Senate studying inclusion of Bagong Pilipinas hymn in flag ceremony

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Senate secretariat is still studying the inclusion of the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge in the upper chamber’s flag ceremony, Senate President Francis Escudero said on Sunday.

He made the remark after the House of Representatives issued a memorandum enjoining all in the lower chamber to recite the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge during their flag ceremony.

“I personally see no problem including it in the flag-raising ceremony but we are still in the process of having it studied by the secretariat. I have yet to receive their recommendation and or comments,” Escudero said in a text message to reporters.

Earlier, Escudero said he was not against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s June 4 order to include the hymn and pledge in the flag-raising rites of government offices.

READ: Escudero ok with Marcos Bagong Pilipinas hymn order

Memorandum Circular No. 52 states that all government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned and/or controlled-corporations and educational institutions, should “integrate the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge in the conduct of weekly flag ceremonies, subject to existing laws, rules and regulations.”

Local government units are encouraged to do the same.

READ: Marcos’ order: Use Bagong Pilipinas hymn, pledge in flag ceremonies