QuestionsQuestions (EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 341)
It revises and standardizes the rules on the proper design and use of the Philippine national Coat-of-Arms for official purposes and harmonizes the seals used by different government entities.
It includes paleways of azure and gules; a silver chief with three golden stars; the arms of Manila (per fess gules and argent with the castle of Spain in chief and a sea lion in base); and a sword-hilted-in-dexter paw.
The crest is an American eagle displayed proper; the scroll beneath bears the words “Commonwealth of the Philippines,” placed just below but without touching the seal proper.
Provinces and chartered cities may adopt and use their own Coat-of-Arms upon recommendation of the Philippine Heraldry Committee (created by EO 310) and subject to approval of the President.
Those already granted and in use during the Spanish regime (e.g., Coat-of-Arms Manila) may be retained, notwithstanding the general authorization rules.
It is circular with the arms as described in the Coat-of-Arms but without the crest and the scroll/inscription; it includes surrounding ring text: “Commonwealth of the Philippines” and “United States of America,” separated by two small five-pointed stars.
It shall remain in the custody of the President of the Philippines.
It shall be affixed to or placed upon all commissions signed by the President and upon such other official documents and papers of the Commonwealth as provided by law or required by custom and usage in the President’s discretion.
They must be similar to the Great Seal, except in the wording around the ring, and their size must not exceed 7/8 of the Great Seal (2-3/4 inches in diameter).
Their seals should contain the Coat-of-Arms proper without the crest or scroll, with the name of the government entity around the ring, and size must not exceed 2/3 of the Great Seal (2 inches in diameter).
Administrative seals used for routine internal administration are only “office seals” and are not the official or corporate seals; therefore, they must not bear the Coat-of-Arms of the Government.
Only the personal flag of the President of the Philippines shall bear the national Coat-of-Arms in full colors.
If authorized, other officials’ personal flags display in the center the seal device of the corresponding Department.
It prohibits using the Coat-of-Arms as background for police badges; however, the shield proper only may be used (without crest), with a scroll bearing the name of the city or municipality, with or without heraldic embellishment or support.
It generally cannot be painted on government cars or railway coaches, except on vehicles personally or officially used by the President (full colors) and those used by the Vice-President, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and Chief Justice (silver).
Their use in Philippine coins or any kind of Philippine currency is by authority of the President of the Philippines.
Using them as trademarks, advertisements, or labels for commercial/industrial/agricultural purposes, including printing/stamping on goods intended for sale, barter, or exchange is prohibited; violations are punishable under Section 2 of Commonwealth Act No. 602.
It is prohibited in cockpits, clubhouses, or gambling-dedicated buildings, public dance halls, dancing schools, and show-houses; violations are dealt with under Section 2 of Commonwealth Act No. 602.