NSTP COMMON MODULE 1:

CITIZENSHIP TRAINING

Objectives:

At the end of this module, you will be able to:

1. Do your role in nation-building;

2. Understand your duties and responsibilities as citizens of the Philippines;
3. Grow in awareness of the basic values of good citizenship as embodied in the
Constitution; and
4. Be motivated to do your best using your particular positions and capabilities to nurture
these basic values among all within your sphere of influence.

HISTORICAL AND LEGAL BASIS OF NSTP

 SPANISH COLONIALISM. During the Spanish Colonial years, there was a training course
similar to what is presently known as Reserve Officers’
Training Corps (ROTC).

The real ROTC in our country did not start until 1912. It started when the military
instructions was conducted in the University of the Philippines.

 NSTP started with the passage of COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 1, otherwise known as
the "National Defense Act," by the National Assembly of the Philippines on 21 December
1935 under President Manuel L. Quezon. It provided for obligatory military service for all
male citizens of ages between 18 and 30 to create an independent Philippine Army, but
was interrupted by World War II. Records show that the product of ROTC were called to
the colors and, during the occupation, they proved their worth on the battlefield.

 During the POST WAR, Executive No. 59 states that the ROTC Course was made
mandatory for all colleges in their respective curricula.

 Post-Marcos Era (1980). During the Marcos Regime, ROTC was replaced by the Citizen
Military Training (CMT).

Presidential Decree No. 1706, otherwise known as the "National Service Law," amended
Commonwealth Act No. 1 and was signed into law by President Ferdinand E. Marcos on 8
August 1980. It made national service obligatory for all Filipino citizens and specified three
categories of national service: civic welfare service, law enforcement service, and military
service.
 PRESIDENT CORAZON AQUINO’S TIME. President Corazon Aquino backed up CMT by
signing Republic Act 7077, otherwise known as the "Citizen Armed Forces of the
Philippines Reservist Act," which was enacted by the 8th Congress of the Philippines on
27 June 1991. The Reservist Act provided for organization, training and utilization
of reservists, referred to in the Act as "Citizen Soldiers." The primary manpower for the
reservist organization are graduates of the Reserve Officers' Training Corps – basic and
advance courses.

 In 1991 the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act 7077 modified the Basic
ROTC course to Expanded ROTC Program as mandated and thus composed of military
subjects in the first year and any of these components: MTS, CWTS AND LES in the
second year curriculum.

 On MARCH 18, 2001

- A dead body of Wilson Chua, 19 years old, a UST Engineering, student was found
wrapped in a carpet and floating in the Pasig River. The face was wrapped in packing
tape, hands bounded. He was reported a victim of illegal ROTC practices that lead to a
massive protest of the college students and concerned parents against the ROTC
program.

- ROTC CRISIS (2001) arise

o Students were threatened by the very existence of ROTC.
o It was the end of mandatory ROTC in the Philippines.
o Expanded ROTC Program morphed into the NSTP ACT

REPUBLIC ACT 9163 (NSTP LAW)

CONSTITUTIONAL BASES, Article 2, 1987 Philippine Constitution:

Sec. 4 - The prime duty of the government is to serve and protect the people. The
Government may call upon the people to defend the state and in the fulfillment
thereof, all citizens may be required, under conditions provided by the law, to
render personal, military, or civil service.

Sec. 5 - The maintenance of peace and order, the protection of life, liberty, and property
and the promotion of the general welfare are essential for the enjoyment by all
people of the blessings of democracy.

Sec. 13 - The state recognizes the vital role of the youth in nation-building and shall
promote and protect their physical, moral, spiritual, intellectual, and social well-
being. It shall inculcate in the youth patriotism and nationalism and encourage
their involvement in public and civic affairs.

REVISED IMPLEMENTING RULES AND REGULATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC ACT

9163, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE NATIONAL SERVICE TRAINING PROGRAM
(NSTP) ACT OF 2001

The National Service Training Program (NSTP) Act of 2001 (R.A. 9163) was enacted in
response to public clamor for reforms in the Reserved Officers Training Corps (ROTC)
Program. This act affirms that the prime duty of the government shall be to serve and
protect its citizens. In turn, it shall be the responsibility of all its citizens to defend the
security of the State; thus, the government may require each citizen to render personal,
military or civil service. In the pursuit of these goals, the youth shall be motivated, trained,
organized, and mobilized in military training, literacy, civic welfare, and other similar
endeavors in service to the nation.
The NSTP is a program aimed at enhancing civic consciousness and defense
preparedness in the youth by developing the ethics of service and patriotism while
undergoing training in any of its program components.

Its various components are specially designed to enhance the youth’s active contribution
to the general welfare of the nation. All male and female students enrolled in any
baccalaureate or in at least two (2)-year technical/vocational or associate courses are
required to complete the equivalent of two (2) semesters of an NSTP Common Module for
the period of at least 25-hours and any one of the NSTP components.

DEFINITION OF TERMS:

 Annual Administrative and Tactical Inspection (AATI) – refers to the tool designed by
the Department of National Defense – Armed Forces of the Philippines (DND/AFP)
 and conducted by the AFP Major Services to annually evaluate the ROTC Units’
implementation of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) Program;

 Civic Welfare Training Service - refers to program or activities contributory to the

general welfare and the betterment of life for the members of the community or the
enhancement of its facilities, especially those developed to improving health,
education, environment, entrepreneurship, safety, recreation and morals of the
citizenry;

 Clustering - refers to the grouping of students enrolled to different schools and taking
up the same NSTP component into one (1) group under the management and
supervision of a designated school;

 Cross Enrollment – refers to a system of enrolment where a student is officially

enrolled in an academic program of an origin school but is allowed to enroll in the
NSTP component of another accepting school;

 Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) – refers to universities, colleges, and other

educational institutions offering higher education;

 Literacy Training Service (LTS) – refers to the Program component designed to train
the students to teach literacy and numeracy skills to school children, out-of-school
youths and other segments of society in need of their services;

 Major Service Reserve Commands (MSRC) – refers to the units of AFP Major
Services mandated to develop their respective Reserve Forces and supervise the
implementation of the ROTC Program as mandated under R.A. 7077, s-1991 (or the
AFP Reserve Act of 1991);

 Mobilization – refers to the official act of calling upon ROTC Reservists and NSRC
Reservists and Units to report to their respective designated mobilization centers to
perform duties as volunteers;

 National Service – refers to the civic consciousness and defense preparedness

service rendered by all the citizens of the Philippines;

 National Service Reserve Corps Trainee – refers to an organization composed of

graduates of Civic Welfare Training Service (CWTS) and Literacy Training Service
(LTS) components of the National Service Training Program (NSTP) as mandated by
Republic Act 9163 (NSTP Act of 2001);

 National Service Training Program (NSTP) – refers to the program aimed at

enhancing civic consciousness and defense preparedness in the youth, by developing
the ethics of service and patriotism while undergoing training in any of the three(3)
Program components, specifically designed to enhance the youth’s active contribution
to the general welfare of the country;

 Program Component – refers to the ROTC, CWTS, LTS, and other NSTP Programs,
as the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and the Technical Education and
Skills Development Authority (TESDA), in consultation with the DND, may hereinafter
approve and implement;

 Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) – refers to the Program component,

institutionalized under Sections 38 and 39 of Republic Act No. 7077, designed to
 provide military training to tertiary level students in order to motivate, train, organize
and mobilize them for national defense preparedness

a. Basic Reserve Officers’ Training Corps – refers to the one (1) year ROTC Training
based on the amendment by R.A. 1963, s – 2002 of Sections 38 and 39 of R.A.
7077;

b. Advance Reserve officers’ Training Corps – refers to the two (2)-year training
program after the basic ROTC training subject to the provisions under Sections 38
and 39 of R.A. 7077;

 ROTC Cadet – refers to a student enrolled in the ROTC component;

 School-based NSRC Units (SBNU) – refers to the established organization of students

or graduates of the CWTS or LTS Components of the NSTP who are still enrolled in
the HEIs and TVIs;

 School-based Ready Reserve Units (SRRU) – refers to the established organization of

students or graduates of the ROTC component of the NSTP who are still enrolled in
the HEIs and TVIs.

COVERAGE OF THE PROGRAM

All incoming freshmen students, male and female, starting School Year (SY) 2002-2003,
enrolled in any baccalaureate and in at least two (2) year technical-vocational or associate
courses, are required to complete one (1) NSTP component of their choice, as a
graduation requirement. The above provision however does not cover the following:

1. Students who finished or graduated from a baccalaureate degree or two year technical
vocational or associate course and pursuing or enrolled in another or additional
baccalaureate degree or two-year technical-vocational or associate course in SY
2003-2004;

2. Students who completed any of the three NSTP component but considered freshmen
to the course where they transferred or shifted;

3. Pursuant to Section 16(2) of R.A. 10742, otherwise known as the “Sangguniang

Reform Act of 2015,” a Joint Memorandum Circular Number 1, s. of 2019, all
Sangguniang Kabataan Officials who comply with the prescribed requirements and in
good standing, whether elected or appointed, shall during their incumbency, be
exempted from taking the NSTP-CWTS subject. Further, as stipulated in Section 16(2)
of R.A. 10742, the concerned SK officials shall submit written reports, with
photographs, or documentations of participation in the implementation of programs,
projects, and activities as outlined in the Comprehensive Barangay Investment
Program; and

4. Foreign students or aliens.

PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION

Introduction:

The Republic of the Philippines sits on an archipelago in Southeast Asia and consists of
7,107 islands with a total area of 300,000 square kilometers. It is located at the intersection
of several bodies of water: it is bounded by the Pacific Ocean in the north, the South China
Sea in the west, the Sulu and Celebes Seas in the south, and the Philippine Sea in the east.
Over 90 million people live on the islands, some 12 million of whom live in the capital region,
Metro Manila. Most of the people on the islands are of the same racial stock as the Malays
and the Indonesians, but a Chinese minority (around 1.5%) makes up an influential part of
the Philippine economy. There are eight major languages and close to a hundred dialects.
Constitutional History

 September 15, 1898 – the Malolos Congress was convened on September 15, 1898, after
a revolution was launched against Spain and the revolutionaries declared Philippine
independence in Kawit, Cavite on June 12, 1898; the first Philippine Constitution, called
the Malolos Constitution, was approved on January 20, 1899, ushering what is called the
First Philippine Republic.

 The US approved a ten-year transition plan in 1934 and drafted a new constitution in
1935. World War II and the Japanese invasion on December 8, 1941, however,
interrupted that plan. After heroic Filipino resistance against overwhelming odds finally
ended with the fall of Bataan and Corregidor in 1942, a Japanese “republic” was
established, in reality, a period of military rule by the Japanese Imperial Army.

 A new constitution was ratified in 1943 by Filipino collaborators who were called the
Kapisanan sa Paglilingkod ng Bagong Pilipinas (Kalibapi). An active guerilla movement
continued to resist the Japanese occupation. The Japanese forces were finally defeated
by the Allies in 1944 and this sorry chapter came to a close.

 Philippine Independence was eventually achieved on July 4, 1946. The 1935 Constitution,
which featured a political system virtually identical to the American one, became
operative.

 Independence to Martial Law: From the moment of independence, Filipino politics have
been plagued by the twin demons of corruption and scandal. Notwithstanding, Presidents
Ramon Magsaysay (1953-57), Carlos Garcia (1957-61), and Diosdado Macapagal (1961-
65) managed to stabilize the country, implement domestic reforms, diversify the economy,
and build Philippine ties not only to the United States, but also to its Asian neighbors.

 Ferdinand Marcos was elected president in 1965 and was re-elected in 1969, the first
president to be so re-elected. Desirous of remaining in power beyond his legal tenure, he
declared martial law in 1972, just before the end of his second and last term, citing a
growing communist insurgency as its justification. He then manipulated an ongoing
Constitutional Convention and caused the drafting of a new constitution – the 1973
Constitution – which allowed him to rule by decree until 1978 when the presidential
system of the 1935 Constitution was replaced with a parliamentary one.

 The 1987 Constitution: President Corazon Aquino began her term by repealing many of
the Marcos-era regulations that had repressed the people for so long. In March, she
issued a unilateral proclamation establishing a provisional constitution. This constitution
gave the President broad powers and great authority, but Aquino promised to use them
only to restore democracy under a new constitution. This new constitution was drafted in
133 days by an appointed Constitutional Commission of 48 members and ratified by the
people in a plebiscite held on February 2, 1987. It was largely patterned on the American
Constitution which had so greatly influenced the 1935 Constitution, but it also incorporated
Roman, Spanish, and Anglo law.
Preamble

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 regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and
promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE III
BILL OF RIGHTS

SECTION TEXT
No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law,
1
nor shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.
The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects
against unreasonable searches and seizures of whatever nature and for any
purpose shall be inviolable, and no search warrant or warrant of arrest shall issue
2 except upon probable cause to be determined personally by the judge after
examination under oath or affirmation of the complainant and the witnesses he
may produce, and particularly describing the place to be searched and the
persons or things to be seized.
1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except
upon lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires
3 otherwise, as prescribed by law.
2) Any evidence obtained in violation of this or the preceding section shall be
inadmissible for any purpose in any proceeding.
No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the
4 press, or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the
government for redress of grievances.
No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the
free exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession
5
and worship, without discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No
religious test shall be required for the exercise of civil or political rights.
The liberty of abode and of changing the same within the limits prescribed by law
shall not be impaired except upon lawful order of the court. Neither shall the right
6
to travel be impaired except in the interest of national security, public safety, or
public health, as may be provided by law.
The right of the people to information on matters of public concern shall be
recognized. Access to official records, and to documents and papers pertaining to
7 official acts, transactions, or decisions, as well as to government research data
used as basis for policy development, shall be afforded the citizen, subject to
such limitations as may be provided by law.
The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private
8 sectors, to form unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law
shall not be abridged.
9 Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.
10 No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.
Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal
11
assistance shall not be denied to any person by reason of poverty.
12 1) Any person under investigation for the commission of an offense shall have
the right to be informed of his right to remain silent and to have competent
and independent counsel preferably of his own choice. If the person cannot
afford the services of counsel, he must be provided with one. These rights
cannot be waived except in writing and in the presence of counsel.
2) No torture, force, violence, threat, intimidation, or any other means which
vitiate the free will shall be used against him. Secret detention places,
solitary, incommunicado, or other similar forms of detention are prohibited.
3) Any confession or admission obtained in violation of this or Section 17 hereof
shall be inadmissible in evidence against him.
4) The law shall provide for penal and civil sanctions for violations of this
section as well as compensation to and rehabilitation of victims of torture or
 similar practices, and their families.
All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion
perpetua when evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by
13 sufficient sureties, or be released on recognizance as may be provided by law.
The right to bail shall not be impaired even when the privilege of the writ of
habeas corpus is suspended. Excessive bail shall not be required.
1) No person shall be held to answer for a criminal offense without due process
of law.
2) In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall be presumed innocent until the
contrary is proved, and shall enjoy the right to be heard by himself and
counsel, to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation against
14 him, to have a speedy, impartial, and public trial, to meet the witnesses face
to face, and to have compulsory process to secure the attendance of
witnesses and the production of evidence in his behalf. However, after
arraignment, trial may proceed notwithstanding the absence of the accused
provided that he has been duly notified and his failure to appear is
unjustifiable.
The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases
15
of invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.
All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all
16
judicial, quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.
17 No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.
1) No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and
aspirations.
18
(2) No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a
crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted.
(1) Excessive fines shall not be imposed, nor cruel, degrading or inhuman
punishment inflicted. Neither shall the death penalty be imposed, unless, for
compelling reasons involving heinous crimes, the Congress hereafter
provides for it. Any death penalty already imposed shall be reduced to
19
reclusion perpetua.
(2) The employment of physical, psychological, or degrading punishment against
any prisoner or detainee or the use of substandard or inadequate penal
facilities under subhuman conditions shall be dealt with by law.
20 No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.
No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense. If
21 an act is punished by a law and an ordinance, conviction or acquittal under either
shall constitute a bar to another prosecution for the same act.
22 No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.

Duties and Responsibilities of Filipino Citizens

The prime duty of the Government is for its citizens to be served and protected, and in turn it
shall be the obligation of the entire citizen to do their duties and responsibilities as a Filipino
citizen of the country as listed below:

1. Defend our country from enemies and invaders.

2. Pay his/her taxes willingly and promptly.
3. Be loyal to our country.
4. Take care and conserve our natural resources.
5. Help our country for growth and development.
6. Keep our surroundings clean.
7. Study well and become a productive individual.
8. Obey the laws and maintain peace and order in the community.
9. Preserve the Filipino culture and identity.
10. Participate actively in various government programs.
 11. Vote wisely and choose candidates who can serve the people and our country.
12. Respect the rights of others.

United Nations Principles on Human Rights

Human rights are universal and inalienable; indivisible; interdependent and interrelated.
They are universal because everyone is born with and possesses the same rights,
regardless of where they live, their gender or race, or their religious, cultural or ethnic
background.

1. Universality and Inalienability: Human rights are universal and inalienable. All people
everywhere in the world are entitled to them. The universality of human rights is
encompassed in the words of Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights: “All
human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.”

2. Indivisibility: Human rights are indivisible. Whether they relate to civil, cultural, economic,
political or social issues, human rights are inherent to the dignity of every human person.
Consequently, all human rights have equal status, and cannot be positioned in a hierarchical
order. Denial of one right invariably impedes enjoyment of other rights. Thus, the right of
everyone to an adequate standard of living cannot be compromised at the expense of other
rights, such as the right to health or the right to education.

3. Interdependence and Interrelatedness: Human rights are interdependent and interrelated.

Each one contributes to the realization of a person’s human dignity through the satisfaction of
his or her developmental, physical, psychological and spiritual needs. The fulfillment of one
right often depends, wholly or in part, upon the fulfillment of others. For instance, fulfillment of
the right to health may depend, in certain circumstances, on fulfillment of the right to
development, to education or to information.

4. Equality and Non-discrimination: All individuals are equal as human beings and by virtue
of the inherent dignity of each human person. No one, therefore, should suffer discrimination
on the basis of race, colour, ethnicity, gender, age, language, sexual orientation, religion,
political or other opinion, national, social or geographical origin, disability, property, birth or
other status as established by human rights standards.

5. Participation and Inclusion: All people have the right to participate in and access
information relating to the decision-making processes that affect their lives and well-being.
Rights-based approaches require a high degree of participation by communities, civil society,
minorities, women, young people, indigenous peoples and other identified groups.

6. Accountability and Rule of Law: States and other duty-bearers are answerable for the
observance of human rights. In this regard, they have to comply with the legal norms and
standards enshrined in international human rights instruments. Where they fail to do so,
aggrieved rights-holders are entitled to institute proceedings for appropriate redress before a
competent court or other adjudicator in accordance with the rules and procedures provided
by law. Individuals, the media, civil society and the international community play important
roles in holding governments accountable for their obligation to uphold human rights.

FLAG HERALDIC CODE OF THE PHILIPPINES (R.A. 8481)

AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG,

ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC
ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES.
SECTION TEXT
 Declaration of Policy – Reverence and respect shall at all times be accorded
2
the flag.
Definition of Terms
a. Military – shall mean all 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;
b. Festoon – shall mean to hang in a curved shape between two points as a
decoration;
c. Flag – shall mean the Philippine National Flag, unless stated otherwise;
d. Fly – shall mean the part of the flag outside the hoist or length;
e. Symbol – shall mean any conventional sign which reveals man’s
achievement and heroism (for orders and decorations), identification,
authority and a sign of dignity (for coat-of-arms, logo and insignia);
f. Half-mast – shall mean lowering the flag to one-half the distance between
3
the top and bottom of the staff;
g. Hoist – shall mean the part of the flag nearest the staff or the canvass to
which the halyard is attached;
h. Inclement weather – shall mean that a typhoon signal is raised in the
locality;
i. National Anthem – shall mean the Philippine National Anthem’
j. Official residences – shall mean Malacañang, and other government-
owned structures where the President resides, and other structures
occupied by the Philippine Consulate or Embassies abroad;
k. Place of frivolity – shall mean places of hilarity marked by or providing
boisterous merriment or recreation; and
l. Institute – shall mean the National Historical Institute.
CHAPTER I: THE NATIONAL FLAG
A. Design of the Flag
The flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed
4 golden-yellow and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by
the people.
B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag
The flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences, public
5
plazas and institutions of learning everyday throughout the year.
The flag shall be permanently hoisted, day and night throughout the year, in
front of the following; at Malacanang Palace; the Congress of the Philippines
building; Supreme Court building; the Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila;
Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite; Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan; the
6 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Libingan ngmga Bayani; Mausuleo de los
Beteranos dela Revolucion; all International Ports of Entry and all other
places as maybe designated by the Institute.
The flag shall be properly illuminated at night.
The flag shall also be displayed in private buildings and residences or raised
in the open flag-staffs in front of said buildings every April 9 (Araw
ngKagitingan); May 1 (Labor Day); May 28 (National Flag Day) to June
12 (Independence Day); last Sunday of August (National Heroes
Day); November 30 (Bonifacio Day); and December 30 (Rizal Day); and on
7 such other days as may be declared by the President and/or local chief
executives.
The flag may also be displayed throughout the year in private buildings or
offices or raised in the open on flag-staffs in front of private
buildings: Provided, that they observe flag-raising ceremonies in accordance
with the rules and regulations to be issued by the Office of the President.
10 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.
 The flagpole staff must be straight and slightly tapering at the top.
If flag is:
a. Planted on the ground, it should be in prominent place giving the flag
commanding position in height in relation to the building’s vicinity.
11
b. Attached to a building, flagpole should be on top of the building.
c. On stage or platform or in a government office, flag shall be at the left,
facing the stage or the left side of the office upon entering.
When the Philippine flag is flown with another flag, the flags, if both are
national flags, must be flown on separate staffs of the same height and shall
be of equal size. The Philippine flag shall be hoisted first and lowered last.
12
If the other flag is not a national flag, it may be flown in the same lineyard as
the Philippine flag but below the latter and it cannot be of greater size than
the Philippine flag.
When displayed with another flag, the Philippine flag shall be on the right of
the other flag. If there is a line of other flags, the Philippine flag shall be in the
13 middle of the line.
When carried in a parade with flags, which are not national flags, the
Philippine flag shall be in front of the center of the line.
A flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be
14 solemnly burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The flag shall be replaced
immediately when it begins to show signs of wear and tear.
The flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall be on the
15
mast at the start of official hours and shall remain flying throughout the day.
The flag may be displayed:
a. Inside or outside a building or on a stationary flagpole. If the flag is
displayed indoors on a flagpole, it shall be placed at the left of the
observer as one enters the room.
b. From the top of a flagpole, it shall be at a prominent place or a
commanding position in relation to the surrounding buildings.
c. From a staff, it should be projecting upward from the window sill, canopy,
16
balcony, or façade of a building.
d. In a suspended position from a rope extending from a building to pole
erected away from the building.
e. Flat against the wall vertically with the sun and stars on top; and
f. Hanging in a vertical position, across a street, with the blue field pointing
east if the road is heading south or north, or pointing north, if the road is
heading east or west.
The flag shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously. The
flag shall not touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water, or
17
other objects. After being lowered, the flag shall be handled and folded
solemnly as part of the ceremony.
All government offices and educational institutions shall, henceforth, observe
18 the flag raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering
ceremony every Friday afternoon with the National Anthem.
C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony
The office of the President upon the recommendation of the Institute shall
19
issue rules and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.
The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be
20 simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in
its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.
21 During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation while
the flag is being raised. At the moment the first, everyone in the premises
shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall
place their palms over their chests, those with hats shall uncover, while those
in military, scouting, security guard and citizens military training uniform shall
give hand salute prescribed by their regulations, which salute shall be
 completed upon the last note of the anthem.
The assembly shall sing the Philippine National Anthem, (accompanied by a
band if available) and at the first note, the flag shall be raised briskly.
During the flag lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so
that the flag shall be down the mast at the sound of the last note of the
22
anthem. Those in the assembly shall observe the same deportment or shall
observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony.
D. Half Mast
The flag is raised at half-mast as a sign of mourning on the day of the official
announcement of the death of:
a. The President of a former President for ten (10) days
b. The Vice-President, the Chief Justice, the President of the Senate, and
the Speaker of the House of Representatives for seven (7) days and
c. Other persons to be determined by the Institute, for any period less than
seven (7) days
23 The flag shall be flown at half-mast on all the buildings and places where the
decedent was holding office, on the day of death until the day of interment of
an incumbent member of the Supreme Court, the Cabinet, the Senate or the
House of Representatives, and such other persons as may be determined by
the Institute.
The flag when flown at half-mast shall be first hoisted to the peak for a
moment then lowered to the half-mast position. The flag shall again be raised
briskly to the peak before it is lowered for the day.
E. Casket
The flag may be used to cover the caskets of the honored dead of the
military, veterans of previous wars, national artists, and of civilians who have
rendered distinguished service to the nation, as maybe determined by the
local government unit concerned. In such cases, the flag shall be placed such
24
that the white triangle shall be at the head and the blue portion shall cover
the right side of the caskets. The flag shall not be lowered to the grave or
allowed to touch the ground, but shall be folded solemnly and handed over to
the heirs of the deceased.
Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag
Ako ay Filipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan at kalayaan
25
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos
Maka-tao
Makakalikasan
At makabansa
The period from May 28 to June 12 of each year is declared as Flag Days,
during which period all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government,
26
business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are
enjoined to display the flag.
The flag shall have the following proportions: the width of the flag, 1; the
27
length of the flag, 2; and the sides of the white triangle, 1.
The technical specifications shall be as follows: the blue color shall bear
28 Cable No. 80173; the white color Cable No. 80001; the red color, Cable No.
80108; and the golden yellow Cable No. 80068.
29 In order to establish uniform criteria in the masking of our national flag and to
guarantee its durability by the use of quality materials, the following
standards and procedures shall be observed:
a. All requisitions for the purchase of the Philippine National Flag must be
based on strict compliance with the design, color, craftsmanship and
 material requirements of the Government;
b. All submitted samples of flags by accredited suppliers offered for
purchase for government use shall be evaluated as to design, color,
craftsmanship specifications by the Institute through, its Heraldry and
Display Section, which shall stamp its approval or disapproval on the
canvass reinforcement of the flag sample, submitted. The samples shall
be sent to the Institute by the requisitioning office, not by the supplier; and
c. The Industrial Development Technology Institute (ITDI) or the Philippine
Textile Research Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and
Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality of material.
I. Prohibited Acts
It shall be prohibited:
a. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt any act or
omission casting dishonour or ridicule upon the flag over its surface;
b. To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute;
c. To use the flag:
1. As a drapery, festoon or tablecloth;
2. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues, or other objects;
3. As a pennant in the hood, side, back, and top of motor vehicles;
4. As a staff or whip;
5. For unveiling monument or statues; and
6. As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or
designs.
d. Display the flag:
1. Under any painting or picture;
34
2. Horizontally, face up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to
fall freely.
3. Below any platform, or;
4. In discoteques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints
or places of vices of where frivolity prevails.
e. To wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform;
f. To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisements
or imprint of any nature on the flag;
g. To print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs,
napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise;
h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other
diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations.
i. To use, display or be part of any advertisement of infomercial; and
j. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
35 The National Anthem is entitled “Lupang Hinirang.”
Chapter II: The National Anthem
36 The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language within or
without the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem:
Bayang magiliw,
Perlas ng silanganan,
Alab ng puso
Sa dibdib mo’y buhay.
Lupang hinirang,
Duyan ka ng magiting,
Sa manlulupig
Di ka pasisiil.
Sa dagat at bundok,
Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw,
May dilag ang tula
At awit sa paglayang minamahal.
Ang kislap ng watawat mo’y
 Tagumpay na nagniningning;
Ang bituin at araw niya,
Kailan pa ma’y di magdidilim.
Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati’t pagsinta,
Buhay ay langit sa piling mo;
Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi,
Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo.
The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in
37
accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.
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 the anthem. The singing must be done with fervor.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the
Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face
the band or the conductor. At the first note, all persons shall execute a salute
by placing their right palms over their left chests. Those in military, scouting,
citizens military training and security guard uniforms shall give the salute
prescribed by their regulations. The salute shall be completed upon the last
note of the anthem.
38
The anthem shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or
entertainment purposes except on the following occasions:
a. International competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a
representative;
b. Local competitions;
c. During “signing off” and “signing on” of radio broadcasting and television
stations;
d. Before the initial and last screening of films or before the opening of
theater performances; and
e. Other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.
Chapter III: The National Motto
The national Motto shall be “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN
40
AT MAKABANSA.”

GOOD CITIZENSHIP VALUES

Our nation is in crisis. Our people are suffering. Let us stop being a part of the problem; let us
be part of the solution. Let us be good citizens by living the good citizenship values
enshrined in the constitution:

1. Faith in God – be god-fearing and live according to his will.

2. Unity – work together and share with one another.
3. Patriotism – place the good of the country above one’s own.
4. Work – be diligent and earn an honest living. Do not engage in crime and corruption.
5. Respect for life – recognize the absolute value of human life and human dignity of every
person. Do not inflict harm on others.
6. Truth – stand up for the truth and avoid intrigue and mudslinging.
7. Justice – give everyone their due. Do not oppress or take advantage of anyone.
8. Freedom – assert your right to be able to do the right things.
9. Love – look after the good and welfare of one another.
10. Equality – treat one another as brothers and sisters being children of one god and one
nation.
11. Peace – live and work together in harmony. Avoid violence as a way of settling disputes.
12. Promotion of the common good – put the welfare of the greater number of people over
one’s own. Do not be greedy and selfish.
13. Concern for family and future generations – look after the welfare of your family and
future generations.
 14. Concern for the environment – keep your surroundings clean and conserve our natural
resources.
15. Order – respect the human rights of one another and comply with your duties and
responsibilities.

The challenge to every Filipino is to be a good citizen and build a peaceful and progressive
nation

VOTER CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION

VOTING is one of the foundations of democracy. It is one of your constitutional rights as a

citizen of the Philippines, and it’s one of the ways you can make your future less scary.

Elections benefit the country, especially when we elect the right officials and leaders. You
have say in the direction of the Philippines, or closer to home, your city, municipality,
province or barangay.

Your voice is heard with your vote. That’s what people mean when they say, “Every vote
matters.”

QUESTION ANSWER
What is the difference There are different election seasons:
between Presidential  Presidential elections are held every 6 years;
and Midterm elections?  National and Local elections are held on the second Monday
of May every 3 years from 1992. This season is also called
the Midterm Elections because we are voting for officials
other than the President and the Vice-President;
 And finally, the Barangay elections.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) oversees every
elections, making sure voting is free, fair, and honest.
Why do we vote every That is because public officials have a term limit. In other words,
3 years? that’s how long they stay in office before someone else needs
to be elected. For the:
 President, vice-president, and senators, it’s years; and
 Congressmen (of the House of Representatives) and local
government leaders, get 3 years.
Meanwhile, the senate has 24 seats, and every 3 years, 12
seats are vacated. Midterm elections come in for us to elect 12
new senators, while the other 12 are still seated. The senators
we vote during the midterm elections get to keep their seats
during the 1st term of the next President.
Why is my senatorial The senators you vote now get to lobby for and pass laws for
vote relevant? causes you care about. They will also oversee the
implementation and turnover of these laws to the succeeding
President after the current term.
What positions do I Who to vote is your prerogative, but these are the officials and
vote for? roles that will show up on your ballots:
 Every presidential election season: president and vice
president
 National elections:
- Congress of the Philippines: the legislative branch of our
government that has the power to enact, create, modify,
and appeal existing laws. More importantly, Congress is
responsible for ensuring that the spirit of our Constitution
is upheld in the country.
1. Senators (12) – the Congress of the Philippines is
divided into two houses:
 The Senate composed of 24 seats who are elected by
qualified voters of the Philippines. Senators get 6-year
terms and half of the senate (12) is elected every 3
years.
2. Representatives (1), the 2nd House of
Representatives. A voter has two votes for the House
of Representatives: one for their district representative
and one for a sectoral representative (party-list). The
congressman you vote for will represent your district
when Congress is in session
3. Party-list Representation (1). As part of the Party-list
System Act, 20% of the House of Representatives is
given to marginalized and underrepresented sectors.
 Local Government:
1. Provincial Governor (1) – Non-NCR; the Chief Executive
of the provincial government who is in-charge of the
general welfare of the locality and its inhabitants. Some
of the provincial governor’s powers include: supervision
of programs, enforcing laws, maximizing revenue as well
as applying it to development plans.
2. Provincial Vice Governor (1) – Non-NCR; s/he acts as a
stand-in for the provincial governor in case of a
temporary vacancy. They are also the presiding officer of
the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Provincial Board).
3. Municipal/City Mayor (1) – s/he is the chief executive of
the city/municipal government who is responsible for the
general welfare of the city/municipality and its
inhabitants.
4. Municipal/City Vice Mayor (1) – acts as a stand-in for the
city/municipal mayor in case of a temporary vacancy.
S/He is also the presiding officer of the Sangguniang
Bayan
5. Sangguniang Bayan (Minicipal Board, Sangguniang
Panlalawigan (Provincial Board), or Sangguniang
Panlungsod (City Board) – the local board assigned to
particular provinces, municipalities or cities. This board is
made up of members who pass, approve ordinances
necessary for local government to stay effective. They
are in-charge of approving funds, generating revenue,
and issuing permits and licenses; and ensuring the
general welfare of their area.
How do I vote wisely? When coming up with your election checklist, it can be tricky to
make the right choice. Do your research on the right candidates
to see if they align with your values.
CANDIDATE CHECKLIST:
 COMPETENCE (Kakayahan) – candidate is capable of the
task that the position requires; candidate has the experience
to handle the challenges and the complexities of the
position.
 KNOWLEDGE (Kaalaman) – candidate has the right
educational background for the position; candidate has the
skills required for the position; candidate is aware of the
issues that concern our communities/nation.
 CREDIBILITY (Kredibilidad) – the candidates possesses the
leadership qualities of a public servant: honest, trustworthy,
has integrity; no violations against the law; sensitive to the
rights of the people; candidate is compliant with our laws,
 policies, and other non-corrupt practices.
What should I do 1. Register. It wouldn’t hurt to be ready to cast your vote when
before election day? the time matters.
If you are a Filipino, of legal age (at least 18 years old before
May, you are eligible to register. Don’t wait until the last
moment to line up, because the lines tend to build up. Since
safety is most important during these unprecedented times,
it’s best you get ahead while there aren’t as may people
registering yet.
2. Find your precinct. There’s a Precinct Finder on the
COMELEC website.
3. List down who you’re voting for. Read up on all the
candidates and party-lists. Write down their ballot numbers
as well as their names, especially the party-list.
4. Familiarize yourself with the ballot. Just so you know what to
shade and how to shade. There’s a long list of candidates so
look up a ballot and get reading. COMELEC sends out an
index of ballot templates for every district after the eligible
candidates have been finalized.
What do I bring on 1. A valid government ID (any of the following: Voter’s ID, TIN
election day? Card, driver’s license, passport, SSS/PhilHealth Card
2. Registration Stub
3. Fin al list of candidates
When and where do I Election Day is every May 13 (based on season of election).
vote? Polls are open from 6:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. voters within 30
meters of the polls at 6:00 P.M. will still be allowed to vote.
What do I have to do 1. Get to the polls on time. If you don’t like lines, go early.
on election day? Expect to wait, don’t go too late in the day, either.
2. Identify yourself and get verified. Find your name on the
voters’ list posted at your precinct. Go to the designated
COMELEC officer to verify that you are a registered voter.
S/he will show you to which room you’ll go to vote.
3. Get your ballot. Once verified, someone from COMELEC will
give you a ballot, a pen, and a folder to secure your votes.
4. Choose your candidate. You can vote under or abstain from
electing the maximum number of candidates; but voting for
more than the maximum can invalidate your vote.
5. Shade properly. Votes will not be counted if ballots are
incorrectly filled. Other marks on the ballot will invalidate
your vote.
6. Cast your ballot but don’t show it to anyone. When you’re
done, keep your ballot in the folder given you. Proceed to
the vote-counting machine and insert your ballot. Then wait
for it to process.
7. Get your voter’s receipt and check for errors. Voters aren’t
allowed to leave without a receipt. Check if your receipt
reflects who you voted for. If it doesn’t you have to file a
complaint. If all is well, the clerk will put an indelible ink on
your finger before your leave.
8. Don’t snap any pictures till you’re out of the voting station.
Using your phone inside the voting station is an election
offense

Your voice matters as a generation of young people, the future is yours. You have a bigger
stake that the adults who are around now. Make your voice be heard.