I was browsing online when I came across a video of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. during his departure on his first official visit to the US last September.
I was shocked to see him wearing a white face mask with a small Philippine flag imprinted on it.
Whoever gave and made him wear that mask must not have done enough research to know that maybe, they are making the country’s highest official commit a violation of the law, albeit unknowingly.
Republic Act No. 8491or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” is an act that prescribes the code of the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines.
At this point, I would like to quote Section 2 of the said Act (Declaration of Policy) which states: “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 34 titled, ‘Prohibited Acts’ states that it shall be prohibited: to mutilate, deface, defile, trample, on or cast contempt any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface; to dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute; to use the flag as a drapery, festoon or tablecloth; 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.
Among the many other prohibited acts enumerated include the wearing of the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform and to print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise.
To quote the portion on penalties, “Any person or judicial entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than P5,000 and not more than P20,000, or by imprisonment of not more than one year or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court. Provided, that for any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be impose. In case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable.
It will be recalled that in 2016, Queen of Pop Madonna drew flak when she held a concert in the country. This was because at one point in her performance, she came onstage draped in the Philippine flag.
As she danced across the stage, the flag touched the floor and even swept it a bit. Madonna violated the law by using the Philippine flag as a costume and then another by letting it touch the floor.
In the case of President Marcos, he obviously did not know he was violating the flag law by wearing the said face mask. I blame the people around him for not being responsible enough.
While the said face mask looked cute on the President, it may be in violation of the law.
Joke(from Fe del Mundo of Pasay City)
Nanay: Ang lakas mong kumain pero di ka mautusan. Ang kapal mo rin naman noh?!?
Anak: ‘Nay naman. Kapag yung baboy natin malakas kumain, natutuwa ka. Sino ba talaga ang anak mo, ako o yung baboy? Umayos ka, ‘Nay! Wag ganun!
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