It is also their Flag

Regular readers of the STAR and this column will surely recall we had expressed surprise at the behavior of Supreme Court Justices who failed, or refused to attend the Monday morning Flag rites of their office ever since the new Chief Justice assumed office. At first most people thought those missing only had some problems that prevented them from attending. Afterwards we wondered aloud if they were not violating some law by deliberately missing the required Flag ceremonies.

***

It seems they were. This all came out yesterday when a noted lawyer, Romulo Makalintal, also brought the matter up. Yesterday, it was noted, and very obviously, that NONE of the justices were at the Flag rites. Before, a few had been showing up, but yesterday, only employees were there, and this was also shown on TV. And, indeed, as Makalintal pointed out, there is a law, Republic Act No. 8491, or the Flag Law, that actually requires all government offices and institutions to observe the Flag ceremony that involves the raising of the country’s symbol with the singing of the National Anthem.

***

The example being set by the members of the country’s highest court of law is not admirable at all. Even the youngest schoolchildren are taught early to respect the Flag and to honor it through participation in the Flag Ceremony, singing the country’s national anthem, and reciting the Pledge to the Country. So why aren’t the Justices themselves doing it? If they are still sulking because someone they do not like was chosen over them all, that is no fault of the Flag. Deliberately boycotting (so it seems) the ceremony seems to be rather childish. One can only wonder how they will explain this. Will they say they are exempt from this requirement of the Heraldic Code of the country?

***

Even our athletes, especially our boxers, proudly display the country’s Flag during their fights, especially outside the country. And true Filipinos who attend those international encounters stand up and place their right hands over their hearts when they see their Flag and hear the “Bayang Magiliw” sung. I have seen this happen several times, and always felt a burst of pride on seeing it. I hope the Justices will relent and remember that this is not the Flag of Ma. Lourdes Sereno, it is the Flag of their own country.

***

By the way, violations of the provisions of the Flag Law, or R.A. 8491, are punishable by a fine of P5,000 or one year imprisonment for the first offense and both fine and imprisonment for the second offense. Oh my. And a TV reporter pointed out that some justices have missed three Flag rites already. And also, lawyer Makalintal hinted that this could also be considered cause for impeachment, but Oh no. We know how tiresome and time-consuming impeachments can be.

***

A cabinet minister of Pakistan is offering $100,000 as bounty for the person who took the video that reportedly insults the prophet Mohammad. He said even the Taliban and the al Qaida will be entitled to the reward if they can do it. Is that the same as the “fatwa” that was once declared in Iran against the author of the book “Satanic Verses” by Salman Rushdie, who is in hiding until now? Just between us, by the way, I tried to read that book and didn’t even get halfway because it was so boring. I’m sure Rushdie regretted writing it, considering what it brought him.

***

The video in question now, that had caused so much grief and lives lost, is said to be titled “Innocence of Muslims.” While it has angered Muslims all over the world, we appreciate those in our country who are bringing the matter up to the Supreme Court, asking that its showing be banned in the Philippines. That certainly is a more reasonable and humane way of dealing with the problem. Why should other people be punished for the crime of just one reckless, or maybe mindless, writer?

***

The sons of two senators are poised to fight it out for the vice governorship of Cavite. On one hand, there is the son of Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, Jolo, who is ready to run for the position. But he will be facing the son of Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, who also wants the position. In the Senate, one has only to scan the names of senatoriables and realize that there is no way the so-called Anti-Dynasty Law will thrive in the next few decades. Those running are mostly sons, or daughters of senators or presidents themselves.*

back to top