House OKs bill for proper display of flag, singing of anthem

The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a measure prescribing standards in the singing of the Philippine National Anthem and the protocol in displaying the Philippine flag.

 

House Bill 4042, which substituted House Bills 323, 1102 and 1224, amends Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

 

Under the measure, the rendition of the National Anthem shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, specifically in two-four beat when played, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, and in four-four beat when sang.

 

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, in coordination with the proper government agencies, will be tasked to disseminate an official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the National Anthem should be played or sung with fervor.

 

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine Flag and the Oath of Patriotism, meanwhile, should be recited in their original form while standing with the right hand with an open palm raised shoulder-high. Their recitation shall be mandatory in all basic education institutions after the singing of the National Anthem.

 

Flag flown at half-mast

 

All offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes are required to display the flag from May 28 (National Flag Day) to June 12 (Independence Day) of each year, every April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan), May 1(Labor Day), last Sunday of August (National Heroes Day), November 30 (Bonifacio Day), December 30 (Rizal Day) and on such other days as may be declared by the President and or local chief executives.

 

All government agencies and instrumentalities, local government offices, government-owned and or controlled corporations and local government units are enjoined to observe flag days with appropriate ceremonies.

 

Upon the NHCP’s announcement of the death of an important government official, the Philippine flag shall be flown at half-mast for any period less than seven days in all the buildings and places where the deceased was holding office on the day of official announcement of his or her death as a sign of mourning.

 

The period for hoisting the flag at half-mast shall be ten days when a President or former President dies; and seven days for the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the Senate President and the House Speaker.

 

To give due recognition and tribute to the public school teachers, the flag shall also be flown at half-mast on the day of the official announcement of the death of a retired or incumbent public school teacher, for a period of not more than five days in the schools or district offices where the deceased was assigned to teach. -NB, GMA News