QuestionsQuestions (NHI RULE ON RA NO. 8491, JANUARY 10, 2002)
It is titled “Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 8491, s. 1998…,” and it aims to prescribe implementing rules to promote the promotion and proper observance of the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other heraldic items/devices.
The National Historical Institute (NHI) is the implementing agency. It plans, monitors, coordinates, implements, and formulates policy, and has administrative/regulatory/supervisory authority to ensure compliance with R.A. No. 8491.
They apply to individuals, public and private entities, military and police agencies, and other branches/instrumentalities of national and local government, including GOCCs, and they must be observed throughout the entire territory of the Philippines.
It is blue, white, and red, with an eight-rayed golden yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.
It shall be displayed everyday throughout the year.
Places include Malacañang, Congress, the Supreme Court, key monuments/shrines, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani sites, international ports of entry, and other designated sites. The flag at these sites must be properly illuminated at night.
It must be displayed/raised on April 9, May 1, May 28 to June 12, the last Sunday of August, Nov. 30, and Dec. 30, and on other days as declared/approved. It may also be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset year-round on open flagstaffs, provided proper ceremonies are observed.
Government offices must observe flag raising every Monday morning and flag lowering every Friday afternoon. During raising/lowering, the assembly stands at attention; at the first note of the anthem, everyone comes to attention (moving vehicles stop), places palms over chest (uncover hats); military/scouting/security/CMT uniforms give the prescribed salute, completed at last note.
The National Flag is flown at half-mast as sign of mourning on specified days/periods for listed officials. Procedurally: first hoist to the peak for a moment, lower to half-mast, and raise again to the peak before lowering for the day.
President/former President: 10 days; Vice-President, Chief Justice, President of Senate, Speaker: 7 days; Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justices, Senators/Representatives, AFP Chief of Staff, PNP Director-General: 5 days; heads of national agencies/GOCCs/financial institutions: 3 days; commanding generals of the Air Force/Army and flag officer in command of the Navy: 3 days; governors/mayors and similar local officials: 3 days; others depend on category such as interment day or less than 7 days as determined by the Institute.
The flag may cover caskets of certain honored dead as determined by the LGU. The white triangle must be at the head and the blue portion must cover the right side of the casket. It must not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the ground; it is folded and handed to heirs/next of kin. No object may be placed on top except religious objects symbolizing “God above Country.”
It is recited right after the singing of the National Anthem. The throng stands with the right palm open raised shoulder high; those whose faith prohibits them must still show full respect by standing at attention.
May 28 to June 12 each year. All offices/agencies/instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning, private buildings, and homes are enjoined to display the National Flag.
Examples include: mutilating/defacing/defiling/trampling on/casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag; using it as drapery/festoon/tablecloth/for ceilings-walls-statues; using it as a staff or whip; adding words/figures/advertisements to the flag; displaying it horizontally; using it in places of vice or frivolity such as discos/cockpits/night clubs/casinos; and using it or being part of any advertisement/infomercial.
They must sing the anthem with fervor (if played/sung). All persons stand at attention and face the National Flag if one is displayed; if none, face the band or conductor. At the first note, they salute by placing the right palm over the chest (with prescribed uniformed salutes), completed at the last note.
Yes. It shall not be played/sung for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment, except on occasions such as international competitions where the Philippines is host or has a representative; national/local competitions; certain broadcasting sign-on/sign-off events; before initial/last film screening or before theater opening; civic/cultural shows/presentations; and other occasions allowed by the Institute.
Manufacturers must send annually one meter for each color to ITDI/PTRI for evaluation. Flag manufacturers are accredited by NHI and must submit lab test results and required documents. Accredited samples offered for government purchase are evaluated by NHI, which stamps approval/disapproval on the canvas reinforcement. Government deliveries are inspected by requisitioning office and COA using the NHI-stamped “APPROVED” flag as reference; random re-evaluation may occur if confusion exists.
They take effect fifteen (15) days after approval of the Office of the President and filing with Congress of the Philippines and the University of the Philippines Law Center.