Lawmaker pushes strict observance of flag rites

CEBU, Philippines – Talisay City Councilor Danilo Caballero has encouraged all barangay officials, including head of government-owned and controlled institutions and schools, to always observe flag ceremonies.

In a proposed resolution No. 2015 - 07 – 5, Caballero pointed out that the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission call for the strict observance of flag ceremonies and that mandatory attendance of all employees is required.

Flag-raising rites are held every Monday while the flag-retreat is conducted every Friday.

According to Caballero, failure to comply with the policy constitutes violation of office rules and regulations under the Administrative Penalties, as amended by the CSC dated August 31, 1999.

The CSC has issued a memorandum requiring the implementation of Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which “requires all government offices and educational institutions to observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag-lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon.”

The memorandum states, “It has been observed that if the regular or special holidays fall on Mondays and Fridays, some government offices do not hold flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies.”

Caballero said "it is also common in the City of Talisay that not all government-owned and controlled institutions, including barangay halls and schools, consistently comply with the aforementioned ceremonies particularly the flag-lowering every last working day of the week."

The CSC said the respective ceremonies should be observed on the next working day if Monday is declared a holiday; or on the last working day, if the holiday falls on a Friday.

Listed specifically to observe the ceremonies are “department, bureaus and agencies of the national government; local government units; government-owned and/or controlled corporations with original charters; state universities and colleges and all other concerns.”

The code ensures “that government employees regularly accord respect to the Philippine flag and to provide venue where they will be constantly reminded of how they must conduct themselves as public servants.”