I was eating my lunch when my Tito approached me. We talked about things until I mentioned that I am having my internship here in Ilocos Norte. As if reading my mind, he told me about something that catches my attention. So, without a word, I finished my meal, took a bath, picked up my camera and we drove to the place he was talking about with my Father and my nephew.

When we were near, he said, “Asideg ditoyen ket, kitam man.” (It’s now near, look at that side) For just two seconds, I saw THIS.

I was speechless. I just reached for my camera at the back seat and took photos of OUR NATION’S FLAG. OUR FLAG. YOUR FLAG. MY FLAG.

In Elementary and even in Kindergarten, my teachers never failed to remind me and instill in me that I need to respect our flag.

And then, what happened here?

 I hated the feeling of seeing our flag this way. What disgusts me more are the posters of the politicians hanging in the fence of the area. This is just me, but when they posted these banners and streamers, were they blind and did not even see this bastardization here?

Will someone please tell me that this is NOT happening?

So, for the information of the body.

According to Republic Act 8491 or “The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”, it shall be prohibited:

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.

Source: http://www.senate.gov.ph/lisdata/107599196!.pdf

BUT WHO IS LIABLE FOR THIS?

The gate of the “abandoned” warehouse was locked so I couldn’t get a good angle (camera shot) of the flag.

 Are we the only concerned citizens here?

 Let’s be more of fully participating citizens, please?

Fore more information about our flag, kindly read:

http://maxhistoria.blogspot.com/2009/06/meaning-of-symbols-of-philippine-flag.html

http://suite101.com/article/the-meaning-of-the-national-flag-of-the-philippines-a235611#.UWz5jLXPVTA

The lady here is disappointed.