Conduct of Flag Raising and Flag Lowering Ceremonies
OCA Circular No. 62-01 outlines the requirements for the conduct of flag-raising and flag-lowering ceremonies in Philippine courts, in accordance with Republic Act No. 8491, the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines." It mandates that these ceremonies occur every Monday morning and Friday afternoon, involving the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem. During the flag-raising, attendees must stand at attention and observe specific protocols, including saluting where applicable. Executive Judges are tasked with supervising these ceremonies and ensuring attendance, with monthly reports on absentees to be submitted to the Office of the Court Administrator. Compliance with these directives is required for all judges and court personnel.
September 27, 2001
OCA CIRCULAR NO. 62-01
| TO | : | All Judges and Court Personnel of the Regional Trial Courts, Shari'a District Courts, Metropolitan Trial Courts, Municipal Trial Courts in Cities, Municipal Trial Courts, Municipal Circuit Trial Courts and Shari'a Circuit Courts |
| SUBJECT | : | Conduct of Flag Raising and Flag Lowering Ceremonies |
Republic Act No. 8491 otherwise known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines" prescribes the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines. The relevant provisions of the said law provide, to wit:
"Sec. 18. All government offices and educational institutions shall henceforth observe the flag-raising ceremony every Monday morning and the flag lowering ceremony every Friday afternoon. The ceremony shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the Philippine National Anthem.
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"Sec. 21. During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation facing the flag. At the moment the first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall place their right palms over their chests, those with hats shall uncover; while those in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens military training uniforms shall give the salute prescribed by the regulations, which salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem.
"The assembly shall sing the Philippine national anthem, accompanied by a band, if available, and at the first note, the flag shall be raised briskly.
"The same procedure shall be observed when the flag is passing in review or parade.
"Sec. 22. During the flag lowering, the flag shall be lowered solemnly and slowly so that the flag shall be down the mast at the sound of the last note of the anthem. Those in assembly shall observe the same deportment or shall observe the same behavior as for the flag-raising ceremony." TcHCIS
All Executive Judges shall supervise the holding of the flag raising and flag lowering ceremonies in their respective Hall of Justice buildings or courthouses and shall ensure the attendance of all judges and court personnel in the rites. A report on the absentees in both ceremonies for every month shall be submitted to the Office of the Court Administrator within the first ten (10) days of the succeeding month. aScITE
For strict compliance.
(SGD.) PRESBITERO J. VELASCO, JR.Court Administrator