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
 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:

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

2
3 "SECTION 1. Short Title - This act shall be known as the "Flag and Heraldic
4 Code of the Philippines.
5
6 "SEC. 2. Declaration ofPoliaj - IT IS HEREBY DECLARED THE POLICY OF
I THE STATE THAT [Rlreverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag,
8 the anthem and other national synibols which embody the national ideals and
9 traditions and which express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
10 The heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the national virtues and to
It inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native land,
12 fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and TO
13 STANDARDIZE the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other
14 heraldic items and devices.
15
I6 "SEC. 3. Defiinitioiz of T e r m -Whenever used in this Act, the term:
17
18 "I(o)](A)"DISPLAY, HOIST OR RAISE" SHALL REFER TO THE
19 MANNER IN WHICH THE FLAG IS PUBLICLY PRESENTED
20 AND VENERATED.
21 "(b) "Fsstoon" shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two pomts
22 as a decoration, CURTAIN, DRAPE, ETC.;

I
 1 "(c) "Flag" shall mean ANY REPRESENTATION OF the Philippine
2 National Flag IN WHATEVER MEDIA, unless stated otherwise;
3 "(d) "Fly" shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length;
4 "[(f)](E)"Half-Mast" shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the distance
5 between the top and bottom of the staff. IF THE FLAG IS
6 DISPLAYED IN HANGING POSITION OR USED IN PARADE AS
I A SIGN OF MOURNING, HALF-MAST SHALL MEAN PLACING
8 A BLACK RIBBON ON THE BLUE FIELD HOIST SIDE;
9 "[(rn)](F)"HANGING POSITION" SHALL MEAN THE WHITE FIELD
10 SHALL BE ON TOP, THE BLUE FIELD SHALL BE TO THE RIGHT
11 (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF PEACE; THE WHITE
12 FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, AND THE RED FIELD TO THE
I3 RIGHT (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER) IN TIME OF WAR;
14 "(g) "Hoist" shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the canvass
15 to which the halyard is attached;
16 "(11) "Inclement Weather" shall mean [that a typhoon signal is raised in the
17 locality] A WEATHER CONDITION SUCH AS RAIN OR STRONG
18 WIND THAT WILL BE UNFAVORABLE FOR THE RAISING OF
19 THE FLAG SINCE IT WILL LESSEN THE DIGNITY THAT
20 SHOULD BE ACCORDED TO THE FLAG.
21 "[(a)J(I)"Military" shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the
22 Philippines including the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail
23 Management and Penology, the Bureau of Fire Protection, BUREAU
24 OF IMMIGRATION AND DEPORTATION, BUREAU OF
25 CUSTOMS, COAST GUARD, AND OTHER AGENCIES USING
26 RANK INSIGNLA;
27 "[(i)](J)"FJational Anthem" shall meail the Philippine Natioliaia! Antfiein
28 ENTITLED "LUPANG HINIRANG";
29 '")I(K) ["Institute"] ""1" shall mean the National Historical
30 Institute;
31 "I(ilJ(L) "Official Residences" shall mean Malacaiiang. and other
32 government-owned structures where the President resides, [and other
33 structures occupied by the] Philippine ConsulateS or
34 Embassies abroad, AND OTHER STRUCTURES OCCUPIED BY
35 THE NATIONAL AND LOCAL PUBLIC OFFICIALS;
36 "[(k)](M)"Places of Frivolity" shall mean places of hilarity marked by or
37 providing boisterous merriment or recreation; [and]
38 "(11) "PHILIPPINE SUN" SHALL MEAN THE GOLDEN SUNBURST
39 WITH EIGHT RAYS, EQUALLY SPACED; EACH RAY HAS ONE

2
 1 MAJOR BEAM, TWICE AS BROAD AS THE TWO MINOR
2 BEAMS ON EITHER SIDE; AND
3 "[(e)J(O)"Symbol" shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man's
4 achievement and heroism (for MEDALS, CITATIONS, orders, and
5 decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity (for coat-
6 of-arms, logo and insignia);
7
8 CHAPTER I
9 THE NATIONAL FLAG
IO
11 [A. Design of the National Flag]
12
13 "SEC. 4. DESIGN OF THE NATIONAL FLAG - The flag of the Philippines
14 shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-
15 pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by fhe people.
I6
17 [B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag]
I8
19 "SEC. 5. HOISTING AND DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG - The flag
?n
L" sha!! be HOETEE OK d i s p l ~ y ~iiid all p b l i c htiildings, official E S ~ ~ E X ~ Sjxblic
,

21 plazas, and institutions of leaining everyday throughout the year.

22
23 "SEC. 6. WHERE FLAG SHOULD BE PERMANENTLY DISPLAYED - The
24 flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in front of the
25 following: [at] Malacafiang Palace; [the] SENATE OF THE PHILIPPINES
26 BUILDING; [Congress of the Philippines] HOUSE UF REPRESENTATIVES
27 building; Supreme Court building; the Rizal Monunient in Luneta, Manila;
2s Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Maiolos, Bulacan; the Tomb
29 of the Unknown Soldier, Libiizgnn ng inga Bayani IN TAGUIG, METRO MANILA;
30 ALL MEMORIALS DEDICATED TO THE VETERANS OF THE MILITARY;
31 Mnusoleo de Ios Veternnos de la Revolucion IN NORTH CEMETERY, MANILA;
32 MARCELA AGONCILLO HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN TAAL, BATANGAS;
33 PINAGLABANAN HISTORICAL LANDMARK IN SAN JUAN, METRO
34 MANILA; all International Ports of Entry and all other places as may be
35 SUBSEQUENTLY designated AND MARKED by the'[Institute] NHI.
36
37 "The flag, ON THE ABOVE-STATED PLACES, shall be properly
38 illuminated at night.
39

3
 I "SEC. 7. DISPLAY OF FLAG riv PRIVATE BUILDINGS AND OFFICES -
2 ? privats buildhgs and residences or raised i~ t k e
The flag shall also be displayed i
3 open flagstaffs in front of said buildings revery April 9 (Auaw fig Kagitingau); May 1
4 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day); last Sunday
5 of August (National Heroes Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30
6 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as niay be declaied by the President and/or the
I local chief executives] DURING FLAG DAYS, AS PROVIDED IN SEC. 24 OF THIS
8 ACT.
9
10 THE FLAG MAY ALSO BE DISPLAYED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR IN
11 PRIVATE BUILDINGS OR OFFICES OR RAISED ON FLAGPOLES IN FRONT
12 OF PRIVATE BUILDINGS PROVIDED THAT, THEY OBSERVE FLAG
13 CEREMONIES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE IMPLEMENTING RUMS AND
14 REGULATIONS (IRR) TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHI.
15
16 [B. DISPLAY OF THE NATIONAL FLAG]
17
18 "SEC. [9] 8. DISPLAY OF FLAG ON S E f L F A m G VESSELS - The flag shall
19 be flown on ALL SEAFARING VESSELS of Philippine registry [of more than one
20 thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval vessels].
21
22 "On board [naval] SEAFARING vessels., the flag shall be displayed on the
23 flagstaff at the stem when the ship is at anchor. The flag shall be hoisted to the gaff
24 at the aftermast when the ship is at sea.
25
26 "SEC. 1101 9. THE BLUE, RED A N D WHITE FIELDS OF THE FLAG - The
27 flag, if [flown from a flagpole] HOISTED shall have its blue field on top in time of
28 peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, THE WHITE
29 FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer)
30 in time of peace, and the WHITE FIELD SHALL BE ON TOP., and the red field to
31 the right (left of the observer) in time of war.
32
33 [The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.]
34
35 "SEC. [11] 10. FLAGPOLE IN THE OPEN FIELD - If planted on the ground,
36 the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of such height as would give
37 the flag the commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity. THE
38 FLAGPOLE STAFF MUST BE STRAIGHT AND SLIGHTLY TAPERING AT THE
39 TOP.

4
 1
2 "If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored
3 on a sill projecting at an angle upward.
4
5 "If on stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left
6 (facing the stage) or left of the office upon entering.
7
8 "SEC. 1121 11 . THE PHILIPPlNE FLAG WHEN FLOWN WlTH ANOTHER
9 FLAG - When the Philippine flag is f l o ~ i with
i another f l q , the Eiigs, if bath are
10 national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of
11 equal size. The Philippine flag shall be TO THE LEFT OF THE OBSERVER AND
12 hoisted first and lowered last.
13 "If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown DURING SPECIAL
14 OCCASIONS in the same Ilineyard] HALYARD as the Philippine flag but below the
15 latter and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag.
16
17 "SEC. [I31 12. THE PH€LIPP€NE FLAG WHEN DTSPLAYED WlTH
18 ANOTHER FLAG - When displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on
19 the right of the other flag (LEFT OF THE OBSERVER). If there is a line of other
20 flags, the Philippine flag shall be [in the middle of the line] AT THE LEFTMOST OF
21 THE OBSERVER.
22
23 "When carried in a parade with flags which are not national flags, the
24 Philippine flag shall be in front of the center of the line.
25
26 ADDITIONAL PROTOCOL FOR THE DISPLAY OF THE PHILIPPINE
27 FLAG SHALL BE CONTAINED THE IRR TO BE ISSUED BY THE NHI
28 PURSUANT TO THE COMMON PROVISIONS STATED IN THIS LAW.
29
30 "SEC. 1141 13. DISPOSAL OF WORN OUT FLAG - [A] THE flag worn out
31 through wear and tear, shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly burned to
32 avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins
33 to show signs of wear and tear.
34
35 "SEC. [15] 14. APPROPRIATE TIME FOR FLAG RAISING A N D
36 LOWERING - The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall be on
37 the mast at the start of official office hours, AND shall remain flying throughout the
38 uay.
A".-

39

5
 1 "SEC.' 1161 15. lMAiVNEE OF DISPLAMNG THE FLAG - The flag may be
2
3
4 Inside or outside a building or on stationary OR MOVABLE
5 flagpoles. It the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall
6 be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room;
7 From the top of the flagpole, which shall be at a prominent
8 place or a commanding position in relation to the surrounding
9 buildings;
10 From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy,
11 balcony or facade of a building[.];
12 In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building
13 QP\ LAMPOST to A pole erected away from the building;
14 Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top;
15 and
16 Hanging in a vertical position across a street, with the blue
1 ,7
I field poktkg east, if the road is heading south 01 north,
18 pointing north if the road is heading east or west.
19
20 "The flag shall not be raised [when the weather is inclement] DURING
21 INCLEMENT WEATHER. If already raised PRIOR TO INCLEMENT WEATHER,
22 the flag shall not be lowered.
23
24 "SEC. 1171 16. MAiVNER OF HOISTlNG THE FZAG - The flag shall be
25 hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
26
27 "The flag shall never touch anything beneath. it, such as the ground, flood,
25 water or other objects.
29
30 "After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as part of
31 the ceremony.
32
33 [C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony]
34
35 "SEC. [181 17. FLAG CEREMOW IN PUBLIC OFFICES N V D
36 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTIONS - All government offices [and educational
37 institutions] shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday
38 morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. PROVIDED
 I THAT, ALL EDUCATIONAL INSTlTUTIONS UNDER THE DEPARTMENT OF
2 EDUCATION (DEPED), COMMISSION ON HIGHER EDUCATION (CHED),
3 AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION AND SICILLS DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
4 (TESDA) SHALL OBSERVE THE FLAG CEREMONY DAILY. The ceremony shall
5 be simple and dignified and shall include the playing [or] AND singing of the
6 Philippine National Anthem.
I
8 [SEC. 19. The Office of the President upon the recommendation of the
9 1,. ,Ad' u t e shall issue rules and regGlations for the proper condr;d of flag ceiexonji.j
10
11 "SEC. 1201 18. DIGNITY lN THE OBSERVANCE OF FLAG CEREMONY -
12 The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple
13 and dignified and shall include the playing [or1 AND singing of the anthem [in its
14 original Filipino lyrics and march tempo].
15
16 "SEC. [21] 19. FLAG-RAISING CEREMONY - During the flag-raising
17 ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation facing the flag. At the moment the
18 first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention;
19 moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall place their right palms over
20 their chests, those with hats shall uncover, while those in military, scouting, security
21 guard, and citizens military training uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by
22 their regulations, which salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
23
24 "The assembly shall sing the Philippine [n]National [a]Anthem, accompanied
25 by a band, if available, and at the first note, the flag shau be raised briskly.
26
21 "The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review or
28 in parade.
29
30 "SEC. 1221 20. FLAG-LOWERING CEREMONY - During the flag lowering,
31 the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the flag shall be down the mast
32 at the sound of the last note of the anthem. Those in the assembly shall observe the
33 same deportment or shall observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising
34 ceremony.
35
36 ID. Half Mast]
31
38 "SEC. [23] 21. FLAG mT HALF-MAST - The flag shall be flown at half-mast as
39 a sign of mourning on all the buildings and places where it is displayed, as provided
 1 for in this Act, STARTING on the day of official announcement of the death of any
2 of the following officials:
3
4 "(a) The President or a former President, for ten (10) days;
5 "(b) The Vice-President, the Chief 'Justice, the President of the
6 Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, for
7 seven (7) days; and
8 "(c ) Other persons to be determined by the [Institute] NHI, for
9 any period less than seven (7) days;
10
11 "The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the
12 [decedent] DECEASED was holding office, on the day of death until the day of
13 interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or
14 the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by the
1s [lnstitute] NHI.
16
17 "The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a
18 moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised briskly
19 to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
20
21 [E. Casket]
22
23 -
"SEC. 1241 22. FLAG OVER THE CASKET The flag may be used to cover the
24 caskets of the honored dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national
25 artists, and of civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation, as
26 maybe determined by the local government unit concerned. In such cases, the flag
27 shall be placed such that the white triangle shall be at the head and the blue portion
28 shall cover the right side of the caskets. The flag shall not be lowered to the grave or
29 allowed to touch the ground, but shall be folded solemnly and bandled] HANDED
30 over to the heirs of deceased.
31
32 [F. Pledge to the Flag and Flag Days]
33
34 "SEC. 1251 23. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE - The following shall be the
3s Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag:
36
37 "Ako ay Pilipiizo
38 Buoiig kataputang nununurnpa
39 Sa wafawaf n,y Pilipinas

8
 1 At sa baiisnizg kanynizg sinnsngisag
2 Nn may dnngal, katarungan at kalayaan
3 Na yiizakikilos izg sniiibaynnnng
4 Maka-Dips
5 Mala- too
6 h4akakaliknsan at
7 Makabniisa
8
9 ''[Such pledge] THE PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE PHILIPPINE
10 FLAG shall be recited while standing with the right hand with palm open raised
11 shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from
12 making such pledge must, nonetheless, show full respect when the pledge is being
13 rendered by standing at attention.
14
15 "SEC. 1261 24. FLAG DAYS - The period from NATIONAL FLAG DAY (May
16 28) to INDEPENDENCE DAY @ne 12) of each year is declared as Flag Eays, &.iring
17 which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government business
18 establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are [enjoined]
19 OBLIGATED to display the flag. PROVIDED, HOWEVER THAT [Tlthe flag shall
20 [also] be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised [in the open flag-
21 staffs] ON FLAGPOLES in front of said buildings every April 9 (A~arong
22 Kngitiizgaiz); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Ii~deyeiideiice
23 Day); last Sunday of August (National Heroes Dmy); November 30 (Bonifncio Day); and
24 December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may be declared by the President
25 and/or local chief executives.
26
21 "SEC. 181 25. OBSERVANCE OF FLAG DAYS - All government agencies and
28 instrumentalities, and local government offices, government-owned corporations
29 and local government units are enjoined to observe Flag Day with appropriate
30 ceremonies. Socio-civic groups, non-government organizations and the private
31 sector are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success.
32
33 [H Specifications of the National Flag]
34
35 "SEC. [2q 26. FLAG PROPORTIONS - The flag shall have the following
36 proportions. The width of :he flag, GNE (1); the lei@h of the fkg, TWG (2); and the
37 sides of the white kiangle, ONE (1).
38

9
 1 "SEC. I281 27. FLAG TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS - The technical
2 specifications OF THE FLAG shall be as follows:
3
4 "The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No. 80001;
5 the red color, Cable No. 80108; and the golden yellow, Cable No. 80068.
6
7 "SEC. 1291 28. STANDARDS FOR FLAG REQLUSITION - In order to
8 establish uniform criteria in the making of our national flag and to guarantee its
9 durability by the use of quality materials, the following standards and procedures
10 shall be observed:
11
12 "(a) All requisitions for the purchase of the Philippine
13 National
14 Flag must be based on strict compliance with the design,
15 color, craftsmanship and material requirements of the
16 Government;
17 "(b) All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for
18 purchase for government use shall be evaluated as to design, color
19 and craftsmanship specifications by the [Institute] NHI, through
20 its Heraldry and Display Section, which shall stamp its approval
21 or disapproval on the canvass reinforcement of the flag sample
22 submitted. The samples shall be sent to the [Institute] NHI by the
17
L J ---...-.
kryu;J;tioniig
of&, s a t by the Bag scpplier; an&
24 "(e ) The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) or the
25 Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of
26 Science and Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality of
27 material of all flag samples and certlfy whether the fabric for the
28 blue, white, red and golden-yellow colors, including the canvass
29 submitted, conform to government requirements as to quality of
30 the material. The samples shall be sent annually to the ITDI/PTRI
31 by the manufacturer. The laboratory test results shall be
32 submitted by the said office to the [Institute] NHI.
33
34 "SEC. [30] 29. FLAG PURCHASE WSPECTION - All deliveries of the flags
35 requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the requisitioning agency's
36 internal inspector and by the Commission on Audit (COA) using the flag staniped
37 approved by the [Institute1 NHI as reference.
38

10
 I "[SEC. 31.1 In carrying out [its] THE ABOVE responsibilities [under Section 4
2 hereof,] the [Institute] NHI, COA, [the] AND ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to
3 be approved by [the Office of the President] ALL THE PARTIES CONCERNED.
4
5 "SEC. 1321 30. STRICT COMPLIANCE WITH REQUIREMENTS- All
6 government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the requirements under
I this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and delivery of the national flag
8 are strictly complied with.
9
!O "SEC. 133; 31. FLAG REQEMTIGN BEEGET - All depaiWi~i~k,
age~i~s,
I1 offices, and instrumentalities of the government, government-owned or controlled
12 corporations, local government units, including barangays, shall include in their
13 annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the national flag.
14
15 FURTHERMORE, ALL LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS ARE DIRECTED
16 TO ALLOCATE APPROPRIATE SUMS FOR A FLAG LAW PUBLIC
17 AWARENESS PROGRAM AS WELL AS THE PROPER IMPLEMENTATION OF
18 THE PROVISIONS OF THE FLAG LAW.
19
20 [I. Prohibited Acts]
21
22 "SEC. [34] 32. PROHIBITED ACTS - It shall be prohibited:
23
24 "(a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt any act
25 or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag [or over
26 its surface], ANTHEM, SEAL, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS,
21 AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES;
28 "(b) To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment
29 or salute;
30 "(c ) To use the flag:
31 "(1). As [a] drapery, festoon, tablecloth;
32 "(2) As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
33 "(3) AS [a pennant] DRAPERY in the hood, side, back and
34 top of motor vehicles; ALL CLOTH FLAGS SHOULD
35 BE DISPLAYED FREELY WAVING IN THE AIR;
36 "(4) As a staff or whip;
31 "(5) AS COVERING for unveiling OF monuments or
38 statues; and

11
 I "(6) As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or
2 agricultural labels or designs.
3 To display the flag:
4 "(1) Under any painting or picture;
5 "(2) Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft
5 and bs i;l!ow2d to fall fr2eb;
7 "(3) Below any platform; or
S "(4) In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos,
9 gambling joints an places of vice or where frivolity
10 prevails.
11 To wear the Flag, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS Iin whole or in
12 part] as PART OF a costume or [uniform] AS A FASHION
13 ACCESSORY OR MERELY AS A DESIGN ELEMENT;
14 PROVIDED THAT THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS,
15 MAY BE INCORPORATED AS PART OF THE UNIFORM
16 OF FILIPINOS REPRESENTING THE PHILIPPINES IN
17 INTERNATIONAL SPORTS, CULTURAL OR SCIENTIFIC
18 COMPETITIONS OR OFFICIAL FUNCTIONS WITH THE
19 APPROVAL OF THE NHI;
20 To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings,
21 advertisements, or imprint [of any nature] on the flag[;], SEAL,
22 COAT-OF-ARMS OR ANY REPRESENTATION
23 THEREFORE;
24 To print, paint or attach representation of the flag, SEAL,
25 COAT-OF-ARMS on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and
26 other articles of merchandise; AND
27 To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and
28 other diplomatic establishments, and non offices of

29 international organizations,]
30 "[iJH. TO USE OR DISPLAY THE FLAG, SEAL, COAT OF ARMS,
31 OR BE PARTOF ANY ADVERTISEMENT OR
32 INFOMERCIAL WITHOUT THE APPROVAL OF THE NHI
33 [and].
34 [j. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by
35 aliens.]
35
3 'I
3s
39

12
 I CHAPTER 11
2 THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
3
4 -
"SEC. 1351 33. TITLE OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM The National Antlieni
5 is entitled Lupang Hiizirang.
6
7 "SEC, [36] 34. LANGUAGE A N D LYRlCS OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM -
8 The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or
9 without the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem:
10
11 "Bayang iiiagiliio,
12 Pwlas izg Silaizgaizaiz,
13 Ala6 7ig puso,

14 Sa dihdih mo'y bulzay.

I5
!6 Lupang hitiiratig,
17 Duyan ka izg iizagitiiig,
18 Sa iizaiilultipig,
19 Di ka pasisiil.
20
21 Sa dagnt at buiidok,
22 Sa sinzoy at sa laiigit iizoiig bughaw,
23 May dilag aiig tula,
24 At aruif sa paglayairg iiziiianzalzal.
25
26 Ang kislap ng wafawnt ino'y
27 Tagu titpay ria nngniningning,
28 Ang bituiii at araw niya.
29 Kailan pa nia'y di magdidiliniLJ
30
31 L u p iig amo, izg luzoallmti't pagsin fa,
32 Buhay ay langif sa piling mu,
33 Aiiziiig ligaya na pag iizay iiiaiig-aapi I

34 Aiig mnmainatay rig dald sa iyo.

35
36 "SEC. [37l 35. RENDlTlON OF THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - The rendition
37 of the National Anthem, whether played or sung shall be in accordance with the
38 musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, THE ORIGINAL COPY OF
39 WHICH IS OFFICIALLY KEPT AT THE NATIONAL LIBRARY OF THE

13
 I PHILIPPINES, IN TWOFOUR (v4)BEAT WITHIN THE RANGE OF 100 TO 120
2 METRONOME.
3 "SEC. 1381 36. MANNER OF SINGING THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - When
4 the National Anthem is played at a public gathering, whether by a band [or by
5 singing or both,] or reproduced by any means, the attending public shall sing the
6 anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.
7
8 "As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the
9 Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, a d if there is none, they shall face the band
10 or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing the
11 right palms over their left chests. [Those in military, scouting, citizen's] THE
12 MILITARY AND THOSE in military training and security guard uniform shall give
13 the salute prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last
14 note of the anthem.
15
16 "The anthem shall not be played and sung [for] PRECEDING EVENTS OF
17 mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes except on the following
18 occasions:
19
I n Internatioiiri C O E ~ & ~ G X where the Phiiippi~esis t'ie host or
A" "(a)
21 has a representative;
22 "(b) NATIONAL OR [L] local competitions;
23 "(c) During the "signing off' and "signing on" of radio
24 broadcasting and television stations;
25 "(d) Before the initial and last screening of films or before the
26 opening of theater performances; PROVIDED THAT THE
27 OWNERS AND MANAGEMENT OF THE
28 ESTABLISHMENTS SHALL BE MANDATED TO
29 ENFORCE PROPER DECORUM AND IMPLEMENT THE
30 PERTINENT PROVISIONS OFTHIS ACT; and
31 (e) Other occasions as may be allowed by the [Institute] NHI.
32
33 "SEC. 1391 37. STRlCT COMPLIANCE WITH RULES FOR THE RENDITION
34 O F THE NATIONAL ANTHEM - All officials and employees of the national and local
35 government, and any agency or instrumentality thereof, including government-
36 owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned entities or offices displaying the
37 national flag and government institutions of learning are hereby directed to comply
38 strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to observe
39 the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.

14
 1 CHAPTER 111
2 THE NATIONAL MOTTO, THE COAT-OF-ARMS AND THE GREAT SEAL
3
4 "SEC. 1401 38. THE NATIONAL MOTTO - The National Motto shall be
5 "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA ."
6
I "SEC. 1411 39. THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS - The National Coat-of-
8 Arms shall have:
9
10 "[Paleways] FIELD of two (2) pieces, [azure and gules; a chief argent] BLUE
11 WITH AN EAGLE AND RED WITH A LION RAMPART, A WHITE FIELD
12 studded with three (3) Imullets] STARS equidistant from each other; and, in point of
13 honor, [ovoid argent] WHITE OVAL [overall the sun rayonnant with eight minor
14 and lesser rays] WITH THE PHILIPPINE SUN AT THE CENTER. Beneath shall be
15 the scroll with the words "REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS," inscribed thereon.
16
17 [CHAPTER V
IS THE GREAT SEAL]
19
20 "SEC. 1421 40. THE GREAT SEAL - The Great Seal shall be circular in form,
21 with tlie arms as described in the preceding section, but without the scroll and the
22 inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal circle within
23 which shall appear the words "Republika ng Pilipinas." For the purpose of placing
24 The Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture
25 representation must be used.
26
21 [The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto. ]
28
29 "SEC. 1431 41. WHERE TO AFFIX THE GREAT SEAL - The Great Seal shall
30 be affixed to or placed upon all commission signed by the President and upon such
31 other official documents and papers of the Republic,of the Philippines as may be
32 provided by law, or as may be required by custom and usage. The President shall
33 have custody of the Great Seal.
34
35 CHAPTER [VI] IV
36 OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES
31
38 "SEC. [44] 42. ADOPTION OF HERALDIC A N D SIMILAR DEUCES - Any
39 governrner1t eiltiq, i-,dudk,g'?;e mitary, "
"
f adopt appropriate HEBALEIC

15
 I ITEMS AND DEVICES SUCH AS MEDALS, coat-of-arms, administrative seals,
2 logo, insignia, badges, patches, and banners; and initiate awards, citations, orders or
3 decorations; as may be authorized by the Congress or the Office of the President.
4
5 “SEC. 1451 43. REPORTORIAL REQUIREMENTS - Such heraldic devices
6 and itenis shall be filed tvi.it5 the [Institute] NHI for recording and emfiration as to
7 precedence, design, customs and traditions. The [Institutel NHI shall promulgate the
8 corresponding rules and regulations which shall be submitted for approval to the
9 Office of the President or to Congress.
10
11 “SEC. 1461 44. PURCHASE OF HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEUCES FROM
12 ACCREDITED SOURCES - All government offices including the military are hereby
13 ordered to purchase all heraldic items and devices from manufacturers accredited
14 and authorized by the [Institute] NHI. Such items and devices shall be subject to
15 inspection by the purchasing agency’s internal inspector and the COA
16 representatives using the design and specifications approved by the Office of the
17 President or by the Congress, through the [Institute] NHI.
18
19 [SECTION 47. No goveiment official or employee shall accept any orders or
20 decorations from any foreign government without the consent of Congress, and
21 without prior evaluation and documentation of such order or decoration by the
22 Insti tu te.1
23
24 CHAPTER [Vll] V
25 PENALTIES
26
27 “SEC. 1481 45. PUBLIC CENSURE/ CANCELLATION OF PERMIT - Failure
28 or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the
29 corresponding rules and regulations issued by the NHI [Office of the President,]
30 shall after proper notice and hearing, be penalized by public censure which shall be
31 published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.
32
33 ”The [Department of Education Culture and Sports] DEPED and the
34 Commission on Higher Education (CHED), upon the recommendation of the
35 [Institute] NHI and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the cancellation
36 of the recognition of permit of any private educational institution which fails or
37 refuses to observe the provisions of this Act for the second time.
38

16
 I "SEC. 1501 46. PUNISHMENT FOR VIOLATIONS - Any person WHO or
2 juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon
3 conviction, be punished b.y a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (PHP 5,000.00)
4 nor more than Twenty Thousand Pesos (PHP 20,000.00) or by imprisonment [for] OF
5 not more than one (1)year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of
6 the court: Pr.aviri,d, That for any second and additional offenses, both fine and
7 imprisonment shall always be imposed: Prmided,furfhu That in case the violation is
8 committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall
9 be liable.
IO
11 THE NHI M A Y PRESCRIBE IN THE IMPLEMENTING RULES AND
12 REGULATIONS OTHER ACTS OF OMISSIONS WHICH SHALL BE DEEMED
13 DISRESPECTFUL, AND T H U S PROHIBmED, RELATIVE TO THE FLAG, THE
14 NATIONAL ANTHEM, THE GREAT SEAL, COAT-OF-ARMS, NATIONAL
15 MOTTO AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES.
16
17 CHAPTER Ivrrrj VI
18 COMMON PROVISIONS
19
20 "SEC. [49] 47, OBLIGATIONS OF EDUCATION REGULATION AGENCIES-
21 The [Department of Education, Culture and Sports] DEPED, [and the Commission
22 on Higher Education] CHED AND TESDA shall ensure that the National Anthem,
23 as adopted by law, shall be committed to memory by all students of both public and
24 private educational institutions, and performed during the flag ceremony conducted
25 in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the [Office of the President]
26 NHI. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano or band scores of the
27 National Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public schools, as well as the
28 general public.
29
30 "SEC. [5i] 4s. rssuANcE OF RULES A N D REGULATIONS AND THEIR
31 ENFORCEXENT - The [Institute] N 9 I shall issue the necessary rules and
32 regulations [to implement the provisions of this Act] within ninety (90) days after
33 [effectivity] THE APPROVAL OF THIS ACT. The [Institute] NHI shall submit its
34 rules and regulations to the Office of the President and the Congress of the
35 Philippines.
36
37 "[SEC. 52 -1 The [Institute] NHI shall [also] be responsible for the strict
38 enforcement of the provisions of this Act. It may call upon any goveinment
39 department, agency, office, or government instrumentality, including government

17
 1 corporations and local government units, for such assistance as it may deem
2 necessary for the effective discharge of its functions under this Act.”
3
4 SEC 2. Separability Clartse. - If for any reason, any portion or provision of this Act
5 shall be declared unconstitutional, other parts or provisions hereof which are not
6 affected thereby shall continue to be in full force and effect.
7
8 SEC. 3. Repealing Clause. - All laws, decrees, executive orders, rules and
9 regulations, part or parts thereof, inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are
10 hereby repealed or modified accordingly.
11
12 SEC. 4. Effectivity - The Act shall be effective fifteen (15) days from the date of its
13 publication in at east two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
14
15 Approved;

18