Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Do's and Don'ts of the Philippine Flag

In accordance to Executive Order No. 179, of 1994, we are encourage to display, in our homes and all practicable places, prominently the symbol of our nation from May 28 until June 12 every year. However, not everyone is aware of the Do's and Don'ts of displaying the Philippine Flag, so it is prone to desecration. As public service, we've come up with an article describing the guidelines of taking care of our Flag.

The contents of this article are sourced from the National Historical Commission Website.


Reverence for the Philippine Flag

The national flag alone should be displayed in all public offices, buildings, official residences, public squares and institutions of learning everyday of the year.

The flag should be displayed in the open only from sunrise to sunset, except on places designated by law and therefore should be properly illuminated.

When flown from a flagpole, the flag should have its blue stripe on top in time of peace and red on top in time of war.

The flag should not be displayed on horizontal position or hung fastened by its fly. The fly portion of the flag should be free to move.

When displayed vertically, the triangle should be on top. The blue field should be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in rime of war.

When displayed over the middle of a street, as between buildings or post, the flag should be suspended vertically with the blue stripe pointing to north or east.

When a number of flags are grouped and displayed from stationary staffs, the Philippine flag should be in the center at the highest point or at the right of the other flag.

The Philippine National Flag must not be smaller than the others.

When flown with flags or pennants of organizations on the same halyard (for special occasion only), the Philippine flag should be at the peak.

When displayed with another flag from crossed staff, the Philippine flag should be on its right side (left side of the observer), and its staff should be over the staff of the other flag. Two Philippine flags should never be thus displayed.

When the national flag is borne in a parade with other flags or of other nations, it should always be in front and in the center of the line of the other flags.

When used on a speaker's platform without the staff, it should be displayed vertically and placed above and behind the speaker. It should never be used to cover the speaker's desk or to drape over the front of the platform.

When mounted on a platform, the flag should be placed on the presiding officer's right and a bit in front, as he faces the congregation. Other flags should be on his left. However, when it is displayed on a level with the congregation, it is placed on the right of the congregation.

The flag should be flown from a staff when displayed on a float.

When the flag is flown at half-mast t symbolize mourning, it must first be raised t full mast, allowing it to fly there for a moment before bringing it down to half-mast. To lower the flag at sunset or any other time when ordered, it must again be raised to full mast before it is brought down;

When the flag is displayed on a small staff or in a parade, mourning is indicated by attaching black ribbon to the spearhead, allowing the ribbon to fall naturally.

When used to cover a casket, the triangle should be over the head and the blue stripe over the right side of the body. The flag should not touch the ground.

The flag should not be used as curtain or drape. Use buntings of blue, white and red. The blue color in the bunting should be at the top or at the point of honor and it must be equally in width.

On national holidays and on historical and special occasions as the President or local chief executive may proclaim, the Philippine Flag shall be displayed in all public and private places, buildings including residences.

Tattered, faded or worn-out flags should be replaced immediately. They should be disposed off or destroyed privately, preferably by burning.

Prohibited Acts on the Philippine Flag


To mutilate, deface, trample on, cast contempt, or commit any act or ommission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the National Flag or over its surface.

To dip the National Flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute.


To use the National Flag as drapery, festoon or tablecloth.

To use the National Flag as pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles.

 
 To use the National Flag as a staff or whip.
 
To use the National Flag for unveiling monuments or statues.

To use the National Flag as trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.

To diplay the National Flag under any painting or picture.


To display the National Flag horizontally.  It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely.

To display the National Flag below any platform.

To display the National Flag in discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.

To wear the National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform.

To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or imprint of any nature on the National Flag.

To print, paint or attach representation of the National Flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and articles of merchandise.

To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishment, and in offices of international organizations.

To use or display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial.