Philippines Flag

The flag of the Philippines is a bicolor flag with horizontal bands of blue on top and red below, with a
white triangle on the hoist side. On the white triangle is a sun and three stars.

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Philippines Flag Description
 
The flag of the Philippines is a bicolor flag, divided in two parts horizontally. The upper half of the flag is blue, 
and the lower portion is colored red. On the hoist side, a white triangle points inward from the outer corners of the flag. On the white
triangle, a yellow sun with eight bunches of rays. In each point of the triangle, there is a five-pointed star, each representing a region
of islands in the Philippines. 

The blue on the flag represents peace, truth, and justice, while the red shows patriotism. The yellow sun represents unity, freedom,
democracy, and sovereignty, and each of its rays represents one of the original provinces of the Philippines, at the time of the
Revolution in 1896. 
History of the Philippine Flag
 
The flag of the Philippines was designed by former President Emilio Aguinaldo, and first displayed during a battle of the Philippine
Revolution on May 28, 1898, though this date is disputed and some say it was on June 12, 1898. The flag was probably inspired by
the flag of Cuba, whose own revolution also helped spur the Philippine Revolution. The flag designed by Aguinaldo featured the red
stripe on top, and the blue on bottom, showing that the Philippines was involved in a war. After a period in which the flag was
banned, beginning in 1907, the flag was used again in 1919. On March 26, 1920, the Philippine flag was officially and legally
adopted. The flag of the Philippines was banned again briefly during World War II. 

Philippines
Last modified: 2013-06-17 by ian macdonald 
Keywords: philippines | war | peace | star (yellow) | sun | 
Links: FOTW homepage | search | disclaimer and copyright | write us | mirrors 

   image by Jay Allen

Villapando, 26 September 2009

 Explanation of the flag

 Rules of use
 Colours of the modern flag
 War versus peace state
 Vertical display of the flag
 Historical flag
 National Coat of Arms
  Flag monument

See also:
 The Flag in the National Anthem
 Adjusting the rays on the flag?

 Philippines: index of all pages

Other sites:

 Watawat.net - Flags and Symbols of the Pearl of the Orient Seas

Explanation of the flag

Blue over red bicolour with white equilateral triangle by hoist containing yellow sun
and three yellow five-pointed stars. 
Željko Heimer, 8 November 2002

The symbols on the white triangle of the Philippine flag are an eight rayed sun and
three stars in gold. The sun represents the dawning of a new era of self determination
that was desired in 1897 (when the flag was first designed) after the Spanish-
American war and the US promise of independence, which was granted in 1946. The
8 rays on the sun stand for the 8 provinces that rose in revolt against Spanish rule in
the late 19th century. The 3 stars stand for the 3 principal geographic areas of the
country, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao. To complete the symbolism of the flag,
the red stripe represents courage and bravery and the blue stripe is for noble ideals.
The white triangle stands for the Katipunan, a revolutionary organization that led the
revolt against Spain and the color white represents peace and purity. This flag is
unique in that in peacetime, the blue stripe is uppermost but during wartime, the red
stripe is on top. Ref: Smith 1976 
Dave Martucci, 7 January 1998

The flag was first designed by General Aguinaldo in 1897 during his exile in Hong
Kong. It was adopted on 19 May 1898 (Kindersley, 1997). Aguinaldo's army defeated
the Spaniards at the Battle of Alapan on 28 May 1898. The flag saw it's first action
that day. 28 May is recognized as Flag Day in the Philippines. On 12 June 1898 the
Philippines declared independence from Spain and so began the First Philippine
Republic. Based on Melchor (1998) and Kindersley (1997). On 14 Oct 1943 the flag
was re-established Smith (1975). This was the date the Second Philippine Republic
began (a puppet government under the Japanese). Just like the U.S., the Japanese had
outlawed the flag during the earlier period of their occupation. 
Gene 'Duke' Duque, 25 September 1999

General Provisions, Section I, Article XVI:

The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white and blue, with a sun and three stars as
consecrated and honored by the people and recognized by law.

The idea of coming up with a new flag was reached during the preparation of the
second phase of the Philippine Revolution. It was personally conceived by General
Emilio Aguinaldo, then President of the Revolutionary Government and sewn at 535
Morrison Hill, Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela Marino Agoncillo - wife of the first
Filipino Diplomat, Felipe Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Mrs.
Delfina Herbosa Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose P. Rizal and wife of Gen. Salvador
Natividad.

The flag was made within five days and handed over by Mrs. Agoncillo to Gen.
Aguinaldo before the latter boarded the American dispatch boat, McCulloch on May
17, 1898 on his way to the Philippines.

The revolutionists originally planned the hostility against the Spanish forces on May
30, 1898 but a bloody encounter ensued between the Filipino Forces and Spanish
marines on May 28 at Bo. Alapan, Imus, Cavite where the Philippine flag received its
baptism of fire and blood. Gen. Aguinaldo hoisted the flag as a sign of victory against
Spain.

On June 12, 1898, the Philippine Flag brought from Hong Kong was unfurled for the
first time at the historic window of the Aguinaldo Mansion in Kawit, Cavite as the
country's Independence was being proclaimed before the Filipino people.

During the American regime, the display of the Philippine Flag in any place was
prohibited and it provided severe punishment for violators. The prohibition was lifted
eleven years later and reverence to the Philippine flag was allowed by virtue of an
Executive Order which declared October 30, 1919 as "Philippine Flag Day." Though
authorized and venerated during this historic occasion, the flag, however, had minor
discrepancies.

On March 25, 1936, then President Manuel L. Quezon issued E.O. No. 23 prescribing
the technical description and specification of the Filipino Flag. It was followed by
other directives assigning the National Historical Institute as the authority in
Philippine Vexillaries and Heraldry.

 The white triangle with equal sides of the flag is symbolic of equality among
men.
 The sun represents the gigantic strides that have been made by the Sons of this
land on the road to progress and civilization.
 The eight rays of the sun in the triangle represent the first eight united
provinces that revolted for our independence.
 The three stars in the triangle stand for the three major geographical divisions
of the country - Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.
 The red field symbolizes the willingness of the Filipino people to shed blood in
defense of their country.
 The blue field stands for common unity and the noble aspirations of the
Filipino people.
 The white field stands for purity.

Located by Dov
Gutterman at http://www.geocities.com/CapitolHill/Congress/7181/index.html

The Philippine flag has remained basically unchanged since it was designed shortly
after the Spanish-American War of 1898 (but see our page on the history of the flag).
I just checked Smith (1975) and the date of 12 June 1898 is given as the date it was
first hoisted. It may have been used prior to the war by Philippine insurgents, but I
don't have any data on that. 
Nick Artimovich, 16 April 1997

According to "The Republic of the Philippines," The Flag Bulletin, Number 132
(1989), the Philippine flag was proclaimed as that of the Republic in 1898 and was
flown even after US annexation. The US outlawed the flag in 1907 but were forced to
recognize it in 1920. It was flown alongside the US Flag until the Japanese occupation
in 1941. The Japanese were forced to revive the flag in 1943. It became the Philippine
National Flag in 1946. [More details can be found on our page on the history of the
flag.]
Jan Oskar Engene, 9 March 1998

The eight rays on the flag represent the eight original provinces: Batangas, Bulacan,
Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac. All of these provinces
still exist today except for one: Manila lost its status as a province, even though it still
exists as the independent city that people know as the capital of the Philippines. Much
of the former province of Manila (capital: Mariquina, present-day Marikina City)
became part of the District of Morong (which became the province of Rizal in 1901
under the American colonial administration). This may be the reason why many
sources, especially in the Philippines, replace 'Manila' with 'Rizal' or even 'Morong' in
the list. Minor changes to administrative boundaries since 1896 have also taken place,
but more or less the other 7 provinces correspond to their present counterparts. For
further discussion, see Philippines - historical flags of 20th Century.
Jay Allen Villapando, 16 June 2008

Rules of use
The Department of Education has recently issued guidelines on the proper use of the
Philippine flag. Most of them are based on RA 8491 on the proper display and use of
the Philippine flag, on the singing of the national anthem and the prohibited acts on its
use. Section 12 of the law states that "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." It also directs that "the Philippine flag shall be
hoisted first and lowered last." The law also states that "if in a hanging position, the
blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer). Since the flag is commonly
displayed in schools, offices and stages or platforms, the law also dictates that "the
flag shall be at the left (facing the stage) or the left of the office upon entering.

Prohibited acts involving the Philippine flag are as follows:

 Lowering the flag to salute or compliment any person or object

 To use the flag "as a drapery, festoon, tablecloth, covering for ceilings, walls,
statues or other objects, as a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor
vehicles, a staff or whip, for unveiling monuments or statues; and as
trademarks, or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs"
 Displaying the flag "under any painting or picture, horizontally face-up, below
any platform, or in discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos,
gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails"
 Wearing "the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform
 Adding "any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisement, or
imprint of any nature on the flag"
  "Print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins,
cushions, and other articles of merchandise"
 Use the flag as "display or be part of any advertisement or infomercial"
 "To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by those who are
not Filipino citizens".

After "Catanduanes Tribune", 16 January 2008

Ivan Sache, 18 January 2008

Colours of the modern flag

From the document, "Comparative Appearance, Measurements and Color of the Flag
of the Philippines" (obtained by Juan Manuel Villascán in the Philippines embassy in
Mexico City); Pantone and CMYK values from Album des Pavillons (2000); RGB values
from Daniel Broh-Kahn:
 

Golden
Color Blue White Red
Yellow
Cable No. 80173 80001 80108 80068
Pantone
286c n.a.  193c 122c
equivalent
CMYK C100-M60- C0-M90-  C0-M18-
n.a.
values Y0-K5 Y65-K10 Y85-K0
255-255-
RGB values 4-28-67 222-22-43 255-48-40
255

The cable number corresponds to the definitive color defined in America, 10th
edition, Color Association of the US. These are the current, 1998 specifications
mandated by law.
Manuel L. Quezon III, 20 April 2002

The protocol manual for the London 2012 Olympics (Flags and Anthems Manual
London 2012) provides recommendations for national flag designs. Each NOC was
sent an image of the flag, including the PMS shades, for their approval by LOCOG.
Once this was obtained, LOCOG produced a 60 x 90 cm version of the flag for further
approval. So, while these specs may not be the official, government, version of each
flag, they are certainly what the NOC believed the flag to be. 
For Philippines: PMS 286 blue, 193 red, 122 yellow. The vertical flag is the
horizontal version reversed and turned 90 degrees clockwise, white at the top, blue to
the left.
Ian Sumner, 11 October 2012

War versus peace state

   image by Jay Allen

Villapando, 26 September 2009

The flag has the unique ability to display a state of war of the country. It does this
according to the orientation of the blue and red panels: if the blue panel is above the
red, the Philippines is at peace, in the red above blue indicates a state of war. In the
vertical position, blue on the right means peace and opposite means otherwise.
Marco Pineda, 26 July 1995

Smith75 says (pg.273) "Whenever the Philippines is at war the red stripe is flown at
the top of the flag, the reverse of its normal position." As a reference, the following is
cited "The Philippine National Flag" by Pedro A. Gagelonia (Manila, Dept. of
Education, 1963)

The Flag Bulletin, Number 132 (1989) had an article entitled "Republic of the
Philippines" in a section entitled "Recent Flags." Footnote 5 states "The Philippines is
unique in having its national flag officially flown upside down when the country is at
war. Executive Order No. 321 of 12 June 1950, section 1, paragraph 4, states that 'the
Flag, if flown from a flagpole, should have its blue field on top in time of peace and
the red field on top at time of war ....' The tradition, however, is much older: the first
Philippine presdient, Emilio Aguinaldo, claimed that in the 1898-1899 War of
Independence 'our National Flag had been hoisted with a red stripe up' (quoted on p.
52 of 'Our Country's Flag and Anthem' by Emanuel A. Baja [Manila:1930])."
In the same article it is stated "In late August 1987 disaffected military men attempted
a coup against the Aquino government under the leadership of Colonel Gregorio
'Gringo' Honasan. At the bases which they briefly controlled the national flag was
flown upside down, in its wartime position.* Likewise, the Philippine national flag as
worn on the front of their shirts by many soldiers was displayed with the red stripe on
the top. The coup was suppressed.

"* 'Rebel Troops Attempt to Topple Aquino,' 'The Natal Mercury,' 28 August 1987." 
Dave Martucci, 18 April 1997

The flag with the red stripe above is more properly the war flag and ensign; that is,
upon a state of war or declaration of war, the national flag is flown upside down. This
was so from 1899-1901 (Philippine-American War) and 1941-45 (World War II); to
make things more complicated, while the Philippine Commonwealth flew the flag
upside down from Dec. 8, 1941 until the surrender of Japan, the Philippine Republic
(est. Oct. 1943 under Japanese sponsorship) only did so from 1944 when it
proclaimed a state of war with the USA and Britain. The flag has also been flown
upside down during coup attempts by military rebels in 1987 and 1989.
Manuel L. Quezon III, 10 November 2002

The unique nature of the Philippine flag presents a problem in the use of terms in
the FIS usage symbols, particularly those which are for use by the military
(represented by the third column of usage symbols). Strictly speaking, it would be
inappropriate to call the flag used by the Philippine military during peacetime a 'war
flag' and a 'war ensign.' The 'wartime' Philippine flag (the one with the red stripe on
top) should also be denoted as  . This is because when war is declared by the
president, civilians, the state and the military all use the wartime flag. It is the only
official flag to be used in land and at sea when the country is officially declared in a
state of war. 
Jay Allen Villapando, 1 July 2005

Historical Flag
  image from Rudy Asercion

[Click here for a larger image: 370 kB]

Assistance is requested regarding a very old hand made Philippine flag that was
shown to me privately several weeks ago. I probably would not have paid much
attention to this old flag except my curiosity was aroused when I saw a sword owned
by a Captain Rheinhold Richter of the 1st California Volunteer Infantry in the same
collection. US Military records reveal that the sword was presented to a Lieutenant
Rheinhold Richter by Battery C Artillery Regiment on 12/4/1893. Captain Rheinhold
Richter was the first American Officer killed in the Philippines on August 4, 1898

According to Mr. Peter Fries who was employed in 1980 as the secretary of the
trustees of the Veterans War Memorial Building, the flag I saw was given to Ted
Roosevelt by Commodore Dewey and it became a part of a presidential collection that
was first exhibited at the Worlds Fair and at the Panama Exposition in San Francisco.

The flag is made of silk or satin with a white triangle containing a sunburst of golden
rays at the center, there is a star at each angle of the triangle, an upper stripe of dark
blue, and a lower stripe of red. The face of the cloth is glossy but dull on the other
side. This flag must be of extreme historical importance or it wouldn't be
included in this collection of US Military trophies.

I am aware of the controversy regarding the original Philippine flag and my concern is
to preserve this aging flag should it prove to be authentic. I will appreciate feed backs
from credible research organizations or individuals.
I am the person to contact regarding this inquiry, at rudyasercion [at] yahoo.com.

Rudy Asercion, 16 August 2004

National Coat of Arms

 image by Manuel L. Quezon III

Background information is available on the Senate website.

"The Coat of Arms of the Republic, approved by Commonwealth Act No. 731, was
the beginning of heraldic tradition in the Philippines where before there was none.
What followed thereafter was the implementation of Executive Order No. 310 s. 1940
issued by then President Manuel L. Quezon creating the Philippine Heraldry
Committee to make studies and recommend the adoption of coat of arms for the
different government offices, semi-government corporations, provinces and chartered
cities. President Quezon, in issuing E.O. No. 310, created the Philippine Heraldry
Committee to make studies and recommend ways and means for the adoption of coat
of arms of the different government institutions, set the pattern of symbols to be used
reflecting physical or geographical considerations, significant emblazonry as well as
supporting documents, orders or grants. To ensure that the coats of arms of the
Republic are manifestations of the ideas and ideals of the offices or the people
concerned, the Philippine Heraldry Committee, from the year of its reconstitution on
January 7, 1946 to June 30, 1973, encouraged all concerned to submit the designs and
the symbolism of the design of their coat of arms limiting the work of the Heraldry
Committee to putting in the correct heraldic phraseology the designs submitted for an
office, province or city. The Heraldry Committee through the technical staff prepared
the final design with the heraldic description for the approval of the President of the
Philippines. By coursing through the Office of the President the approval of all
representative coats of arms, the duplication of particular symbols was avoided by
various offices since most of these coats of arms were used for corporate or
administrative seals to authenticate public documents.
[...]
The [...] Coat of Arms of the Republic [...] was approved on July 15, 1950.
[...]
As a symbol of the State, the coat of arms of the Republic represents three historical
phases — Philippines, Spanish and American. The Philippine symbols are shown in
the chief part of the coat of arms. These are the three mullets (5-pointed stars) and the
eight-rayed Philippine Sun “in rayonnet” on the heraldic point of honor. The three
five-pointed stars indicate the solidarity of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The eight
rays of the sun represent the provinces of Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija,
Morong, Laguna, Batangas and Cavite, which were declared under Martial Law by a
Decree of the Spanish government during the revolution of 1896. The three stars and
the sun are one and inseparable. The national colors are preserved in tinctures of white
(chief and heraldic points of honor); red (dexter base) and blue (sinister base). The
Spanish symbol is found on the dexter base (right side) of the seal. The Lion Rampant
was taken from the Royal Spanish Flag used by Legazpi in the actual occupation and
colonization of the islands. The American symbol is the American bald-headed eagle
displayed on the sinister base (left side) looking towards the dexter side, which is the
peace side. The eagle, often called the King of Birds, has been considered throughout
the ages as the symbol of supreme authority and power [...]."
Ivan Sache, 22 February 2009

Flag Monument
A statue honouring the Philippine national flag (only the flag is painted in full colour)
can be seen athttp://travel.webshots.com/photo/2915249710028972814LKDiRc.
Titled “Three Ladies and the First Philippine Flag, University of the Philippines,
Quezon City, Philippi”, this Webshot photo was uploaded by “maryan54” on 18 Sep
2008.

Further comments: “UP Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines - The Philippine flag was
designed by Emilio Aguinaldo (1st President of the Republic) who commissioned 3
ladies to sew the first flag in Hong Kong: Marcela and Lorenza de Agoncillo (mother
and daughter) together with Josefina Herbosa de Natividad (niece of Jose Rizal, our
National Hero).”

More photos:
 http://traveleronfoot.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/up-donors-garden.jpg 
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mila_d_aguilar/3537901735/ 

Napoleon Abueva, the sculptor:

http://www.ncca.gov.ph/about-ncca/org-awards/viual-arts/napoleon_abueva.php 
and
http://www.kulay-diwa.com/napoleon_abueva 
where we read “1996 – Three Women Sewing the First Philippine Flag, also known as
Tres Marias Plaza, at the UP Donors’ Garden, as part of the centennial celebration of
the 1896 Philippine Revolution”.
Jan Mertens, 16 March 2010

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The Philippine National Flag made its first public appearanceat General Aguinaldo's declaration of

independencefrom Spain.Prior to this flag, there were several Katipunan flags and warbanners and some
of the revolutionarygenerals had their ownflags, some of which stand some similarity to the
presentnational flag. The Philippine flag was banned at certain timesduring the US and Japanese
occupation. The exact specificationsof the flag were placed down in 1936 although the blue used inthe
flag has long been an issue of debate amongst historians.The blue was changed to royal blue in 1998 as
a compromise tothe argument regarding the use of a Cuban blue, American (ornavy) blue and sky blue
used in previous flags.

While inforced exile abroad, one of the first tasks of the foundingfathers of the aspiring new
nation was the preparation of thesymbols of state - a new flag and a new Philippine National
anthem. They decided tohave a new common flag to use in another attempt atindependence.
This new flag would not have the stigma ofdisunity of the previous war standards, and it
wouldsymbolize the common aspirations forfreedom.

The designof the new flag was decided by General Emilio Aguinaldoand the other leaders
after a great deal of discussionand study. The sketch was submitted to Mrs. MarcelaMariño
de Agoncillo, who was living with herhusband Don Felipe Agoncillo at No. 535 Morrison
HillRoad, Hong Kong, where the other exiles lived. Thispatriotic woman was requested by
General Aguinaldo tomake the flag because of her skill in sewing, which sheacquired from
her hometown of Lipa, Batangas and herstudent days at the Colegio de Santa
Catalina,Manila.

two equalhorizontal bands of blue (top) and red with a whiteequilateral triangle based on
the hoist side; in thecenter of the triangle is a yellow sun with eight primaryrays
(each containing three individual rays) and in eachcorner of the triangle is a small yellow
five-pointedstar.

Flag of the Philippines

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Philippines

Name Pambansang Watawat

 ("National Flag"),

Tatlong Bituin at Isang Araw

("Three Stars and a Sun")

Use National flag and ensign 

Proportion 1:2

Adopted June 12, 1898

Design A horizontal bicolor of blue over red, with a white equilateral

triangle at the hoist containing three, 5-pointed gold stars at its

vertices, and an 8-rayed gold sun at its center.

Designed by Emilio Aguinaldo

Variant flag of the Philippines

Use State and war flag 

Proportion 1:2

Design As above, with the blue and red stripes switched to indicate a

state of war.

Designed by Executive Order No. 321 of Elpidio Quirinoand Executive Order

No. 23 of Manuel L. Quezon in 1936

Part of a series on the

Culture of the Philippines

 History

People

Languages

Traditions

Mythology and folklore[show]

Cuisine

Festivals

Religion

Art

Literature

Music and performing arts[show]

Media[show]

Sport[show]

Monuments[show]

Symbols[show]

  the Philippines portal

 V
 T
  E

The National Flag of the Philippines (Filipino: Pambansang Watawat ng Pilipinas) commonly

known as the Three Stars and a Sun is a horizontal flag bicolor with equal bands of royal
blue and scarlet red, and with a white equilateral triangle at the hoist; in the center of the triangle is a
golden yellow sun with eight primary rays, which represent the country's first group of provinces that
started the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain; and at each vertex of the triangle is a five-
pointed golden yellow star, each of which represents one of the country's three main island groups -
Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. This flag can indicate a state of war if it is displayed with the red side
on top.[1]

Contents
  [hide] 

 1 Design
o 1.1 Construction

o 1.2 Color

o 1.3 Usage as war ensign

o 1.4 Symbolism

 2 History

o 2.1 Historical flags of the Philippine Revolution

o 2.2 Current flag

 3 Chronology

 4 Proposals

o 4.1 Sun's rays

o 4.2 Crescent moon

 5 Usage

o 5.1 Flag protocol

o 5.2 Half-mast

o 5.3 Prohibited acts

 6 Pledge

 7 Flag anthem

 8 Similar flags

 9 National Flag Day

 10 See also

 11 References
 12 External links

Design[edit]
Construction[edit]
See also: List of flags of the Philippines

The flag's length is twice its width, which translates into an aspect ratio of 1:2. The length of all the
sides of the white triangle are equal to the width of the flag. Each star is oriented in such manner that
one of its tips points towards the vortex at which it is located.[2] Moreover the gap-angle between two
neighbours of the 8 ray-bundles is as large as the angle of one ray-bundle (so 22.5°), and its major
ray is twice as "thick" as its two minor rays.[3] The golden sun is not exactly in the center of the
triangle but shifted slightly to the right.[4]

Construction sheet of the Philippine flag.

Color[edit]
The shade of blue used in the flag has varied over time, beginning with the original color lazuli
Rosco. The exact nature of this shade is uncertain, but a likely candidate is the blue of the Cuban
flag, which a theory says influenced the flag's design. Specifications for the flag's colors with shades
matching those used in the American flag were adopted by the National Historical Institute in 1955.
President Ferdinand Marcos ordered the colors restored to the original light blue and red of the
Cuban flag in 1985, but this was immediately rescinded after the 1986 People Power Revolution that
removed him from power. For the 1998 independence centennial celebrations, the Flag and Heraldic
Code of the Philippines (RA 8491) was passed, designating royal blue as the official variant.[5]
The flag's colors are specified by Republic Act 8491 in terms of their cable number in the system
developed by the Color Association of the United States.[2][6] The official colors and their
approximations in other color spaces are listed below:.[7]

Schemekk Blue Red White Yellow

 k

Cable No. 80173 80108 80001 80068

Pantone 286 186 n.a. 116

255-255-
RGB 0-56-168 206-17-38 252-209-22
255

C100-M60-Y0- C0-M90-Y65- C0-M18-Y85-

CMYK n.a.
K5 K10 K0

HEX #0038A8 #CE1126 #FFFFFF #FCD116

Usage as war ensign[edit]

The Philippines does not utilize a separate war flag; instead, the national flag itself is used for this
purpose.[2] To indicate a state of war, the red field is flown upwards and is placed on the right if it is in
a hanging position. In times of peace, however, the blue area is the superior field.[8][9] The orientation
of the flag was used during the Philippine-American War from 1899 to 1901,[10] World War II by
the Philippine Commonwealth from 1941 to 1945 and by the Japanese-sponsored Philippine
Republic when declaring war to Britain and the United States in 1944,[11] the Coup attempts during
President Corazon Aquino's administration, and EDSA III.[12] The only time that the flag was not
oriented in a state of war was during the Battle of Alapan in 1898, 15 days after it was unfured in
Kawit, Cavite.
Symbolism[edit]

The official eight-ray sun (3.75°-spacing)

A mistakenly used eight-ray sun (5°-spacing)

The Philippine national flag has a rectangular design that consists of a white equilateral triangle,
symbolizing equality and fraternity; a horizontal blue stripe for peace, truth, and justice; and a
horizontal red stripe for patriotism and valor. In the center of the white triangle is an eight-rayed
golden sun symbolizing unity, freedom, people's democracy, and sovereignty. Each ray represents
one of the first eight provinces that started the 1896 Philippine Revolution against Spain.Ambrosio
Rianzares Bautista, who wrote the Philippine Declaration of Independence and who read it on the
occasion of its proclamation on June 12, 1898, has listed the eight provinces
as Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga,Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas. Three five-
pointed stars, one for each of the triangle's points, stand for the three major islands where the
revolution started: Luzon, Panay Island and Mindanao, as mentioned in the 1898 Declaration of
Independence.
The symbolism given in the 1898 Proclamation of Philippine Independence differs from the current
official explanation. According to the document the white triangle signifies the emblem of
the Katipunan, the secret society that opposed Spanish rule. It says the flag's colors commemorate
the flag of the United States as a manifestation of gratitude for American protection against the
Spanish during the Philippine Revolution. It also says that one of the three stars represents the
island of Panay, rather than the entire Visayan islands. The proclamation also declares that the sun
represents the gigantic steps made by the sons of the country along the path of Progress and
Civilization, and lists Bataan instead of Tarlac among the eight provinces symbolized by the sun's
rays.[13]

History[edit]
Historical flags of the Philippine Revolution [edit]
See also: Flags of the Philippine Revolution

It has been common since the 1960s to trace the development of the Philippine flag to the various
war standards of the individual leaders of the Katipunan, a pseudo-masonic revolutionary movement
that opposed Spanish rule in the Philippines and led the Philippine Revolution.[14] However, while
some symbols common to the Katipunan flags would be adopted into the iconography of the
Revolution, it is inconclusive whether these war standards can be considered precursors to the
present Philippine flag.[14]

The first flag of the Katipunan.

  

Flag of the Magdalo Katipunan faction of Cavite.

Flag of the Magdiwang Katipunan faction of Cavite.

The flag adopted by the Katipunan in 1897.

The first flag of the Katipunan was a red rectangular flag with a horizontal alignment of three white
Ks (an acronym for the Katipunan's full name, Kataas-taasang Kagalang-galangang Katipunan ng
mga Anak ng Bayan - Supreme and Venerable Society of the Sons of the Nation). The flag's red
field symbolized blood, as members of the Katipunan signed their membership papers in their own
blood.[14]
The various leaders of the Katipunan, such as Andrés Bonifacio, Mariano Llanera, and Pío del Pilar,
also had individual war standards. The organization was represented in Cavite province by two
factions: the Magdiwang faction and the Magdalofaction, with each adopting a flag. Both used a
white sun. Instead of the letter K the flags bore the symbol for the syllable kain the pre-
Hispanic baybayin writing system.
The Katipunan adopted a new flag in 1897 during an assembly at Naic, Cavite. This new flag was
red and depicted a white sun with a face. The sun had eight rays, representing the eight provinces
that Spain had placed under martial law.
Current flag[edit]
2012 cupcake flag, SM City Baliuag.

The earlier design of the current Philippine flag was conceptualized by President Emilio
Aguinaldo during his exile in Hong Kong in 1897. The first flag was sewn by Marcela Marino de
Agoncillo with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad (a niece
of Propagandista José Rizal). It was displayed in battle on May 28, 1898.

Flag of the Philippines at thePhilippine International Convention Center

The flag was formally unfurled during theproclamation of independence on June 12, 1898 inKawit,
Cavite.[15] However, a Manila Times article by Augusto de Viana, Chief History Researcher, National
Historical Institute, mentions assertions in history textbooks and commemorative rites that the flag
was first raised in Alapan, Imus, Cavite, on May 28, 1898, citing Presidential Proclamation No. 374,
issued by then-President Diosdado Macapagal on March 6, 1965.[16] The article goes on to claim that
historical records indicate that the first display of the Philippine flag took place in Cavite City, when
General Aguinaldo displayed it during the first fight of the Philippine Revolution.
The flag's original symbolism was enumerated in the text of the independence proclamation, which
makes reference to an attached drawing, though no record of the drawing has surfaced.[14] The
original design of the flag adopted a mythical sun with a face, a symbol common to several former
Spanish colonies. The particular shade of blue of the original flag has been a source of controversy.
Based on anecdotal evidence and the few surviving flags from the era, historians argue that the
colors of the original flag were the same blue and red as found on the flag of Cuba.[14]
The flag of Cuba influenced the design of the flag of the Philippines as Cuba's revolution against
Spain inspired, to some degree, the Philippine Revolution.
Hostilities broke out between the Philippines and the United States in 1899. The flag was first flown
with the red field up on February 4, 1899 to show that a state of war existed. Aguinaldo was
captured by the Americans two years later, and swore allegiance to the United States.
The detail of Fernando Amorsolo'sThe Making of the Philippine flagdepicting Agoncillo and company's manual sewing

With the defeat of the Philippine Republic, the Philippines was placed under American colonial rule
and the display of the Philippine flag was declared illegal by the Sedition Act of 1907. This law was
repealed on October 24, 1919.[17] With the legalization of display of the Philippine flag, the cloth
available in most stores was the red and blue of the flag of the United States, so the flag from 1919
onwards adopted the "National Flag blue" color. On March 26, 1920, the Philippine
Legislature passed Act. No 2928 on March 26, 1920, which legally adopted the Philippine flag as the
official flag of the Philippine Islands.[17] Up until the eve of World War II, Flag Daywas celebrated on
annually on October 30, commemorating the date the ban on the flag was lifted.
The Commonwealth of the Philippines was inaugurated in 1935. On March 25, 1936,
President Manuel L. Quezon issued Executive Order No. 23 which provided for the technical
description and specifications of the flag.[14] Among the provisions of the order was the definition of
the triangle at the hoist as an equilateral triangle, the definition of the aspect ratio at 1:2, the precise
angles of the stars, the geometric and aesthetic design of the sun, and the formal elimination of the
mythical face on the sun. The exact shades of colors, however, were not precisely defined. These
specifications have remained unchanged and in effect to the present. In 1941, Flag Day was
officially moved to June 12, commemorating the date that Philippine independence was proclaimed
in 1898.
The flag was once again banned with the Japanese invasion and occupation of the Philippines
beginning December 1941, to be hoisted again with the establishment of the Japanese-sponsored
Second Republic of the Philippines. In ceremonies held in October 1943, Emilio Aguinaldo hoisted
the flag with the original Cuban blue and red colors restored. The flag was initially flown with the blue
stripe up, until President Jose P. Laurel proclaimed the existence of a state of war with the Allied
Powersin 1944. The Commonwealth government-in-exile in Washington, D.C. continued to use the
flag with the American colors, and had flown it with the red stripe up since the initial invasion of the
Japanese. With the combined forces of the Filipino & American soldiers and the liberation of the
Philippines in 1944 to 1945, the flag with the American colors was restored, and it was this flag that
was hoisted upon the granting of Philippine independence from the United States on July 4, 1946.

Chronology[edit]
See also: List of flags of the Philippines
Flag Date Use Description

The Spanish East Indies (1535–1898)

1535– Flag used when the Philippine The Cross of Burgundy: a red saltire resembling two
1730 Islands were a part of New Spain. crossed, roughly-pruned branches, on a white field.

1730- Used during Spanish East

Flag of Spain under the reign of King Felipe V.
1761 Indies period.

1761- Used during Spanish East Flag of Spain under the reign of King Felipe V's
1785 Indies period. grandson, King Carlos III

The flag of the British East India Companybefore

1810: A flag with red and white stripes with
Flag during the British occupation the Kingdom of Great Britain'sUnion Flag as a canton.
1762–
of the Philippines, as used in The Union flag bears red cross on a white field,
1764
occupied Manila and Cavite commonly called St George's Cross, superimposed on
a white saltire on a blue field, known as St Andrew's
Cross. Also known as the "King's Colours."

Three horizontal stripes of red, weld-yellow and red,

the centre stripe being twice as wide as each red
1785– Used during Spanish East stripe with arms in the first third of the weld-yellow
1873 Indies period. stripe. The arms are crowned and vertically divided,
the left red field with a tower representing Castille,
the right white field with a lion representing León.

Three horizontal stripes: red, weld-yellow and red,

1873– Used by the Spanish East Indies the yellow strip being twice as wide as each red stripe
1874 under theFirst Spanish Republic. with arms in the first third of the yellow stripe. Royal
crown removed from arms.

Used during Spanish East

1874- The flag of the Kingdom of Spain used prior to the
Indies after therestoration of the
1898 First Spanish Republic was reinstated.
Spanish monarchy.

Philippine Revolution - First Phiilippine Republic

 First official flag of the Philippine The flag was created in Naic, Cavite and first
1897–
republicand used during displayed in 1897. It features an eight-rayed white
1898
the Philippine Revolution sun with a mythical face on a field of red.

Sewn by Doña Marcela Marino de Agoncillo, Lorenza

Agoncillo, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad in Hong
Kong and first flown in battle on May 28, 1898. It was
formally unfurled during the Proclamation of
The Three Stars and a Sun was a Philippine Independence and the flag of theFirst
design that conceived Philippine Republic, on June 12, 1898 by President
by President Emilio Aguinaldo. Aguinaldo. It contains a mythical sun (with a face)
1898–
The exact shade of blue is common to many former Spanish colonies; the
1901
debated; three variants were triangle of Masonry; the eight rays representing the
used by subsequent provinces that first revolted and were placed
governments. under Martial Law by the Spanish at the start of
the 1896 Revolution. The flag was initially unfurled
with the blue stripe above, but was flown with the
red stripe above at the outbreak of the Philippine-
American Warin 1899.

American and Commonwealth Period (1898–1946)

Used while under direct

1898–
administration from the United
1908
States of America.
Thirteen horizontal stripes of alternating red and
white representing the original Thirteen Colonies; in
1908– Variant after Oklahoma became
the canton, white stars on a blue field, the number of
1912 a state
stars increased as the United States expanded its
territory.

1912– Variant after Arizona and New

1919 Mexicoachieved statehood

1919– From 1919, two flags were flown The American flag remained unchanged since 1919.
1936 in the Philippines, the American For the Philippine flag, the design conceived by Emilio
flag and the flag conceived by Aguinaldo remained but the shades of blue and red
Emilio Aguinaldo which was made were adopted from the American flag. The sun's face
the national flag of the was removed, but its stylised rays were retained. It
Philippines should be noted that there existed many versions of
the flag as no official design had been codified.
 Specifications codified; Defined under Executive
Order No. 23, s. 1936. The shade of blue used was
Navy Blue, following suit from the American Flag. The
1936–
triangle was made equilateral and the sun was also
1946
further simplified, achieving its present form. Also
used by the Commonwealthgovernment-in-exile from
1942-1945

Japanese Period (1942–1945)

1942– Used during the Japanese The Hinomaru as it appeared until 1999: a red sun-
1943 Occupation. disc, shifted 1% left of centre, on a white field.

Emilio Aguinaldo's flag was hoisted upon

October Used during the inauguration of
proclamation of the Second Republic. However, the
14, 1943 theSecond Republic.
design as used by the commonwealth remained.

Sovereignty (1946–present)

Defined under Executive Order No. 23, s. 1936. The

1946–
shade of blue used here is Navy Blue, following suit
1985
from the American Flag.

Altered by Executive Order No. 1010, s. 1985. The

shade of blue was changed from Navy Blue to Light
1985– Blue, amidst debate on the shade used in the original
1986 Following independence, the flag. A paleSky Blue was the actual colour used since
1936 design specifications it was more available at that time and not due to any
codified by Manuel Quezon specific historical precedent.
remains but the shades of blue
and red varied through the years.
1986– In 1998, the flag gained its 1936 version of the flag restored after the1986
1998 present definitive shades. People Power Revolution.

The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines

specifies the colours for the blue field Cable
1998– No. 80173; the white field, Cable No. 80001; the red
present field, Cable No. 80108; and the golden-yellow Stars
and Sun, Cable No. 80068.[2][4] Colours introduced for
theCentennial celebrations.[citation needed]

Proposals[edit]
Sun's rays[edit]

 Philippine flag with the proposed ninth ray.

Prior to the 1998 independence centennial celebrations, the provincial government

ofZambales lobbied that the sunburst design accommodate a ninth ray, reasoning that their province
was also in a state of rebellion in 1896. The Centennial Commission however refuted this change,
based on research by the National Historical Institute.[18] In 2009, a Senate Bill was introduced to add
an additional ray to represent the Moro people in Mindanao who also fought the Spanish and was
never occupied by the Spanish colonial government. As of September 24, 2009, it is in the process
of bill reconciliation in Congress.[19]
Crescent moon[edit]

   Proposals by former President Fidel V. Ramos

There have been numerous proposals as to how the crescent moon should be incorporated into the
flag, including one such proposal from former President Fidel V. Ramos. To this day, the issue
remains unresolved.

Usage[edit]
Flag protocol[edit]
The flag should be displayed in all government buildings, official residences, public plazas, and
schools every day throughout the year. The days of the 28th of May (National Flag Day) and the
12th of June (Independence Day) are designated as flag days, during which all offices, agencies and
instrumentalities of government, business establishments, institutions of learning and private homes
are enjoined to display the flag.[2] But in recent years, the flag days are now from May 28 to June 30
yearly to promote patriotism and to celebrate the nation's independence.
By law, the Philippine flag must be permanently hoisted and illuminated at night at the following
locations:[2]

 Malacañan Palace, the official residence of the President of the Philippines

 Congress of the Philippines buildings:

 Senate of the Philippines building

 House of Representatives of the Philippines building (Batasang Pambansa Complex)

 Supreme Court of the Philippines building

 Rizal Monument in Luneta, Manila

 Aguinaldo Shrine in Kawit, Cavite

 Barasoain Shrine in Malolos, Bulacan

 Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

 Libingan ng mga Bayani

 Mausoleo de los Veteranos de la Revolución

 All international ports of entry

 All other places as may be designated by the National Historical Institute as such.

Half-mast[edit]

The flag of the Philippines flown at half-mast in back Bonifacio Shrine in Manila.

The flag may be flown at half-mast as a sign of mourning.[2] Upon the official announcement of the
death of the President or a former President, the flag should be flown at half-mast for ten days. The
flag should be flown at half-mast for seven days following the death of the Vice President, the Chief
Justice, the President of the Senate or the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The flag may also be required to fly at half-mast upon the death of other persons to be determined
by the National Historical Institute, for a period less than seven 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 National Historical
Institute.
When flown at half-mast, the flag should be first hoisted to the peak for a moment then lowered to
the half-mast position. It should be raised to the peak again before it is lowered for the day.
The flag may also be used to cover the caskets of the dead of the military, veterans of previous
wars, national artists, and outstanding civilians as determined by the local government. In such
cases, the flag must be placed such that the white triangle is at the head and the blue portion covers
the right side of the casket. The flag should not be lowered to the grave or allowed to touch the
ground, but should be solemnly folded and handed to the heirs of the deceased.
Prohibited acts[edit]

Section 10 of RA 8491 states that when the flag is displayed on a wall during peacetime, the blue field is to the observers' left, as

shown here.[2]

According to Republic Act 8491 itself, it shall be prohibited:[2]

a) To mutilate, deface, defile, trample on or cast contempt or commit any act or omission
casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag or 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) To 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, advertisement, 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 or infomercial; and
j) To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens.
The Act mandates that violators shall, upon conviction, be
punished by fine or imprisonment.[2]

Pledge[edit]
Main article: Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat

The Pledge of Allegiance to the Philippine flag (distinct

from the Patriotic Oath of Allegiance) should be recited
while standing with the right hand with palm open raised
shoulder high. Individuals whose faith or religious beliefs
prohibit them from making such pledge are permitted to
excuse themselves, but are required by law to show full
respect when the pledge is being rendered by standing at
attention.[2]
Tagalog E
n
Ako ay g
Filipino l
Buong i
katapatan s
g h
nanunump
a t
Sa r
watawat a
ng n
Pilipinas s
At sa l
bansang a
kanyang t
sinasagisa i
 g o
Na may n
dangal,
katarunga I am a Filipino
n at I pledge my allegiance
kalayaan To the flag of the Philippines
Na And to the country it represents
pinakikilos With honor, justice and freedom
ng Put in motion by one nation
sambayan For God
ang for Nature
Maka- for the People and
Diyos for the Country.
Maka-tao
Makakalik
asan at
Makabans
a[2]

The law makes no statement regarding the language in

which the pledge must be recited, but the pledge is written
(and therefore recited) in the Filipino language.

Flag anthem[edit]
Main article: Lupang Hinirang

The following Spanish, Tagalog/Filipino and English

versions of the national anthem have been given official
status throughout Philippine history. However, only the
most recent and current Filipino version is officially
recognised by law. The Flag and Heraldic Code, approved
on 12 February 1998 specifies, Lupang Hinirang, "The
National Anthem shall always be sung in the national
language within or without the country"; violation of the law
is punishable by a fine and imprisonment .

Similar flags[edit]

Flag of Sint Maarten 

Flag of Saba 

Flag of the Czech Republic 

Flag of Liechtenstein 

Flag of Haiti 

National Flag Day[edit]

Main article: National Flag Day (Philippines)

The National Flag Day in the Philippines is celebrated

every 28 May. The National Flag week starts from May 28
and ends on June 12 every year.

See also[edit]
 Flags of the Philippine provinces
 Flags of the Philippine Revolution

 Naval Jack of the Philippines

 List of flags of the Philippines

References[edit]
1. Jump up^ RP flag blooper in New York not intentional—US
embassy - INQUIRER.net, Philippine News for Filipinos
2. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f g h i j k l "Republic Act No. 8491".
Government of the Philippines. February 12, 1998. (archived
from the originalon 2007-12-05).

3. Jump up^ Executive Order No. 23, s. 1936 | Official Gazette

of the Republic of the Philippines

4. ^ Jump up to:a b "The Philippine National Flag". Monuments

and Heraldry division, National Historical institute. National
Commission for Culture and the Arts.

5. Jump up^ Quezon III, Manuel L. (2002-04-12). "Philippines:

the shade of blue". Flags of the World. Archived from the
original on 2011-08-18. Retrieved 2007-12-22.

6. Jump up^ "Dictionary of Vexillology:C". Flags of the World.

Retrieved 2007-06-06.

7. Jump up^ "Philippines". Vexilla Mundi. Retrieved 2007-06-06.

8. Jump up^ http://www.gov.ph/1950/06/12/executive-order-no-
321-s-1950/ Section 1, Paragraph 4: The Flag, if flown from a
flagpole, should 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 should be to the right (left of the observer) in time of
peace, and the red field to the right (left of observer) in time of
war.

9. Jump up^ http://www.gov.ph/1998/02/12/republic-act-no-
8491/ Republic Act No. 8491 Chapter 1, 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 rime of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the
observer) in time of war.

10. Jump up^ E.A. Baja, Our Country's Flag and Heritage, 1930,

Manila, p. 52

11. Jump up^ Manuel Quezon III, 10 November 2002

12. Jump up^ File:EDSAIII.png

13. Jump up^ "Philippine Declaration of Independence".

Retrieved 2009-06-12.

14. ^ Jump up to:a b c d e f Quezon, Manuel L. III (2002-04-

02). "History of the Philippines Flag". Flags of the World.
Archived from the original on 2008-02-05. Retrieved 2007-06-
06.
 15. Jump up^ Renato Perdon (2010). Footnotes to Philippine
History. Universal-Publishers. p. 38. ISBN 978-1-59942-842-0.

16. Jump up^ Augusto de Viana (May 28, 2008). "Where was the

Filipino Flag first unfurled?". the Manila Times. Archived
from the original on 2008-06-24. Retrieved 2008-05-28.

17. ^ Jump up to:a b "The Declining Reverence for the Philippine

Flag". National Historical Commission of the Philippines.
Retrieved February 25, 2013..

18. Jump up^ "Adjusting the rays of the flag?". Flags of the World.

1998-03-09. Retrieved 2008-06-15.

19. Jump up^ Michael Lim Ubac, RP flag to have 9th ray to the
sun, Philippine Daily Inquirer, September 24, 2009.

Wikimedia Commons has

media related to Flags of
the Philippines.

External links[edit]
 The Controversial Philippine National Flag . National
Historical Institute of the Philippines. May 14, 2008.
Retrieved 2008-05-30.
 The Official Website of the Republic of the Philippines

 Philippine at Flags of the World

 Flags & Heraldic Items (NHI)

 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines at Flags of

the World

 [1] [2] [3] [4][5][6] History of the Philippine Flag