TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
First Regular Session
)
SENATE
S. No. 871
flfCP of tl!f (&-.
25 AUG “4 P5 58
RECEIVED BY,
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE RULES ON THE CREATION, MODIFICATION, CHANGE 
AND REGISTRATION OF OFFICIAL SEALS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS 
AND DEVICES OF GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT 8491 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "FLAG AND HERALDIC 
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES"
EXPLANATORY NOTE
Governmental seals and logos are essential representations of our country's 
values, customs, and goals. In addition to embodying the identity and power of the 
corresponding agencies, they also represent the values of national cohesion and 
sovereignty. A systematic and regulated approach to such changes is necessary, as 
evidenced by recent cases of government agencies changing or redesigning their logos 
and branding initiatives.
This measure seeks to amend Republic Act No. 8491, known as the "Flag and 
Heraldic Code of the Philippines," to strengthen the rules governing the creation, 
modification, and registration of official seals and other heraldic items of government 
entities. The bill aims to ensure that any changes to these symbols are conducted with 
due diligence, reflecting our national values and adhering to a unified standard.
By instituting clear guidelines and requiring proper authorization for the 
development and alteration of official seals and logos, this legislation endeavors to


maintain the integrity and consistency of government symbols. This will not only 
enhance the recognition and respect for government entities but also foster a deeper 
sense of nationalism and pride among the Filipino people.
A similar version of this measure was filed by Sen. Maria Lourdes Nancy S. 
Binay during the Nineteenth Congress. Hence, the immediate passage of this bill is 
highly recommended.
EJERCITO ESTRADA


TWENTIETH CONGRESS OF THE 
)
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES 
)
First Regular Session 
)
SENATE
S. No. 871
of Mt Si'1 1 '-i "T
25 AUG-4 P5 58
RECEIVED BV.
Introduced by Senator Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada
AN ACT
STRENGTHENING THE RULES ON THE CREATION, MODIFICATION, CHANGE 
AND REGISTRATION OF OFFICIAL SEALS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS 
AND DEVICES OF GOVERNMENT ENTITIES, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE 
REPUBLIC ACT 8491 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "FLAG AND HERALDIC 
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES"
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the Philippines in 
Congress assembled:
1 
Section 1. Section 3 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to include the
2 
definition of the following terms:
3 
"Section 3. Definition of Terms. - Whenever used in this
4 
Act, the term:
5 
"x X X
6 
"(M) ADVERTISEMENT OR INFOMERCIAL SHALL
7 
MEAN ADVERTISEMENT OR ANY INFORMATION
8 
MATERIAL IN PRINT, RADIO, TELEVISION, CINEMA,
9 
VIDEO AND THE LIKE, OUTDOOR AND ELECTRONIC
10 
MEDIA, SEEKING TO PROMOTE INDIVIDUALS,
11 
ENTITIES, PRODUCTS OR SERVICES FOR
12 
COMMERCIAL, POLITICAL PURPOSES OR
13 
INFORMATION CAMPAIGNS;
14 
"(N) GOVERNMENT ENTITIES SHALL M EAN ALL
15 
BRANCHES OF THE GOVERNMENT, ITS BUREAUS AND


1 
ATTACHED AGENCIES, CONSTITUTIONAL OFFICES,
2 
LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS, GOVERNMENT OWNED
3 
AND CONTROLLED CORPORATIONS, GOVERNMENT
4 
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS, STATE UNIVERSITIES
5 
AND COLLEGES, ARMED FORCES OF THE
6 
PHILIPPINES, INCLUDING ITS BASIC COMPONENT
7 
UNITS;
8 
"(O) HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES SHALL
9 
MEAN COAT-OF-ARMS, SEALS, LOGOS, INSIGNIA,
10 
BADGES, FLASHES, PATCHES, ORDERS AND
11 
DECORATIONS, MEDALS, STARS, CITATIONS, LAPEL
12 
PINS, TROPHIES, DRY, WAX OR WET SEALS, AND
13 
IMPRINTS ON LETTERHEADS, ENVELOPES AND
14 
CARDS; AND (p) "VEXILLARY ITEMS" SHALL MEAN
15 
NATIONAL, 
LOCAL, HOUSE FLAGS, OR
16 
ADMINISTRATIVE, INSTITUTION, CORPORATE, UNIT
17 
AND OTHER ORGANIZATION BANNERS."
18 
Sec. 2. Section 44 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as
19 
follows:
20 
"Section 44. Any government entity including the
21 
military, may adopt appropriate coat-of-arms, administrative
22 
seals, logo. Insignia, badges, patches, banners and initiate
23 
awards, citations, orders or decorations, as may be authorized
24 
by the Congress or the Office of the President [7], SUBJECT
25 
TO THE APPROVAL AND RECOMMENDATION OF THE
26 
NATIONAL HISTORICAL COMMISSION OF THE
27 
PHILIPPINES NHCP."
28 
Sec. 3. Section 45 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as
29 
follows:
30 
"Section 45. Such heraidic devices and items shall be
31 
filed with the [Institute] NHCP for recording and evaluation
32 
as to precedence, design, customs and traditions. The


1 
[Institute] NHCP shall promulgate the corresponding rules
2 
and regulations which shall be submitted for approval to the
3 
Office of the President or to Congress."
4 
Sec. 4. A new Section 45-A is hereby inserted after Section 45 of Republic Act
5 
No. 8491 which shall read as follows:
6 
"SECTION 45-A. THE APPLICATION FOR
7 
APPROVAL OF DESIGN AND SPECIFICATION OF THE
8 
PROPOSED HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES SHALL BE
9 
SUPPORTED WITH THE FOLLOWING DOCUMENTS:
10 
"A) ORDERS, OR ANY FORMS OF GRANTS, LAWS
11 
OF AUTHORITY OR CREATIONS;
12 
"B) BRIEF HISTORICAL BACKGROUND,
13 
SYMBOLISM, AND SIGNIFICANCE OF EVERY DESIGN
14 
COMPONENT; AND
15 
"C) PHOTOGRAPHS OF EXISTING STRUCTURES,
16 
OBJECTS, SPOTS, ETC. TO BE INCORPORATED IN THE
17 
DESIGN.
18 
"THE NHCP SHALL RECOMMEND SUCH
19 
HERALDIC DESIGN TOGETHER WITH THE NEEDED
20 
DOCUMENTS TO THE OFFICE OF THE PRESIDENT OR
21 
CONGRESS FOR FINAL APPROVAL. THE APPROVED
22 
DESIGN SHALL BE RETURNED TO THE NHCP FOR
23 
PROPER RECORDING IN THE NATIONAL REGISTRY OF
24 
HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES AND FOR
25 
TRANSMITTAL TO THE REQUESTING GOVERNMENT
26 
ENTITY.
27 
"THE APPROVED DESIGN SHALL BE RETURNED
28 
TO THE NHCP FOR PROPER RECORDING IN THE
29 
NATIONAL REGISTRY OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND
30 
DEVICES AND FOR TRANSMITTAL 
TO THE
31 
REQUESTING GOVERNMENT ENTITY."


1 
Sec. 5. A new Section 45-B is hereby inserted after the new Section 45-A of
2 
Republic Act No. 8491 which shall read as follows:
3 
"SECTION 45-B. TO CONFORM TO THE BASIC
4 
HERALDIC TRADITIONS, THE FOLLOWING SHALL BE
5 
OBSERVED IN THE DESIGN, CREATION,
6 
MODIFICATION, AND APPROVAL OF HERALDIC ITEMS
7 
AND DEVICES:
8 
"A) IT MAY FEATURE EITHER ABSTRACT OR
9 
NATURAL EMBLEMS OR VISUALS, REPRESENTING
10 
SIGNIFICANT 
ASPECTS, OR EVENTS
11 
REPRESENTATIVE OR RELATED TO ITS HISTORY,
12 
MANDATES, DUTIES, FUNCTIONS AND VISIONS;
13 
"B) 
COMPONENTS OF HERALDIC DESIGNS
14 
MUST FEATURE INDIGENOUS FILIPINO CULTURE,
15 
VALUES, HISTORY, TRADITIONS AND SENSE OF
16 
NATIONALISM;
17 
"C) 
EVERY COMPONENT MUST BE
18 
RECOGNIZABLE AS IF IT IS RENDERED OR REDUCED
19 
TO ITS NORMAL REQUIRED SIZES;
20 
"D) NO PERSONAL HERALDIC DEVICES SHALL
21 
BE ALLOWED EXCEPT THE SEAL OF THE PRESIDENT
22 
AND THE VICE PRESIDENT;
23 
"E) 
SYMBOLS, NAMES, INITIALS, LOGOS,
24 
PICTURES, SILHOUETTES OR IMAGES OF 
LIVING
25 
PERSONS SHALL NOT BE FEATURED IN THE DESIGN;
26 
"F) THE NAME OF THE GOVERNMENT ENTITY OR
27 
TITLE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES MUST BE IN
28 
PROMINENT POSITIONS;
29 
"G) 
ALL HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES,
30 
INCLUDING RIBBONS OR SASHES, MUST BE UNIQUE
31 
FROM EACH OTHER;


1 
"H) THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS, WHICH
2 
MAY OR MAY NOT INCLUDE THE SCROLL, WHEN USED
3 
AS THE MAIN PART OR AS A COMPONENT OF THE
4 
SEAL, MUST OCCUPY THE PLACE OF HONOR. IT SHALL
5 
BE USED ONLY BY THE MAJOR BRANCHES OF THE
6 
GOVERNMENT;
7 
"I) IN USING THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS
8 
OR THE GREAT SEAL FOR NUMISMATIC PURPOSES,
9 
WET OR DRY SEALS AND PAINTED OR PRINTED IN
10 
MONOCHROME, TINCTURE REPRESENTATIONS SHALL
11 
BE USED;
12 
"J) THE USE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG IS
13 
PROHIBITED EXCEPT WHERE THE FLAG HAS BECOME
14 
PART OF ITS HISTORY;
15 
"K) THE MOTTO, TITLE OR PHRASE TO BE
16 
INCORPORATED IN THE HERALDIC ITEMS AND
17 
DEVICES MAY BE IN THE NATIONAL LANGUAGE OR IN
18 
ANY LOCAL DIALECT; AND
19 
"L) THESE HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES
20 
SHALL NOT BE REVISED OR CHANGED MORE THAN
21 
ONCE EVERY TEN (10) YEARS."
22 
Sec. 6. Section 46 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as
23 
follows:
24 
"Section 46. All government [offices] ENTITIES,
25 
including the military, are hereby ordered to purchase all
26 
[h]Heraldic [i]Items and [d]Devices from manufacturers
27 
accredited and authorized by the [Institute] NHCP.
28 
"ENGRAVERS OR MANUFACTURERS SHALL
29 
APPLY FOR ANNUAL ACCREDITATION AT THE NHCP.
30 
"Such items and devices shall be subject to inspection
31 
by the purchasing agency's internal inspector and the COA
32 
representative using the design and specifications approved


1 
by the Office of the President or by the Congress, through the
2 
[Institute] NHCP.
3 
"ANY VIOLATION OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491
4 
OR ITS IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS
5 
SHALL BE A GROUND FOR SUSPENSION, REVOCATION
6 
OR NON-RENEWAL OF ACCREDITATION."
7 
Sec. 7. A new Section 46-A is hereby inserted to read as follows:
8 
"SECTION 46-A. HERALDIC AND VEXILLARY
9 
DESIGNS OR ITEMS, SHALL NOT BE USED OR
10 
EMPLOYED FOR NUMISMATIC, PHILATELIC,
11 
ADVERTISEMENT OR INFOMERCIAL, OR ANY
12 
INFORMATIVE PURPOSES UNLESS DULY APPROVED
13 
IN WRITING BY THE NHCP."
14 
Sec. 8. Section 50 of Republic Act No. 8491 is hereby amended to read as
15 
follows:
16 
"Section 50. Any person or juridical entity [which]
17 
WHO violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon
18 
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five
19 
thousand pesos (P5,000.00) nor more than Twenty thousand
20 
pesos (P20,000.00) or by imprisonment [for] OF not more
21 
than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the
22 
discretion of the court: Provided, That for any second and
23 
additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always
24 
be imposed: Provided, further. That in case the violation is
25 
committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief
26 
Executive Officer thereof shall be liable.
27 
"THE NHCP MAY PRESCRIBE IN THE
28 
IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OTHER
29 
ACTS OR OMISSIONS WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED
30 
DISRESPECTFUL, AND THUS PROHIBITED, RELATIVE
31 
TO OFFICIAL SEALS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS
32 
AND DEVICES."


1 
Sec. 9. Implementing Rules and Regulations. - The NHCP shall issue the
2 
necessary rules and regulations implementing the provisions of this Act within sixty
3 
(60) days from its effectivity. The NHCP shall submit its rules and regulations to the
4 
Office of the President and the Congress of the Philippines.
5 
Sec. 10. Separability Clause. - Any portion or provision of this Act that maybe
6 
declared unconstitutional or invalid shall not have the effect of nullifying the other
7 
portions or provisions hereof as long as such remaining portion or provision can still
8 
subsist and be given effect.
9 
Sec. 11. Repealing Cause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
10 
regulations, other issuances, part or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of
11 
this Act are hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
12 
Sec. 12. Effectivity Cause. - This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its
13 
complete publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.
Approved,
14