PHILIPPINE FLAG –PROTOCOL
HISTORY OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG – 3 women sewed the flag at 535 Morrison Hill Road in Hongkong. They were Marcela Agoncillo, daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of Dr. Jose Rizal.
It was first flown and waved by Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo in Kawit Cavite on June 12, 1898, during the Independence Day celebration.
June 12 later was officially proclaimed as the National Independence Day by virtue of Proclamation No. 28 of President Diosdado Macapagal.
THE CONCEPT AND MAIN FEATURE OF THE FLAG
- The concept was to reflect the ideas and aspirations of the Filipino people. The equilateral triangle, which many believed was a memento of the Katipunan standard. The 3Ks of the Katipunan, Kataas-taasan, Kagalang-galangan, Katipunan ng Bayan, were sometimes arranged in triangular manner, considering also that most of the insignias of the Katipunan were patterned after Masonic emblems – triangular in shape.
- In the center of the white equilateral triangle is the golden sun, with 8 rays and 3 five-pointed stars in each corner. The 8 rays represented the first 8 provinces that courageously defied and revolted against the Spaniards – Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Batangas, Laguna and Nueva Ecija. Similar revolts spread to other parts of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao – the 3 geographical areas, represented by the 3 five-pointed stars.
- Color white, symbolizes purity and peace; the blue symbolizes the high political purpose and ideals; while courage, bravery, heroism and willingness to shed blood in defense of the Country of the Filipino patriots are embodied in the red field.
THE FLAG DAY
On May 24, 1994, President Fidel Ramos issued an Executive Order No. 179 to allow government offices and residences to display the Philippine National Flag from May 24 to June 12 of every year.
PROTOCOL OF THE PHILIPPINE FLAG
Sources of information come from Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Trade and Industry. R.A. 8491 Code of the National Flag Sec. 34, Columnist Nelly Favis-Villafuerte, and Christine G. Dulnuan.
- When used on a speaker’s platform, the flag should be displayed above and behind the speaker, never on the front of the platform. If flown from a staff, it should be on the speaker’s right. (Comment:the placement of the Flag on the right of the speaker, indicates that the ceremonies is held within the jurisdiction of the Philippines. )
- The flag should be hung horizontally or vertically. When hung HORIZONTALLY, the blue field should be placed at the peak of the staff, unless the flag is at half-mast. In times of war in which the Philippines is involved, the red field is placed topmost. When hung VERTICALLY, the equilateral triangle on top, the blue field should be to the left, and the red field to the right of the viewer facing the flag (Remember R-R Red on the right).
- The Flag should never be used to cover a desk or table or as a covering for a ceiling, or as a receptacle or as drapery of any sort whatsoever.
- When used to cover a casket, the Flag should be placed so that the equilateral triangle with the sun and the stars is at the head, with the blue field to the right and the red field to the left of the deceased.
- When Philippine and foreign flags are displayed on flag poles, the poles should be at the same height, with the Philippine flag on the left as the group is viewed.
- No flag or pennant should ever be flown above the Philippine flag.
- The flag should never be dipped to any person or object.
- The Flag should never be draped over the head, top, or other part of a vehicle or of a railroad train or boat. When the flag is displayed in a motorcar, the staff should be affixed firmly to the right fender such that the flag shall not touch the body of the car.
- When the Flag is in such a condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem of display, it should be completely destroyed- preferably by burning.
- The likeness of Philippine Flag should never be embroidered or painted on wearing apparel and advertising materials.
- It is improper to hold the flag (to spread it) during the singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
- During the ceremony of hoisting or lowering the flag or when the flag is passing in a parade or in a review, all persons present should face the flag, stand at attention and salute. Men should remove their hats or headdresses with the right hand and hold them at the left breast. Women should salute by placing their right hand over the heart.
excerpts from REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491 - AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES
B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag
Sec. 5. The flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every day throughout the year.
Sec. 6. The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in front of the following: at Malacañang Palace; the Congress of the Philippines building; Supreme Court building; the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani; Musoleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion; all International Ports of Entry and all other places as may be designated by the Institute.
The flag shall be properly illuminated at night.
Sec. 7. The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised in the open on flag-staffs 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.
The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings or offices or raised in the open on flag-staffs in front of private buildings: Provided, That they observe flag-raising ceremonies in accordance with the rules and regulations to be issued by the Office of the President.
Sec. 8. All government agencies and instrumentalities, and local government offices, government-owned corporations and local government units are enjoined to observe flag day with appropriate ceremonies. Socio-civic groups, non-government organizations and the private sector are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success.
Sec. 9. The flag shall be flown on merchant ships of Philippine registry of more than one thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval vessels.
On board naval vessels, the flag shall be displayed on the flag-staff at the stern when the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted to the gaff at the aftermast when the ship is at sea.
Sec. 10. The flag, if flown from a flagpole, 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 blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, 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. If planted on the ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of such height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity.
If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward.
If on a stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering.
Sec. 12. 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 hoisted first and lowered last.
If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown in the same lineyard as the Philippine flag but below the latter and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag.
Sec. 13. When displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on the right of the other flag. If there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall be in the middle of the line.
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.
Sec. 14. A 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. The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall be on the mast at the start of official office hours, shall remain flying throughout the day.
Sec. 16. The flag may be displayed:
a) Inside or outside a building or on stationary flagpoles. If the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room;
b) From the top of a flagpole, which shall be at a prominent place or a commanding position in relation to the surrounding buildings;
c) From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, balcony or facade of a building;
d) In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building to 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 when the weather is inclement. If already raised, the flag shall not be lowered.
Sec. 17. The flag shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or other objects.
After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as part of the ceremony.
C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony
Sec. 18. All government offices and educational institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
Sec. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the Institute shall issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.
Sec. 20. The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.
Sec. 21. 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 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. 22. 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.
F. Pledge to the Flag
Sec. 25. 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 at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan at
Makabansa.
Such pledge 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.
G. Flag Days
Sec. 26. The period from May 28 to 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 enjoined to display the flag.
I. Prohibited Acts
Sec. 34. 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 or over its surface;
b) To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;
c) To use the flag:
- As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
- As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
- As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
- As a staff or whip;
- For unveiling monuments or statues; and
- As trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.
d) To display the flag:
- Under any painting or picture;
- Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely;
- Below any platform; or
- In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.
e) To wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;
f) To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature on the flag;
g) To print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise;
h) To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations;
i) To use, display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial; and
j) To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
CHAPTER II
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Section 35. The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang.
Sec. 36. 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 magiliw,
Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso,
Sa Dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig,
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula,
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo.
Sec. 37. The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
Sec. 38. 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, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:
a) International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative;
b) Local competitions;
c) During the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;
d) Before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and
e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.
Sec. 39. 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.
Sec. 55. 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.
Approved: February 12, 1998.
