UNDERSTANDING

NATIONALITY AND
CITIZENSHIP
Nationality of a person, reveals his/her place of birth, i.e. from where he/she belongs.
It defines the belongingness of a person to a particular nation.

On the contrary, citizenship is granted to an individual by the government of the

country, when he/she complies with the legal formalities. It is the status of being a
citizen of a country. Nationality of a person, reveals his/her place of birth, i.e. from
where he/she belongs. It defines the belongingness of a person to a particular nation.
a symbol is used by the country or nation in order to
identify themselves and differentiate themselves
from other countries.

UNDERSTANDING
NATIONALITY

“What we need is the everyday

hero, the hero who is unknown and
unloved, yet loves nonetheless.”
5
ETHAN CHUA

Definition
of of
Nationality

Nationality is the legal status,

which represents the country
from which an individual belongs.
An individual’s nationality
denotes, the country where
he/she is born and are the legal
citizen. The status is acquired by
birth, inheritance or
naturalization.

On the basis of constitutional

provisions, every state sets the
criteria which determine who can
be the nationals of the country. It
provides the country, rights over
the person. Further, it provides
the person, protection of the
nation from other nations.
Based on international
conventions, every sovereign
state is entitled to determine its
nationals, as per nationality law.
One has the right enter or return
to the country; they came from.

Definition
of
Citizenship

Citizenship is a status acquired by

becoming a registered member
of the state by law. Any person
can become a member of the
state by satisfying the legal
requirements of the respective
country. In simple terms, the
virtue of being the citizen of the
country is called citizenship.

By inheritance, marriage, birth, naturalization are the ways to become a recognized

Every state grants

some legal rights and
privileges to its
citizens, and they are
also bound to follow
the rules and
regulations framed
by the government
of the respective
country.

"A strict observance of

the written laws is
doubtless one of the
high virtues of a good
citizen, but it is not the
highest. The laws of
necessity, of self-
preservation, of saving
our country when in
danger, are of higher
obligation."
UNDERSTANDING
NATIONALITY and
ETHNICITY

UNDERSTANDING NATIONALITY and

ETHNICITY
In other words, Ethnicity is the
ethnic identity of a person which is
ascertained by descent-based
characteristics. Descent-based
characteristics connote the traits
which are connected to descent, i.e.
genetically acquired traits and
cultural or historical inheritance.
Ethnicity can be understood as
the inherited status depending
on the society in which a person
resides. It is the state of
belonging to a subgroup of the
population, sharing similar
physical or social attributes.
2

Ethnicity is the category of people, called as an ethnic

group, who consider themselves as distinct from others on the basis
of ancestral, social and national heritage. People belonging to this
group share common traditions, history, language or dialect,
culture, behaviour, religion, physical appearance and
similar other factors like geographical affiliation to a
particular place, dressing style, food, beliefs, etc.

Ethnicity can be understood as the inherited

status depending on the society in which a person
resides. It is the state of belonging to a subgroup of
the population, sharing similar physical or social
attributes. In other words, Ethnicity is the ethnic
identity of a person which is ascertained by descent-
based characteristics. Descent-based characteristics
connote the traits which are connected to descent,
i.e. genetically acquired traits and cultural or
historical inheritance.

Ethnicity is the category of people, called

as an ethnic group, who consider themselves as
distinct from others on the basis of ancestral, social and
national heritage. People belonging to this group share
common traditions, history, language or dialect, culture,
behaviour, religion, physical appearance and similar
other factors geographical affiliation to a particular
place, dressing style, food, beliefs, etc.Definition of Nationality
Nationality is defined as the status
emerging from the fact of an individual’s nation of
origin. It is the feature of person’s individuality, as
a result of his/her membership in a nation.
In other words, nationality means the identity of a
large group of people having a legal connection
and personal allegiance to a specific place,
because of being born there. It indicates the
country, where the individual is from and is the
legal citizen.

Nationality law deals with its provision

and sets the conditions for obtaining nationality.
However, it can be acquired by birth, inheritance
or naturalization. It bestows the state, authority
over the person and confers the person,
protection of the state. The rights and powers of
the state and its nationals may vary from country
to country. It is psychological and thus
provides the source for patriotism
and self-sacrifice.

Key Differences between Ethnicity and Nationality

The difference between ethnicity and nationality can be drawn clearly
on the following grounds:
1. Ethnicity denotes the person’s
ethnic identity, on the basis of
descent attributes and cultural
inheritance. On the other hand,
nationality is the person’s
membership in the nation, which
reveals the individual’s
relationship with the nation.
2. The ethnicity of a person can be
determined by his/her dialect,
culture, food habits, dressing style,
race, and physical appearance and
so on. As against this, the
nationality of a person can be
determined by his/her country of
origin.

Key Differences between Ethnicity and Nationality

The difference between ethnicity and nationality can be drawn clearly
on the following grounds:
3. Ethnicity is the state
describing the heritage
and ancestry. Conversely,
Nationality is the legal
identity, which is
conferred only to a person
who is born in the country.

4. While ethnicity arises from

a person’s ethnic background,
nationality is dominated by
the geographical location.:

CITIZENSHIP
The role of citizen is often granted as a birth right. Our
country of origin often gives us automatic rights.
Citizenship is different as it focused on being an active
citizen and playing your part in society in contribution,
engagement and responsibility. The government’s
citizenship agenda tends to focus upon the ‘rights and
responsibilities’ appWe are part of differing communities. Citizenship
considers three community types – local, national
and global. The local community is seen as our
immediate neighborhood, the area in which we live.
The national community is the country we live in.
The global community is the entire world which, with
technology and expanding air travel, is becoming
less vast.roach.

Key Themes of
Citizenship

Key Themes of Citizenship

Diversity and Inclusion

Understanding the range and

extent of diversity in societies,
locally and globally; the
challenges and opportunities
which diversity and inclusion
present.
Equality and Social
Justice
Society needs to safeguard
individual and collective rights
and ensure that everyone is
treated equally and fairly.
Key Themes of Citizenship
Democracy and Active Participation

Participating and influencing democratic processes with an awareness of key

institutions and their role in promoting inclusion, justice and democracy.
Human Rights and Social Responsibility

Underlying all of these themes are the principles of human rights and social
responsibility.

Citizenship in a
Democracy Citizenship in a
Democracy

Citizenship in a Democracy
The democratic process gives citizens the right to vote for
governments who they want to run the country that make and
enforce the laws which we all live by.
Democracies need active, informed and responsible
citizens who are willing and able to take responsibility for
themselves and their communities and contribute to the
political process.

Citizenship in a Democracy (cont.)

These capacities have to be learned. While a certain amount
of citizenship may be picked up through ordinary experience in
the home or at work, it can never in itself be enough to equip
citizens for the sort of active role required of them in today’s
complex and diverse society. Citizenship in a Democracy (cont.)
These capacities have to be learned. While a certain amount
of citizenship may be picked up through ordinary experience in
the home or at work, it can never in itself be enough to equip
citizens for the sort of active role required of them in today’s
complex and diverse society.

• Informed about the social and political world

Concerned about the welfare of others
Articulate in their opinions and
arguments
Capable of having an influence
on the world
Active in their communities
Responsible in
how they act as
citizens
Aware of their rights and
responsibilities as citizens Those of adult status have the right to vote.
It is the responsibility of the individual to cast
that vote.
Democracies
depend upon
citizens who
are:

Rights and
Responsibilitie
s

Rights and Responsibilities

As a citizen we all have numerous rights. Rights come from
government and leading authorities. Rights require responsibility
in order for them to be applied, for which we all as citizens are
accountable. Rights and responsibilities are often enforced by a
legal and justice system that ensures they are adhered to. Health
and Safety is a good example of rights and responsibilities. We
all have the right to an environment that is safe and free from
risk, whilst at the same time we have a responsibility to ensure
risks and hazards are controlled and maintained.

Active Citizenship is a term that has

been widely used in the past
decade. The term represents
widespread current thinking that in
a modern world, all citizens of all
ages, should play an ‘active’ role,
engaging with and participating in
civic and civil society.
Active
Citizenship

Active Citizenship is not for someone else, but for each

and every one of us. It’s about how we engage with
each other and create together a set of shared values
for a better society.
Active
Citizenship
We are all citizens, but we need to promote
and partake in citizenship activities for the
greater good of society. Casting a vote is a
start, but an Active Citizen will contribute to
improving the community whether that is
local, national or global.

Civic
engagement in political
processes and institutions
Civil
engagement
engagement at a
community level
There are two types of engagement
activity associated with citizenship: Civic engagement
engagement in political
processes and institutions
Civil
engagement
engagement at a
community level
There are two types of engagement
activity associated with citizenship:

Promoting the modern idea of ‘active citizenship’,

participation and volunteering are generally seen to
be a useful way:
• To strengthen democracy
• To renew the processes of civic and civil society Promoting the modern idea of
‘active citizenship’,
participation and volunteering are generally seen to
be a useful way:
• To strengthen democracy
• To renew the processes of civic and civil society

There are numerous ways in which you

can be an Active Citizen, either politically
or within the community, but it is all
about taking part.
Think about when you have lent a hand to a neighbor, filled
in a survey about a public service or taken part in work to
improve or change something in your area. These are all
contributions to Active Citizenship.

PHILIPPINE HERITAGE

THE FILIPINO
• Filipinos are originally from the southern
part of Asia and are predominant in
Malayan ancestry.
• Contemporary Filipinos are a mixture of
races, mostly coming from Eastern Asia with great influence
during the time it was colonized.
• The nation is basically composed of 79 indigenous ethnic groups,
wherein, such groups are the root of most Filipino heritage.

LANGUAGE
There are 175 estimated languages spoken wherein, almost all are classified as
Malayo-Polynesian languages. Among those languages, there are 13 indigenous
languages with nearly 1 million speakers.
In 1935 the Constitution of the Philippines named English and Spanish the official
languages. In 1939 theTagalog languagewas namedthenational language. “Pilipino”
in 1959“Filipino” in 1973 1987 Constitution Filipino and English

FOOD
• The Philippines is known as a
“melting pot” of Asia.
• Rice as the staple food of the
Filipinos is always matched with
various viands.
• Filipinos have a regular eating
schedule: morning, mid-morning,
lunch, afternoon (merienda) and
dinner.
• Examples are mahablanca, puto,
palitaw, lechon, balut, and other
variety of street foods

SPORTS
• The national sport of the Filipinos is
“arnis”. It was declared as the Philippine
National Martial Art and Sport on
December 11, 2009 through Republic Act
9850 signed by Pres. Gloria Macapagal-
Arroyo.
• The demand of competency in the world
of sports made Filipinos adapt western
games

MUSIC, ARTS AND LITERATURE

• Filipinos are music lovers.
• Singing festivities during occasions
• Tiniking as the national dance of the country.
• The cariñosa is a much-loved folk dance in the Philippines and the
characteristic shy behavior of the female dancer is said to represent the
mannerisms of Filipina women. During the Marcos regime, the cariñosa was
named the national dance of the Philippines.
• Jose Rizal, the country’s national hero, is famous for his literature and novels,
inspired the independence story of our country

VALUES AND YOUTH

MORAL RECOVERY
PROGRAM FOR
NATION BUILDING
Preamble
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty We, the sovereign
Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty
God, in order to build a just and humane society, and establish God, in order to build
a just and humane society, and establish
a Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, a Government that shall
embody our ideals and aspirations,
promote the common good, conserve and develop our promote the common good,
conserve and develop our
patrimony, and secure to ourselves and our posterity, the patrimony, and secure to
ourselves and our posterity, the
blessings of independence and democracy under the rule of blessings of
independence and democracy under the rule of
law and a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and law and a regime of
truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and
peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.peace, do ordain and promulgate
this Constitution.

History
Values and Youth Moral Recovery Program
(VYMRP) for Nation Building is a program
started by the Philippine government under
Proclamation No. 62 in September 30, 1992 by
then president Fidel V. Ramos.

Objectives
(1)a sense of patriotism and national pride, or “pagmamalaki sa bansa”
(2) a sense of the common good or “kakayahang magmalasakit”
(3) a sense of integrity and accountability, or “katapatan at pananagutan”
(4) the value and habits of discipline, hard work or “pagsisikap”, self-dignity and self-
reliance; and
(5) the value and habits of self-reflection and analysis or “pagpapahalaga at
pagsusuri
sa sarili”, the internalization of spiritual values, the emphasis on essence rather than
on
form;

Article XIV, Section 3

(2) the Constitution provides that “all educational institutions
shall . . . inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster love of
humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role of
national heroes in the historical development of the country,
teach the rights and duties of citizenship, strengthen ethical and
spiritual values, develop moral character and personal
discipline, encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden
scientific and technological knowledge and promote vocational
efficiency”.
Good Citizenship Values
a.a. Pagkamaka-DiyosPagkamaka-Diyos
b. Pagkamaka-Taob. Pagkamaka-Tao
c. Pagkamaka-Bayanc. Pagkamaka-Bayan
d. Pagkamaka-Kalikasand. Pagkamaka-Kalikasan

a. Pagkamaka-Diyos
i. Faith in the Almighty GodFaith in the Almighty God
Integration of the value of faith in God in all
activities
Stronger faith practices in the home
Attributing one’s efforts to God
Making God a major part of choices and
decisions that one makes

a. Pagkamaka-Diyos
iiii Respect for LifeRespect for Life
Instilling discipline
Recognition of the uniqueness and worth of
each member
Appreciating the value of the life of every
person
Recognizing the dignity of othersa. Pagkamaka-Diyos
iiii Respect for LifeRespect for Life
Instilling discipline
Recognition of the uniqueness and worth of
each member
Appreciating the value of the life of every
person
Recognizing the dignity of others

a. Pagkamaka-Diyos
iii.iii. OrderOrder
Develop a good set of study habits and zealously follow
through everyday
Develop organization skills
Practice good grooming and gentlemanly/ladylike conduct
Managing resources, studies and extra-curricular activities
well
Follow and respect rules and regulations in and outside
school

a. Pagkamaka-Diyos
iv. WorkWork
Affirming inspiring and appreciation of efforts toward
achieving results in school work
Continually strive to develop talents and gifts and
learning to be self-reliant
Being a productive member of society
Work-related actions are governed by an unwavering
faith and conviction in doing what is moral, honest.

a. Pagkamaka-Diyos
v. Concern for the Family and Future Concern for the Family and Future
Generations Generations
Respect for elders, parents and siblings
Direct parent involvement in children’s
development
Regular family counseling
Appraisal of one’s role in the family and devise
ways to be a better family member

b. Pagkamaka-Tao
i.i. LoveLove
Respect for elders, parents and siblings
Direct parent involvement in children’s
development
Regular family counseling
Appraisal of one’s role in the family and
devise ways to be a better family member

b. Pagkamaka-Tao
ii.ii. FreedomFreedom
Not allowing oneself to be used to further others
vested interest or impede others from practicing their
own freedom
One that allows a person to act responsibly,
conscientiously and charitably
Every citizen must be a keeper of the other’s
freedom
Strive to be well informed of issues that are crucial to
the defense and preservation of our freedom

b. Pagkamaka-Tao
iii. PeacePeace
Establishing order in one’s affair and having the will
to stick by it.
Review one’s stand on certain issues that deal with
peace

b. Pagkamaka-Tao
iv.iv. TruthTruth
Preparing well for school in terms of accomplishing
assignments and requirements
Never considering cheating as an option
Enthusiastically and sincerely performing one’s
task and role as a student guided by a sound and
prudent set of prioritiesb. Pagkamaka-Tao
iv.iv. TruthTruth
Preparing well for school in terms of accomplishing
assignments and requirements
Never considering cheating as an option
Enthusiastically and sincerely performing one’s
task and role as a student guided by a sound and
prudent set of priorities

b. Pagkamaka-Tao
v. JusticeJustice
Nurturing an attitude of vigilance and understanding of situations that tend to
undermine justice in one’s relationships and in the community
Being mindful of the rights and dignity of others and maintain a high level of respect
Promoting social justice by reaching out to less fortunate and giving them justice by
helping them live a dignified life

c. Pagkamaka-Bayan
i.i. UnityUnity
Make a united stand with the rest of the country
Give hope and make everyone understand that
you are there for them, as a responsible and
loving countryman
Have a more active and dynamic involvement in your community
Being a faithful advocate of good values and civic duty
Be a productive worker and share in the success of your organizationc. Pagkamaka-
Bayan
i.i. UnityUnity
Make a united stand with the rest of the country
Give hope and make everyone understand that
you are there for them, as a responsible and
loving countryman
Have a more active and dynamic involvement in your community
Being a faithful advocate of good values and civic duty
Be a productive worker and share in the success of your organization

c. Pagkamaka-Bayan
ii.ii. EqualityEquality
Treat classmates kindly and fairly
Learn to judge every person based on
his/her own uniqueness and giftedness
Encourage others to live out the value of
equality by being a good and consistent
example to them

c. Pagkamaka-Bayan
iii.iii. Respect for law and Respect for law and
governmentgovernment
Develop a conscious habit of abiding by rules and regulations starting with those in
school and your home
Seek to understand the laws and roles of the government as well as your role as a
citizen more fully
Be a good example for your friends and family by being law-abiding and by
respecting the work of the government

c. Pagkamaka-Bayan
iv.iv. PatriotismPatriotism
Love our country. by being vigilant and ready to defend itLove our country. by being
vigilant and ready to defend it
Patronize our country’s productsPatronize our country’s products
Uphold and live good citizenship valuesUphold and live good citizenship values
Proud of one’s heritage and national identityProud of one’s heritage and national
identity
Vigilant and proactive citizens, Responsible voters Vigilant and proactive citizens,
Responsible voters
Carrying oneself as Filipinos with dignity and prideCarrying oneself as Filipinos with
dignity and pride

d. Pagkamaka-Kalikasan
i.i. Concern for the EnvironmentConcern for the Environment
Develop a more conscious and consistent
habit of keeping your surroundings clean as
well as using environmental resources
Have a deeper understanding of the
environment and in your own capacity
contribute to the work of preserving it

987
Constitution

Topics
Preamble
Article I
Article II
Article XIV
Article XV
Article XVI
2

3
We, the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God,
in order to build a just and humane society, and establish a
Government that shall embody our ideals and aspirations, promote
the common good, conserve and develop our patrimony, and secure
to ourselves and our posterity, the blessings of independence and
democracy under the rule of law and a regime of truth, justice,
freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this
Constitution.
PREAMBLE

4
ARTICLE I
NATIONAL TERRITORY
The national territory comprises the Philippine archipelago, with
all the islands and waters embraced therein, and all other
territories over which the Philippines has sovereignty or
jurisdiction, consisting of its terrestrial, fluvial and aerial
domains, including its territorial sea, the seabed, the subsoil,
the insular shelves, and other submarine areas. The waters
around, between, and connecting the islands of the
archipelago, regardless of their breadth and dimensions, form
part of the internal waters of the Philippines.
ARTICLE I

5
Provisions
Importance of knowing the domain of
the country
• defense
• economy
agriculture
tourism
ARTICLE I

6
ARTICLE II
DECLARATION OF PRINCIPLES AND STATE POLICIES
Provisions
Section 1. Sovereignty of the people (4)
Section 2. renunciation of war and the adherence to the policy of
peace, equality, justice, freedom, cooperation, and amity with all
Nations. (5-ptomotion of general welfare)
ARTICLE II

7
Provisions
Section 4. Duties of the government (state policies)
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation
-building and shall promote and protect their... ...well-being.
It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and
encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. (17)
ARTICLE II7
Provisions
Section 4. Duties of the government (state policies)
Section 13. The State recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation
-building and shall promote and protect their... ...well-being.
It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism, and
encourage their involvement in public and civic affairs. (17)
ARTICLE II

8
ARTICLE XIV
EDUCATION, SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, ARTS, CULTURE
AND SPORTS
Provisions
Section 1. The State shall protect and promote the right of all
citizens to quality education at all levels, and shall take appropriate
steps to make such education accessible to all.
Section 3. (1) All educational institutions shall include the study of
the Constitution as part of the curricula.
ARTICLE XIV

9
Section 3. (2) They shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism, foster
love of humanity, respect for human rights, appreciation of the role
of national heroes in the historical development of the country,
teach the rights and duties of fhip, strengthen ethical and
spiritual values, develop moral character and personal discipline,
encourage critical and creative thinking, broaden scientific and
technological knowledge, and promote vocational efficiency.
ARTICLE XIV

10
ARTICLE XV
THE FAMILY
Provisions
Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the
foundation of the nation.
Section 4. The family has the duty to care for its elderly members
but the State may also do so through just programs of social
security.
ARTICLE XIV10
ARTICLE XV
THE FAMILY
Provisions
Section 1. The State recognizes the Filipino family as the
foundation of the nation.
Section 4. The family has the duty to care for its elderly members
but the State may also do so through just programs of social
security.
ARTICLE XIV

11
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Provisions
Section 1. The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white, and blue,
with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the
people and recognized by law.
Section 5. (2) The State shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and
nationalist consciousness of the military, and respect for people's
rights in the performance of their duty.
ARTICLE XVI11
ARTICLE XVI
GENERAL PROVISIONS
Provisions
Section 1. The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white, and blue,
with a sun and three stars, as consecrated and honored by the
people and recognized by law.
Section 5. (2) The State shall strengthen the patriotic spirit and
nationalist consciousness of the military, and respect for people's
rights in the performance of their duty.
ARTICLE XVI

The way to
get started
is to quit
talking and
begin
doing.
The Philippine
Flag
Remedial Lecture
Alfred Batocong

Topics
+The History of the Philippine Flag.
+ The Philippine Symbolism and
Meaning
2

HistoryOn May 28, 1898, the Philippine

flag was first unfurled after the
Philippine Revolutionary Army
defeated Spanish forces in the Battle
at Alapan, Imus, Cavite. It was
formally presented to the people on
June 12, 1898. From 1919, when the
Philippine flag was once more
legalized, until 1940, Flag Day was
observed in October, the date the
Philippine Legislature had restored the
flag. From 1941 to 1964, Flag Day
was commemorated on the date the
national flag was unfurled in Kawit:
June 12
3HistoryOn May 28, 1898, the Philippine
flag was first unfurled after the
Philippine Revolutionary Army
defeated Spanish forces in the Battle
at Alapan, Imus, Cavite. It was
formally presented to the people on
June 12, 1898. From 1919, when the
Philippine flag was once more
legalized, until 1940, Flag Day was
observed in October, the date the
Philippine Legislature had restored the
flag. From 1941 to 1964, Flag Day
was commemorated on the date the
national flag was unfurled in Kawit:
June 12
3

Persons involved in the Making of

the Philippine flag
President Emilio Aguinaldo
conceived and designed the flag.
Sewn by Marcela Marino de
Agoncillo, Lorenza Agoncillo, and
Delfina Herbosa de Natividad in
Hong Kong.
4

Symbols in the Philippine Flag

White equilateral triangle, symbolizing liberty,
equality and fraternity
Horizontal blue stripe for peace, truth, and justice
Horizontal red stripe for patriotism and valor
The eight-rayed golden sun symbolizing unity, freedom, people's democracy, and
sovereignty.
Each ray (of the sun) represents a province with significant involvement in the 1896
Philippine Revolution against Spain namely, Manila, Bulacan, Cavite, Pampanga,
Morong (modern-day province of Rizal), Laguna, Batangas, and Nueva Ecija
6

Symbols in the Philippine Flag

Controversies
However, according to the Declaration of Independence and a
research by Ateneo de Manila University Professor Ambeth
Ocampo, the rays of the sun symbolized the first eight provinces
of the Philippines which was declared under martial law during the
Philippine Revolution (Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Manila, Laguna,
Nueva Ecija, Pampanga and Tarlac).
Three five-pointed stars, one at each of the triangle's points, stand
for the three major island groups: Luzon, Visayas (originally
referring to Panay Island) and Mindanao.

R.A. 8491 “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.” REMEDIAL LECTURE
ALFRED BATOCONG

Topic
R.A. 8491 “Flag and Heraldic Code of the
Philippines.” and
the IRR of R.A. 8491
2

Background
The respect for Philippine symbols, especially that of the
Philippine flag, have been in decline for the past decades,
to the point that, as common as any event would be, such
disrespect is not called for by many individuals anymore.
Such decay in society is something alarming that if not
corrected, the state will soon be in danger of its existence.
It is with this that the call for responsible citizenship,
guided by the norms provided by the state, that R.A. 8491
also known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the
Philippines”, established.
3

Rationale of RA 8491
- Our Constitution declares that it is state policy to inculcate
nationalism and patriotism in our youth.
- Republic Act 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the
Philippines,” mandates that reverence and respect shall be accorded
at all times to the Philippine flag, the national anthem and other
national symbols that embody the country’s ideals and traditions, and
express the principles of sovereignty and national solidarity.
4

5
R.A. 8491 Scope
SEC. 3. Scope of Application. — These Rules shall apply to individuals, public
and private entities, military and police agencies, and other branches and/or
instrumentalities of the national and local government including government-
owned and/or controlled corporations, and shall also be observed in and
within the entire territory of the Philippines as such is defined in the
Constitution and laws of the Republic of the Philippines.
R.A. 8491
Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines
8491 - An act prescribing the code of the national flag, anthem, motto,
coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines.
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Rules on the Philippine flag as prescribed by the code

– 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.
– 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.
7Rules on the Philippine flag as prescribed by the code
– 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.
– 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.
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Rules on the Philippine flag as prescribed by the code

– May 28 to June 12 of each year are declared as Flag Days, during
which all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government,
business establishments and institutions of learning, including private
homes, are enjoined to display the flag.
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The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:

– To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on, cast contempt or commit on
the flag or any act or omission that casts dishonor or ridicule upon the
flag over its surface (thus, it is illegal to burn the Philippine flag during
rallies).
– To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or
salute.
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The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:

– To use the flag as drapery, festoon or tablecloth; as covering for
ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; as a pennant in the hood, side,
back and top of motor vehicles; as a staff or whip; for unveiling
monuments or statues; and as trademarks or for industrial, commercial
or agricultural labels or designs.
– To display the flag under any painting or picture; horizontally face up
(it shall always be hoisted aloft and 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.
10The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:
– To use the flag as drapery, festoon or tablecloth; as covering for
ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; as a pennant in the hood, side,
back and top of motor vehicles; as a staff or whip; for unveiling
monuments or statues; and as trademarks or for industrial, commercial
or agricultural labels or designs.
– To display the flag under any painting or picture; horizontally face up
(it shall always be hoisted aloft and 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.
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The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:

– To wear the flag in whole or part as a costume or uniform.
– To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing,
advertisement or imprint of any nature to the flag.
– To print, paint or attach a representation of the flag on handkerchiefs,
napkins, cushions and other merchandise.
11The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:
– To wear the flag in whole or part as a costume or uniform.
– To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawing,
advertisement or imprint of any nature to the flag.
– To print, paint or attach a representation of the flag on handkerchiefs,
napkins, cushions and other merchandise.
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The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:

– 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 or infomercial.
– To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
12The following are prohibited with respect to the flag:
– 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 or infomercial.
– To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
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The National Anthem

On the national anthem, the code expressly prescribes that its
rendition, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the
musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
According to the National Historic Commission of the Philippines, the
proper tempo is a 2/4 and 100 metronomes, and that the anthem
should last 53 seconds.
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 it with fervor.
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The National Anthem

As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed. If none, they shall face the band or
conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute by placing
their right palms over their left chests. Those in the military or scouting shall
give the prescribed salute.
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement
or entertainment purposes, except on some occasions. These are
international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a
representative; local competitions; during “signing off” and “signing on” of
radio broadcasting and television stations; and before the initial and last
screening of films or before the opening of theater performances.
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Fines and Punishment

Violators shall, upon conviction, be punished with a fine of between P
5,000 and P 20,000, imprisonment of not more than one year, or both.
Several bills have been introduced to amend the code to highlight the
importance of complying with, abiding by and conforming to the
standard expression as prescribed by law, as well to increase penalties
for violations. As of today, none have been enacted.