFTER THE SINGING OF THE 
19 
NATIONAL ANTHEM. INDIVIDUALS WHOSE FAITH OR RELIGIOUS 
20 
BELIEFS PROHIBIT THEM FROM MAKING SUCH OATH MUST, 
21 
NONETHELESS, SHOW FULL RESPECT WHEN THE OATH IS BEING 
22 
RENDERED BY STANDING AT ATTENTION." 
23 
24 
[G. Flag Days] 
25 
26 
"SEC. [26] 25. FLAG DAYS. - The period from May 28 (NATIONAL 
27 
FLAG DAY) to June 12 (INDEPENDENCE DAY) of each year is declared as 
28 
Flag Days, during which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of 
29 
government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes 
30 
are [enjoined] OBLIGATED to display the flag: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, 
31 
THAT THE FLAG SHALL BE DISPLAYED IN PRIVATE BUILDINGS 
32 
AND RESIDENCES OR RAISED ON FLAGPOLES IN FRONT OF SAID 
33 
BUILDINGS EVERY APRIL 9 (ARAW NG KAGITINGAN); MAY 1 
34 
(LABOR DAy); MAY 28 (NATIONAL FLAG DAY) TO JUNE 12 
35 
(INDEPENDENCE DAY); LAST SUNDAY OF AUGUST (NATIONAL 
36 
HEROES DAy); NOVEMBER 30 (BONIFACIO DAy); AND DECEMBER 
37 
30 (RIZAL DAY); AND ON SUCH OTHER DAYS AS MAY BE 
12 


1 
DECLARED 
BY 
THE 
PRESIDENT 
AND/OR 
LOCAL 
CHIEF 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
7 
8 
9 
10 
11 
12 
13 
14 
15 
16 
17 
18 
19 
20 
21 
22 
23 
24 
25 
26 
27 
28 
29 
30 
31 
32 
33 
34 
35 
36 
37 
38 
39 
40 
EXECUTIVES." 
"SEC. 26. OBSERVANCE OF FLAG DAYS. - ALL GOVERNMENT 
AGENCIES AND INSTRUMENTALITIES, AND 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, 
NON-GOVERNMENT 
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 REQUISI1'ION. - 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 bfthe Philippine National Flag must 
be based on strict compliance with the design, color, craftsmanship and material 
requirements ofthe [G] Government; 
"(b) All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for 
purchase for government use shall be evaluated as to design, color and 
craftsmanship specifications by the [Institute] 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 
[Institute] NHCP by the requisitioning office, not by the flag supplier; and 
13 


1 
"(c) The Industrial Technology Development Institute (lTD!) or the 
2 
Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and 
3 
Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality of material of all flag samples and 
4 
certify whether the fabric for the blue, white, red and golden-yellow colors, 
5 
including the canvass submitted, conform to government requirements as to 
6 
quality of the material. The samples shall be sent annually to the ITDIIPTRI by 
7 
the manufacturer. The laboratory test results shall be submitted by the said office 
8 
to the [Institute) NHCP." 
9 
10 
"SEC. 30. FLAG PURCHASE INSPECTION. - All deliveries of the 
11 
flags requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the requisitioning 
12 
agency's internal inspector and by the Commission on Audit (COA) using the 
13 
flag stamped approved by the [Institute 1 NHCP as reference." 
14 
15 
"[SEC. 31.) In carrying out [its) THE ABOVE responsibilities [under 
16 
Section 4 hereof,) the [Institute) NHCP, COA, AND the ITDIIPTRI shall prepare 
17 
guidelines to be approved by [the Office of the President) ALL THE PARTIES 
18 
CONCERNED." 
19 
20 
21 
All 
"SEC. [32)31. STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS. -
government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the 
22 
requirements under 
this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and 
23 
delivery of the national flag are strictly complied with." 
24 
25 
"SEC. [33)32. FLAG REQUISITION BUDGET. - All departments, 
26 
agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the government, government-owned or 
27 
controlled 
corporations, local government units, including barangays, shall 
28 
include in their annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the 
29 
national flag. 
30 
31 
FURTHERMORE, ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS ARE 
32 
DIRECTED TO ALLOCATE APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR A FLAG CODE 
33 
PUBLIC AWARENESS PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE PROPER 
34 
IMPLEMENT A TION OF THE PROVISIONS OF THE FLAG CODE." 
35 
36 
[I. Prohibited Acts) 
37 
38 
"SEC. [34)33. PROHIBITED ACTS. - It shall be prohibited: 
39 
14 


1 
"(a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit 
2 
any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag [or over its 
3 
surface], 
ANTHEM, SEAL, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS, AND OTHER 
4 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES; 
5 
6 
"(b) To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or 
7 
salute; 
8 
9 
"(c) To use the flag: 
10 
"(1). As [a] drapery, festoon, tablecloth; 
11 
"(2) As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; 
12 
"(3) As [a pennant] DRAPERY in the hood, side, back and top of 
13 
motor vehicles; ALL CLOTH FLAGS SHOULD BE DISPLAYED 
14 
FREELY WAVING IN THE AIR; 
15 
"(4) As a staff or whip; 
16 
"(5) AS COVERING (F) For unveiling OF monuments or statues; 
17 
and 
18 
"(6) As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural1abels 
19 
or designs. 
20 
"(d) To display the flag: 
21 
"(1) Under any painting or picture; 
22 
"(2) Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be 
23 
allowed to fall freely; 
24 
"(3) Below any platfonn; or 
25 
"(4) In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling 
26 
joints an places of vice or where frivolity prevails. 
27 
"(e) To wear the Flag, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS [in whole or in part] as 
28 
PART OF a costume or [unifonn] AS A FASHION ACCESSORY OR 
29 
MERELY AS A DESIGN ELEMENT: PROVIDED, THAT THE FLAG, 
30 
SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, MAY BE INCORPORATED AS PART OF THE 
31 
UNIFORM OF FILIPINOS REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINES IN 
32 
INTERNATIONAL 
SPORTS, 
CULTURAL 
OR 
SCIENTIFIC 
33 
COMPETITIONS OR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS WITH THE APPROVAL 
34 
OF THE NHCP; 
35 
"(f) To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, 
36 
advertisements, or imprint [of any nature] on the flag[;], SEAL, COAT-OF-
37 
ARMS OR ANY REPRESENTATION THEREFORE; 
IS 


I 
"(g) To print, paint or attach a representation of the flag, SEAL, COAT-
2 
OF-ARMS on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of 
3 
merchandise; AND 
4 
[h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other 
5 
diplomatic establishments, and non offices of international organizations,] 
6 
"[i] (H). To use [,] OR display THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT OF ARMS, 
7 
or be patt of any advertisement or infomercial [;] WITHOUT THE 
8 
APPROVAL OF THE NHCP [and]." 
9 
[j. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.] 
10 
II 
CHAPTER II 
12 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 
13 
14 
"SEC. [35134. TITLE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The National 
IS 
Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang." 
16 
17 
"SEC. [36]35. LANGUAGE AND LYRICS OF THE NATIONAL 
18 
ANTHEM - The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language 
19 
within or [without] OUTSIDE the country. The following shall be the lyrics of 
20 
the National Anthem: 
21 
"Bayang magiliw, 
22 
Perlas ng Silanganan, 
23 
Alab ng puso, 
24 
Sa dibdib mo y buhay. 
25 
Lupang hinirang, 
26 
Duyan ka ng magiting, 
27 
Sa manluiupig, 
28 
Di ka pasisiil. 
29 
Sa dagat at bundok, 
30 
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, 
31 
May dilag ang tula, 
32 
At awit sa paglayang minamahal. 
33 
Ang kislap ng watawat mo:y 
34 
Tagumpay na nagniningning, 
35 
Ang bituin at araw niya. 
36 
Kailan pa rna y di magdidilim{,j. 
37 
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati 't pagsinta, 
38 
Buhayay langit sa piling mo, 
39 
Aming /igaya na pag may mang-aapi , 
16 


1 
2 
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo. 
3 
"SEC. [37]36. RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The 
4 
rendition of the National Anthem [,whether played or sung shall be in accordance 
5 
with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe,] SHALL BE IN 
6 
ACCORDANCE 
WITH 
THE 
MUSICAL 
ARRANGEMENT 
AND 
7 
COMPOSITION OF JULIAN FELIPE, IN 2/4 BEAT WHEN PLAYED; 
8 
AND WITHIN THE RANGE OF 100 TO 120 METRONOME, IN 4/4 BEAT 
9 
WHEN SUNG. THE NHCP IN COORDINATION WITH THE PROPER 
10 
GOVERNMENT AGENCY, SHALL DISSEMINATE AN OFFICIAL 
11 
MUSIC SCORE SHEET THAT REFLECTS THE MANNER IN WHICH 
12 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM SHOULD BE PLAYED OR SUNG." 
13 
14 
"SEC. [38]37. MANNER OF SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM -
15 
When the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band [or 
16 
by singing or both,] or [reproduced by any means,] THROUGH THE 
17 
PLAYING OF A RECORDING IN ANY FORMAT, the attending public shall 
18 
sing the NATIONAL anthem. The singing SHALL BE MANDATORY AND 
19 
must be done with fervor. 
20 
21 
"As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the 
22 
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the 
23 
band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by 
24 
placing the right palms over their left chests. [Those in military, scouting, 
25 
citizen's] THE MILITARY AND THOSE in military training and security 
26 
guard uniform shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute 
27 
shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem. 
28 
29 
"INDIVIDUALS WHOSE FAITH OR RELIGIOUS BELIEFS 
30 
PROHIBIT THEM FROM SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM MUST, 
31 
NONETHELESS, SHOW FULL RESPECT WHEN THE NATIONAL 
32 
ANTHEM IS BEING SUNG OR PLAYED ON RECORD BY STANDING 
33 
AT ATTENTION. 
34 
35 
"The NATIONAL anthem shall not be played and sung [for] 
36 
PRECEDING EVENTS OF mere recreation, amusement or entertainment 
37 
purposes except on the following occasions: 
38 
17 


"(a) International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a 
2 
representative; 
3 
4 
"(b) NATIONAL OR [L] Local SPORTS competitions; 
5 
6 
"(c) During the "signing off' and "signing on" of radio broaqcasting and 
7 
television stations; 
8 
9 
"(d) Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening of 
10 
theater 
perfonnances; 
PROVIDED, 
THAT 
THE 
OWNERS 
AND 
11 
MANAGEMENT OF THE ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL BE MANDATED 
12 
TO 
ENFORCE 
PROPER 
DECORUM 
AND 
IMPLEMENT 
THE 
13 
PERTINENT PROVISIONS OFTHIS ACT; and 
14 
15 
"(e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the [Institute] NHCP." 
16 
17 
"SEC. [39]38. STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH RULES FOR THE 
18 
RENDITION OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM. - All officials and. employees of 
19 
the national and local governmentS, and any agency or instrumentality thereof, 
20 
including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities 
21 
or offices displaying the national flag and government institutions oflearning are 
22 
hereby directed to comply strictly with the TIlles prescribed for the rendition of 
23 . 
the anthem. Failure to observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative 
24 
discipline." 
25 
26 
"SEC. 
39. 
OBLIGATIONS OF EDUCATION REGULATION 
27 
AGENCIES. - THE DEPED, CHED AND TESDA SHALL ENSURE THAT 
28 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, AS ADOPTED BY LAW, SHALL BE 
29 
COMMITTED TO MEMORY BY ALL STUDENTS OF BOTH PUBLIC 
30 
AND PRIVATE EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS, AND PERFORMED 
31 
DURING THE FLAG CEREMONY CONDUCTED IN ACCORDANCE 
32 
WITH THE RULES AND REGULATIONS ISSUED BY THE NHCP. IN 
33 
ADDITION, THEY SHALL MAKE AVAILABLE THE VOCAL, PIANO 
34 
OR BAND SCORES OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM, AS ADOPTED BY 
35 
LAW, TO ALL PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOLS, AS WELL AS THE 
36 
GENERAL PUBLIC. 
37 
38 
CHAPTER III 
39 
THE NATIONAL MOTTO, THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS 
18 


I 
AND THE GREAT SEAL 
2 
3 
"SEC. 40. THE NATIONAL MOTTO. - The National Motto shal1 be 
4 
"MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA" 
5 
6 
"SEC. 41. THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS. - The National Coat-of-
7 
Arms shall have: 
8 
9 
"[Paleways] FIELD of two (2) pieces, [azure and gules; a chief argent] 
10 
BLUE WITH AN EAGLE AND RED WITH A LION RAMPART, A 
II 
WHITE FIELD studded with three (3) [mul1ets] STARS equidistant from each 
12 
other; and, in point of honor, [ovoid argent overal1 the sun rayonnant with eight 
13 
minor and lesser rays] WHITE OVAL WITH THE PHILIPPINE SUN AT 
14 
THE CENTER. Beneath shal1 be the scroll with the words 'REPUBLIKA NG 
15 
PILIPINAS,' inscribed thereon." 
16 
17 
[CHAPTER V] 
18 
[THE GREAT SEAL] 
19 
20 
"SEC. 42. THE GREAT SEAL. - The Great Seal shall be circular in 
21 
form, with the arms as described in the preceding section, but without the scrol1 
22 
and the inscription thereon. 
23 
24 
"Surrounding the whole shal1 be a double marginal circle within which 
25 
shall appear the words 'Republika ng Pilipinas.' For the purpose of placing The 
26 
Great Seal, the color of the anns shall not be deemed essential but tincture 
27 
representation must be used." 
28 
29 
[The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto.] 
30 
31 
"SEC. 43. WHERE TO AFFIX THE GREAT SEAL. - The Great Seal 
32 
shall be affixed to or placed upon all commission signed by the President and 
33 
upon such other official documents and papers of the Republic of the Philippines 
34 
as may be provided by law, or as may be required by custom and usage. The 
35 
President shall have custody of the Great Seal." 
36 
37 
CHAPTER [VI] IV 
38 
[OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER] 
39 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
40 
19 


I 
"SEC. 44. ADOPTION OF HERALDIC AND SIMILAR DEVICES. -
2 
Any government entity, including the military, may adopt appropriate 
3 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES SUCH AS MEDALS, coat-of-arms, 
4 
administrative seals, logo, insignia, badges, patches, and banners; and initiate 
5 
awards, citations, orders or decorations; as may be, authorized by Congress or the 
6 
Office of the President." 
7 
8 
"SEC. 45. REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS. - Such heraldic devices 
9 
and items shall be filed with the [Institute] NHCP for recording and evaluation as 
10 
to precedence, design, customs and traditions. The [Institute] NHCP shall 
11 
promulgate the corresponding rules and regulations which shall be submitted for 
12 
approval to the Office of the President or to Congress." 
13 
14 
"SEC. 46. PURCHASE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
15 
FROM ACCREDITED SOURCES. - All government offices including the 
16 
military are hereby ordered to purchase all heraldic items and devices from 
17 
manufacturers accredited and authorized by the [Institute] NHCP. Such items and 
18 
devices shall be subject to inspection by the purchasing agency's internal 
19 
inspector and the COA representative using the design and specifications 
20 
approved by the Office of the President or by the Congress, through the [Institute I 
21 
NHCP. 
22 
23 
[SEC. 47. No government official or employee shall accept any orders or 
24 
decorations from any foreign government without the consent of Congress, and 
25 
without prior evaluation and documentation of such order or decoration by the 
26 ' 
Institute.] 
27 
28 
CHAPTER [VII] V 
29 
PENALTIES 
30 
31 
"SEC. [48]47. PUBLIC CENSURE/CANCELLATION OF PERMIT.-
32 
Failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the 
33 
corresponding rules and regulations issued by the [Office of the President,] 
34 
NHCP shall after proper notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure 
35 
which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation." 
36 
37 
38 
"The Department of Education [Culture and Sports] (DepEd) and the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the 
20 


[Institute] NHI and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the 
2 
cancellation of the recognition or pennit of any private educational institution 
3 
which fails or refuses to observe the provisions of this Act for the second time." 
4 
5 
["SEC. 49 - The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) 
6 
and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) shall ensure that the National 
7 
Anthem, as adopted by law, shall be committed to memory by all students of both 
8 
public and private educational institutions, and perfonned during the flag 
9 
ceremony conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the 
10 
Officer of the President. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano or 
11 
band scores of the National Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public 
12 
schools, as well as the general public.] 
13 
14 
"SEC. [50] 48. PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATIONS. -
Any person 
15 
WHO or ANY juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act 
16 
shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than [Five] FIFTY 
17 
thousand pesos [(P5,000)] (PHP 50,000.00) nor more than [Twenty] ONE 
18 
HUNDRED thousand pesos [(P20,000)] (PHP 100,000.00) [,] [or] AND by 
19 
imprisomnent for not more than [one (1) year] TWO (2) YEARS: [or both such 
20 
fine and imprisomnent, at the discretion of the court: Provided, That for any 
21 
second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisomnent shall always be 
22 
imposed:] Provided, [further] That in case the violation is committed by a 
23 
juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable. 
24 
25 
"THE NHCP MAY PRESCRIBE IN THE IMPLEMENTING 
26 
RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THIS ACT OTHER ACTS OR 
27 
OMISSIONS WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED DISRESPECTFUL, AND 
28 
THUS 
PROHIBITED, RELATIVE 
TO THE FLAG, NATIONAL 
29 
ANTHEM, GREAT SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, NATIONAL MOTTO, AND 
30 
OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES." 
31 
32 
"SEC. 49. CITIZEN'S ARREST. - ANY CITIZEN SHALL HAVE 
33 
THE POWER TO CONDUCT A CITIZEN'S ARREST IF A PERSON IS 
34 
ACTUALLY VIOLATING ANY OF THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT IN 
35 
HIS/HER PRESENCE AND CAN SUMMON ALL LAW ENFORCEMENT 
36 
OFFICERS TO ASSIST HIM IN CONDUCTING CITIZEN'S ARREST. 
37 
ALL SECURITY PERSONNEL AND USHERS IN MOVIEHOUSES ARE 
38 
LIKEWISE AUTHORIZED TO ARREST THE VIOLATORS." 
21 


1 
2 
3 
4 
CHAPTER [VIII] VI 
COMMON PROVISIONS 
5 
"SEC. [51] 50. APPROPRIATIONS. -
TO CARRY OUT THE 
6 
PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, THE AMOUNT OF FIFTEEN MILLION 
7 
PESOS (Php 15,000,000.00) SHALL BE INITIALLY APPROPRIATED 
8 
OUT OF THE FUNDS OF THE NATIONAL TREASURY. SUBSEQUENT 
9 
APPROPRIATIONS SHALL BE PROVIDED BY CONGRESS IN THE 
10 
ANNUAL 
BUDGET OF THE NHCP 
UNDER THE GENERAL 
11 
APPROPRIATIONS ACT." 
12 
"SEC. 51. ISSUANCE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS AND 
13 
THEIR ENFORCEMENT - The [Institute] NHCP shall issue the necessary 
14 
rules and regulations [to implement the provisions of Act] within ninety (90) 
15 
days after [effectivity] THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT. The [Institute] 
16 
NHCP shall submit its rules and regulations to the Office of the President and the 
17 
Congress of the Philippines." 
18 
19 
"[SEC. 52 -] The [Institute] NHCP shall [also] be responsible for the 
20 
strict enforcement of the provisions of this Act. It may call upon any government 
21 
department, agency, office, or government instrumentality, including government 
22 
corporations and local government units, for such assistance as it may deem 
23 
necessary for the effective discharge of its functions under this Act." 
24 
25 
"[Sec. 53. Separability Clause - If any provision, or part hereof, is held 
26 
invalid or unsconstitutional, the remainder of this Act not otherwise affected 
27 
shall be valid and subsisting.] 
28 
29' 
"SEC 52. SEPARABILITY CLAUSE. - IF FOR ANY REASON, ANY 
30 
PORTION OR PROVISION OF THIS ACT SHALL BE DECLARED 
31 
UNCONSTITUTIONAL, OTHER PARTS OR PROVISIONS HEREOF 
32 
WHICH ARE NOT AFFECTED THEREBY SHALL CONTINUE TO BE 
33 
IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT." 
34 
35 
"[SEC. 54. Repealing Clause. - Any law, presidential decree or issuance, 
36 
executive order, letter of instruction, administrative order, rule or regulation 
22 


1 
contrary to part or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are 
2 
hereby repealed or modified accordingly.] 
3 
4 
"SEC. 53. REPEALING CLA U<;E. -
ALL LAWS, DECREES, 
5 
EXECUTIVE ORDERS, RULES AND REGULATIONS, PART OR PARTS 
6 
THEREOF, INCONSISTENT WITH THE PROVISIONS OF THIS ACT, 
7 
ARE HEREBY REPEALED OR MODIFIED ACCORDINGLY." 
8 
9 
SEC. 2. Effectivity.- This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days from the date of its 
10 
publication in the Official Gazette or in at least two (2) newspapers of general circulation, 
II 
whichever comes earlier. 
12 
Approved, 
23