The history of the Philippine Flag

Making of the
Philippine Flag
During his exile in Hongkong in 1897, Gen.
Emilio Aguinaldo designed the Filipino flag as
it looks today. The flag was sewn by Dona
Marcela Marino de Agoncillo with the help of
her daughter Lorenza and Mrs. Delfina
Herbosa de Natividad (niece of the Philippine
National Hero - Dr. Jose P. Rizal). It was first
raised during the declaration of Independence
on June 12, 1898 in Kawit, Cavite.
• The making of the Philippine flag
by Fernando Amorsolo. Believed
to have painted more than
10,000 pieces, his Rice Planting
(1922), which appeared on
posters and tourist brochures,
became one of the most popular
images of the Commonwealth It is believed that Fernando Amorsolo made this
era. painting to show the citizen of the Philippines of how
the Philippine flag was made and to remind them the.
traditions and customs that we did not realize it becomes
faded.
The Philippine national flag has a
rectangular design that consists of a
white equilateral triangle,
symbolizing liberty, equality and
fraternity; a horizontal blue stripe for
peace, truth, and justice; and a
horizontal red stripe for patriotism and
valor.
•  It bore a golden sun and three golden
stars, standing for the three main areas in
the Philippines—the Luzon group of islands
in the north, the Visayan group in the
south, and the main southern island of 
Mindanao. The eight sun rays were for the
provinces where the original anti-Spanish
revolt had broken out. The remainder of
the flag consisted of horizontal stripes of
blue (for the willingness to sacrifice oneself
for freedom) over red (for courage).
• The flag was made within five
days and handed over by
Mrs. Agoncillo to Gen.
Aguinaldo before the latter
boarded the American
dispatch boat, McCulloch
on May 17, 1898 on his way
to the Philippines.
The Katipunan Flag (1892-1897)
• The first KKK (Kataastaasang
kagalanggalangang Katipunan ng
mga anak ng bayan (The Highest and
most Honorable Society of the Sons
of the Nation) Flag (1892) Andres
Bonifacio requested his wife,
Gregoria de Jesus, and with the help
of Benita Rodriguez to create a flag
for the society. De Jesus created a
simple red flag bearing the society’s
acronym, KKK.
The flag arrange horizontally at the center of a
rectangular piece of red cloth (locally called
“Kundiman”)
The color red represents the blood and
courage of the katipuneros who stood ready to
fight for freedom and shed their blood if
needed.
This was the flag which develop during the
“First Cry of Nationhood” at the district of
north Manila in August 1896.
SECTION 1. This act shall be known
as the “FLAG AND HERALDIC
CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES.”
SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – Reverence and
respect shall at all times be accorded the flag, the
anthem and other national symbols which embody the
national ideals and traditions and which express the
principles of sovereignty and national solidarity. The
heraldic items and devices shall seek to manifest the
national virtues and to inculcate in the minds and
hearts of our people a just pride in their native land,
fitting respect and affection for the national flag and
anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-
of-arms and other heraldic items and devices.
 SECTION 3. Definition of Terms — Whenever used in this Act, the term:

a. “Military” shall mean all branches of the Armed Forces of the Philippines including the Philippine
National Police, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and the Bureau of Fire Protection;

b. “Festoon” shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two points as a decoration;

c. “Flag” shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated otherwise;

d. “Fly” shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length;

e. “Symbol” shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man’s achievement and heroism (for
orders and decorations), identification, authority and a sign of dignity (for coat-of-arms, logo and
insignia);

f. “Half-Mast” shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the
staff;
g. “Hoist” shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the canvass to which the halyard is
attached;

h. “Inclement Weather” shall mean that a typhoon signal is raised in the locality;

i. “National Anthem” shall mean the Philippine National Anthem’

j. “Official Residences” shall mean Malacañang, and other government-owned structures where
the President resides, and other structures occupied by the Philippine Consulate or Embassies
abroad;

k. “Places of Frivolty” shall mean places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment
or recreation; and

l. “Institute” shall mean the National Historical Institute.

THE NATIONAL
FLAG
A. Design of the
National Flag
SECTION 4. The flag of the Philippines shall be blue,
white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and
three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by
the people.
B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag
SECTION 5. The flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official
residences public plazas, and institutions of learning everyday
throughout the year.

SECTION 6. The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in front of the
following; at Malacanang Palace; the Congress of the Philippines building; Supreme Court building;
the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila; Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in
Malolos, Bulacan; the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ng mga Bayani; Mausuleo de los
Beteranos dela Revolucion; all International Ports of Entry and all other places as maybe designated
by the Institute.
The flag shall be properly illuminated at night

SECTION 7. The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised in the open
flag-staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw ngKagitingan); 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); and December 30 (Rizal Day); and on such other days as may
be declared by the President and/or local chief executives.
The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings or offices or raised in the
open on flag-staffs in front of private buildings: Provided, that they observe flag-raising ceremonies
in accordance with the rules and regulations to be issued by the Office of the President.

SECTION 8. All government agencies and instrumentalities, and local government offices,
government-owned corporations and local government units are enjoined to observe flag day with
appropriate ceremonies. Socio-civic groups, non-government organizations and the private sector
are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success.

SECTION 9. The flag shall be flown on merchant ships of Philippine registry of more than one
thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval vessels.
On board naval vessels, the flag shall be displayed on the flagstaff at the stern when the ship is at
anchor. The Flag shall be hoisted to the gaff at the after mast when the ship is at sea.
SECTION 10. The flag, if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and
the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left of
the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war.
The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.

SECTION 11. If planted on the ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of
such height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity.
If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an
angle upward.
If on stage or platform or government office, the flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or the left
of the office upon entering.

SECTION 12. When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are national flags,
must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall be of equal size. The Philippine flag
shall be hoisted first and lowered last.
If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown in the same lineyard as the Philippine flag but
below the latter and it cannot be of greater size than the Philippine flag.
SECTION 13. When displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on the
right of the other flag. If there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall be in
the middle of the line.
When carried in a parade with flags, which are not national flags, the Philippine flag
shall be in front of the center of the line.

SECTION 14. A flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It
shall be solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced
immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.

SECTION 15. The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall be on
the mast at the start of official’office hours, shall remain flying throughout the day.
SECTION 16. The flag may be displayed:

a. Inside or outside-a building or on a stationary flagpole. If the flag is displayed indoors on a flagpole, it
shall be placed at the left of the observer as one enters the room;

b. From the top of a flagpole, which shall be at a prominent place or a commanding position in relation to
the surrounding buildings;

c. From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, balcony or facade of a building.

d. In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building to pole erected away from the building;

e. Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; and

f. Hanging in a vertical position across a street, with the blue field pointing east, if the road is heading
south or north, or pointing north if the road is heading east or west.
The flag shall not be raised when the weather is inclement. If already raised, the flag shall not be lowered.
SECTION 17. The flag shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or
other objects.
After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as part of the
ceremony
C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony
SECTION 18. All government offices and educational institutions shall henceforth
observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering
ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and
shall include the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

SECTION 19. The office of the President upon the recommendation of the Institute

shall issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.

SECTION 20. The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall
be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its
original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.
SECTION 21. During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in
formation racing the flag. At the moment the first note of the anthem is heard,
everyone in the premises shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall stop. All
persons present shall:. ace their right palms over their chests, those with hats shall
uncover, while those in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens military
training uniforms shall give :.-.£ salute prescribed by their regulations, which salute
shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The assembly shall sing the Philippine national anthem, accompanied by a band, r
available, and at the first note, the flag shall be raised briskly.
The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review or in
parade.

SECTION 22. During the flag lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly
so that the flag shall be down the mast at the sound of the last note of the anthem.
Those in the assembly shall observe the same deportment or shall observe the
same behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony.
D. Half-Mast
SECTION 23. The flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places
where it is displayed, as provided for in this Act, on the day of official announcement of the death of
any of the following officials:

a. The President or a former President, for ten (10) days;

b. The Vice-President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House
of Representatives, for seven (7) days; and

c. Other persons to be determined by the Institute, for any period less than seven (7) days.
The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the decedent was holding
office, on the day of death until the day of interment of an incumbent member of the Supreme
Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be
determined by the Institute.
The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to the
half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised briskly to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
E. Casket
SECTION 24. The flag may be used to cover
the caskets of the honored dead of the military,
veterans of previous wars, national artists, and
of civilians who have rendered distinguished
service to the nation, as maybe determined by
the local government unit concerned. In such
cases, the flag shall be placed such that the
white triangle shall be at the head and the blue
portion shall cover the right side of the caskets.
The flag shall not be lowered to the grave or
allowed to touch the ground, but shall be
folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs
of the deceased.
G. Flag Days

SECTION 26. The period from May 28 to June 12 of

each year is declared as Flag Days, during which period
all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of
government, business establishments, institutions of
learning and private homes are enjoined to display the
flag.
H. Specifications of the National Flag

• SECTION 27. The flag shall have the following proportions. The width
of the flag, 1; the length of the flag, 2; and the sides of the white
triangle, 1.
• SECTION 28. The technical specifications shall be as follows:
• The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No.
80001 the red color, Cable No. 80108; and the golden yellow, Cable
No. 80068.
SECTION 29. In order to establish uniform criteria in the making of our national flag and to
guarantee its durability by the use of quality materials, the following standards and procedures shall
be observed:

A. All requisitions for the purchase of the Philippine National Flag must be based on strict
compliance with the deisgn, color, craftmanship and material requriements of the Government.

B. All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for purchase for government use
shall be evaluated as to design, color and craftmanship specifications by the Institute, through its
Heraldry and Display Section, which shall stamp its approval or disapproval on the canvass
reinforcement of the flag sample submitted. The samples shall be sent to the Institute by the
requisitioning office, not by the flag supplier; and

C. The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) or the Philippine Textile Research Institute
(PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality of material of
all flag samples and certify whether the fabric for the blue, white, red and golden yellow colors,
including the canvass submitted, conforms to government requirement as to quality of the material.
The samples shall be submitted by the said office to the Institute.
SECTION 30. All deliveries of the flags requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the
requisitioning agency’s internal inspector and by the Commission on Audit (COA) using the flag
stamped approved by the Institute as reference.

SECTION 31. In carrying out its responsibilities under Section 4 hereof, the Institute, COA, the
ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to be approved by the Office of the President.

SECTION 32. All government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the requirements
under this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and delivery of the national flag are
strictly complied with.

SECTION 33. All departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the government,

government-owned or controlled corporations, local government units, including barangays, shall
include in their annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the national flag.
I. Prohibited Acts
SECTION 34. It shall be prohibited
a. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample, on or cast contempt any act or
omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface;
b. To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;
c. To use the flag:
1. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth
2. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects;
3. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles;
4. As a staff or whip;
5. For unveiling monuments or statues; and
6. As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs.
• d. Display the flag:
• 1. Under any painting or picture;
• 2. Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely;
• 3. Below any platform; or
• 4. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places
of vice or where frivolity prevails.
• e. To wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;
• f. To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisements, or
imprint of any nature on the flag;
• g. To print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins,
cushions, and other articles of merchandise;
• h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic
establishments, and in offices of international organizations.
• i. To use, display or be part of any advertisement of infomercial; and
• j. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

SECTION 35. The National Anthem is

entitled Lupang Hinirang.
SECTION 36. The National Anthem shall
always be sung in the national language
within or without the country. The
following shall be the lyrics of the National
Anthem.
SECTION 37. The rendition of the National
Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be
in accordance with the musical
arrangement and composition of Julian
Felipe.
SECTION 38. When the National Anthem is
played at a public gathering, whether by a
band or by singing or both, or reproduced
by any means, the attending public shall
sing the anthem. The singing must be done
with fervor.
• As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if
there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the
conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing their right
palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting, citizen’s military training and
security guard uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by their regulations. The
salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
• The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or
entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:
• a. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a
representative;
• b. Local competitions;
• c. During “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television stations;
• d. Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening of theater
performances; and
• e. Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.
CHAPTER III
THE NATIONAL MOTTO

SECTION 40. The national Motto shall be “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO,

MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA.”
 CHAPTER IV
NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS

SECTION 41. The National Coat-of-Arms

shall have:
Paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and gules; a
chief argent studded with three (3) mullets
equidistant from each other; and, in point of
honor, ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant
with eight minor lesser rays. Beneath shall be
the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG
PILIPINAS,” inscribed thereon.
 CHAPTER V
THE GREAT SEAL
SECTION 42. The Great Seal shall be circular in form,
with the arms as described in the preceding section, but
without the scroll and the inscription thereon.
Surrounding the whole shall be a double marginal circle
within which shall appear the words “Republika ng
Pilipinas.” For the purpose of placing The Great Seal,
the color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but
tincture representation must be used.
The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto.
SECTION 43. The Great Seal shall be affixed to or
placed upon all commissions signed by the President and
upon such other official documents and papers of the
Republic of the Philippines as may be provided by law, or
as may be required bv custom and usage. The President
shall have custody of the Great Seal.
 CHAPTER VI
OFFICIAL SEALS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES

SECTION 44. Any government entity, including the military, may adopt appropriate coat-of-arms, administrative
seals, logo, insignia, badges, patches, banners and initiate awards, citations, orders or decorations, as may be
authorized by the Congress or the Office of the President.

SECTION 45. Such heraldic devices and items shall be filed with the Institute for recording and evaluation as to
precedence, design, customs and traditions. The institute shall promulgate the corresponding rules and regulations
which shall be submitted for approval to the Office of the President or to Congress.

SECTION 46. All government offices including the military are hereby ordered to purchase all heraldic items and
devices from manufacturers accredited and authorized by the Institute. Such items and devices shall be subject to
inspection by the purchasing agency’s internal inspector and the COA representative using the design and
specifications approved by the Office of the President or by the Congress, through the Institute.

SECTION 47. No government official or employee shall accept any orders or decorations from any foreign
government without the consent of Congress, and without the prior evaluation and documentation of such order or
decoration by the Institute.
CHAPTER VII
SECTION 48. Failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the corresponding rules and
regulations issued by the Office of the President shall, after proper notice and hearing, be penalized by public
censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.

SECTION 49. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education
shall ensure that the National Anthem, as adopted by law, shall be committed to memory by all students of both
public and private educational institutions, and performed during the flag ceremony conducted in accordance with
the rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano
or band scores of the National Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public schools, as well as he general
public.

SECTION 49. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on Higher Education
shall ensure that the National Anthem, as adopted by law, shall be committed to memory by all students of both
public and private educational institutions, and performed during the flag ceremony conducted in accordance with
the rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano
or band scores of the National Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public schools, as well as he general
public.
CHAPTER VIII
COMMON
PROVISION
SECTION 51. The Institute shall issue the necessary-rules and regulations to implement the provisions of this Act
within ninety (90) days after effectivity. The Institute shall submit its rules and regulations to the Office of the
President and the Congress of the Philippines.

SECTION 52. The Institute shall also be responsible for the strict enforcement of the provision of this Act. It may call
upon any government department, agency, office, or government instrumentality, including government
corporations and local government units, for such assistance as it may deem necessary for the effective discharge of
its functions under this Act.

SECTION 53. Separability Clause— If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or unconstitutional, the remeinder
of this Act not otherwise affected shall be valid and subisting.

SECTION 54. Repealing Clause – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of instruction,
administrative order, rule and regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions of this Act is hereby
repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 55. Effectivity — This Act shall be effective fifteen (15) days from the date of its publication in Official
Gazette or in at east two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
Approved:

• (SGD.) JOSE DE VENECIA, JR.A

• Speaker of the House of Representatives
• (SGD.) NEPTALI A. GONZALES
• President of the Senate
• This Ace, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 630 and House Bill No. 2586 was finally passed by the
Senate and House of Representatives on February 3, 1998 and February 6, 1998 respectively.
• (SGD.) ROBERTO P. NAZARENO
• Secretary General House of Representatives
• (SGD.) HAZEL P. GACUTAN
• Secretary of the Senate
• Approved on February 12, 1998 
• (Sgd.) FIDEL V. RAMOS
• President of the Philippines
THE END

THANK YOU!