The Philippine flag is more than just a piece of cloth; it is a powerful symbol of national identity, struggle, and sovereignty. Its history is deeply intertwined with the fight for independence, first against Spain, and then against the United States. During the American colonial period, displaying the Philippine flag became an act of defiance, a direct challenge to American authority, leading to a period where the very symbol of nationhood was outlawed. This era, often called the “Flag Law” period, highlights the intense political and symbolic struggle that defined the early decades of American rule in the Philippines. Understanding this fight for the flag is crucial to grasping the complexities of Philippine nationalism and its enduring resistance to foreign dominance.
The Birth of a Nation’s Symbol
The Philippine flag was born in the crucible of revolution. Emilio Aguinaldo, a key leader of the Philippine Revolution against Spain, designed the flag while in exile in Hong Kong in 1897. He was assisted by Marcela Agoncillo, her daughter Lorenza, and Delfina Herbosa de Natividad, a niece of national hero José Rizal. This design incorporated elements intended to represent the core ideals and history of the Filipino people’s struggle for freedom.
The flag’s key elements are:
- A white triangle on the hoist side, symbolizing equality and the Katipunan, the secret society that launched the revolution.
- A golden sun with eight rays within the triangle, representing the first eight provinces that rose in revolt against Spanish rule (Manila, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Laguna, and Batangas). The sun’s rays symbolize light, liberty, and democracy.
- Three five-pointed stars at each corner of the triangle, representing the three main island groups of the Philippines: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.
- A blue stripe at the top, representing peace, truth, and justice.
- A red stripe at the bottom, representing patriotism and valor. The unique aspect of the flag is that during times of war, the red stripe is flown at the top, signifying the nation’s fighting spirit.
This flag was first unfurled on May 28, 1898, after the Philippine Revolutionary Army’s victory over Spanish forces in the Battle of Alapan, Imus, Cavite. It was formally proclaimed as the national flag on June 12, 1898, during the Declaration of Philippine Independence at Aguinaldo’s ancestral home in Kawit, Cavite. For the Filipino revolutionaries, this flag was the tangible embodiment of their newly declared sovereignty and their aspirations for a free and independent republic.
From Revolution to American Occupation
The joy and hope of independence were short-lived. While the Philippines declared independence from Spain, a new colonial power was emerging: the United States. Following its victory in the Spanish-American War (1898), the U.S. acquired the Philippines, Puerto Rico, and Guam under the Treaty of Paris. This treaty, signed in December 1898, transferred Spanish sovereignty over the Philippines to the United States for the sum of $20 million, completely disregarding the aspirations and declaration of independence by the Filipino people.
The Filipino leaders, who had been fighting for their own freedom, were shocked and betrayed by this development. They had initially seen the Americans as potential allies against Spain, but it soon became clear that the U.S. intended to replace Spanish rule with its own. Tensions escalated, leading to the outbreak of the Philippine-American War (also known as the Philippine Insurrection by the Americans) in February 1899.
During this brutal conflict, the Philippine flag became a central symbol of resistance. Filipino soldiers fought under its colors, representing their commitment to the nascent republic and their rejection of American control. The flag symbolized the independence they believed they had rightfully won and were now defending against a new foreign power. The war was costly and devastating, resulting in hundreds of thousands of Filipino deaths (mostly civilians) and tens of thousands of American casualties. Although the organized Filipino resistance was eventually suppressed by 1902 with the capture of Aguinaldo, pockets of resistance continued for several more years.
The Policy of Pacification and Suppression
With the main phase of the war over, the U.S. government shifted towards establishing civil administration and implementing policies aimed at ‘pacifying’ the Filipino population and integrating them into the American colonial system. This involved building infrastructure, establishing an education system, and promoting English as the language of administration. However, it also involved suppressing any expressions of nationalism that could challenge American sovereignty.
The U.S. authorities viewed Filipino nationalism, particularly the display of the Philippine flag, as a threat to their control and an incitement to further rebellion. They believed that allowing the unfettered display of symbols of the former republic would keep alive hopes of immediate independence and undermine the legitimacy of American rule. This perspective led to the enactment of laws aimed at curbing nationalist sentiment and loyalty to the defunct Philippine Republic.
One of the earliest and most impactful of these laws was the Sedition Law (Act No. 292) passed by the Philippine Commission in 1901. This law made it illegal for Filipinos to advocate for independence or separation from the United States, whether through speech, writing, or affiliation. It was a broad law used to suppress any form of political dissent against American rule. While not directly targeting the flag, it created a climate where nationalist symbols were viewed with suspicion and often associated with seditious activities.
The Infamous Flag Law of 1907
The most direct and significant legal measure against the display of the Philippine flag was the passage of Act No. 1696, also known as the Flag Law, on August 23, 1907. This law explicitly prohibited the display of the Philippine flag and other flags, banners, emblems, and devices used by the Katipunan, the Philippine Republic, or the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the war against Spain and the United States.
Section 7 of Act No. 1696 stated:
“It shall be unlawful for any person to display publicly in the Philippine Islands, any flag, banner, emblem, or device used during the insurrection in the Philippine Islands to designate or identify the Philippine Republic, or the Katipunan, or the Philippine Revolutionary Army, or to use such flags, banners, emblems, or devices for the purpose of promoting resistance to the authority of the United States in the Philippine Islands.”
The penalty for violating this law was severe: a fine of not less than five hundred pesos and not more than five thousand pesos, or imprisonment for not less than three months and not more than five years, or both, at the discretion of the court.
The passage of the Flag Law in 1907 occurred during a significant period in Philippine colonial history. It coincided with the opening of the Philippine Assembly, the first elected legislative body in the Philippines. While the Assembly was established to give Filipinos a greater voice in their governance, the Flag Law was passed just before its inauguration, demonstrating the limits of this newfound political space and the American administration’s continued sensitivity to nationalist symbols.
The timing was also ironic because Filipino politicians elected to the Assembly, like Sergio Osmeña and Manuel L. Quezon, were overtly nationalist and advocated for independence, though within the framework of eventual self-government recognized by the U.S. government. The Flag Law seemed to be a measure to prevent the resurgence of overt, revolutionary nationalism symbolized by the flag.
Rationale Behind the Law
From the perspective of the American colonial government, the Flag Law was justified as a measure necessary for maintaining peace and order and consolidating American authority. They viewed the flag not just as a historical artifact but as a symbol that could still rally people to resist American rule, especially given that some resistance groups remained active in certain areas.
Governor-General James F. Smith argued that the law was needed to suppress lingering ‘insurrectionary’ sentiment. He and other American officials believed that the flag represented a past conflict and a rejected political entity (the Philippine Republic) and that its display could disrupt the process of building a new political order under American guidance.
Impact on Filipino Society
The Flag Law was deeply resented by Filipinos across different social strata. For many, it was a direct insult to their national pride and a denial of their history and aspirations. The flag was not just a relic of the war; it was the symbol of the independence movement itself, the sacrifices made, and the hope for future freedom. Prohibiting its display felt like prohibiting the very idea of Philippine nationhood.
The law forced nationalist sentiment underground or into less direct forms of expression. While public display of the physical flag was banned, the symbolism of the flag persisted in other ways:
- Literature and Arts: Nationalist writers, poets, and artists used metaphors, allegories, and historical themes that evoked the spirit of the flag and the struggle for independence, often subtly bypassing the strict censorship laws.
- Political Advocacy: Filipino politicians like Osmeña and Quezon, while operating within the American-established system (the Philippine Assembly), continued to advocate for independence through speeches, legislation, and diplomatic missions (like the Philippine Independence Mission). They pursued the goal represented by the flag, even if they couldn’t fly it publicly.
- Quiet Resistance: In private homes and gatherings, Filipinos continued to display the flag or its colors, keeping the symbol alive away from the watchful eyes of the authorities.
- Commemoration: Anniversaries of independence (June 12) or flag unfurling (May 28) were remembered, often discreetly, by nationalist groups and individuals.
The Philippine flag symbolism American sovereignty struggle was not just legal or military; it was cultural and psychological. The banning of the flag aimed to sever the connection between the Filipino people and their most potent national symbol, hoping to redirect their loyalty towards the American administration. However, it had the opposite effect, solidifying the flag’s place as a symbol of unyielding resistance and the true representation of the Filipino people’s desire for freedom.
The Legal and Political Fight for the Flag
The existence of the Flag Law spurred significant political debate and advocacy among Filipino leaders. Within the Philippine Assembly, which opened in October 1907, just months after the law’s passage, Filipino representatives often voiced their opposition to restrictions on nationalist expression. They argued that the display of the flag was not seditious but a legitimate expression of patriotism and a reminder of the nation’s history.
Key figures like Sergio Osmeña, the first Speaker of the Philippine Assembly, and Manuel L. Quezon, the Majority Floor Leader, were vocal proponents of eventual independence. While navigating the complex relationship with the American colonial government, they used their positions to push for greater autonomy and the recognition of Filipino rights. The repeal of the Flag Law became a specific goal for these politicians, symbolizing the broader struggle for the right to self-determination.
Petitions were submitted to the U.S. Congress and the American authorities in Manila, arguing that the Flag Law was repressive and unnecessary. Filipino representatives highlighted the peaceful nature of the nationalist movement operating within the framework of the Philippine Assembly and argued that allowing the display of the flag would actually foster goodwill and demonstrate trust.
The debate over the Flag Law was also covered by Filipino newspapers and publications, albeit with caution due to the Sedition Law and libel laws. Writers and journalists subtly criticized the restrictions on freedom of expression and the perceived hypocrisy of a democratic nation like the United States suppressing the symbols of another people’s aspirations for freedom.
Table of Key Laws and Events Related to the Flag
| Date | Event/Law | Description | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| May 28, 1898 | First Unfurling of the Flag | Philippine flag first unfurled after Battle of Alapan. | Symbolized military victory and impending declaration of independence. |
| June 12, 1898 | Declaration of Independence | Philippine Independence declared in Kawit, Cavite; flag formally adopted as national flag. | Birth of the First Philippine Republic, flag as its official symbol. |
| Feb 4, 1899 | Start of Phil-Am War | Conflict between US and Filipino forces begins. | Flag becomes a symbol of resistance against a new colonizer. |
| Nov 4, 1901 | Sedition Law (Act No. 292) | Prohibited advocating for independence or separation from the US. | Created a climate of suppression against nationalist sentiment and symbols. |
| Aug 23, 1907 | Flag Law (Act No. 1696) | Explicitly prohibited the public display of the Philippine flag and other revolutionary symbols. | Direct legal suppression of the national flag, intensifying symbolic struggle. |
| Oct 16, 1907 | Inauguration of Phil Assembly | First elected legislative body established, providing a platform for Filipino political leaders. | Allowed for organized political advocacy against the Flag Law and for independence. |
| Oct 30, 1919 | Repeal of Flag Law (Act No. 2871) | Philippine Legislature (Senate and House) repeals Act No. 1696. | Major victory for Filipino nationalists and symbolic reclaiming of the flag. |
The struggle for the flag was therefore a multifaceted one, involving not just legal challenges and political lobbying but also the quiet persistence of national identity through culture, art, and informal acts of remembrance.
The Path to Repeal
The movement to repeal the Flag Law gained momentum over time, influenced by several factors:
- Changing American Policy: As the years passed, the U.S. government’s approach to the Philippines gradually shifted. While still aiming for eventual self-government, there was a growing recognition of the need to grant more autonomy and respect Filipino nationalist aspirations. The focus shifted from outright suppression to guiding the Philippines towards eventual independence.
- Filipino Political Gains: The establishment of the Philippine Assembly in 1907 was followed by further steps towards self-rule. The Jones Law (Philippine Autonomy Act) of 1916 created a bicameral Philippine Legislature with a largely elected Senate and House of Representatives. This gave Filipino politicians even greater power and a stronger platform to advocate for nationalist causes, including the repeal of the Flag Law. The political leverage of Filipino leaders within the colonial government increased significantly.
- World War I: The global conflict from 1914-1918 and President Woodrow Wilson’s emphasis on self-determination as a war aim created a more favorable international climate for nationalist movements. It also led the U.S. to rely more heavily on Filipino support, making a harsh law like the Flag Law seem increasingly anachronistic and counterproductive.
- Persistency of Nationalism: Despite the suppression, Filipino nationalism remained strong. The continuous, albeit often subtle, display of loyalty to the flag’s symbolism demonstrated that the law was failing to extinguish the desire for independence. The government recognized that maintaining the ban was becoming increasingly difficult and politically untenable.
Filipino legislators in the newly empowered Philippine Legislature made the repeal of the Flag Law a priority. Bills were filed, and passionate speeches were delivered in the halls of government, arguing for the right of Filipinos to honor their national symbol.
One notable advocate was Teodoro Kalaw, a prominent nationalist figure, journalist, and later a member of the Philippine Assembly and Senate. He and others continuously pushed the agenda for repeal, highlighting the importance of the flag to the Filipino identity and arguing that its prohibition only served to breed resentment.
The efforts finally bore fruit in 1919.
The Repeal of Act No. 1696
On October 30, 1919, the Philippine Legislature passed Act No. 2871, which officially repealed the Flag Law (Act No. 1696). The bill was championed by Filipino legislators and signed into law by Governor-General Francis Burton Harrison. Harrison was known for his more liberal policies and his support for Filipinization (appointing Filipinos to positions in the colonial government), making him more receptive to nationalist demands than his predecessors.
The repeal of the Flag Law was met with widespread celebration throughout the archipelago. Filipinos could now openly display their national flag without fear of prosecution. Streets were decorated with the red, white, and blue; the sun and stars once again flew proudly from homes, offices, and public buildings.
“When the Flag Law was repealed, the joy of the people was immense. The flag was immediately displayed everywhere. It was as if a great weight had been lifted, a long-suppressed emotion finally given vent. The flag, forbidden for twelve long years, became a symbol of newfound freedom of expression and a tangible sign of progress towards independence.” – A historical account of the period.
The repeal was a significant victory for Filipino nationalism and a symbolic milestone in the pursuit of independence. It demonstrated the effectiveness of political advocacy within the established system and the increasing influence of Filipino leaders in shaping their country’s destiny.
The Flag as an Enduring Symbol of Sovereignty
The period of the Flag Law profoundly impacted the role and meaning of the Philippine flag. The twelve years of suppression (1907-1919) did not diminish its significance; instead, it heightened it. Being forbidden, the flag became even more sacred, a potent reminder of the sacrifices made during the revolution and the ongoing struggle for complete sovereignty.
The Philippine flag symbolism American sovereignty battle solidified the flag’s status as the ultimate symbol of Filipino identity and resistance. It represented:
- Unvanquished Nationalism: Despite military defeat and legal suppression, the spirit of nationalism remained vibrant, embodied by the persistent longing to fly the flag.
- Historical Continuity: The flag linked the generation under American rule to the revolutionary past, ensuring that the ideals of 1898 were not forgotten.
- Aspiration for Independence: Its presence was a constant visual reminder of the ultimate goal – full, unfettered sovereignty.
Even after the repeal, the flag continued to be a central element in political life and public celebrations. It was prominently displayed during campaigns for independence, national holidays, and international events. Its symbolism was reinforced through education and public discourse, ensuring that younger generations understood its history and significance.
The journey of the Philippine flag during the American colonial period serves as a powerful illustration of how symbols can become focal points for political conflict and national identity. The American attempt to suppress the flag was an attempt to suppress the very idea of an independent Filipino nation. The Filipino people’s fight to reclaim the right to display their flag was a fight for their history, their identity, and their future.
Today, the Philippine flag flies freely, a testament to the resilience of the Filipino spirit and the long, arduous path towards self-determination. Its colors and symbols continue to inspire patriotism and serve as a reminder of the continuous struggle for national progress and the preservation of sovereignty.
Key Takeaways:
- The Philippine flag, designed by Emilio Aguinaldo and first flown in 1898, is rich in symbolism representing freedom, the provinces that revolted, and the main island groups.
- Following the Philippine-American War, the U.S. colonial government viewed the flag as a symbol of insurrection and a threat to American sovereignty.
- The Sedition Law of 1901 made advocacy for independence illegal, setting a tone of suppression.
- The Flag Law (Act No. 1696) passed in 1907 explicitly banned the public display of the Philippine flag and other revolutionary symbols, with severe penalties.
- The ban on the flag was deeply unpopular and seen by Filipinos as an insult to their national identity and history.
- Despite the legal prohibition, the flag’s symbolism persisted through political advocacy, literature, art, and quiet acts of resistance.
- Filipino leaders, particularly within the Philippine Assembly and later the Philippine Legislature, actively campaigned for the repeal of the Flag Law.
- Factors like changing U.S. policy, Filipino political gains (like the Jones Law), and the global context of WWI contributed to the growing feasibility of repeal.
- The Flag Law was repealed by Act No. 2871 on October 30, 1919, a major victory for Filipino nationalism.
- The period of suppression intensified the flag’s meaning, solidifying its status as the primary symbol of Filipino identity, resistance, and the ongoing aspiration for full independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
Q: What was the Flag Law? A: The Flag Law, officially Act No. 1696, was a law passed by the American colonial government in the Philippines in 1907 that prohibited the public display of the Philippine flag and other symbols used by the Philippine Republic, the Katipunan, or the Philippine Revolutionary Army during the wars against Spain and the United States.
Q: Why did the American government ban the Philippine flag? A: The American colonial government viewed the Philippine flag as a symbol of the defunct Philippine Republic and the recent armed resistance against American rule (the Philippine-American War). They believed its display could incite further rebellion and undermine American sovereignty and efforts to establish peace and order.
Q: When was the Flag Law in effect? A: The Flag Law was in effect from its passage on August 23, 1907, until its repeal on October 30, 1919.
Q: How did Filipinos react to the Flag Law? A: Filipinos largely resented the Flag Law, seeing it as an insult to their national pride and a suppression of their history and aspirations for independence. They reacted through political advocacy, subtle cultural resistance (like using symbolism in art and literature), and keeping the flag’s significance alive privately.
Q: Who were key figures who fought against the Flag Law? A: Filipino politicians like Sergio Osmeña, Manuel L. Quezon, and Teodoro Kalaw, among many others in the Philippine Assembly and Legislature, were instrumental in advocating for the repeal of the Flag Law through political means.
Q: What happened when the Flag Law was repealed? A: The repeal in 1919 was met with widespread celebration. Filipinos could openly display their national flag again, symbolizing a significant victory for Filipino nationalism and progress towards self-governance.
Q: Did other symbols of Filipino nationalism also face suppression? A: Yes, the Sedition Law of 1901 was broader, prohibiting any speech or writing that advocated for independence. Other nationalist symbols and expressions were also viewed with suspicion, though the Flag Law specifically targeted the most prominent national emblem.
Q: What is the significance of the Flag Law period in Philippine history? A: The Flag Law period highlights the symbolic struggle between Filipino nationalism and American colonial power. It underscores the importance of the flag as a core symbol of identity and resistance, and the resilience of the Filipino people’s desire for independence despite suppression.
Conclusion
The fight for the flag during the American colonial period was a critical chapter in the narrative of Philippine nationalism. The U.S. administration, viewing the Philippine flag as a dangerous symbol of a defeated republic and ongoing resistance, enacted the Flag Law in 1907, criminalizing its display. This legislative act, however, failed to extinguish the spirit of Filipino identity and the aspiration for independence. Instead, it turned the flag into an even more potent symbol of defiance and historical continuity. Filipinos, through political channels, cultural expression, and quiet perseverance, kept the meaning of their flag alive. The eventual repeal of the Flag Law in 1919 was not merely a legal change; it was a powerful symbolic victory, demonstrating the growing strength of Filipino political will and the undeniable endurance of the nation’s desire for sovereignty. The period serves as a reminder that national symbols are often at the heart of struggles for self-determination, representing not just historical events, but the soul and aspirations of a people. The Philippine flag, having endured suppression, continues to wave as a proud testament to the Filipino people’s long and unwavering journey towards freedom and nationhood.