Republic Act No. 8491 Flag and Heraldic Code Study Guide

Republic Act No. 8491: Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines

  • Short Title: This act is known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines" (Section 11).

  • Declaration of Policy: Reverence and respect must be accorded at all times to the flag, anthem, and national symbols. These symbols embody national ideals and traditions, expressing sovereignty and solidarity. Heraldic items aim to manifest national virtues and instill pride, respect, and affection (Section 22).

Definition of Terms (Section 3)

  • Military: Includes all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection.

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

  • Flag: Refers to the Philippine National Flag unless otherwise specified.

  • Fly: The part of the flag outside the hoist or length.

  • Symbol: Conventional signs revealing man’s achievement and heroism (orders/decorations) or identification, authority, and dignity (coat-of-arms, logo, insignia).

  • 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 or the canvas to which the halyard is attached.

  • Inclement Weather: Defined as a state when a typhoon signal is raised in the locality.

  • National Anthem: The Philippine National Anthem.

  • Official Residences: Includes Malacañang, other government-owned structures where the President resides, and structures occupied by Philippine Consulates or Embassies abroad.

  • Places of Frivolity: Places marked by or providing boisterous merriment or recreation.

  • Institute: Refers to the National Historical Institute.

The National Flag: Design and Display

  • Design (Section 4): The flag features blue, white, and red colors with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars.

  • Daily Display (Section 5): The flag must be displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public plazas, and institutions of learning every day of the year.

  • Permanent Hoisting (Section 6): The flag shall be permanently hoisted day and night, specifically at:

    • 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 ngmga Bayani.

    • Mausuleo de los Beteranos dela Revolucion.

    • All International Ports of Entry.

    • Other places designated by the Institute. These must be properly illuminated at night.

  • Private Display and Specific Dates (Section 7): Flags should be displayed in private buildings/residences on:

    • April 99 (Araw ngKagitingan).

    • May 11 (Labor Day).

    • May 2828 (National Flag Day) to June 1212 (Independence Day).

    • Last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day).

    • November 3030 (Bonifacio Day).

    • December 3030 (Rizal Day).

    • Other days declared by the President or local chief executives.

  • Vessels (Section 9): Flown on merchant ships of more than 10001000 gross tons and all naval vessels. At anchor, it is on the stern flagstaff; at sea, it is hoisted to the gaff at the aftermast.

Rules for Hoisting and Position

  • Peace vs. War (Section 10):

    • Peace: Blue field on top (if vertical: blue to the observer's left).

    • War: Red field on top (if vertical: red to the observer's left).

  • Flagpole Specifications (Section 11): Staff must be straight and slightly tapering. If on the ground, it should be in a prominent place of commanding height. If on a building, it is on the roof or anchored on a sill at an upward angle. If on a stage, it is to the left of the speaker (facing the audience).

  • International Use (Section 12): When flown with other national flags, they must be on separate staffs of equal height and size. The Philippine flag is hoisted first and lowered last.

  • Protocol with Other Flags (Section 13): The Philippine flag occupies the position of honor (the right side of other flags). In a line of flags, it is in the middle. In a parade transition with non-national flags, it is in front of the center.

  • Disposal (Section 14): Worn-out flags must not be thrown away. They must be solemnly burned to avoid desecration.

  • Timing (Section 15): Raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It must fly throughout the day.

  • Handling (Section 17): Hoisted briskly and lowered ceremoniously. It must never touch the ground, floor, or water.

Conduct of Flag Ceremonies

  • Schedule (Section 18): Government offices and schools must observe flag-raising every Monday morning and flag-lowering every Friday afternoon.

  • Raising Ceremony (Section 21):

    • Assembly faces the flag.

    • At the first note of the anthem, everyone comes to attention; vehicles must stop.

    • Right palms are placed over the chest.

    • Military/scouts in uniform give the prescribed salute.

    • Salute is completed upon the last note.

  • Lowering Ceremony (Section 22): Lowered solemnly and slowly, timed to reach the bottom at the last note of the anthem.

Half-Mast Protocol (Section 23)

  • President or Former President: Flown at half-mast for 1010 days.

  • Vice-President, Chief Justice, Senate President, Speaker of the House: Flown at half-mast for 77 days.

  • Supreme Court/Cabinet/Senate/House Members: From the day of death until interment (at the place they held office).

  • Procedure: Hoist to the peak for a moment, then lower to half-mast. Before final lowering for the day, raise to the peak again.

Use for Caskets (Section 24)

  • The flag may cover the caskets of: honored military dead, veterans, national artists, and civilians with distinguished service.

  • Position: White triangle at the head; blue portion covering the right side.

  • The flag is not buried; it is folded solemnly and given to the heirs.

Pledge of Allegiance (Section 25)

  • Lyrics: "Ako ay Filipino / Buong katapatang nanunumpa / Sa watawat ng Pilipinas / At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag / Na may dangal, katarungan, at kalayaan / Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang / Maka-Diyos, Makatao, Makakalikasan, at Makabansa."

  • Posture: Standing with the right hand palm open, raised shoulder high. Those with religious prohibitions must still stand at attention.

Technical Specifications

  • Proportions (Section 27): Width = 11, Length = 22, Side of white triangle = 11.

  • Color Cables (Section 28):

    • Blue: Cable No. 8017380173

    • White: Cable No. 8000180001

    • Red: Cable No. 8010880108

    • Golden Yellow: Cable No. 8006880068

  • Standards (Section 29): The National Historical Institute (NHI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) through ITDI/PTRI evaluate material quality and design adherence.

Prohibited Acts (Section 34)

  • Mutilating, defacing, defiling, or trampling the flag.

  • Dipping the flag to any person or object as a salute.

  • Using the flag as drapery, festoons, tablecloths, or coverings for statues/ceilings.

  • Using it as a pennant on motor vehicle hoods, backs, or tops.

  • Using it as a trademark or commercial label.

  • Displaying it under paintings/pictures, horizontally face-up, or in places of vice (e.g., casinos, night clubs).

  • Wearing the flag as a costume or uniform.

  • Adding any word, figure, or advertisement to the flag.

  • Printing it on napkins, handkerchiefs, or cushions.

  • Displaying a foreign flag in public (except for diplomatic locations).

The National Anthem: Lupang Hinirang

  • Language (Section 36): Must always be sung in the national language (Filipino).

  • Musical Arrangement (Section 37): Must follow the composition by Julian Felipe.

  • Public Participation (Section 38): Singing must be done with fervor. Attendance is mandatory. Salute involves placing the right palm over the left chest.

  • Allowable Occasions: International/local competitions, radio/TV "sign-on" and "sign-off", and before/after theater/film screenings.

National Motto and Heraldry

  • National Motto (Section 40): "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA."

  • National Coat-of-Arms (Section 41): Paleways of two pieces (azure and gules); chief argent with three mullets; sun rayonnant with eight minor rays; scroll with "REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS."

  • The Great Seal (Section 42-43): Circular, containing the Coat-of-Arms minus the scroll, surrounded by "Republika ng Pilipinas." It bears the National Motto. The President has custody and uses it on official commissions.

Penalties and Implementation

  • Public Censure (Section 48): Failure to observe the act leads to public censure published in a newspaper. Second-time offending private schools may lose their permit.

  • Fines and Imprisonment (Section 50):

    • Fine: Not less than P5,000.00P5,000.00 and not more than P20,000.00P20,000.00.

    • Imprisonment: Not more than 11 year.

    • Second offense: Mandatory imposition of both fine and imprisonment.

  • Education (Section 49): DECS and CHED must ensure the Anthem is memorized by all students.

  • Implementation (Section 51-52): The Institute (NHI) issues rules within 9090 days and is responsible for strict enforcement.

  • Effectivity (Section 55): 1515 days after publication in the Official Gazette or two newspapers of general circulation.