Dear PAO,
Is there a law requiring mandatory attendance at flag ceremonies every Monday? I was recently hired in a government agency, and I received a memorandum directing me to attend the flag-raising ceremony in the office, otherwise I will be administratively charged.
Anselmo
Dear Anselmo,
The answer to your query can be found in Republic Act (RA) 8491, otherwise known as the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines,” which was signed into law on Feb. 12, 1998. The law was enacted with a common goal to “inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people a just pride in their native land, fitting respect and affection for the national flag and anthem, and the proper use of the national motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices.”
In this regard, Section 18 of the said law requires all government offices and academic institutions to observe the flag ceremony every Monday morning and the flag-lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The pertinent provision states:
“Section 18. All government offices and educational institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem.”
Said regulation directs all public officials or employees to comply with the provisions of RA 8491 with respect to flag-raising as a display of reverence and respect to the country’s national ideals and traditions, sovereignty, and solidarity. This law aims to instill patriotism not only to civil servants, but to all Filipinos. Towards this end, government employees, being in public service, are expected to lead by example to other Filipinos. The Civil Service Commission (CSC), no less, enjoins agency heads “to establish internal guidelines to strictly monitor the attendance of their personnel in the flag ceremonies and ensure compliance.” (CSC Memorandum Circular 19 dated Nov. 12, 2012)
With the foregoing, any government office may exact compliance from its personnel and require the participation of all personnel in flag ceremonies. If this directive is violated, a government office may impose sanctions on the erring government official or employee.
Applying the foregoing to your case, your employer is well within its legal right to charge you with an administrative offense, should you fail to abide with the office rules and regulations in relation to RA 8491, particularly on attendance to flag ceremonies.
We hope that we were able to answer your queries. This advice is solely based on the facts you have narrated and our appreciation of the same. Our opinion may vary when other facts are changed or elaborated.
Thank you for your continued trust and support.
