Philippine Senate facade. ABS-CBN News/File

MANILA – The Senate of the Philippines skipped using the Bagong Pilipinas Hymn and Pledge during its flag ceremony on Monday, the first under Senate President Francis Escudero.

Escudero said the government's memorandum circular is applicable only to the executive branch and does not automatically cover the Senate, the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and other constitutional commissions.

"Independent ang desisyon nila kung gagamitin nila yan dahil ang sinusunod namin ay yung Flag and Heraldic Code na nagsasabi kung ano yung kakantahin kada flag raising ceremony," Escudero told reporters. 

(They have an independent say because we follow the Flag and Heraldic Code, which prescribes what should be in the flag ceremony.)

But Escudero said there was nothing wrong if they would use the hymn and pledge, which refer to hope, cooperation and progress. 

"At hindi lamang ito pagpapaalala sa ating mga sarili pagpapaalala din ito sa mga opisyal ng gubyerno na ito ang mga bagay bagay na pwedeng singilin sa amin ng ating mga kababayang kakanta o aawit nito lalong lalo na sa mga paaralan," Escudero said. 

(This is a reminder not just to all citizens but for government workers and officials especially as these are their deliverables.)

Palace orders inclusion of Bagong Pilipinas hymn, pledge in flag-raising ceremonies

The Senate chief has tasked their Secretariat to study the matter as it would be the first time the chamber could do it because there was no Senate when a similar pledge for the "Bagong Lipunan" was required during the first Marcos Administration.

"Hindi ako tutol doon dahil wala namang personalidad o pangalang binabanggit na pinapaboran at tulad ng sinabi ko magandang paalala ito sa amin  at paalala din ito sa ating mga kababayan na ito’y listahan na pwede niyong singilin sa mga opisyal at kawani ng pamahalaan." Escudero said. 

(I have no objection because it favors no individuals).

Escudero said students could be covered through the Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education and State Universities and Colleges.

Teachers’ groups: ‘Lupang Hinirang’ enough for flag ceremonies

However, both Escudero and Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel maintained that making the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge mandatory for all, even the private sector, would require amendments to the existing Flag and Heraldic Code.

"Hence such a mandate must emanate from the people’s chosen representatives, their legislators. Also notice that the MC involves SUCs. The students therein are not even government employees. They all observe the established flag ceremony under existing law." Pimentel said in a text message.