Senate marks National Flag Day

Senate President Manny Villar led the Senate's celebration of the National Flag Day with the unveiling of a flag pole marker making the institution 'a home and protector of the Philippine national flag.'

"Ang diwa ng kalayaan na sinasagisag ng ating watawat ay nagsilbing gabay ng Senado sa pagtaguyod ng pagbalik ng ating kasarinlan. Ang paglingap sa kalayaan ay nakaukit sa damdamin ng Senado. Ang pangingibabaw ng kapakanan ng buong sambayanang Pilipino na ipinahihiwatig ng ating bandila ay siya ring gumagabay sa mga gawain ng Senado," Villar said before the Upper chamber's officers and employees.

In unveiling the marker, Villar was joined by Sen. Gregorio Honasan, National Historical Institute Executive Director Ludovico Badoy and officials of the Senate Secretariat.

Villar said the national flag in the Senate will be permanently hoisted year-round and lighted at night.

The Nacionalista Party president added that the Senate is proud to be a home of the Philippine flag "to recognize the significance of the institution as protector of the symbol of our nationhood."

Republic Act No. 8491, also known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines sets the period from May 28 to June 12 (Independence Day) of every year as flag days. The law mandates that all offices, agencies and instrumentalities of government, business establishments, schools and private homes are enjoined to display the Philippine flag throughout this period.