Sun in RP flag may get ninth ray

MANILA, Philippines - Congress approved on Tuesday a bill seeking to add a ninth ray to the sun on the Philippine flag to honor Filipino Muslims.

Senator Richard Gordon, chairman of the Senate panel and principal author of Senate Bill (SB) 3307, said the measure would foster greater unity among Filipinos regardless of religion. The bill amends Republic Act 8491, otherwise known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

“We are a country that has had a conflict with our Muslim brothers for the last so many decades. I think this is a big step towards reuniting our country, recognizing the contributions of our fellow countrymen, the Filipino Muslims,” he said.

The bicameral conference committee has ironed out the differences between SB 3307 and House Bill 6424. Present during the meeting were Senators Juan Miguel Zubiri, and Representatives Del De Guzman (Marikina, 2nd District), Ma. Carissa Coscoluella (Sectoral Representative PL-Buhay), Salvador Escudero III (Sorsogon, 1st District), and Roman Romulo (Pasig City, Lone District).

Gordon proposed to add a ninth ray to the sun on the Philippine flag to acknowledge the courage, bravery and integrity of Filipino Muslims who fought for the nation’s independence.

The eight rays in the sun stand for the provinces that led the uprising against Spanish oppression during the country’s colonial past. These are Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Bataan, Laguna, and Batangas.

“This is a great step in recognizing the fact that we had Muslims such as Lapu-Lapu, Sultan Kudarat, Amai Pakpak, Sorongan, who kept fighting the Spaniards long before this country thought of a revolution against Spain. This would foster unity, make sure that nobody is excluded. If we are to have national unity in this country it must begin in our flag, it must be symbolized in our flag,” he said.

“We take an amendment of the law here but we actually amend the mindset of our countrymen and bring the nation back to its original posture, one that will not accept tyranny, one that will oppose tyranny. And we should give credit where credit is due,” he added.