QuestionsQuestions (MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 52)
It is anchored on Section 18 of Republic Act No. 8491 (Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines), which directs all government offices (including LGUs) to conduct flag raising every Monday morning and flag lowering every Friday afternoon.
All national government agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and educational institutions such as SUCs.
LGUs are “encouraged” (not strictly mandated in the same way as national government agencies) to integrate the recital, subject to existing laws, rules, and regulations.
Yes. It is subject to “existing laws, rules and regulations.”
They must ensure that the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge (annexed to the circular) are properly disseminated within their respective institutions and offices.
The Presidential Communications Office.
It takes effect immediately.
“Directed” generally implies a mandatory command with compliance expected; “encouraged” suggests permissive or non-mandatory guidance, though in practice local compliance may still occur.
It describes Bagong Pilipinas as principled, accountable, and dependable governance with unified institutions, intended for deep and fundamental social and economic transformation. Legally, it may matter for assessing the purpose and rational basis for adopting national messaging in state ceremonies.
Memorandum Circular No. 24 (s. 2023) is referenced. It launched Bagong Pilipinas and directed agencies and instrumentalities, including GOCCs and SUCs, to be guided by Bagong Pilipinas principles.
Based on the text provided, RA No. 8491’s Sections 18 and 19 relate to the required ceremonies and the authority to issue guidelines; the circular indicates that the President has rule-making authority for conduct, implying that specific content (like additional recitations) may be introduced through presidential issuances subject to existing law.
It is signed by Lucas P. Bersamin, Executive Secretary, by authority of the President.
The “Bagong Pilipinas Hymn” and the “Bagong Pilipinas Pledge” (Panata sa Bagong Pilipinas).
It would likely require distributing the official text of the Hymn and Pledge to offices and personnel, informing staff of when and how it will be recited during flag ceremonies, and ensuring availability of the annexed lyrics/text for accurate recital.