Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines (RA 8491)

For the implementation of the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines, the NSTP should be guided
with the following provisions:

Sec.2: states that it is the policy of the state to prescribe the Code of the National Flag, Anthem,
Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines, ensure the
promotion and implementation of its corresponding rules and regulations, and adopt effective
administrative, regulatory, coordinative and supervisory programs and activities, where
appropriate, in conformity with national government policies.

Sec.4: the Flag Heraldic Code of the Philippines will promote or sustain reverence and respect
for the flag, the anthem and other national symbols, and those which symbolizes the national
ideals and traditions.

Definition of Terms:
1. Military – means all the 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
2. Festoon – to hang in a curved shape between two points as a decoration
3. National Flag – is the National Flag and Ensign of the Philippines, use on land and sea by
public, private and the military and shall refer to the flag or any other design that
resembles it as likely to cause any person to believe that it is the flag or design stated
4. Fly – is the part of the flag outside the hoist or length
5. Symbol – any conventional sign that shows man’s achievement and heroism,
identification, authority and a sign of dignity
6. Half-mast – is the lowering of the flag to the middle of the pole
7. Halyard – the long rope used for raising and lowering the flag
8. Inclement Weather – when there is a typhoon signal raised in a locality
9. National Anthem: The Lupang Hinirang, Philippine National Anthem
10. Official Residences – is Malacanang and other government-owned structures where the
President lives, and other structures occupied by the Philippine Consulate or Embassies
11. Places of Frivolity – places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment or
recreation
12. Advertisement or Infomercial – these are any information material, printed or through
radio, television and electronic media which seeks to promote individuals, products or
services, political purposes or information campaigns
13. Heraldic Items and Devices – are coat-of-arms, seals, logos, insignia, badges, flashes,
patches, orders and decorations, medals, stars, citations, lapel pins, trophies, dry, wax or
wet seals, and imprints on letterheads, envelops and cards
14. Government Entities – all branches of government, its bureaus and attached agencies,
constitutional offices, government owned and/or controlled corporations, government
financial institutions, state universities and colleges, Armed Forces of the Philippines and
its basic units
15. Vexillary Items – national, local house flags or administrative and corporate organization’s
Banner
Sec. 27: The National Flag should be at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all the buildings and
places where it is displayed on the official day of announcement of the death of the following
officials:
a. The President or former President (10 days);
b. The Vice-President, the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, the President of the
Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives (7 days);
c. Cabinet Secretaries, Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, Members of the
Senate and House of Representatives, the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of
the Philippines and the Director-General of the Philippine National Police (5 days);
d. Head of National Government Agencies, including Government Owned and
Control Corporations and Government Financial Institutions (3 days);
e. The Commanding Generals of the Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Army
and the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy (3 days);
f. Governors, Vice-Governors, city and municipal Mayor, city and municipal ViceMayors (3 days);
g. Members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Sangguniang Panlungsod and
Sangguniang Bayan (on the day of interment);
h. Barangay Chairmen and Barangay Councilmen on the day of interment;
i. Former National or Local Government Officials, appointive or elective;
Regional Directors, Superintendents, Supervisors, Principals, Teachers and other
school officials During calamities and disasters, National Flag shall also be flown at
half-mast.