Video of student using PHL flag as mop draws outrage

A student using the Philippine flag as a mop is the newest subject of a viral video that has drawn outrage online. 

In the original video uploaded by Filipino Netizens, the male student is seen tying the flag to a stick and waving it a few times before proceeding to sweep the floor with it. 

The person behind the camera lets out an expletive between chuckles and the video concludes with a third person repeating the same expletive with a more serious tone.

According to the administrators of the Filipino Netizens page, the video was taken last week at the University of the East (UE). They uploaded it on Tuesday (February 9) and the video has since been viewed over a million times. 

Online criticism have mostly centered on the student committing the act, with a handful of commenters trying to keep a level head and pointing out that the student needs to be educated on the importance of the flag. Several students from UE have defended their school, disclaiming that the student's actions does not reflect the entire institution.

The incident is a violation of section 34 of the Republic Act No. 8491, which specifically prohibits defacing or defiling the flag, casting contempt on any act that dishonor or ridicules it.

Violation of any provision of R.A. 8491 may result in paying a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, one year imprisonment, or both. —Aya Tantiangco/JST, GMA News