THE House of Representatives has approved a bill that seeks to strengthen the rules on the use and display of the Philippines’ national symbols and to spell out the proper rendition of the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang.”
The House unanimously approved House Bill 5224, which repeals Republic Act 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
HB 5224, or the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code”, confirms the official design of the Philippine flag–blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars–which must be consecrated and honored by the people.
The bill mandates that the Philippine flag be hoisted throughout the year in front of government institutions and other places such as Malacañang Palace, the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme “©Court and the Rizal Monument at the Luneta.
The bill declares as Flag Days the period May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day) each year.
During Flag Days, all government offices, business establishments, learning institutions and private homes are obliged to display the Philippine flag and observe the proper ceremonies.
All government offices and educational institutions will observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag-lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon.
HB 5224 also says the flag will be flown at half-staff as a sign of mourning on the day of the announcement of the death of the following officials: the President or a former President, the incumbent and former Vice President, the Chief Justice, the Senate President and the House Speaker on all buildings and places where the deceased held office.”©”©
The flag will also be flown at half-staff on the day of the official announcement of the death of an incumbent public school teacher on Department of Education school or district office where the deceased was assigned to teach.
Meanwhile, “Lupang Hinirang” will be committed to memory by all students of both public and private educational institutions and saung during the flag ceremony.
The bill prescribes the rendition of the “Lupang Hinirang” in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat when sung.”©”©
HB 5224 also prescribes the national motto, national coat-of-arms, and the great seal.”©
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines will be responsible for the strict enforcement of the proposed law.
The bill provides penal consequences subjecting the offender to criminal and/or administrative cases and will be penalized by public censure, imprisonment and/or fine.
It will be unlawful to mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt, dishonor or ridicule the flag, anthem, seal, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices.
It is likewise unlawful to use the flag as staff or whip or as drapery, festoon, tablecloth or as covering for ceilings, walls, statues, motor vehicles or other objects.