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 synibolize 
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 anthein, motto, coat-of-arms, 
and other heraldic items and devices not only link our collective consciousness to 
a history, but also serve 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 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 


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FOURTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
Second Regular Session 
SENATE 
S. No. 
Introduced by Senator FRANCIS G. ESCUDERO 
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 Seizate and House of Represeizfntizies of the Pkilippims in Congress 
asseriibled: 
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 ofPoliaj - IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THE POLICY OF 
THE STATE THAT [Rlreverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, 
the anthem and other national synibols which embody the national ideals and 
traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. 
The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to 
inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native land, 
fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and TO 
STANDARDIZE the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other 
heraldic items and devices. 
"SEC. 3. Defiinitioiz of T e r m  -Whenever used in this Act, the term: 
"I(o)](A)"DISPLAY, HOIST OR RAISE" SHALL REFER TO THE 
MANNER IN WHICH THE FLAG IS PUBLICLY PRESENTED 
AND VENERATED. 
"Fsstoon" shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two pomts 
as a decoration, CURTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.; 
"(b) 
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"(c) 
"Flag" shall mean ANY REPRESENTATION OF the Philippine 
National Flag IN WHATEVER MEDIA, unless stated otherwise; 
"(d) 
"Fly" shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length; 
"[(f)](E)"Half-Mast" shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the distance 
between the top and bottom of the staff. IF THE FLAG IS 
DISPLAYED IN HANGING POSITION OR USED IN PARADE AS 
A SIGN OF MOURNING, HALF-MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING 
A BLACK RIBBON ON THE BLUE FIELD HOIST SIDE; 
"[(rn)](F)"HANGING POSITION" SHALL MEAN THE WHITE FIELD 
SHALL BE ON TOP, THE BLUE FIELD SHALL BE TO THE RIGHT 
(LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF PEACE; THE WHITE 
FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, AND THE RED FIELD TO THE 
RIGHT (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF WAR; 
"Hoist" shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the canvass 
to which the halyard is attached; 
"Inclement Weather" shall mean [that a typhoon signal is raised in the 
locality] A WEATHER CONDITION SUCH AS RAIN OR STRONG 
WIND THAT WILL BE UNFAVORABLE FOR THE RAISING OF 
THE FLAG SINCE IT WILL LESSEN THE DIGNITY THAT 
SHOULD BE ACCORDED TO THE FLAG. 
"(g) 
"(11) 
"[(a)J(I)"Military" shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the 
Philippines including the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail 
Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection, BUREAU 
OF IMMIGRATION AND DEPORTATION, BUREAU 
OF 
CUSTOMS, COAST GUARD, AND OTHER AGENCIES USING 
RANK INSIGNLA; 
"[(i)](J)"FJational Anthem" shall meail the Philippine Natioliaia! Antfiein 
ENTITLED "LUPANG HINIRANG"; 
'")I(K) 
["Institute"] ""1" 
shall mean the National Historical 
Institute; 
"I(ilJ(L) 
"Official Residences" shall mean Malacaiiang. and other 
government-owned structures where the President resides, [and other 
structures 
occupied 
by 
the] 
Philippine 
ConsulateS 
or 
Embassies abroad, AND OTHER STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY 
THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS; 
"[(k)](M)"Places of Frivolity" shall mean places of hilarity marked by or 
providing boisterous merriment or recreation; [and] 
"PHILIPPINE SUN" SHALL MEAN THE GOLDEN SUNBURST 
WITH EIGHT RAYS, EQUALLY SPACED; EACH RAY HAS ONE 
"(11) 
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L" 
MAJOR BEAM, TWICE AS BROAD AS THE TWO MINOR 
BEAMS ON EITHER SIDE; AND 
"[(e)J(O)"Symbol" shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man's 
achievement and heroism (for MEDALS, CITATIONS, orders, and 
decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity (for coat- 
of-arms, logo and insignia); 
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 fhe people. 
[B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag] 
"SEC. 5. HOISTING AND DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG - The flag 
sha!! be HOETEE OK d i s p l ~ y ~ d  
iii all pblic htiildings, official E S ~ ~ E X ~ S ,  
jxblic 
plazas, and institutions of leaining 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: [at] Malacafiang Palace; [the] SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES 
BUILDING; [Congress of the Philippines] HOUSE UF REPRESENTATIVES 
building; Supreme Court building; the Rizal Monunient in Luneta, Manila; 
Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Maiolos, Bulacan; the Tomb 
of the Unknown Soldier, Libiizgnn ng inga Bayani IN TAGUIG, METRO MANILA; 
ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE VETERANS OF THE MILITARY; 
Mnusoleo de Ios Veternnos de la Revolucion IN NORTH CEMETERY, MANILA; 
MARCELA AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN TAAL, BATANGAS; 
PINAGLABANAN HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN SAN JUAN, METRO 
MANILA; all International Ports of Entry and all other places as may be 
SUBSEQUENTLY designated AND MARKED by the'[Institute] NHI. 
"The flag, ON THE ABOVE-STATED PLACES, shall be properly 
illuminated at night. 
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"SEC. 7. DISPLAY OF FLAG riv PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND OFFICES - 
The flag shall also be displayed i? privats buildhgs and residences or raised i~ tke 
open flagstaffs in front of said buildings revery April 9 (Auaw fig Kagitingau); 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 niay be declaied by the President and/or the 
local chief executives] DURING FLAG DAYS, AS PROVIDED IN SEC. 24 OF THIS 
ACT. 
THE FLAG MAY ALSO BE DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN 
PRIVATE BUILDINGS OR OFFICES OR RAISED ON FLAGPOLES IN FRONT 
OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS PROVIDED THAT, THEY OBSERVE FLAG 
CEREMONIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMPLEMENTING RUMS AND 
REGULATIONS (IRR) TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHI. 
[B. DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG] 
"SEC. [9] 8. DISPLAY OF FLAG ON SEfLFAmG VESSELS - The flag shall 
be flown on ALL SEAFARING VESSELS of Philippine registry [of more than one 
thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval vessels]. 
"On board [naval] SEAFARING vessels., the flag shall be displayed on the 
flagstaff at the stem when the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted to the gaff 
at the aftermast when the ship is at sea. 
"SEC. 1101 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 the commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity. THE 
FLAGPOLE STAFF MUST BE STRAIGHT AND SLIGHTLY TAPERING AT THE 
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TOP. 
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"If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored 
on a sill projecting at an angle upward. 
"If on stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left 
(facing the stage) or left of the office upon entering. 
"SEC. 1121 11 . THE PHILIPPlNE FLAG WHEN FLOWN WlTH ANOTHER 
FLAG - When the Philippine flag is flo~ii with another f l q ,  the Eiigs, if bath are 
national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of 
equal size. The Philippine flag shall be TO THE LEFT OF THE OBSERVER AND 
hoisted first and lowered last. 
"If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown DURING SPECIAL 
OCCASIONS in the same Ilineyard] HALYARD as the Philippine flag but below the 
latter and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag. 
"SEC. [I31 12. THE PH€LIPP€NE FLAG WHEN DTSPLAYED WlTH 
ANOTHER FLAG - When displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on 
the right of the other flag (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER). If there is a line of other 
flags, the Philippine flag shall be [in the middle of the line] AT THE LEFTMOST OF 
THE OBSERVER. 
"When carried in a parade with flags which are not national flags, the 
Philippine flag shall be in front of the center of the line. 
ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL FOR THE DISPLAY OF THE PHILIPPINE 
FLAG SHALL BE CONTAINED 
THE IRR TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHI 
PURSUANT TO THE COMMON PROVISIONS STATED IN THIS LAW. 
"SEC. 1141 13. DISPOSAL OF WORN OUT FLAG - [A] THE flag worn out 
through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to 
avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins 
to show signs of wear and tear. 
"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 
uay . 
A".- 
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"SEC.' 1161 15. lMAiVNEE OF DISPLAMNG THE FLAG - The flag may be 
Inside or outside a building or on stationary OR MOVABLE 
flagpoles. It the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall 
be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room; 
From the top of the flagpole, which shall be at a prominent 
place or a commanding position in relation to the surrounding 
buildings; 
From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, 
balcony or facade of a building[.]; 
In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building 
QP\ LAMPOST to A pole erected away from the building; 
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 poktkg east, if the road is heading south 01 north, 
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. 1171 16. MAiVNER OF HOISTlNG THE FZAG - 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. 
[181 17. 
FLAG 
CEREMOW IN PUBLIC 
OFFICES NVD 
EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS - All government offices [and educational 
institutions] shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday 
morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. PROVIDED 


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THAT, ALL EDUCATIONAL INSTlTUTIONS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF 
EDUCATION (DEPED), COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED), 
AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SICILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY 
(TESDA) SHALL OBSERVE THE FLAG CEREMONY DAILY. The ceremony shall 
be simple and dignified and shall include the playing [or] AND singing of the 
Philippine National Anthem. 
[SEC. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the 
1 . A '  
, , d u t e  shall issue rules and regGlations for the proper condr;d of flag ceiexonji.j 
"SEC. 1201 18. DIGNITY lN 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 [or1 AND singing of the anthem [in its 
original Filipino lyrics and march tempo]. 
"SEC. [21] 19. FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY - During the flag-raising 
ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation facing the flag. At the moment the 
first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention; 
moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall place their right palms over 
their chests, those with hats shall uncover, while those in military, scouting, security 
guard, and citizens military training uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by 
their regulations, which salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem. 
"The assembly shall sing the Philippine [n]National [a]Anthem, accompanied 
by a band, if available, and at the first note, the flag shau be raised briskly. 
"The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review or 
in parade. 
"SEC. 1221 20. FLAG-LOWERING CEREMONY - During the flag lowering, 
the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the flag shall be down the mast 
at the sound of the last note of the anthem. Those in the assembly shall observe the 
same deportment or shall observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising 
ceremony. 
ID. Half Mast] 
"SEC. [23] 21. FLAG mT 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 


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for in this Act, STARTING on the day of official announcement of the death of any 
of the following officials: 
"(a) 
"(b) 
The President or a former President, for ten (10) days; 
The Vice-President, the Chief 'Justice, the President of the 
Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for 
seven (7) days; and 
Other persons to be determined by the [Institute] NHI, for 
"(c ) 
any period less than seven (7) days; 
"The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the 
[decedent] DECEASED was holding office, on the day of death until the day of 
interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or 
the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the 
[lnstitute] NHI. 
"The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a 
moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised briskly 
to the peak before it is lowered for the day. 
[E. Casket] 
"SEC. 1241 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 bandled] HANDED 
over to the heirs of deceased. 
[F. Pledge to the Flag and Flag Days] 
"SEC. 1251 23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The following shall be the 
Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag: 
"Ako ay Pilipiizo 
Buoiig kataputang nununurnpa 
Sa wafawaf n,y Pilipinas 
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At sa baiisnizg kanynizg sinnsngisag 
Nn may dnngal, katarungan at kalayaan 
Na yiizakikilos izg sniiibaynnnng 
Maka-Dips 
Mala- too 
h4akakaliknsan at 
Makabniisa 
''[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. 1261 24. FLAG DAYS - The period from NATIONAL FLAG DAY (May 
28) to INDEPENDENCE DAY @ne 12) of each year is declared as Flag Eays, &.iring 
which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government business 
establishments, institutions of 
learning and private homes are [enjoined] 
OBLIGATED to display the flag. PROVIDED, HOWEVER THAT [Tlthe flag shall 
[also] be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised [in the open flag- 
staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of said buildings every April 9 (A~aro ng 
Kngitiizgaiz); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Ii~deyeiideiice 
Day); last Sunday of August (National Heroes Dmy); November 30 (Bonifncio Day); and 
December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared by the President 
and/or local chief executives. 
"SEC. 181 25. OBSERVANCE OF FLAG DAYS - All government agencies and 
instrumentalities, and local government offices, government-owned corporations 
and local government units are enjoined to observe Flag Day with appropriate 
ceremonies. Socio-civic groups, non-government organizations and the private 
sector are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success. 
[H Specifications of the National Flag] 
"SEC. [2q 26. FLAG PROPORTIONS - The flag shall have the following 
proportions. The width of :he flag, GNE (1); the lei@h of the fkg, TWG (2); and the 
sides of the white kiangle, ONE (1). 
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"SEC. I281 27. FLAG TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - The technical 
specifications OF THE FLAG shall be as follows: 
"The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No. 80001; 
the red color, Cable No. 80108; and the golden yellow, Cable No. 80068. 
"SEC. 1291 28. STANDARDS FOR FLAG REQLUSITION - In order to 
establish uniform criteria in the making of our national flag and to guarantee its 
durability by the use of quality materials, the following standards and procedures 
shall be observed: 
"(a) 
All 
requisitions 
for 
the 
purchase 
of 
the 
Philippine 
National 
Flag must be based on strict compliance with the design, 
color, 
craftsmanship and material 
requirements of the 
Government; 
All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for 
purchase for government use shall be evaluated as to design, color 
and craftsmanship specifications by the [Institute] NHI, through 
its Heraldry and Display Section, which shall stamp its approval 
or disapproval on the canvass reinforcement of the flag sample 
submitted. The samples shall be sent to the [Institute] NHI by the 
"(b) 
kryu;J;tioniig 
---...-. 
of&, sat by the Bag scpplier; an& 
"(e ) 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 certlfy whether the fabric for the 
blue, white, red and golden-yellow colors, including the canvass 
submitted, conform to government requirements as to quality of 
the material. The samples shall be sent annually to the ITDI/PTRI 
by the manufacturer. 
The laboratory test results shall be 
submitted by the said office to the [Institute] NHI. 
"SEC. [30] 29. FLAG PURCHASE WSPECTION - 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 staniped 
approved by the [Institute1 NHI as reference. 
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"[SEC. 31.1 In carrying out [its] THE ABOVE responsibilities [under Section 4 
hereof,] the [Institute] NHI, COA, [the] AND ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to 
be approved by [the Office of the President] ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED. 
"SEC. 1321 30. STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS- All 
government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the requirements under 
this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and delivery of the national flag 
are strictly complied with. 
"SEC. 133; 31. FLAG REQEMTIGN BEEGET - All depaiWi~i~k, 
a g e ~ i ~ s ,  
offices, and instrumentalities of the government, government-owned or controlled 
corporations, local government units, including barangays, shall include in their 
annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the national flag. 
FURTHERMORE, ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS ARE DIRECTED 
TO ALLOCATE APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR A FLAG LAW PUBLIC 
AWARENESS PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF 
THE PROVISIONS OF THE FLAG LAW. 
[I. Prohibited Acts] 
"SEC. [34] 32. PROHIBITED ACTS - It shall be prohibited: 
"(a) 
To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt any act 
or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag [or over 
its surface], ANTHEM, SEAL, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS, 
AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES; 
To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment 
or salute; 
To use the flag: 
"(1). 
"(2) 
"(3) 
"(b) 
"(c ) 
As [a] drapery, festoon, tablecloth; 
As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; 
AS [a pennant] DRAPERY in the hood, side, back and 
top of motor vehicles; ALL CLOTH FLAGS SHOULD 
BE DISPLAYED FREELY WAVING IN THE AIR; 
As a staff or whip; 
"(4) 
"(5) 
AS COVERING for unveiling OF monuments or 
statues; and 
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"(6) 
As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or 
agricultural labels or designs. 
To display the flag: 
"(1) 
"(2) 
Under any painting or picture; 
Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft 
and bs i;l!ow2d to fall fr2eb; 
"(3) 
Below any platform; or 
"(4) 
In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, 
gambling joints an places of vice or where frivolity 
prevails. 
To wear the Flag, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS Iin whole or in 
part] as PART OF a costume or [uniform] AS A FASHION 
ACCESSORY OR MERELY AS A DESIGN ELEMENT; 
PROVIDED THAT THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, 
MAY BE INCORPORATED AS PART OF THE UNIFORM 
OF FILIPINOS REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINES IN 
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS, CULTURAL OR SCIENTIFIC 
COMPETITIONS OR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS WITH THE 
APPROVAL OF THE NHI; 
To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, 
advertisements, or imprint [of any nature] on the flag[;], SEAL, 
COAT-OF-ARMS 
OR 
ANY 
REPRESENTATION 
THEREFORE; 
To print, paint or attach representation of the flag, SEAL, 
COAT-OF-ARMS on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and 
other articles of merchandise; AND 
To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and 
other diplomatic establishments, and non 
offices 
of 
international organizations,] 
"[iJH. TO USE OR DISPLAY THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT OF ARMS, 
OR 
BE PARTOF 
ANY 
ADVERTISEMENT 
OR 
INFOMERCIAL WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE NHI 
[and]. 
To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by 
aliens.] 
[j. 
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CHAPTER 11 
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM 
"SEC. 1351 33. TITLE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The National Antlieni 
is entitled Lupang Hiizirang. 
"SEC, [36] 34. LANGUAGE AND LYRlCS OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - 
The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or 
without the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem: 
"Bayang iiiagiliio, 
Pwlas izg Silaizgaizaiz, 
Ala6 7ig puso, 
Sa dihdih mo'y bulzay. 
Lupang hitiiratig, 
Duyan ka izg iizagitiiig, 
Sa iizaiilultipig, 
Di ka pasisiil. 
Sa dagnt at buiidok, 
Sa sinzoy at sa laiigit iizoiig bughaw, 
May dilag aiig tula, 
At aruif sa paglayairg iiziiianzalzal. 
Ang kislap ng wafawnt ino'y 
Tagu titpay ria nngniningning, 
Ang bituiii at araw niya. 
Kailan pa nia'y di magdidiliniLJ 
L u p  iig amo, izg luzoallmti't pagsin fa, 
Buhay ay langif sa piling mu, 
Aiiziiig ligaya na pag iizay iiiaiig-aapi I 
Aiig mnmainatay rig dald sa iyo. 
"SEC. [37l 35. RENDlTlON OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The rendition 
of the National Anthem, whether played or sung shall be in accordance with the 
musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, THE ORIGINAL COPY OF 
WHICH IS OFFICIALLY KEPT AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE 
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PHILIPPINES, IN TWOFOUR (v4) 
BEAT WITHIN THE RANGE OF 100 TO 120 
METRONOME. 
"SEC. 1381 36. MANNER OF SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - When 
the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band [or by 
singing or both,] or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the 
anthem. The singing must be done with fervor. 
"As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the 
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, a d  if there is none, they shall face the band 
or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing the 
right palms over their left chests. [Those in military, scouting, citizen's] THE 
MILITARY AND THOSE in military training and security guard uniform shall give 
the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last 
note of the anthem. 
"The anthem shall not be played and sung [for] PRECEDING EVENTS OF 
mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following 
occasions: 
"(a) 
Internatioiiri COE~&~GX 
where the Phiiippi~es is t'ie host or 
has a representative; 
NATIONAL OR [L] local competitions; 
"(b) 
"(c) 
During the "signing off' and "signing on" of 
radio 
broadcasting and television stations; 
Before the initial and last screening of films or before the 
opening of theater performances; PROVIDED THAT THE 
OWNERS 
AND 
MANAGEMENT 
OF 
THE 
ESTABLISHMENTS 
SHALL 
BE 
MANDATED 
TO 
ENFORCE PROPER DECORUM AND IMPLEMENT THE 
PERTINENT PROVISIONS OFTHIS ACT; and 
Other occasions as may be allowed by the [Institute] NHI. 
"(d) 
(e) 
"SEC. 1391 37. STRlCT COMPLIANCE WITH RULES FOR THE RENDITION 
OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - All officials and employees of the national and local 
government, and any agency or instrumentality thereof, including government- 
owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities or offices displaying the 
national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby directed to comply 
strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to observe 
the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline. 
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CHAPTER 111 
THE NATIONAL MOTTO, THE COAT-OF-ARMS AND THE GREAT SEAL 
"SEC. 1401 38. THE NATIONAL MOTTO - The National Motto shall be 
"MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA ." 
"SEC. 1411 39. THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS - The National Coat-of- 
Arms shall have: 
"[Paleways] FIELD of two (2) pieces, [azure and gules; a chief argent] BLUE 
WITH AN EAGLE AND RED WITH A LION RAMPART, A WHITE FIELD 
studded with three (3) Imullets] STARS equidistant from each other; and, in point of 
honor, [ovoid argent] WHITE OVAL [overall the sun rayonnant with eight minor 
and lesser rays] WITH THE PHILIPPINE SUN AT THE CENTER. Beneath shall be 
the scroll with the words "REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS," inscribed thereon. 
[CHAPTER V 
THE GREAT SEAL] 
"SEC. 1421 40. THE GREAT SEAL - The Great Seal shall be circular in form, 
with tlie arms as described in the preceding section, but without the scroll and the 
inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal circle within 
which shall appear the words "Republika ng Pilipinas." For the purpose of placing 
The Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture 
representation must be used. 
[The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto. ] 
"SEC. 1431 41. 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 [VI] IV 
OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES 
"SEC. [44] 42. ADOPTION OF HERALDIC AND SIMILAR DEUCES - Any 
governrner1t eiltiq, i-,dudk,g '?;e mitary, ""f 
adopt appropriate HEBALEIC 
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ITEMS AND DEVICES SUCH AS MEDALS, coat-of-arms, administrative seals, 
logo, insignia, badges, patches, and banners; and initiate awards, citations, orders or 
decorations; as may be authorized by the Congress or the Office of the President. 
“SEC. 1451 43. REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS - Such heraldic devices 
and itenis shall be filed tvi.it5 the [Institute] NHI for recording and emfiration as to 
precedence, design, customs and traditions. The [Institutel NHI shall promulgate the 
corresponding rules and regulations which shall be submitted for approval to the 
Office of the President or to Congress. 
“SEC. 1461 44. PURCHASE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEUCES FROM 
ACCREDITED SOURCES - All government offices including the military are hereby 
ordered to purchase all heraldic items and devices from manufacturers accredited 
and authorized by the [Institute] NHI. Such items and devices shall be subject to 
inspection by the purchasing agency’s internal inspector and the COA 
representatives using the design and specifications approved by the Office of the 
President or by the Congress, through the [Institute] NHI. 
[SECTION 47. No goveiment official or employee shall accept any orders or 
decorations from any foreign government without the consent of Congress, and 
without prior evaluation and documentation of such order or decoration by the 
Ins ti tu te.1 
CHAPTER [Vll] V 
PENALTIES 
“SEC. 1481 45. 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 [Office of the President,] 
shall after proper notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure which shall be 
published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. 
”The [Department of Education Culture and Sports] DEPED and the 
Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the 
[Institute] NHI and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the cancellation 
of the recognition of permit of any private educational institution which fails or 
refuses to observe the provisions of this Act for the second time. 
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"SEC. 1501 46. PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATIONS - Any person WHO or 
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juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon 
conviction, be punished b.y a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (PHP 5,000.00) 
nor more than Twenty Thousand Pesos (PHP 20,000.00) or by imprisonment [for] OF 
not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of 
the court: Pr.aviri,d, That for any second and additional offenses, both fine and 
imprisonment shall always be imposed: Prmided,furfhu That in case the violation is 
committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall 
be liable. 
THE NHI MAY PRESCRIBE IN THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND 
REGULATIONS OTHER ACTS OF OMISSIONS WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED 
DISRESPECTFUL, AND THUS PROHIBmED, RELATIVE TO THE FLAG, THE 
NATIONAL ANTHEM, THE GREAT SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, NATIONAL 
MOTTO AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES. 
CHAPTER Ivrrrj VI 
COMMON PROVISIONS 
"SEC. [49] 47, OBLIGATIONS OF EDUCATION REGULATION AGENCIES- 
The [Department of Education, Culture and Sports] DEPED, [and the Commission 
on Higher Education] CHED AND TESDA shall ensure that the National Anthem, 
as adopted by law, shall be committed to memory by all students of both public and 
private educational institutions, and performed during the flag ceremony conducted 
in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the [Office of the President] 
NHI. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano or band scores of the 
National Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public schools, as well as the 
general public. 
"SEC. [5i] 4s. rssuANcE OF RULES AND REGULATIONS AND THEIR 
ENFORCEXENT 
- The [Institute] N9I shall issue the necessary rules and 
regulations [to implement the provisions of this Act] within ninety (90) days after 
[effectivity] THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT. The [Institute] NHI shall submit its 
rules and regulations to the Office of the President and the Congress of the 
Philippines. 
"[SEC. 52 -1 The [Institute] NHI shall [also] be responsible for the strict 
enforcement of the provisions of this Act. It may call upon any goveinment 
department, agency, office, or government instrumentality, including government 
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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. Separability Clartse. - 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. 3. 
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. 
Repealing Clause. - 
SEC. 4. Effectivity - The Act shall be effective fifteen (15) days from the date of its 
publication in at east two (2) newspapers of general circulation. 
Approved; 
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