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DECODE: What can’t you do with the Philippine flag?

by Leila Salaverria

YOU may think you’re showing Filipino pride by wearing the Philippine flag design on your shirt, your bag, or your shoes.

Think again. You may be breaking the law.

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, or Republic Act 8491, sets strict standards on how the country’s flag and other heraldic items should be treated.

This was why authorities recently arrested a man in Mandurriao, Iloilo City who used the Philippine flag as a cover for a car.

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Why the rules on how to treat the flag?

There are rules on how to treat the flag because this embodies the national ideals and traditions and expresses the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity of the Philippines.

Reverence and respect should be given to the flag, the national items, and other national symbols at all times, the law states. 

What can’t be done with the flag?

Understandably, it’s illegal to mutilate, deface, defile, trample on, or cast contempt or commit any act that dishonors or ridicules the flag.

Designers, take note. The Philippine flag cannot be used as trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs. It also can’t be worn in whole or in part as a costume or uniform. 

In 2018, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines called on the public not to buy a pair of rubber shoes that used the Philippine flag design as this violates the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines. 

Athletes and beauty queens have also been known to wear clothing or accessories with the design of the Philippine flag, and there were those who questioned this and said this was against the law. However, no complaint has been filed in connection with this.

The law also states that it is illegal to add  any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisements, or imprint of any nature on the flag. People likewise cannot print, paint or attach the representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise. 

The flag can’t be used as drapery, as festoon or decoration, or as a tablecloth.

It also can’t be used as a  covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects. And neither could it be used as a pennant in the hood, side, back, and top of motor vehicles. 

People are prohibited from using the flag as a staff or a whip, or for unveiling monuments or statues.

It is prohibited as well to dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute.

But the Philippine flag may be used to cover the caskets of the honored dead of the military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and of civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation.

Where the flag must be displayed 

The Philippine flag is required to be displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday throughout the year.

It must also be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in front of the following:

  • Malacañang Palace
  • The House of Representatives and the Senate
  • The Supreme Court building
  • The Rizal Monument in Rizal Park, Manila
  • The Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
  • The Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
  • The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ngmga Bayani
  • The Mausuleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion
  • All International ports of entry 

The flag must be properly illuminated at night.

The law also states that the flag must be displayed in private buildings and residences, or raised in the open flag-staffs in front of these buildings, during the following dates:

  • April 9, Araw ng Kagitingan
  • May 1, Labor Day
  • May 28, National Flag Day 
  • June 12, National Heroes Day
  • November 30, Bonifacio Day
  • December 30, Rizal Day 

The flag must be flown on merchant ships of Philippine registry that are more than 1,000 gross tons, and on all naval vessels. 

How to properly display the flag 

The flag must be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It should be on the mast at the start of office hours and remain flying throughout the day. 

It must never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or other objects. And once it has been lowered, it must be handled and folded solemnly as part of the ceremony.

If the flag is flown from a flagpole, the blue field should be on top during peace time, while the red should be on top during war. If in a hanging position, the blue field should be on the right during peace time, and on the left during war.

The flagpole, if planted on the ground, must be in a prominent place and its height should give the flag a commanding position in relation to the buildings in the area. 

If it’s attached to the building, the flagpole must be on top of the roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an angle upward. If it’s on a stage, the flag should be on the left facing the stage. 

If the Philippine flag is flown with another national flag, both must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and must be equal in size. The Philippine flag must be hoisted first and lowered last. But if the other flag is not a national flag, it must be below the Philippine flag and must not be bigger. 

The Philippine flag, when displayed with another flag, must also be on the right of the flag. If there are other flags, the Philippine flag must be in the middle. In a parade, the Philippine flag must also be in front of the center of the line. 

How not to display the flag

The flag must not be raised during inclement weather. But If it’s already raised, it must not be lowered.

Under the law, the Philippine flag must not be displayed under any painting or picture, or below any platform. 

It also can’t be displayed horizontally face up. It should always be hoisted aloft and allowed to fall freely.

The flag can’t also be displayed in discos, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joins and “places of vice or where frivolity prevails.”

It cannot be used as part of any advertisement of infomercial, and cannot be displayed in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.

The law also prohibits the display in public of any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations.

What happens to old flags?

There is a proper way of disposing of old or faded flags. These can’t simply be thrown away. 

The law says flags worn out through wear and tear must be “solemnly burned” to avoid being misused or desecrated.

Flags must be replaced immediately when they begin to show signs of wear and tear. 

Penalties 

Those who violate the provision of this law may face fines ranging from P5,000 to P20,000, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both. 

For second and additional offenses, both fines and imprisonment will be imposed. 

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