Republic act.

8491 –
Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8491) Notes Section 34(c)(6) of the Flag
and Heraldic Code of the Philippines prohibits the use of the flag as trademarks or for industrial,
commercial, or agricultural labels or designs.

What is the motto of Republic Act No 8491?

The National Motto shall be "MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT MAKABANSA."

Who made Republic Act 8491?

Republic Act 8491, also known as, "The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines", is hereby
amended to highlight the importance of complying, abiding, and conforming to the standard
expression as prescribed by law. Introduced by Senator Ramon Bong Revilla, Jr. in Congress
assembled: SECTION 1.

What is the purpose of Republic Act 8491?

The amendment of Republic Act 8491, or the law that prescribes the Code of the heraldic items and
devices in the Philippines, is intended to invigorate the love of the country and underscore the
importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for our national symbols.

When did RA 8491 become a law?

The current Filipino lyrics, written in 1956 and with a slight revision in the 1960s, were adopted and
made official. On February 12, 1998, Republic Act No. 8491 was passed, codifying these lyrics into
law.

Why is it important to respect the Philippine flag?

It is the emblem of our nationhood, of what we have been, of what we are, and of what we hope to
be. Our flag crystallized our common aspirations as Filipinos and our collective vision for our
country's future. As the symbol of our country, our flag should be accorded due respect and honor.

What to do during the flag ceremony and flag retreat?

During the flag retreat, the flag should be lowered slowly so that the flag will be down the mast at
the sound of the last note of the anthem. Those in the assembly shall observe the same deportment
or shall execute the same salute as required of them in the flag-raising ceremony.

Proper practice for raising and retreating flag ceremony

It should be handled and folded reverently. While the Flag is being raised or lowered and while the
National Anthem is being played, the people should face the Flag, uncover it, stand at attention, and
salute. Moving vehicles should stop, and the passengers should alight, uncover, stand at attention,
and salute.

What is the proper folding of the Philippine flag?

Fold it lengthwise twice: First half, red on top, then fold again to cover the red area with the blue.
Fold the blue part diagonally to form a triangular fold, and keep folding it upwards to the white area
with the sun and stars. Fold it in a way that the flag will show one star and a small sliver of blue.

How do you display the Philippine flag on a casket?

In such cases, the flag shall be placed such 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.
How do you present the flag at a funeral?
The Flag Presentation Protocol is as follows: Stand facing the flag recipient and hold the folded flag
waist high with the straight edge facing the recipient. Lean toward the flag recipient and solemnly
present the flag to the recipient.

Who is authorized to put a Philippine flag on their casket during burial?

The flag may be used to cover the caskets of the honored dead of the military, veterans of previous
wars, national artists, and civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation. as may be
determined by the local government unit concerned.

How many days are the flag days of the Philippines?

Flag Day in the Philippines is marked with the raising of the national flag. The flag is permanently
displayed from May 28 to June 12 (Independence Day) by all government offices and agencies,
businesses, educational institutions, and private residences.

What are the prohibited acts in the Philippines flag?

To mutilate, deface, trample on, cast contempt, or commit any act or omission casting dishonor or
ridicule upon the National Flag or over its surface. To dip the National Flag to any person or object by
way of compliment or salute. To use the National Flag as drapery, festoon, or tablecloth.

Penalties for flag-prohibited acts and practices.

SECTION 50. Any person or judicial entity that violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon
conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) and not more than
Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) 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 imposed: Provided, That in case the
violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be
liable.

Right to vote (Philippine constitution)

ARTICLE V
SUFFRAGE

Section 1. Suffrage may be exercised by all citizens of the Philippines not otherwise disqualified by
law, who are at least eighteen years of age, and who shall have resided in the Philippines for at least
one year, and in the place wherein they propose to vote, for at least six months immediately
preceding the election. No literacy, property, or other substantive requirement shall be imposed on
the exercise of suffrage.

Section 2. The Congress shall provide a system for securing the secrecy and sanctity of the ballot as
well as a system for absentee voting by qualified Filipinos abroad.

The Congress shall also design a procedure for the disabled and the illiterates to vote without the
assistance of other persons. Until then, they shall be allowed to vote under existing laws and such
rules as the Commission on Elections may promulgate to protect the secrecy of the ballot.
Batas Pambansa Blg. 881, Section 261(a), Vote-buying and vote-selling are prohibited acts. They
are defined as follows:

(a) Vote-buying

Any person;
Who gives, offers, or promises money or anything of value, gives or promises any office or
employment, franchise or grant, public or private, or makes or offers to make an expenditure,
directly or indirectly, or cause expenditure to be made to any person, association, corporation,
entity, or community; and The purpose of which is to induce anyone or the public, in general, to vote
for or against any candidate (or withhold his vote in the election for vote for or against any aspirant
for the nomination or choice of a candidate in a convention or similar process of a political party.

(b) Vote-selling

Any person, association, corporation, group, or community; Solicits or receives, directly or indirectly,
any expenditure or promise of any office or employment, public or private; and The purpose is to
induce anyone or the public, in general, to vote for or against any candidate or withhold his vote in
the election, or to vote for or against any aspirant for the nomination or choice of a candidate in a
convention or similar selection process of a political party.
IMPOSABLE PENALTIES.

Any person found guilty of any election offense under this Code shall be punished with
imprisonment of not less than one year but not more than six years and shall not be subject to
probation. In addition, the guilty party shall be sentenced to suffer disqualification to hold public
office and deprivation of the right of suffrage. If he is a foreigner, he shall be sentenced to
deportation which shall be enforced after the prison term has been served. Any political party found
guilty shall be sentenced to pay a fine of not less than ten thousand pesos, which shall be imposed
upon such party after criminal action has been instituted in which their corresponding officials have
been found guilty. (Section 264, OEC)

PACC urges everyone to refrain from selling their votes and vote in accordance with one’s
conscience and preference, based on the candidate’s platform and dedication to leading this country
to a better future.