A video of a male student of University of the East(UE) tying a small replica of Philippine flag to a stick and wave it a few times then jokily mop it to the floor just to evoke laughter to his fellow students went viral rapidly online.
It was fun to him but not to the Filipinos who have watched it as it was not a joke but an insult to the Philippine flag which quickly draws outrage online and generates fast to 13,000 reactions and 29,700 shares and viewed over a million times.
Netizens who are offended by this wrong behavior commented saying that he should be taught a lesson and be punished for an affront to the national symbol.
Some students who are also from that school says sorry for his actions and defended the school that his behavior does not reflect the entire institution.
In Republic Act No.8491 or “AN ACT PRESCRIBING THE CODE OF THE NATIONAL FLAG, ANTHEM, MOTTO, COAT-OF-ARMS AND OTHER HERALDIC ITEMS AND DEVICES OF THE PHILIPPINE” Chapter 1 Section 34 prohibits “mutilation, defacement, defilement, trampling upon or casting contempt any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface.”
Anyone found guilty of violating provisions in said act will “be punished by a fine of not less than Five thousand pesos (5,000.00) not more than Twenty thousand pesos (P20,000.00), or by imprisonment for not more than one (1) year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.”
