“We understand that the U.S. embassy has already admitted that it was an honest mistake,” said Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda.
“It was an honest mistake and therefore we moved on and we believe what is important is the relations between the U.S. and the Philippines,” he added.
The Philippine flag must always have the blue field on top because the red field symbolizes war.
As stated in Section 10 of Republic Act 8491: “The flag, if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right in time of peace, and the red field to the right in time of war.”
Lacierda explained that protocal officers were able to spot the mistake but because of the tight security, changes have not been made immediately.
“Our protocol offices were able to realize that the flag was inverted, but because the meeting itself had a very tight security, they were able to inform the state department at least the corresponding protocol officers of the state department,” said Lacierda.
It was Undersecretary Manolo Quezon who informed the U.S. Embassy about the error, which embassy spokesperson Rebecca Thompson said was merely an “honest mistake.”
“This thing not only happened to us. It has happened I understand also previously to other countries’ flag as well,” said Lacierda.
Lacierda said the flag mistake should not be taken badly. After all, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III had a fruitful trip to the U.S.
“What’s important…is the good news that President is going to bring home what he comes home tomorrow at 3 am,” said Lacierda.
Aquino was in the U.S. for a week-long state visit. He met with potential investors and graced the U.N. General Assembly.
source: By Thea Alberto
Yahoo! Southeast Asia
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