Last modified: 2005-09-24 by rob raeside
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![[Flag of Philippines]](../images/p/ph.gif)
image by Željko Heimer,
8 November 2002
The symbols on the white triangle of the Philippine flag are an eight
rayed sun and three stars in gold. The sun represents the dawning of a
new era of self determination that was desired in 1897 (when the flag
was first designed) after the Spanish-American war and the US promise of
independence, which was granted in 1946. The 8 rays on the sun
stand for the 8 provinces that rose in revolt against Spanish rule in
the late 19th century. The 3 stars stand for the 3 principal geographic
areas of the country, Luzon, the Visayas and Mindanao.
To complete the symbolism of the flag, the red stripe represents courage
and bravery and the blue stripe is for noble ideals. The white triangle
stands for the Katipunan, a revolutionary organization that led the
revolt against Spain and the color white represents peace and purity.
This flag is unique in that in peacetime, the blue stripe is uppermost
but during wartime, the red stripe is on top.
Ref: Smith 1976
Dave Martucci, 7 January 1998
The flag was first designed by General Aguinaldo in 1897 during his exile in Hong Kong. It was adopted on 19 May 1898 (Kindersley, 1997). Aguinaldo's army defeated the Spaniards at the Battle of Alapan on 28 May 1898. The flag saw it's first action that day. 28 May is recognized as Flag Day in the Philippines. On 12 June 1898 the Philippines declared independence from Spain and so began the First Philippine Republic. Based on Melchor (1998) and Kindersley (1997). On 14 Oct 1943 the flag was re-established Smith (1975). This was the date the Second Philippine Republic began (a puppet government under the Japanese). Just like the U.S., the Japanese had outlawed the flag during the earlier period of their occupation.
Gene 'Duke' Duque, 25 September 1999
General Provisions, Section I, Article XVI:
The flag of the Philippines shall be red, white and blue, with a sun and three stars as consecrated and honored by the people and recognized by law.
The idea of coming up with a new flag was reached during the preparation of the second phase of the Philippine Revolution. It was personally conceived by General Emilio Aguinaldo, then President of the Revolutionary Government and sewn at 535 Morrison Hill, Hong Kong by Mrs. Marcela Marino Agoncillo - wife of the first Filipino Diplomat, Felipe Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza an