Title
Regulations on US and Philippine Flags Use
Law
Executive Order No. 273
Decision Date
May 11, 1940
Manuel L. Quezon establishes regulations for the display and use of the Flags of the United States, the Philippines, and other nations, emphasizing their order of precedence and proper ceremonial conduct during national events.

Law Summary

Display of Both Flags on a Single Staff

  • The two flags may be displayed on one staff using a horizontal crosspiece at least ten feet long.
  • The U.S. flag is to be placed on the right, visible either facing seaward, the front of a building, north, or east, depending on location.

Saluting Uncased Flags and Conduct of Ceremonies

  • Uncased flags in parades or ceremonies must be saluted by all persons present.
  • The salute involves facing the flags, standing at attention, and rendering an appropriate salute.
  • Troop ceremonies must follow prescribed regulations for conduct.

Display of Flags on National and Special Occasions

  • The U.S. and Philippine flags are to be displayed on national holidays and historic or special occasions.
  • Flags of other nations may also be displayed alongside, in this order from right to left:
    • U.S. flag
    • Philippine flag
    • Flags of other countries by international precedence or alphabetical order by country name if no precedence rule exists.

Restrictions on Flag Display at the Same Hoist Point

  • No other flags may be displayed from the same hoist point as the U.S. or Philippine flags.

Mandatory Display of U.S. Flag with Other Nations' Flags

  • Whenever the Philippine flag is displayed alongside foreign flags, the U.S. flag must also be displayed.

Order of Hoisting and Lowering

  • The U.S. flag must always be hoisted first and lowered last.

Arrangement of Flags in Processions

  • The U.S. flag occupies the marching right (observer’s left when approaching).
  • The Philippine flag follows immediately to the left of the U.S. flag.
  • Other national flags follow to the left of the Philippine flag, in the established order.
  • If flags are in a line, the U.S. and Philippine flags can be positioned in front of the center.

Display of Foreign Flags by Aliens in the Philippines

  • Aliens whose countries are at peace with the U.S. and the Philippines may display their national flags on property they own or rent without displaying the U.S. or Philippine flags.
  • If on U.S. or Philippine Government-owned or rented property, the U.S. and Philippine flags must be displayed whenever the alien nation’s flag is displayed.

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