History and Protocol of the Philippine Flag
The First Filipino Flag
The first Filipino flag can be traced from the era of Andres Bonifacio's secret society known as the Kataastaasang Kagalanggalang Katipunan ng mga Anak ng Bayan (Highest and Most Honorable Society of the Sons of the Nation), abbreviated as the Katipunan or KKK. Initially crafted by Benita Rodriguez and Bonifacio's wife, Gregoria de Jesus, the first Philippine flag was made of red cloth featuring the initials KKK sewn in white. The red color represented the blood shed by members of the Katipunan, as inductees to the society signed their names in blood.
Variations of the Filipino flag appeared between the years 1892 and 1896. Some members arranged the KKK initials in a triangular formation, while various generals of the revolution designed their own flags. Notable variations include the black banner of General Mariano Llanera from Nueva Ecija, which displayed a letter K and a skull with two crossbones beneath it. General Pio del Pilar also created a flag featuring an equilateral triangle with a K at each angle and a rising sun behind a mountain. One depicted picture contains the sun with the KKK initials underneath, which was a derivative of earlier Filipino flags.
The Magdalo Faction and Related Flags
In 1896, the Magdalo faction of the Katipunan, led by General Emilio Aguinaldo in Cavite, had a red ensign with a sun at the center depicting the letter K in the ancient Filipino alphabet. Additionally, a design known as the Sun of Liberty emerged from the Naic Assembly in 1897, alongside flags utilized by the Republic of Biak-na Bato. General Gregorio del Pilar utilized another variation of the flag during the battles in Pasong Balite and Tirad Pass, noting its similarity to the flag of Cuba.
In 1898, while exiled in Hong Kong, Emilio Aguinaldo commissioned a banner featuring a Masonic triangle adorned with a mythical sun and face, possessing eight rays that symbolized the eight provinces that revolted against Spanish rule: Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas. The banner also included three stars to represent the country's major islands: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. In 1936, President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order 23, which detailed specifications for the national flag, preserving most of Aguinaldo's design with minor modifications, such as the sun now being plain without a face. The retained elements included the white triangle, the sun, the stars, and the blue and red stripes. The triangle represented equality, while white stood for purity, blue symbolized peace, and red denoted courage.
Display Protocols of the Philippine Flag
The flag is flown with the blue stripe on top during times of peace; however, it is inverted with the red stripe above in times of war. This characteristic makes the Philippine flag unique as the only flag with an official dual display procedure.
Description of the Present Flag
The Philippine flag is characterized by its rectangular shape featuring a white triangle, a dark blue band on the upper side, and a red band on the lower side. Inside the triangle resides a yellow sun with eight rays along with three yellow stars. The contemporary flag was originally designed by General Emilio Aguinaldo during his voluntary exile in Hong Kong in 1897 to express the desire for a national flag and anthem during the Second Phase of the Philippine Revolution. The first flag was sewn by Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with aid from her daughter Lorenza and Herbosa de Natividad, niece of Jose Rizal, with Agoncillo herself painting the sun, which initially bore a face, along with the accompanying three stars.
The flag was displayed in various regions before its official unveiling on June 12, 1898, during the Declaration of Independence in Kawit, Cavite. Notably, on May 28, 1898, in relation to the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Aguinaldo first waved the flag in Cavite City. Thus, May 28 is celebrated as National Flag Day.
Symbols and Their Meanings in the Flag
The Act of Declaration of Independence elucidates the meanings behind the various symbols of the Philippine flag, as follows:
White Triangle: Represents the emblem of the Katipunan Society—symbolizing the momentum instigated by the blood compact that motivated the masses to take up arms.
Three Stars: Stand for three principal islands of the Philippines—Luzon, Mindanao, and Panay—where the revolutionary movement was initiated.
Sun: Symbolizes the progression and strides made by the populace toward progress and civilization.
Eight Rays of the Sun: Represent the eight provinces that were declared in a state of war almost immediately after the revolution commenced, specifically, Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas.
Colors Red, White, and Blue: Acknowledge the flag of the United States of America as a form of gratitude for its protective influence.
The Evolution and Significance of the Philippine Flag
Originally, the flag displayed a mythological sun with a face, mirroring the one flown by the revolutionary government. However, following the fall of the First Philippine Republic and American control, sedition laws were imposed, banning flag display until Repeal on October 24, 1919.
The Philippine Commission Act No. 1696 (Flag Law Act), enacted on August 23, 1907, prohibited displaying the Philippine flag or any flag opposing American sovereignty, including Katipunan emblems. The ban also encompassed the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, under the Flag Law Act.
Issues Surrounding the True Colors of the Flag
With the repeal of the Flag Act of 1907, discussions arose regarding the authentic colors of the flag's blue field. Historians speculate that the original flags bore red and blue akin to the Cuban flag, but evolved to reflect American shades based on fabric availability during that time.
The debate on the flag's true blue color persisted from the mid-1970s until the mid-1980s. Notably, Aguinaldo, in an interview with historian Teodoro Agoncillo, identified the shade of blue as BUGHAS, distinctly different from AZUL OSCURO or AZUL MARINO. For the majority of its existence, the flag predominantly utilized an American blue shade, which was altered to sky blue during the Marcos administration, reverting back to American blue under Aquino’s presidency. Ultimately, the Philippine Centennial Commission formally adopted the Royal Blue shade in 1998.
Disappearance of the Original Philippine Flag
In a letter dated June 11, 1925, Aguinaldo recollected that during their northward retreat in the Philippine-American War, the original flag went missing in Tayug, Pangasinan. Some maintain that the original flag hoisted during the proclamation of independence on June 12, 1898, resides in the Aguinaldo Museum in Baguio City.
R.A. 8491 - Code of the National Flag
A. Design and Display
Section 4: Flag Design
The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white, and red, incorporating an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the citizenry.
Section 5: Display
The flag must be visible in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and educational institutions every day of the year.
Section 6: Permanent Hoisting
The flag shall be permanently displayed day and night in specific locations, including:
Malacañang Palace
Congress of the Philippines building
Supreme Court building
Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila
Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite
Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan
Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani
Musoleo de los Beteranos de la Revolucion
All International Ports of Entry and designated sites.
It must also be suitably illuminated at night.
Section 7: Occasions for Display
Flags should additionally be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised on flagstaffs on notable dates, including:
April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan)
May 1 (Labor Day)
May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day)
Last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day)
November 30 (Bonifacio Day)
December 30 (Rizal Day)
Further, the flag may be displayed throughout the year in private buildings, provided proper flag-raising etiquette is executed, adhering to forthcoming regulations from the Office of the President.
Section 8: Observance by Various Organizations
All government entities and local government offices, including government-owned corporations and local government units, are encouraged to observe Flag Day with fitting ceremonies. The participation of socio-civic groups, NGOs, and the private sector is highly encouraged to enhance celebration efforts.
Section 9: Merchant and Naval Display
The flag is also applicable for merchant ships of over one thousand (1000) gross tons and all naval vessels.
Section 10: Flag Positioning
When flown from a flagpole, the blue field must be atop during peace; conversely, in war times, the red field should be above. If displayed in hanging format, the blue field will remain at the right (the left side of the observer) during peace, and the red field will switch to the right (left of observer) in times of war. The flagpole must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.
Section 11: Ground Display
If planted, the flagpole shall be conspicuously located and positioned to ensure the flag commands attention relative to surrounding structures. When attached to a building, the flagpole should be at the roof's apex or anchored at a slight upward angle. On platforms or stages, it should be situated to the left side (from the perspective of the audience) or the left side of entering offices.
Section 12: Display with Other Flags
When exhibited alongside other flags, if both are national flags, they must be on separate staffs of identical heights and sizes. The Philippine flag should be hoisted first and lowered last. If paired with a non-national flag, it can be displayed on the same level but must remain below the Philippine flag in size.
Section 13: Flag Positioning in Parades
When parading with non-national flags, the Philippine flag shall take its place at the center of the line, carried first. When in a collection of other flags, it should always situate to the right of the other flags.
Section 14: Disposal of Worn Flags
Flags that are worn out shall not be discarded carelessly. Instead, they must be solemnly burned to prevent misrepresentation or disrespect. New flags should be procured immediately once signs of wear and tear appear.
Section 15: Timing of Flag Raising
The flag should be elevated at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It must occupy the mast at the start of official hours, remaining displayed throughout the day.
Section 16: Display Rules
Inside/Outside: The flag can be positioned indoors or outdoors on stationary flagpoles. If displayed on a flagpole indoors, it should be on the observer's left upon entering the space,
May also be displayed from the top of a flagpole at a prominent position,
Attached to a staff projecting from a window sill, balcony or building facade,
Suspended from a rope between a building and an external pole,
Flat against a wall vertically with stars and sun on top,
Hanging vertically across a street with the blue field directed east if the road is south-north bearing or facing north if east-west.
The flag must not be hoisted during adverse weather; if already displayed, it should remain aloft.
Section 18: Flag Raising Ceremony
All government offices and schools must hold flag-raising ceremonies every Monday morning and flag-lowering ceremonies every Friday afternoon. This ceremony should maintain a dignified and straightforward execution, including the national anthem's performance.
Section 19: Guidelines for Conduct
The Office of the President, upon recommendation from the Institute, will establish regulations for the appropriate conduct of flag ceremonies.
Section 20: Civic Assembly Protocols
In any official or civic gatherings, the flag ceremony should be conducted with simplicity and respect, including the national anthem sung in the original Filipino language and its marching tempo.
Section 21: Assembly Conduct during Ceremonies
Attendees must stand in formation facing the flag. Once the national anthem begins, everyone must attend to the flag; vehicles must cease movement. Attendees should place their right palms over their chests, and those in military, scouting, or equivalent uniforms must perform the requisite salute as prescribed. The assembly should sing the anthem while the flag is raised briskly with the first note.
Section 22: Flag Lowering Procedure
The flag must be lowered slowly and solemnly, aligning its descent with the final note of the anthem.
D. Half-Mast Protocols
Section 23: Mourning Displays
The flag will be ceremonially displayed at half-mast as a sign of mourning for any of the following:
A President or ex-President (ten days)
Vice-President, Chief Justice, Senate President, Speaker of the House (seven days)
Additional dignitaries as designated by the Institute (period less than seven days).
For a sitting official of the Supreme Court, Cabinet, Senate or House of Representatives, the flag at half-mast is displayed from death until interment.
E. Use of the Flag on Caskets
Section 24: Casket Covering
The flag may be used to drape the caskets of honored deceased military personnel, veterans, national artists, and distinguished civilians as determined by the appropriate local government unit. The white triangle should be at the head, with the blue portion covering the right side. The flag must not touch ground or be lowered into the grave but should be folded reverently and handed over to the decedent's heirs.
F. The Pledge of Allegiance
Section 25: The Pledge
The pledge to the Philippine flag is as follows:
"Ako ay Pilipino Buong katapatang nanunumpa Sa watawat ng Pilipinas At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang Maka-Diyos Maka-tao Makakalikasan at Makabansa."
This pledge is recited while standing with the right hand open and raised shoulder-high. Individuals whose faith or beliefs inhibit them from reciting the pledge must still honor the ceremony by standing attentively as the pledge is recited.
I. Prohibited Acts
Section 34: Forbidden Practices
The following acts are strictly prohibited:
Mutilation, defacement, or any act that dishonors the flag.
Dipping the flag to salute any individual or object.
Utilizing the flag inappropriately as:
Drape, tablecloth, or surface covering.
Decoration on ceilings, walls, or statues.
Pennant in vehicles.
A staff or whip.
Unveiling of monuments or statues.
For commercial or industrial labels or designs.
Displaying the flag:
Under any painting or image.
Horizontally face-up. It must always be elevated and visible.
Below any platform.
In venues associated with vice like nightclubs or casinos.
Wearing the flag as part of a costume or uniform.
Adding markings or inscriptions on the flag.
Using flag designs on merchandise such as handkerchiefs or cushions.
Exhibiting foreign flags publicly, except in embassies or international organizations.
Displaying the flag in front of properties occupied by foreign nationals.
CHAPTER II THE NATIONAL ANTHEM
Section 35: Title and Lyrics of the National Anthem
The National Anthem is titled "Lupang Hinirang."
Section 36: Language of Performance
The anthem must always be sung in the national language, both domestically and internationally. The full lyrics are:
"Bayang magiliw, Perlas ng Silanganan
Alab ng puso, Sa Dibdib mo'y buhay.
Lupang Hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig, Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula, At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y
Tagumpay na nagniningning,
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim,
Lupa ng araw ng luwalhati't pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo,
Aming ligaya na pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay ng dahil sa iyo."
Section 37: Musical Arrangement
The rendition of the anthem, whether played or sung, must adhere to the musical arrangement by Julian Felipe.
Section 38: Public Singing of the Anthem
At public gatherings, attendance must sing the anthem with fervor, standing in respect towards the flag (if displayed) or the conductor of the performance. The right hand should be placed over the left chest during the anthem's execution by all attendees, particularly those in uniforms designated by regulation. The salute should conclude with the last note.
Section 39: Compliance Standards for Institutions
Failure by government officials and employees in compliance with the anthem's prescribed performances may incur administrative discipline.
CHAPTER III THE NATIONAL MOTTO
Section 40: National Motto
The National Motto shall be "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA."
CHAPTER IV THE NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS
Section 41: Coat-of-Arms Design
The National Coat-of-Arms consists of:
Paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and gules;
A chief argent with three (3) equidistant mullets;
An ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant with eight minor rays.
Beneath it is inscribed scroll reading "REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS".
CHAPTER V THE GREAT SEAL
Section 42: Design of the Great Seal
The Great Seal is circular, formed around the arms described in the previous section but devoid of inscriptions. It features a dual marginal circle with the inscription "Republika ng Pilipinas."
Section 43: Application of the Great Seal
The Great Seal is to be affixed to or located on all commissions signed by the President and upon official documents, as delineated by law or customary requirements. The custody of the Great Seal is assigned to the President.
CHAPTER VI OFFICIAL SEAL AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES
Section 44: Adoption of Heraldic Items
Government entities, including the military, may create suitable coats-of-arms, administrative seals, logos, insignia, badges, patches, and banners as authorized by Congress or the Office of the President.
Section 45: Registration of Heraldic Designs
All heraldic items must be documented with the Institute for precedence, design, customs, and traditions.
Section 46: Purchase of Heraldic Items
Government offices are mandated to acquire heraldic items exclusively from authorized manufacturers, ensuring the designs align with the Office of the President or Congress standards, verified by internal inspections and COA representatives.
Section 47: Regulations on Accepting Foreign Decorations
No public official or employee may receive honors or decorations from foreign governments without Congressional consent and due documentation from the Institute.