UE dismisses HS students in flag-sweeping viral video

The University of the East (UE) on Monday announced the dismissal of the high school students who were caught on video using the Philippine flag to sweep the floor.

In a statement on Monday, UE President and Chief Academic Officer said that the members of UE’s board of trustees "unanimously resolved to approve the dismissal" of the students.

"The students involved were meted the sanction of dismissal in view of the gravity of their infraction, which was not only a direct affront to the University of the East community but to the entire country’s ideals and traditions as well," the statement read.

On February 9, a video of a student using the Philippine flag as a mop was uploaded online, drawing flak from netizens.

UE admitted that the incident happened inside its campus and issued an apology.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) expressed its dismay over the incident, with NHCP Director Ludovico Badoy saying he is ready to file a case against the perpetrator. 

Section 34 of the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines states that it is forbidden "to mutilate, deface, defile, trample or cast contempt" on the flag, or allow “any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface." —Trisha Macas/JST, GMA News