San Beda College Alabang

Alabang Hills Village, Muntinlupa City

COLLEGE OF ARTS & SCIENCES
National Service Training Program

MODULE 2
CITIZENSHIP TRAINING
PHILIPPINE CONSTITUTION 1987
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 a regime of truth, justice,
freedom, love, equality, and peace, do ordain and promulgate this Constitution.

ARTICLE III

BILL OF RIGHTS

Section 1. No person shall be deprived of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, nor
shall any person be denied the equal protection of the laws.

Section 2. 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 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.

Section 3. (1) The privacy of communication and correspondence shall be inviolable except upon
lawful order of the court, or when public safety or order requires 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.

Section 4. No law shall be passed abridging the freedom of speech, of expression, or of the press, or
the right of the people peaceably to assemble and petition the government for redress of grievances.

Section 5. No law shall be made respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free
exercise thereof. The free exercise and enjoyment of religious profession and worship, without
discrimination or preference, shall forever be allowed. No religious test shall be required for the
exercise of civil or political rights.

Section 6. 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 to travel be impaired except
in the interest of national security, public safety, or public health, as may be provided by law.

Section 7. 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 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.

Section 8. The right of the people, including those employed in the public and private sectors, to form
unions, associations, or societies for purposes not contrary to law shall not be abridged.

Section 9. Private property shall not be taken for public use without just compensation.

Section 10. No law impairing the obligation of contracts shall be passed.

Section 11. Free access to the courts and quasi-judicial bodies and adequate legal assistance shall not
be denied to any person by reason of poverty.

Section 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.

Section 13. All persons, except those charged with offenses punishable by reclusion perpetual when
evidence of guilt is strong, shall, before conviction, be bailable by 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.

Section 14. (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 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.

Section 15. The privilege of the writ of habeas corpus shall not be suspended except in cases of
invasion or rebellion when the public safety requires it.

Section 16. All persons shall have the right to a speedy disposition of their cases before all judicial,
quasi-judicial, or administrative bodies.

Section 17. No person shall be compelled to be a witness against himself.

Section 18. (1) No person shall be detained solely by reason of his political beliefs and aspirations.

(2) No involuntary servitude in any form shall exist except as a punishment for a crime whereof the
party shall have been duly convicted.

Section 19. (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 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.

Section 20. No person shall be imprisoned for debt or non-payment of a poll tax.

Section 21. No person shall be twice put in jeopardy of punishment for the same offense. If 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.

Section 22. No ex post facto law or bill of attainder shall be enacted.

HUMAN RIGHTS PRINCIPLE

Author: UNFPA
Publisher: UNFPA

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. Inalienable because people’s rights
can never be taken away. Indivisible and interdependent because all rights – political, civil, social, cultural
and economic – are equal in importance and none can be fully enjoyed without the others. They apply to
all equally, and all have the right to participate in decisions that affect their lives. They are upheld by the
rule of law and strengthened through legitimate claims for duty-bearers to be accountable to
international standards.

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.”

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.

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 fulfilment of one right often depends,
wholly or in part, upon the fulfilment of others. For instance, fulfilment of the right to health may depend,
in certain circumstances, on fulfilment of the right to development, to education or to information.

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.

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.

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.

UNFPA supports the integration of human rights standards into all stages of its programming framework,
including:

• Analyzing the immediate, underlying and structural causes of human rights violations
• Setting strategies and goals to address the main causes of human rights violations and to
empower the most vulnerable people as well as to reinforce the capacity of duty bearers.
• Supporting initiatives for the establishment or improvement of an enabling legal and social
framework on population and development, reproductive health and gender equality.
• Following the recommendations of UN treaty bodies such as the Committee on the
Elimination of Discrimination Against Women.
 • Evaluating and monitoring programmed with participatory processes and using human
rights indicators

Republic Act 8491

Republic of the Philippines
Congress of the Philippines Metro Manila

Tenth Congress
Third Regular Session
Begun and held in Metro Manila, on Monday the twenty-eighth day of July, nineteen hundred and
ninety-seven.

REPUBLIC ACT NO. 8491

AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS
AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINES.

Be it enacted by the Senate and Home of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

SECTION 1. Short Title — This act shall be known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.”

SECTION 2. Declaration of Policy – 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 3. Definition of Terms — Whenever used in this Act, the term:

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 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. “Places of Frivolty” shall mean places of hilarity marked by or providing boisterous merriment or
recreation; and
l. “Institute” shall mean the National Historical Institute.

CHAPTER 1
THE NATIONAL FLAG
A. Design of the National Flag

SECTION 4. The Flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with an eight-rayed golden-
yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people.

B. Hoisting and Display of the National Flag

SECTION 5. The Flag shall be displayed in all public buildings, official residences public plazas, and
institutions of learning everyday throughout the year.

SECTION 6. 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 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.

SECTION 7. 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 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.

SECTION 8. All government agencies and instrumentalities, and local government offices,
government-owned corporations and local government units are enjoined to observe Flag Day with
appropriate ceremonies. Socio-civic groups, non-government organizations and the private sector
are exhorted to cooperate in making the celebrations a success.

SECTION 9. The Flag shall be flown on merchant ships of Philippine registry of more than one
thousand (1000) gross tons and on all naval vessels.
On board naval vessels, the Flag shall be displayed on the flagstaff at the stern when the ship is at
anchor. The Flag shall be hoisted to the gaff at the aftermast when the ship is at sea.

SECTION 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.

SECTION 11. If planted on the ground, the flagpole shall be at a prominent place and shall be of such
height as would give the flag commanding position in relation to the buildings in the vicinity.
If attached to a building, the flagpole shall be on top of its roof or anchored on a sill projecting at an
angle upward.
If on stage or platform or government office, the Flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or the left
of the office upon entering.

SECTION 12. 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.

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.

SECTION 13. 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 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.

SECTION 14. A flag worn out through wear and tear shall not be thrown away. It shall be solemnly
burned to avoid misuse or desecration. The Flag shall be replaced immediately when it begins to
show signs of wear and tear.

SECTION 15. The Flag shall be raised at sunrise and lowered at sunset. It shall be on the mast at the
start of official ‘office hours, shall remain flying throughout the day.

SECTION 16. The Flag may be displayed:

a. Inside or outside-a building or on a stationary flagpoles. 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, which shall be at a prominent place or a commanding position in relation
to the surrounding buildings;
c. From a staff projecting upward from the window sill, canopy, balcony or facade 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 not be raised when the weather is inclement. If already raised, the Flag shall not be
lowered.

SECTION 17. The Flag shall be hoisted to the top briskly and lowered ceremoniously.
The Flag shall never touch anything beneath it, such as the ground, flood, water or other objects.
After being lowered, the Flag shall be handled and folded solemnly as part of the ceremony.

C. Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony

SECTION 18. All government offices and educational institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-
raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon.
The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the Philippine
National Anthem.

SECTION 19. The office of the President upon the recommendation of the Institute shall issue rules
and regulations for the proper conduct of the flag ceremony.
SECTION 20. The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and
dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march
tempo.

SECTION 21. During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation racing the Flag.
At the moment the first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention;
moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall :.ace their right palms over their chests, those
with hats shall uncover, while those in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens military
training uniforms shall give :.-.£ 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, r available, and at
the first note, the Flag shall be raised briskly.

The same procedure shall be observed when the Flag is passing in review or in parade.

SECTION 22. 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 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

SECTION 23. The Flag shall be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning on all buildings and places
where it is displayed, as provided for in this Act, on the day of official announcement of the death of
any of the following officials:
a. The President or 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.
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

SECTION 24. 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 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.
 F. Pledge to the Flag

SECTION 25. The following shall be the Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag:

Ako ay Filipino
Buong katapatang nanunumpa
Sa watawat ng Pilipinas
At sa bansang kanyang sinasagisag
Na may dangal, katarungan, at kalayaan
Na pinakikilos ng sambayanang
Maka-Diyos,
Makatao,
Makakalikasan, at
Makabansa.

Such pledge shall be recited while standing with the right hand palm open raised shoulder high.
Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from making such pledge must nonetheless
show full respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at attention.

G. Flag Days

SECTION 26. 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, business establishments,
institutions of learning and private homes are enjoined to display the Flag.

H. Specifications of the National Flag

SECTION 27. The Flag shall have the following proportions. The width of the Flag, 1; the length of the
Flag, 2; and the sides of the white triangle, 1.

SECTION 28. The technical specifications shall be as follows:

The blue color shall bear Cable No. 80173; the white color, Cable No. 80001 the red color, Cable No.
80108; and the golden yellow, Cable No. 80068.

SECTION 29. In order to establish uniform criteria in the making 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 deisgn, color, craftmanship and material requriements 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 and craftmanship 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 flag supplier; and
c. The Industrial Technology Development Institute (ITDI) or the Philippine Textile Research
Institute (PTRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) shall evaluate the quality of
material of all flag samples and certify whether the fabric for the blue, white, red and golden yellow
colors, including the canvass submitted, conforms to government requirement as to quality of the
material. The samples shall be submitted by the said office to the Institute.
SECTION 30. All deliveries of the flags requisitioned by the government shall be inspected by the
requisitioning agency’s internal inspector and by the Commission on Audit (COA) using the Flag
stamped approved by the Institute as reference.

SECTION 31. In carrying out its responsibilities under Section 4 hereof, the Institute, COA, the
ITDI/PTRI shall prepare guidelines to be approved by the Office of the President.

SECTION 32. All government agencies and instrumentalities shall ensure that the requirements
under this Act with respect to the standards, requisitions and delivery of the national Flag are strictly
complied with.

SECTION 33. All departments, agencies, offices, and instrumentalities of the government,
government-owned or controlled corporations, local government units, including barangays, shall
include in their annual budgets the necessary outlay for the purchase of the national Flag.

I. Prohibited Acts

SECTION 34. It shall be prohibited

a. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample, on or cast contempt any act or omission casting dishonor 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, 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 monuments 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;
2. Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely;
3. Below any platform; or
4. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or 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.
 CHAPTER II
THE NATIONAL ANTHEM

SECTION 35. The National Anthem is entitled Lupang Hinirang.

SECTION 36. The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language v/ithin 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 ‘yo.

SECTION 37. The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance
with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

SECTION 38. 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,
citizen’s 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.
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.
SECTION 39. All officials and employees of the national and local governments, and any agencies or
instrumentalities thereof, including government-owned or controlled corporations, privately-owned
entities of offices displaying the national Flag and government institutions of learning are hereby
directed to comply strictly with the rules prescribed for the rendition of the anthem. Failure to
observe the rules shall be a ground for administrative discipline.

CHAPTER III
THE NATIONAL MOTTO

SECTION 40. The national Motto shall be “MAKA-DIYOS, MAKA-TAO, MAKAKALIKASAN AT

MAKABANSA.”

CHAPTER IV
NATIONAL COAT-OF-ARMS

SECTION 41. The National Coat-of-Arms shall have:

Paleways of two (2) pieces, azure and gules; a chief argent studded with three (3) mullets equidistant
from each other; and, in point of honor, ovoid argent over all the sun rayonnant with eight minor
lesser rays. Beneath shall be the scroll with the words “REPUBLIKA NG PILIPINAS,” inscribed
thereon.

CHAPTER V
THE GREAT SEAL

SECTION 42. The Great Seal shall be circular in form, with the arms as described in the preceding
section, but without the scroll and the inscription thereon. Surrounding the whole shall be a double
marginal circle within which shall appear the words “Republika ng Pilipinas.” For the purpose of
placing The Great Seal, the color of the arms shall not be deemed essential but tincture representation
must be used.

The Great Seal shall bear the National Motto.

SECTION 43. The Great Seal shall be affixed to or placed upon all commissions signed by the
President and upon such other official documents and papers of the Republic of the Philippines as
may be provided by law, or as may be required bv custom and usage. The President shall have custody
of the Great Seal.

CHAPTER VI
OFFICIAL SEALS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES

SECTION 44. Any government entity, including the military, may adopt appropriate coat-of-arms,
administrative seals, logo, insignia, badges, patches, banners and initiate awards, citations, orders or
decorations, as may be authorized by the Congress or the Office of the President.

SECTION 45. Such heraldic devices and items shall be filed with the Institute for recording and
evaluation as to precedence, design, customs and traditions. The institute shall promulgate the
corresponding rules and regulations which shall be submitted for approval to the Office of the
President or to Congress.
SECTION 46. All government offices including the military are hereby ordered to purchase all
heraldic items and devices from manufacturers accredited and authorized by the Institute. Such
items and devices shall be subject to inspection by the purchasing agency’s internal inspector and
the COA representative using the design and specifications approved by the Office of the President
or by the Congress, through the Institute.

SECTION 47. No government official or employee shall accept any orders or decorations from any
foreign government without the consent of Congress, and without the prior evaluation and
documentation of such order or decoration by the Institute.

CHAPTER VII
PENALTIES

SECTION 48. Failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act; and any violation of the
corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Office of the President shall, after proper notice
and hearing, be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of
general circulation.

The Department of Education, Culture and Sports and the Commission on Higher Education, upon
the recommendation of the Institute and after the proper notice and hearing, shall cause the
cancellation of the recognition of permit of any private educational institution which fails or refuses
to observe the provisions of this Act for the second time.

SECTION 49. The Department of Education, Culture and Sports (DECS) and the Commission on
Higher Education shall ensure that the National Anthem, as adopted by law, shall be committed to
memory by all students of both public and private educational institutions, and performed during the
flag ceremony conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the Office of the
President. In addition, they shall make available the vocal, piano or band scores of the National
Anthem, as adopted by law, to all private and public schools, as well as he general public.

SECTION 50. 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 Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) 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 commited by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof
shall be liable.

CHAPTER VIII
COMMON PROVISION

SECTION 51. The Institute shall issue the necessary-rules and regulations to implement the
provisions of this Act within ninety (90) days after effectivity. The Institute shall submit its rules and
regulations to the Office of the President and the Congress of the Philippines.

SECTION 52. The Institute shall also be responsible for the strict enforcement of the provision of this
Act. It may call upon any government department, agency, office, or government instrumentality,
including government corporations and local government units, for such assistance as it may deem
necessary for the effective discharge of its functions under this Act.
SECTION 53. Separability Clause— If any provision, or part hereof, is held invalid or
unconstitutional, the remeinder of this Act not otherwise affected shall be valid and subisting.

SECTION 54. Repealing Clause – Any law, presidential decree or issuance, executive order, letter of
instruction, administrative order, rule and regulation contrary to or inconsistent with the provisions
of this Act is hereby repealed, modified, or amended accordingly.

SECTION 55. Effectivity — This Act shall be effective fifteen (15) days from the date of its publication
in Official Gazette or in at east two (2) newspapers of general circulation.

WHAT IS A GOOD FILIPINO CITIZEN?

A good Filipino citizen plays an active and intelligent role as a community member. He
fulfills his duties and obligations to the government and society. He possesses the traits
of respectfulness, courtesy, and consideration for parents, elders, and others. He observes
punctuality, promptness, and good moral conduct.

How can you become good citizens? You can become good citizens by living in accordance
with the good citizenship values we can derive from the Preamble of the 1987 Constitution:

“We the sovereign Filipino people, imploring the aid of Almighty God in order to build
a just 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 a regime of truth, justice, freedom, love, equality and peace,
do ordain and promulgate this constitution.”

The Filipino values presented in the Preamble have been simplified and categorized into the
following:

I. Pagkamaka-Diyos
A. Faith in the Almighty God imploring the aid of Almighty God
B. Respect for life
C. Order
D. Work
E. Concern for the family and future generations

II. Pagkamaka-Tao
A. Love
B. Freedom, Independence, Democracy
C. Peace
D. Truth
E. Justice
 III. Pagkamaka-Bayan
A. Unity
B. Equality
C. Respect for law and the Government rule of law
D. Patriotism: conserve and develop our patrimony
E. Common good

IV. Pagkamaka-Kalikasan
A. Concern for the Environment

These sixteen values will help shape and guide our nation towards a better tomorrow and
provide the fundamental structure for all the provisions of the Constitution. EDSA 1 is the best
example where these Filipino values have been shown in concrete actions and proved that we are a
nation built on values.

I. Pagkamaka-Diyos

“Isa akong katoliko at buong pusong tinatanggap and kamatayan para sa Panginoon, kung ako man
ay may sanlibongbuhay, lahat ng iyon ay iaalay ko sa Kanya.”- San Lorenzo Ruiz.

Video clip: the Philippines being declared as the most religious country in the world
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T6Lg1LTNlDc ) 4 mins.

A. The good citizenship values of faith in the Almighty God

This is the primary value to put God in the center of your life and communicate with Him through
prayers. You should look to Him as your ultimate source, one with infinite powers to help you in
your work, meet your needs, and get you out of trouble and crisis. With this experience, you become
fully aware of what you can accomplish when you live a life of faith. It is ironic, however, that in a
country where citizens are innately “Maka-Diyos,” there are committed each day, many acts
violating the laws of God. How can it be that you ask for God’s help and guidance and then go
against His wishes?

Faith Alone
By Bro. Andrew Maria, MMHC

A devout widow known as a living saint crossed a bridge with her child when an accident
happened. Her son fell off the bridge and plunged into the deep water below. At this, some men got
ready to jump into the water to save the child. However, the widow forbade them. “Do not move,”
she told the men.” My faith alone can save the child.” After she had said this, the widow knelt on the
bridge and prayed with great faith. In a short while, the child drowned and died. The widow wept.

B. The good citizenship value of respect for life

Your life and own humanity is a gift from God, created from His own image and likeness, which
makes you a person of worth and dignity as persons and grow to appreciate each others’ worth by
keeping an open mind and charitable attitude so you may be able to respect others’ giftedness and
unique roles in your life and the society. Your body is God’s temple, it is sacred, and by all means,
you should be responsible for it because any form of violence against it defies the sanctity of life.
Our natural human rights protect you from anything that endangers your life and well-being. You
should also be responsible for upholding the rights of others. You shall not be an advocate of
violence or any means that may harm the life and dignity of others.

Life is precious. It is your duty to respect, protect, nurture and preserve human life from the
moment of its conception.

C. The good citizenship value of order

The value of order is doing “first things first.” It is simply doing the right thing at the right time and
place without hesitation. Order entails the discipline of mind, emotion, and action. We need these so
that we can lay a peaceful, successful, and productive life. Otherwise, it will trigger situations of
panic, unrest, confusion, havoc, and anarchy. It would be best if you understood that the value
of order is vital in your quest to improve yourselves as citizens. It would help if you learned to
strive hard in arranging your lies in a certain way that will allow you to serve as inspiration to
others by your examples and by a meaningful life guided by order every day.

D. The good citizenship value of work.

“GIVE FISH TO A MAN, AND HE WILL HAVE FOOD FOR A DAY. TEACH HIM HOW TO FISH, AND HE SHALL HAVE
FOOD TO EAT THROUGHOUT HIS LIFETIME.” ~ Chinese proverb

Work is a gift and has become part of your nature and destiny. God has given you talents to use as
investments in your work, and in return, you are expected to settle for nothing less than excellent
results. Hard work, quality work, and honest work make a citizen an outstanding productive and
self-reliant member of society. You must also have the correct values and attitudes toward your
work and dealings. You should never forget that no matter how much work you do, what counts, in
the end, is not the volume of work but the amount of love you put into your work. Learn to work
with love, integrity, and honesty to achieve excellent results.

E. The good citizenship value of concern for the family and future generations

Respetuhin natin ang ating ina, ilaw siya ng tahanan. Bigyang galang ang ama, at ang payo niya’y
susundan. At sa magkakapatid, kailangan ay magmahalan, dapat lang ay pag-usapan ang hindi
nauunawaan. ~ from the Song “Mga Kababayan ko” by Francis Magalona

This value emphasizes that your family is a gift from God and that utmost attention must be focused
on the family as a sanctuary of life and a core unit of society. You draw inspiration and strength
from your family; in return, you are expected to do your responsibilities as a family member to keep
it intact and robust against the forces that tend to destroy its values and sense of unity. A family is
worth more than any worldly gain. Be vigilant and possess the resolve to always value your family
as your most precious gift next to your life. Be strengthened by love, understanding, and mutual
respect for all family members.
 II. PAGKAMAKA-TAO

“Ang tenga kapag pinagdikit korteng puso…extension ng puso ang tenga kaya kapag marunong
kang makinig marunong kang magmahal…” ~ Bob Ong

Video clip: KALYE: Kariton Klasrum of Dynamic Teen Company

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbCYYFtHvnU ) 9:15 mins.

Love means so much to us; simply love is the answer to our many questions during these trying
times. You care, respect, accept, forgive, and trust by love. But why has our nation never moved
forward if we all have LOVE within us?

A. the good citizenship value of love

Maybe not all of us ever learned how to live in love which holds us back from loving others. This is
what the Almighty God wants you to understand; learn to LOVE. Love entails sacrifice,
responsibility, and service. Love binds us together as a nation. Love is the key to our national
progress. Let it love be at the beginning, the middle, and the end of our history as a nation.

B. the good citizenship value of freedom

“Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but in having the right to do what we ought.”
~ Pope John Paul II

You value freedom by giving due recognition and respect to your individuality as a person with
human rights and duties. Freedom is never without the virtue of responsibility. Freedom is the
power to act or not to act. God gave out lives, and with that comes the freedom to choose what you
want to make with it. Our nation's freedom is now the fruits of our ancestors' love, hardship, and
sacrifices. EDSA I and II are examples of events in our history as a nation that showed how we
protected our freedom from tyrant leaders and anarchy. You should practice freedom with a
clear understanding of its limits, with a sense of discipline and chastity which will lead you to love
your fellowmen, understand their plight, and do what is good and right while avoiding what is
wrong and evil.

C. the good citizenship value of peace

You value peace by doing well for others and your country, living and working together in harmony,
and avoiding violence to settle disputes. Peace begins with you. Peace is a God-given gift that you
must nurture by prayer. This can be attained and sustained when you develop a deep consciousness
of your faith in God, concern for your fellowmen, loyalty to your country, and respect for
your environment.

“Peace means serenity of mind, simplicity of heart and tranquility of soul” ~ St. Augustine

You should be a person of peace, a builder of harmony among your fellowmen. You should strive
hard to foster the value of peace in your endeavors.
 D. the good citizenship value of truth

“Truth in this time is so obscured and lies so widespread that one cannot recognize the truth unless
one loves it.” ~ Blaise Pascal

The value of truth is living and loving passionately with honesty and sincerity. Truth is essential in
our society because it is a condition for freedom. It entails transparency, honesty, integrity,
sincerity, courage, and humility. The truth also demands sacrifices and efforts, but it is a worthy
cause that highlights your capacity as a person to do well and live with integrity. You are a person of
integrity; let truth strengthen your character through honesty and responsibility. Honesty should
be applied in all your roles in life because the truth will set you free, and it should always prevail.

E. The good citizenship value of Justice

“An eye for an eye will make the whole world blind.” ~ Mahatma Gandhi

You value justice through promoting ethical practices that enhance the essence of social justice. It
also means promoting healthy and humane working conditions, fair and legal labor practices,
correct use of power, and moving purposefully away from graft, corruption, and other evils. Justice
is important in our life because it ensures that our society fosters an atmosphere that respects
human dignity and security and allows everyone equal opportunity to pursue posterity,
development, and happiness. Let me share a story showing that justice gives every man his due.

To every man, his due

Once, a poor farmer would come to town daily to supply a baker with homemade bibingka in
exchange for five pounds of bread for his family. One day, the baker decided to weigh the bibingka.
He discovered that the bibingka was one pound short. This made the baker angry, and he accused
the farmer of cheating. But the farmer very calmly declared, “you see sir I am poor and I have no
weights at home. So I take the five pounds of bread you give me and use it as a standard. In this way,
I am sure of providing you with an equal amount of bibingka.

From the story mentioned above, reflect on this question: As a citizen, have I done my share in
giving my fellow men their basic share of justice by at least treating them with dignity and being
mindful of their rights as much as I value my own?”

III. Pagkamaka-Bayan

A. the good citizenship value of unity

Video clips:
a) How Lupang Hinirang Ought to be Sung: Joey Ayala at TEDxDiliman
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41guxaNk9FY ) 7 mins.
b) Pagibig sa Tinubuang Lupa (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzfjvaFR9T4 ) 5:13
mins.

“If a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand, and if a house is divided against
itself, that house will not be able to stand”~ Mark 3:24-25
When you say unity is a good citizenship value, you mean that all we Filipino citizens are expected
to be one as a people. It also means that YOU:
• want your country to be always united.
• can think of others as you would of yourselves.
• Are willing to lend a helping hand to others.
• Want and are willing to work for what is the best for your fellow citizens.

The story shows that whether in our country or organizations, civic or church, we ought to be
united, for the devil, like the preying lion, divides and conquers.

“a kingdom divided against itself cannot stand.”

You should put aside division and agree to work as one. This is not easy to do, but it is something
you must do. It is a heroic task. But remember, you are called to be a hero. This is a time for heroes.

B. the good citizenship value of equality

“There will never be real equality so long as one feels inferior or superior to another” ~ Mahatma
Gandhi

This value means treating one another with equality, utmost dignity, and respect for fellow human
beings, regardless of religion or cultural orientation, sex, social status, race, etc. All men are created
equal and have every right to be treated fairly in the interest of love and justice. As good citizens,
you should therefore refrain from making irrational judgments of people; act conscientiously and
decisively to protect each person’s right to equality. This is essential in establishing a community of
happy, loving, caring, and peaceful people.

C. The good citizenship value for law and government

It would be best if you were a law-abiding citizen, regardless of who sits at the helm of the
government. Laws and governments are meant to serve our interests as citizens and not of the
interest of the few, especially those in positions of power and authority. You should seek ways to
know the laws more so that you may be able to follow them with more understanding and
also strive to appreciate the government and its functions so that you can contribute to improving
the lives of your fellow citizens. It would help if you did not allow your values to be compromised
by illegal acts and practices. Strive to take a critical stand in deciding to follow laws and appreciate
government work.

D. The good citizenship value for patriotism

“Aling pag-ibig pa ang hihigit kaya

Sa pagkadalisay at pagkadakila
Gaya ng pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa?
Aling pag-ibig pa?
Wala na nga, wala..”~ Andres Bonifacio

Patriotism means that you should be a good citizen and vigilant for your country's welfare. It calls
you to be committed to serving the nation's interest no matter who is seated at the government's
helm. Patriotism is every person’s sense of duty and responsibility: to contribute to our country's
development, protect our integrity, and uphold the rights and dignity of our people. Being proud of
our personal and national identity and being responsible voters are concrete examples of how we
cultivate the value of patriotism.

E. the good citizenship value of common good

“Tumulong ka sa ikabubuti ng iyong kakapwaan at paunlarin mo ang iyong katarungang pang

madla. Di ka nabubuhay ng para sa iyo lamang ni para sa iyong mga anak. Ikaw ay bahagi ng
lipunang pinagkakautangan mo ng mga tiyak nasagutin” ~ Manuel L. Quezon

The term common good refers to the sum of the total of goods and social conditions that allow
people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfillment more fully and efficiently. The
common good consists of three elements:
• Respect for the person as such—his fundamental and inalienable human rights.
• The social well-being and development of the group itself.
• The peace for the stability and security of a just order.

The primary value of promoting the common good brings together other basic values. It illustrates
how the basic values are related and reinforce each other, e.g.: faith in Almighty God, unity,
patriotism, work, love, peace, and equality. Promoting the common good is an obligation of every
member of society. It is to share what you have with the other members of the community who
need your help most to uphold their human dignity. In doing this, you should be sincere and willing
to be counted in the work of promoting the common good since the government needs all citizens
to join in this mission. Are you ready to do your share in promoting the common good? Have I
developed the habit of sharing my blessings with others, especially those less fortunate?

IV. Pagkamaka-kalikasan

A. The good citizenship value of concern for the environment

“No'ng unang panahon ang patak ng ulan

Pinasasariwa dahong naninilaw
Ngayo'y nagngangalit may hanging kasabay
May bahang kasunod na nakamamatay”
~ from the Song: “No’ng Unang Panahon by Kuh Ledesma

Video clip: Laudato Si Animation | CAFOD (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o3Lz7dmn1eM )

4:09 mins.

This value means launching a nationwide efficient and sustainable “clean and green” program. God
made us stewards of His creation. You are aware that your existence and that of generations after
the destruction of the environment threaten you. In this alarming situation, you should develop a
sense of urgency in how you treat your environment: respect the integrity of creation by using all
environment resources properly and prudently. Every person’s stewardship mission should be
more conscious of their actions when relating to the environment. You should treat Mother Nature
as your mother and masterpiece, giving it excellent care and appreciating its wonder and
beauty. The acts could be as simple as throwing that candy wrapper on the garbage can instead of
car or jeepney windows, avoiding plastics, re-using your old clothes instead of buying new ones,
and the likes. Nature is God’s grace to you. That’s why you should take care of it so that you will
have clean air to breathe, clean water to drink, a pristine ocean to launch adventures, and above all,
healthy life and a future worthy of sharing with the next generation.

These are the values embedded in the Preamble of the 1987 Philippine Constitution; this module
clearly explained the meaning of the values and responsibilities we have to do to be good citizens
of the Philippines. Remember, this value is innately given to us by God. We should know how to use
it properly, taking into consideration not only our welfare but also that of others for the betterment
of our country.

“ang kabataan ang magulang ng bukas” ~ Milagros T. Hernandez, tula.

You, as the future movers of our country and parents of the future, are called to dedicate yourselves
to the service of our nation and motivate others by exemplifying the values of a good Filipino
citizen.

How do you respond?

VOTERS’ EDUCATION

Art. II, Sec. 1 of The 1987 Philippine Constitution: “The Philippines is a democratic and republican
State. Sovereignty resides in the people and all government authority emanates from them.”
Qualifications and Disqualifications of a Voter All citizens of the Philippines, eighteen years of age
or over, and residents of the Philippines for one year and for at least six months in the city or
municipality wherein he/she proposes to vote immediately preceding the election are qualified to
vote. The following shall be disqualified from voting: a. Any person who has been sentenced by final
judgment to suffer imprisonment for not less than one year. However, he/ she may reacquire the
right to vote upon expiration of five years after service of sentence. b. Any person who has been
adjudged by final judgment by competent court or tribunal of having committed any crime
involving disloyalty to the duly constituted government such as rebellion, sedition, violation of the
anti-subversion and firearms laws, or any crime against national security, unless restored to
his/her full civil and political rights in accordance with law: Provided, That he/she shall regain his
right to vote automatically upon expiration of five years after service of sentence. c. Insane or
incompetent persons as declared by competent authority. In addition, RA 9189 or the Overseas
Absentee Voting Law entitles all Filipino citizens overseas, not otherwise disqualified by law, and
immigrants and permanent residents with affidavit of intent to resume residence in the Philippines,
to vote for elective positions on the national level: President; Vice-President; Senators; and Party-
List Representatives.