CLAIM: Burning the Philippine flag is disrespectful
RATING: MISSING CONTEXT
A Facebook video clip, without important context, showed the national flag being transported toward a large metal basin filled with an open flame. As expected, the misleading video prompted widespread surprise, confusion, and anger among viewers.
Social media online users expressed their disbelief saying “Totoo ba yan. Explain to the Filipino people. So sad, very sad.” “Bakit po? Pambabastos na po yan.”
But the video actually shows a solemn ceremony of burning a flag in a public school in Palawan.
The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (Republic Act No. 8491) provides specific guidelines for the treatment of the Philippine flag, particularly when it becomes worn or damaged.
According to Section 14 of the law, a flag that has become dilapidated due to wear and tear must be retired in a solemn manner, preferably through burning, with the ashes collected and respectfully buried in a way that avoids misuse or desecration.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines, the National Economic and Development Authority, and other government agencies and organizations have affirmed the practice of solemn flag-burning as a means of disposal.
The viral video taken at Palawan National School on Sept. 30 was a legitimate ceremony of boy and girl scouts, accompanied by school district officials.
The video posted on Facebook has gained 55,000 reactions, 11,700 comments, 6,100 shares and 22.3 million views as of posting time. Mery-anne Alejandre
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