A member of the Phil. Navy carries a Philippine flag during patrol at the Sandy Cay, a sandbar just 4 nautical miles from the disputed Pag-asa island in the West Phil. Sea where a number of Chinese naval ships have been spotted. (File photo from INQUIRER/ MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)
MANILA, Philippines — Filipinos are urged to display the Philippine flag in their homes and workplaces in a show of patriotic zeal.
The request comes amid recent tensions in the West Philippine Sea which saw the desecration of the national flag by China Coast Guard (CCG).
National Security Adviser Eduardo Año urged patriotic citizens to display the flag starting May 28, or during the National Flag Day, until June 12 which is the country’s Independence Day.
The display of the national flag from May 28 to June 12 is based on Executive Order No. 179 promulgated in 1994 by former President Fidel Ramos.
“Let the Philippine flag fly high in our homes, in the workplace, in schools, and in our hearts,” Año said in a statement on Wednesday.
“Whenever we fly, display, and salute the flag, it is not just about observing a solemn ceremony or an old tradition,” the former military chief also said.
“It is an expression of patriotic love that exceeds mere sentimentality. It is a commitment to offer our all, even to the point of making the ultimate sacrifice,” he added.
Año said that patriotic Filipinos should take after the lead of naval and coast guard personnel and civilian fisherfolks who “proudly display our country’s flag” while sailing in the West Philippine Sea amid Chinese vessels’ presence there.
Beijing asserts sovereignty in almost the entire South China Sea, including most of the West Philippine Sea.
Such a claim has been effectively invalidated by a July 2016 international tribunal ruling from a case filed by Manila in 2013.
Last month, the CCG’s water cannon assault during the resupply mission in West Philippine Sea appeared to be targeting the Philippine flag hoisted by the Philippine Coast Guard’s BRP Bagacay.
This is based on the footage shown by Philippine authorities.
The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines states that the flag, the anthem, and other national symbols should be given “reverence and respect” at all times.
It prohibits any act that casts dishonor or ridicule upon the Philippine flag.