QuestionsQuestions (Republic Act No. 8491)
The short title is the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.” The policy is to accord reverence and respect to the flag, anthem, and other national symbols, and to ensure proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items to foster national ideals, sovereignty, solidarity, and pride.
“Military” includes all branches of the AFP, including the PNP, BJMP, and BFP. “Half-Mast” means lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.
The flag shall be blue, white, and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.
It must be permanently hoisted day and night in specified places including Malacañang, Congress, Supreme Court, Rizal Monument (Luneta), Aguinaldo Shrine, Barasoain Shrine, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Museo de los Veteranos de la Revolución, and all International Ports of Entry and other places designated by the Institute. It must be properly illuminated at night.
Mandatory dates are April 9, May 1, May 28 to June 12, last Sunday of August, November 30, and December 30. The President and/or local chief executives may declare other days for flag display.
From a flagpole: blue field on top in peace and red field on top in war; in hanging position: blue field to the right of the observer in peace and red field to the right of the observer in war.
If both are national flags: separate staffs of the same height and equal size; the Philippine flag must be hoisted first and lowered last. If the other flag is not national: it may be in the same line yard but below the Philippine flag and cannot be larger. In general placement: Philippine flag is on the right of the other flag; if there is a line of other flags, it is in the middle.
It should not be thrown away; it shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration, and it must be replaced immediately when it shows signs of wear.
The flag shall not be raised when weather is inclement; if already raised, it shall not be lowered. It must be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously; it shall never touch anything beneath it such as the ground, flood, water, or other objects.
Flag raising every Monday morning and flag lowering every Friday afternoon. The ceremonies must be simple and dignified and include the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
Everyone shall come to attention; moving vehicles stop. All persons place their right palms over their chest; those with hats uncover. Those in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens military training uniforms give the salute prescribed by their regulations, completed upon the last note.
It is flown at half-mast as sign of mourning on the day of official announcement of death of specified officials: President/former President (10 days), Vice President/Chief Justice/Senate President/Speaker (7 days), and others determined by the Institute for less than 7 days. It is also flown at the decedent’s place of office on the day of death until day of interment of certain incumbents. Procedure: hoist first to the peak for a moment, then lower to half-mast; raise again to the peak before lowering for the day.
The flag may cover caskets of specified persons (military, veterans, national artists, and civilians with distinguished service as determined by the LGU). The white triangle must be at the head and the blue portion cover the right side of the casket. It shall not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground; it shall be folded solemnly and handed to heirs.
“MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA.”
Examples include: mutilating/defacing/defiling/trampling or casting contempt; dipping the flag to persons/objects; using it as drapery/festoon/tablecloth; using it as cover for ceilings/walls/statues; using it as pennant on motor vehicles’ hoods/side/back/top; using it as staff or whip; using it for unveiling monuments; using it as trademarks or for commercial labels. Also prohibited are improper displays such as under paintings, horizontally face-up, below a platform, or in discotheques/cockpits/clubs/casinos and places of frivolity, as well as adding words/designs on the flag.
Attending public must sing the anthem with fervor; all persons stand at attention facing the flag (or band/conductor if no flag). At the first note, execute a salute by placing the right palms over the left chest; military/scouting/CMT/security uniforms give prescribed salutes, completed upon the last note. It shall not be played/sung for mere recreation/amusement/entertainment except on allowed occasions (e.g., certain international/local competitions as specified, broadcast signing off/on, film screening/theater opening, and other occasions allowed by the Institute).
Upon conviction, the violator may be punished by fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P20,000, or imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both. For second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed. If committed by a juridical person, its president/CEO is liable.