Law Summary

1. General Provisions

• Explanation: This Executive Order establishes regulations for the half-masting of flags on government buildings within the Philippines.

• Key Definitions:

  • Half-masting: The act of lowering flags to a position halfway down the flagpole as a sign of mourning.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • Flags shall be half-masted only during specified occasions as outlined in the following sections.

• Relevant Timeframes:

  • Specific dates and events are designated for half-masting.

• Consequences:

  • Non-compliance may lead to administrative consequences, though specific penalties are not explicitly mentioned.

2. Memorial Day Observance

• Explanation: Every year, flags are to be half-masted on Memorial Day to honor departed heroes.

• Key Details:

  • Date: May 30th annually.
  • Duration: From sunrise until noon.

3. Death of Distinguished Officials

• Explanation: The flags may be ordered to half-mast upon the death of distinguished officials or significant commemorative events, strictly by authorized persons.

• Key Definitions:

  • Distinguished Official: Refers to officials of either the United States or Philippine Government.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • Authority to order half-masting lies solely with:
    • The President of the Philippines.
    • Resolution of the National Assembly.

4. Provincial Officials

• Explanation: Half-masting is permitted for the death of ranking provincial officials.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • The provincial governor or the provincial board may order half-masting.

• Key Details:

  • Applies to all government buildings within the concerned province.

5. City Officials

• Explanation: Similar provisions apply to the death of ranking city officials.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • The City Mayor or City Board may order half-masting.

• Key Details:

  • Applies to all government buildings within the city.

6. Municipal Officials

• Explanation: The procedure for municipal officials mirrors those for provincial and city officials.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • The municipal mayor or municipal council may order the flags to be half-masted.

• Key Details:

  • Applies to all government buildings within the municipality.

7. School Officials

• Explanation: Flags at educational institutions may be half-masted for deceased school officials.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • The proper school authorities may order half-masting during the funeral or upon death of the official.

8. Philippine Army Members

• Explanation: Specific army regulations govern half-masting for members of the Philippine Army.

• Important Requirements/Procedures:

  • Compliance with existing army regulations is mandated for the half-masting of flags upon the death of army members.

Key Takeaways

• The half-masting of flags is a formal act of mourning governed by Executive Order No. 166.
• Specific authorities are designated to order half-masting based on the rank of the deceased official.
• Memorial Day (May 30) is a national observance requiring half-masting from sunrise until noon.
• The regulations ensure that flags are appropriately lowered in respect for deceased officials across various levels of government and in educational institutions.