Wednesday, April 18, 2007 Speak out: Respect for flag By Souie Mercado
FOR me, desecrating the flag of the Philippines--the flag that I have sworn allegiance to--is a crime against the Filipino people and must not be ignored.
If our forefathers gave up their lives to defend that flag, there is no reason why we, who have profited and enjoyed the fruits of their sacrifices, will not do the same.
Section 34 of Republic Act 8491 prohibits anyone from mutilating, defacing, defiling, trampling on or casting contempt or committing any act or omission, casting dishonor or ridicule on the Philippine flag or over its surface.
One is prohibited from adding any word, figure, mark…or imprint of any nature on the flag.
But look at what some of our kababayans did during the Pacquiao-Solis fight in Alamodome, San Antonio,Texas last April 14.
They desecrated our flag!
We call the attention of all patriotic Filipinos and the different Filipino organizations here in America and in the Philippines to condemn such act.
They should declare the person/persons who displayed the desecrated Philippine flag (with "Vote Manny" markings) persona non grata.
They should urge our consulate and embassy officials to act in accordance with the law.
If we spend time, effort and meager resources to persuade our kababayans to retain their Philippine citizenship because of our love for our country, then we must also be courageous enough to strip anyone who will make mockery of our being Filipinos of the right to become a citizen.
After all, they don't deserve to become Filipinos, or the Philippines does not deserve to have them as citizens.
How do we expect other people to respect our flag if we will allow such condemnable act to go unnoticed?
Let us preserve our pride and dignity as Filipinos.
