QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8491)
RA No. 8491 is entitled the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
It mandates reverence and respect for the flag, anthem, and other national symbols that embody national ideals and traditions, and it promotes proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items/devices.
All branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Blue, white, and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.
Every day throughout the year.
Among others: Malacañang Palace, Congress building, Supreme Court building, Rizal Monument (Luneta), Aguinaldo Shrine, Barasoain Shrine, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier/Libingan ng mga Bayani, Museo de los Veteranos de la Revolución, all International Ports of Entry, and other places designated by the Institute.
April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan), May 1 (Labor Day), May 28 to June 12 (National Flag Day to Independence Day), last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day), November 30 (Bonifacio Day), and December 30 (Rizal Day), plus other days declared by the President and/or local chief executives.
No. The flag shall not be raised when the weather is inclement; if already raised, it shall not be lowered.
Philippine flag must be hoisted first and lowered last. When flown with another flag (national flags): flown on separate staffs of same height and equal size. Position rule: Philippine flag shall be on the right of the other flag; if a line of flags, Philippine flag in the middle. In a parade with flags not national flags, Philippine flag shall be in front of the center of the line.
Examples: mutilate/deface/defile/trample/cast contempt; dip the flag to any person or object; use it as drapery/festoon/tablecloth; as covering for ceilings/walls/statues; as pennant on vehicles; as staff or whip; for unveiling monuments; as trademarks or labels; display under paintings/pictures; horizontally face-up; below platforms; in discotheques/cockpits/night clubs/clubs/casinos/gambling joints or places of vice or frivolity; wear as costume/uniform; add words/designs/advertisements on the flag; print/paint/attach flag images on merchandise; display foreign flags in public outside permitted diplomatic/IO contexts; use it as part of advertisement/infomercial; display it in front of buildings/offices occupied by aliens.
“Lupang Hinirang.”
The attending public shall sing the anthem with fervor; everyone stands at attention and faces the Philippine flag (or the band/conductor if none). Salute: right palm over left chest at first note; military/scouting/CMP/security uniforms give their prescribed salute; salute completed on the last note.
It shall not be played/sung for mere recreation except: (a) international competitions where Philippines are host or represented; (b) local competitions; (c) signing off/on of radio/TV stations; (d) before initial/last film screenings and before opening theater performances; and (e) other occasions allowed by the Institute.
“MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA.”
Fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P20,000, or imprisonment up to one (1) year, or both at the court’s discretion. For second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. For violations by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer is liable.
The Institute shall issue the necessary rules and regulations within ninety (90) days after the effectivity of the Act.