Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 8491)
Republic Act No. 8491 shall be known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines."
Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols which embody national ideals and traditions and express principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
"Military" means all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
The flag shall be permanently hoisted day and night at Malacañang Palace, the Congress of the Philippines building, Supreme Court building, Rizal Monument in Luneta, Aguinaldo and Barasoain Shrines, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Musoleo de los Veteranos dela Revolucion, all International Ports of Entry and other places designated by the National Historical Institute.
The flag shall be blue, white, and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the Filipino people.
In time of peace, the blue field shall be on top or to the right (left of observer if hung). In time of war, the red field shall be on top or to the right (left of observer if hung).
Flag-raising ceremonies shall be held every Monday morning and flag-lowering ceremonies every Friday afternoon in government offices and educational institutions. The ceremony includes playing or singing the Philippine National Anthem, standing at attention, saluting, and handling the flag solemnly.
The flag is flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the official announcement of the death of the President or former President (10 days), Vice President, Chief Justice, Senate President, Speaker of the House (7 days), and others as determined by the National Historical Institute.
It is prohibited to mutilate, deface, dip the flag to persons or objects, use it as drapery, tablecloth, pennant on vehicles, uniform, add markings, or display it disrespectfully such as face up, below platforms, or in places of vice.
Violations shall be punished by a fine of not less than PHP 5,000 and not more than PHP 20,000, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both, with increased penalties for repeated offenses. In case of violation by a juridical person, its President or CEO shall be liable.
The official National Motto is "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA."
The President of the Philippines has custody of the Great Seal, which is affixed to all commissions signed by the President and other official documents as provided by law or custom.
The Institute is responsible for issuing rules and regulations to implement the law, ensuring proper design and standards for the flag and heraldic items, recording heraldic devices, and strict enforcement of the provisions of the Act.
No. No government official or employee shall accept any order or decoration from a foreign government without the consent of Congress and prior evaluation and documentation by the National Historical Institute.
All flags must comply with design, color, craftsmanship, and material standards. Samples must be approved by the National Historical Institute and quality evaluated by the Industrial Technology Development Institute or Philippine Textile Research Institute. Government agencies must inspect all flag deliveries.