The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has warned against the improper use of the national flag in social media materials.
In a Facebook post published on May 28, on the day of the commemoration of National Flag Day, the NHCP included examples of publication materials or “pubmats” which it deemed in violation of the law.
The commission, in issuing the reminder, cited Section 39 (f) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 8491, or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”
“Ang mga pubmat na ito ay lumalabag sa Republic Act 8491 o ang “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines” na nagbabawal sa paglalagay ng kahit anong salita, letra, disenyo, mga marka, at mga disenyo sa poster at print materials sa ating Pambansang Watawat,” the NHCP wrote in Filipino.
“Laging tandaan, ang panata ng bawat Pilipino ay dapat #TapatSaWatawat,” it furthered.
Among the five examples of pubmats that it said violate the law is one from the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino, which had text overlaid on the Philippine flag.
The Philippines is observing National Flag Days from May 28 to June 12, leading up to the celebration of Independence Day on June 12, 2025.
The observance of National Flag Day on May 28 is in accordance with Presidential Proclamation No. 374 (s. 1965), which commemorates the first unfurling of the Philippine flag following the 1898 victory at the Battle of Alapan in Imus, Cavite.
The single-day observance was later extended to a two-week period by Executive Order No. 79, issued in 1994, to encourage greater appreciation and respect for the national emblem.
For this year’s observance, the NHCP and the National Parks Development Committee led the “Stop and Salute” flag-raising ceremony at Rizal Park, Luneta, which was attended by government officials, sectoral representatives, and notable Filipino public figures such as actor John Arcilla.
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