QUEZON CITY, (PIA) -- On March 6, 1965, Presidential Proclamation No. 374 was issued declaring May 28 as National Flag Day to commemorate the date the national emblem was first unfurled after the Philippine Revolutionary Army defeated the Spanish forces in the Battle at Alapan, Imus, Cavite in 1898.
On May 23, 1994, Executive Order No. 79 was issued extending the period of celebrating National Flag Day from May 28 to June 12.
On these dates, all Filipinos are encouraged to display the Philippine flag in all offices, agencies and instruments of government, business establishments, schools, and private homes throughout this period.
There are set of rules and prohibitions in the proper display of the National Flag to give respect and reverence to our symbol of national sovereignty and solidarity as its is the embodiment of all our country’s ideals, culture and tradition.
For household and office display, the flag must be displayed vertically, with the triangle on top. The blue field should be to the right (left of observer) and the red field to the left (right of the observer). The flag should never be displayed horizontally except in flagpoles or hung fastened by its fly.
When the flag is displayed in a manner other than by being flown from a staff, it should be displayed flat, whether indoors or out. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall, the union should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left.
In displaying the Philippine Flag, there are some prohibitions too, as it is the most powerful visual representation of the nation's common heritage, it symbolizes the country’s sovereignty and national solidarity thus, it should be treated with reverence and respect at all times.
Do not use the Flag as festoon, tablecloth; cover for ceilings, walls, statues, or other objects; pennant in the hood, side, back, and top of motor vehicles; staff or whip; unveiling monuments or statues; and trademarks or for industrial, commercial, or agricultural labels or designs.
Never display the Flag in the following manner: under any painting or picture; horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely; below any platform; or in discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints, and places of vice or where frivolity prevails.
It is also prohibited to vandalize, mutilate, defile, or step on the flag; it cannot be dipped as a way to compliment or salute any person or object; to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform; to add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisements, or imprint of any nature on the flag; to print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise; to display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations; to use, display or be part of any advertisement of infomercial; and to display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
Any person or judicial entity which violates any of the provisions of Republic Act 8491 known as an ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) not more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both. (PIA-NCR)
