Rules on Use of Philippine Coat-of-Arms and Seals

Provinces and chartered cities may adopt their own coats-of-arms reflecting local geographic, industrial, or historical traits.
Existing coats-of-arms dating back to the Spanish era, such as that of Manila, may be retained.
Adoption is subject to the recommendation of the Philippines Heraldry Committee and the President's approval.

Circular seal featuring the national arms without the scroll and inscription.
Encircled by a double margin ring bearing "Government of the Philippines" on top and "United States of America" on the bottom, separated by two small stars.
Colors of the arms not essential when affixed.
Custody of the Great Seal is with the President of the Philippines, who affixes it on commissions and other official documents as law or custom requires.

Seals of Congress, Supreme Court, and departments resemble the Great Seal with differing wording.
Maximum seal size is 7/8 of the Great Seal or 2-3/4 inches diameter.
Court of Appeals and other entities use seals with the coat-of-arms without crest or scroll, encircled by the entity's name, limited to 2 inches diameter.
Provinces and political subdivisions may have official seals conforming to specified standards and may bear local coats-of-arms.

Offices’ routine administrative seals are ordinary office seals, not official or corporate seals.
These seals must not bear the national Coat-of-Arms.

Only the President’s personal flag may bear the full national Coat-of-Arms in full color.
Other government officials’ personal flags, if authorized, shall display the central seal device of their respective departments.

Armed forces usage must strictly follow Commonwealth Act No. 602 without modification, limited to caps, helmets, hats, or coat lapels; not belt badges.
Police badges may use only the shield without crest and with a city or municipality name scroll.
Government vessels (excluding certain work crafts) and planes may display the Coat-of-Arms in full color, gold, or silver per departmental rules.
Government cars and railway coaches may only display the Coat-of-Arms if used by top officials, with different color codes for each official.
Outline form of shield sufficient for vehicle plate numbers indicating government ownership.
Use in coins or currency requires Presidential authority.
Use on official letterheads and envelopes only for official purposes; personal use by employees is administratively punishable.
Personal stationery use restricted to select officials with varying levels of Coat-of-Arms depiction allowed.
Prohibited from use as trademarks, advertisements, or commercial labels; violations punishable under Commonwealth Act No. 602.
Prohibited from display in gambling venues, public dance halls, dancing schools, and show-houses; violations subject to punishment per Commonwealth Act No. 602.
When used as decoration in private or commercial interiors, the Coat-of-Arms must be given prominence akin to the national flag.