NSTP Lesson 4: RA 8491 (Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines)

A comprehensive set of vocabulary flashcards covering the provisions, protocols, and penalties associated with RA 8491, the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Section 1, Short Title

The law known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

Section 2, Declaration of Policy

The policy that requires reverence and respect for the flag, anthem, and other national symbols.

Section 3, Definition of Terms

The section that defines the terms used in RA 8491.

Military

Refers to all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, BJMP, and BFP.

Festoon

To hang in a curved shape between two points as decoration.

Flag

Refers to the Philippine National Flag, unless stated otherwise.

Fly

The part of the flag outside the hoist or length.

Symbol

A conventional sign showing achievement, heroism, identification, authority, or dignity.

Half-Mast

Lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff.

Hoist

The part of the flag nearest the staff where the halyard is attached.

Inclement Weather

A condition where a typhoon signal is raised in the locality.

Lupang Hinirang

The official title of the Philippine National Anthem.

Official Residences

Malacañang and other government-owned structures where the President resides, plus Philippine Consulates and Embassies abroad.

Places of Frivolity

Places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment or recreation.

Institute

Refers to the National Historical Institute.

Section 4, Design of the National Flag

Specifies that the Philippine flag has blue, white, and red colors, an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun, and three five-pointed stars.

Section 5 (Display Frequency)

States the flag must be displayed in public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every day throughout the year.

Section 7 (Private Display)

Lists specific days for private buildings to display the flag, including Araw ng Kagitingan, Labor Day, and Flag Day to Independence Day.

Section 9 (Maritime Display)

Directs the flag to be flown on Philippine merchant ships over $1,000$ gross tons and on all naval vessels.

Section 10 (Orientation)

Specifies that in peace, blue is on top, and in war, red is on top.

Section 11 (Placement)

States that on a stage or platform, the flag is placed on the left when facing the stage.

Section 12 (International Display)

Provides that when displayed with another national flag, the Philippine flag is hoisted first and lowered last.

Section 14 (Disposal)

Mandates that a worn-out flag must not be thrown away but must be solemnly burned.

Section 15 (Timing)

The flag is raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset, and must be on the mast at the start of official office hours.

Section 17 (Handling)

The flag must be hoisted briskly, lowered ceremoniously, and must never touch the ground, floor, or water.

Section 18 (Ceremony Schedule)

Government offices and schools hold flag raising every Monday morning and flag lowering every Friday afternoon.

Section 21 (Protocol)

Requires everyone to come to attention and move vehicles to stop at the first note of the anthem.

Section 23 (Half-Mast Duration: President)

The President or former President receives $10$ days of half-mast.

Section 23 (Half-Mast Duration: Officers)

The Vice-President, Chief Justice, Senate President, and Speaker of the House receive $7$ days of half-mast.

Section 24 (Casket Protocol)

On a casket, the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers the right side.

Section 25 (Pledge Manner)

The pledge is recited with the right hand palm open and raised shoulder-high.

National Motto

“MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA.”

Flag Days

The period declared from May $28$ to June $12$.

Flag Dimensions

The flag's width is $1$, length is $2$, and each side of the white triangle is $1$.

Cable No. 80173

The specific code for the Blue color of the flag.

Cable No. 80001

The specific code for the White color of the flag.

Cable No. 80108

The specific code for the Red color of the flag.

Cable No. 80068

The specific code for the Golden-yellow color of the flag.

Section 34, Prohibited Acts

Prohibits mutilating or defiling the flag, dipping it as a salute, or using it as drapery, tablecloths, or coverings.

Julian Felipe

The person responsible for the musical arrangement and composition of the National Anthem.

Section 38 (Anthem Protocol)

Requires singing with fervor, standing at attention, and placing the right palm over the left chest at the first note.

Section 41 (National Coat-of-Arms)

Features two paleways (azure and gules), a chief with three mullets, a sun with eight minor rays, and the scroll “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS.”

Section 42 (Great Seal)

Circular seal using the National Coat-of-Arms without the scroll, containing the National Motto and “Republika ng Pilipinas.”

Section 48 (Public Censure)

Penalty for failure to observe RA 8491, which must be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.

Violation Penalties

A fine of $₱5,000$ to $₱20,000$ and/or imprisonment for not more than $1$ year.

Section 51 (Implementing Rules)

The Institute must issue rules within $90$ days after effectivity.

Section 55 (Effectivity)

RA 8491 takes effect $15$ days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.