Noy Morcoso/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada said the memorandum mandating the recital of Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge during weekly flag ceremonies is neither illegal nor irregular.
Estrada was pertaining to Memorandum Circular No. 52 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin by the authority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
READ: Escudero OK with Marcos Bagong Pilipinas hymn order
“It’s important to note that Memorandum Circular No. 52 is neither illegal nor irregular; rather, it aims to foster a culture of good governance and progressive leadership across all government levels,” said Estrada in a statement on Monday.
No different
“This is no different from the singing of the Senate, school and university hymns which is a way to remind us of the patriotism and unity of us Filipinos,” he emphasized.
Meanwhile, in an ambush interview right after he led the Senate’s flag ceremony as the newly instated President of the chamber, Senate President Chiz Escudero explained that the memorandum is “applicable to the executive branch, including government-owned and controlled corporations.”
According to Escudero, it doesn’t automatically apply to the Senate, the House of Representatives, as well as the Supreme Court and constitutional commissions.
“It is their independent decision if they will use that because what we follow is the flag and heraldic code that says what will be sung at each flag raising ceremony,” said Escudero.
“But as far as I am concerned, there is nothing wrong with singing such hymns—saying that we should have hope, we should work together, and we should have the ambition to help improve our country. I don’t see anything wrong with that,” he added.