Old Philippine flags should neither be trashed nor burned, group says

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine flags that have seen better days should neither be trashed nor burned, an environmental group said. In a statement, the Ecowaste Coalition said that flags, especially those made of the all-weather nylon, can discharge toxic gases that can be hazardous to health. Although it remains right “to retire worn or tattered flags, burning them would be out of date and environmentally-harmful," said Rei Panaligan, the group’s coordinator. He issued this statement in reaction to the legally-sanctioned burning of worn out flags to avoid misuse or desecration. According to Panaligan, burning old and tattered flags while permitted the Philippines’ national flag laws “will not be in harmony" with the country’s health and environmental legislation. Republic Act 8491 prescribes the code for the national flag and other heraldic symbols of the Republic and sets the period from May 28 to June 12 as Flag Days during which public and private establishments, including homes, are enjoined to display the flag. Meanwhile, Republic Acts 8749 and 9003 refer to the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, two of the country’s major environmental laws that find it illegal to burn discards for the protection of public health and the environment. “We would also like to point out that burning worn out flags contradicts the environmental dimension of our national motto— ‘maka-Diyos, maka-tao, makakalikasan at makabansa’—as contained in R.A. 8491," the EcoWaste Coalition said. The EcoWaste Coalition also encouraged the Flag Advocacy Committee, headed by Environment Secretary Lito Atienza, and the National Historical Institute (NHI), the main agency in charge of enforcing the provisions of R.A. 8491 to promote ecological ways of retiring old flags, including recycling. To prolong their service and save them from early retirement, the EcoWaste Coalition suggested handwashing dusty or dirty flags with mild laundry detergent, and repairing minor damages without altering the prescribed color and other specifications. The group also added that the flagpole or staff should be properly maintained as rust can wear away the Philippines’ national symbol. - GMANews.TV