NHCP cries foul on Madonna’s use of Philippine flag

MANILA, Philippines – National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) said Madonna’s use of the Philippine flag as a wrap in her concert is against the law.

During Madonna’s “Rebel Heart Tour” concert in Manila on Wednesday and Thursday, she used the Philippine flag as a wrap in one of her production numbers.

READ: LOOK: Madonna dances with Philippine flag on her shoulders

“Lumapat po ‘yong flag sa stage,” explained NCHP Chief of Heraldry Section Teodoro Atienza, in an interview with dzBB on Friday. "Nakasaad po sa batas natin na bawal lumapat sa sahig.”

“Ginawa pong katawa-tawa ang ating watawat,” he added.

This is not the first time that the Queen of Pop used a flag as a wrap in her concert. According to reports, she has also done this in Hong Kong and Canada.

According to Republic Act 8491, one of the prohibitions in the use of the flag is “to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform.”

Despite the chance of Madonna and her concert’s producers to air their side with the help of Bureau of Immigration, Atienza said ignorance of the law may not be an excuse for them not to be punished by the law.

“Kahit po hindi alam [ang batas], mananagot po sila,” he said. He added that this act by the international singer may cause her “deportation at hindi na makabalik sa bansa.”