Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel said that a law is required to make the recital of the ‘Bagong Pilipinas’ hymn and pledge mandatory.
Pimentel explained in a text message that a simple executive directive is insufficient as this “involves the way of thinking of the people.”
“I suggest that the Executive branch should submit a bill containing those ideas or amend the existing laws governing the National Anthem, Pledge, and Flag Raising ceremonies. The EO is not sufficient. I believe a law is needed in order to authorize that,” Pimentel said.
“This involves the way of thinking of the people. Hence, such a mandate must emanate from the people’s chosen representatives, their legislators. Also notice that the MC (memorandum circular) involves SUCs (state universities and colleges). The students therein are not even government employees. They all observe the established flag ceremony under existing law,” Pimentel added.
Senate President Chiz Escudero also agreed that an amended law may be needed to fulfill the wish of the president.
“Hindi yan nakapaloob sa Flag and Heraldic Code. Kung nais nilang gawin talagang pormal ‘yan at ipatupad sa lahat din ng mga okasyon ng pribadong sektor, ang tamang hakbang ay i-amend ang Flag and Heraldic Code at isama ‘yan,” Escudero said.
He he is not against the proposal itself.
“Kung ako ang tatanungin, hindi ako tutol doon dahil wala namang personalidad o pangalang binabanggit na pinapaboran. At tulad ng sabi ko, magandang paalala din ito sa ating mga kababayan na ito ‘yung listahan na pwede niyong singilin sa mga opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaan,” he said.
