Act No. 2871: The Law Reviving the Philippine Flag
- Hiraya Publication
- Jan 14
- 1 min read
Updated: Apr 16
Mireya Catral
JANUARY 14, 2025
Presentation of the Philippine flag on October 30, 1919.
(Left to right) Photo of Gov.-Gen. F.B. Harrison, Sen. Rafael Palma, and Vicente Madrigal.
Photo from Malacañang Tumblr.
On October 30, 1919, Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison declared National Flag Day, following the passage of Act No. 2871. This act lifted the prohibition on using the Philippine flag, signifying the reclamation of the nation’s independence.
Following the first public reveal of the Philippine flag in 1898, the display of the flag was banned during the American regime, fulfilling Act No. 1696, also known as the Flag Law. This law, which remained in effect for nearly 12 years, prohibited using the Philippine flag or any symbol associated with the anti-colonial movement, such as Katipunan flags and banners. Violators faced imprisonment.
Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison was the first to speak on the repeal of the Flag Law in 1919. Urged by Harrison’s message, Senator Rafael Palma sponsored House Senate Bill No. 1, lifting the ban on the flag. The bill repealing the Flag Law was approved and is now known as Act No. 2871.
To commemorate the revokement of the ban, Harrison issued Proclamation No. 18, designating October 30, 1919, as Flag Day. This day was observed annually until 1964, when it was moved to May 28. Today, Flag Days are celebrated from May 28 to June 12.
