Here's why we lower Philippine flags at 'half-mast' when mourning
Republic Act 8491 tells us why.
After the untimely death of the Philippines’ 15th President, Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, Philippine flags around the country have been lowered at half-staff to pay respects to the fallen commander in chief.
RA 8491, or the country’s Flag and Heraldic Code, stipulates that a flag shall be lowered “on all buildings and places where it is displayed” as a sign of mourning when a high-ranking government official, former or current, dies.
The flags should be lowered for ten days if a President or former President has passed away, while it's seven days for the death of a Vice President, Chief Justice, President of the Senate, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.
The Senate and House of Representatives, where Aquino was once a senator and congressman, were among the first institutions to lower their flags. Quezon City Hall, Manila City, Davao City Hall, Albay, and Muntinlupa have also placed their flags in half-mast to pay their respects.
LOOK: Philippine flags at the Quezon City hall and the Kartilya monument in Manila City are lowered to half-mast to mourn the death of former president Benigno Aquino III this morning @PhilstarNews
— Franco Luna (@francoIuna) June 24, 2021
Photos by Quezon City and Manila City PIOs pic.twitter.com/cMYatkWuQq
TINGNAN: Bandila sa Muntinlupa City Hall, naka-half-mast bilang pagluluksa sa pagpanaw ni dating Pangulong Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III pic.twitter.com/4gkdEyQ6Xi
— OFFICIAL MUNTINLUPA (@OFFICIALMUNTI) June 24, 2021
At around 2 PM, the Malacañang palace also lowered the flags surrounding its premises.
In his June 24 press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also called for a brief moment of silence to mourn Aquino.
"We commiserate and condole with the family and loved ones of Benigno Simeon Aquino III as we extend our condolences on his untimely demise," Roque said.
"We’re grateful for the former president for his contribution and former services to the country and we ask our people to offer a prayer for the eternal repose of our former Chief Executive. Rest in peace, Mr. President."
JUST IN: Philippine flags now placed on half-mast at Malacañang after President Aquino’s demise today. Incidentally, the New Executive Building in these photos was where PNoy’s mother, former President Cory, held office during her term as chief executive from 1986-1992. pic.twitter.com/vfluZydmT2
— christina mendez (@xtinamen) June 24, 2021