Question & AnswerQ&A (PROCLAMATION NO. 544)
The purpose of Proclamation No. 544 is to declare a period of mourning over the death of Salvador H. Laurel, former Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines.
During the period of mourning, flags in all government buildings and installations shall be flown at half-mast for seven days, and the flags at the Office of the Vice President, Philippine Senate, House of Representatives, and Department of Foreign Affairs shall remain at half-mast until the day of the funeral.
The period of mourning is declared from January 29, 2004 until the day of his funeral.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines is called upon to give former Vice President Laurel a state funeral and burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani, if his family so wishes.
Salvador H. Laurel served as Vice President, Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and Senator.
The proclamation highlights his selfless, dedicated, and sincere service to the country, his steadfast struggle against dictatorship, his fight for the preservation of democratic institutions, and his contribution as a patriot and statesman.
Yes, flags must remain at half-mast beyond seven days at the Office of the Vice President, the Philippine Senate, House of Representatives, and the Department of Foreign Affairs until the day of the funeral.
The President of the Philippines, through an appropriate proclamation and order via the Executive Secretary, has the authority to proclaim a national period of mourning.
It mandates government offices and installations to display flags at half-mast for the duration specified, symbolizing respect and mourning for the deceased.