Question & AnswerQ&A (Commonwealth Act No. 602)
The main purpose of Commonwealth Act No. 602 is to further amend the provisions regarding the Arms and the Great Seal of the Government of the Philippines and to provide penalties for their unlawful use or for any act that dishonors or ridicules them.
The Arms of the Philippines are described as paleways of two pieces, dexter azure and sinister gules; a chief white bearing three mullets or (dexter, center and sinister); an oval field white emblazoning at the honor point the symbolic eight-rayed sun in rayonnant or, with rays flanked on both sides by lesser and minor rays or; the crest is the American eagle proper grasping an olive branch and spears, with a scroll beneath inscribed with the word 'Philippines'.
The Great Seal is circular, featuring the arms as described but without the scroll and inscription. It has a double marginal circle with the words 'Government of the Philippines, United States of America' separated by two small five-pointed stars.
The Great Seal shall be and remain in the custody of the President of the Philippines.
The Great Seal is affixed on all commissions signed by the President and on such other official documents and papers of the Commonwealth as provided by law or required by custom and usage.
Any utterance (speech, writing, drawing), act or omission casting dishonor, ridicule, or contempt upon the Arms or Great Seal; use as trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs; and any drawings or inscriptions upon the Arms or the Great Seal are prohibited.
Violators can be punished by a fine of not less than fifty pesos and not more than two hundred pesos, or by imprisonment for not more than six months, or by both.
Yes, for the purpose of placing the Great Seal, the colors of the Arms shall not be deemed essential.
The Act took effect upon its approval on August 19, 1940.
The American eagle serves as the crest of the Arms, symbolizing the historical ties between the Philippines and the United States during the Commonwealth period.