140. The Silent Suppression of Philippine Patriotism: The 1907 Ban on the Philippine Flag

In 1907, Filipinos were denied the right to display, fly, or hoist their national flag, a harsh blow after their defeat in the Philippine-American War and the dashed hope for independence following the Declaration of Independence in 1898. The Philippine flag not only represented the nation, but also symbolized the struggle for independence. However, the American-led Philippine Commission understood its power and banned its use and display through Act No. 1696, also known as "An Act to Prohibit the Display of Flags, Banners, Emblems, or Devices Used in the Philippine Islands for the Purpose of Rebellion or Insurrection Against the Authority of the United States." The law also prohibited the display of Katipunan symbols.

These Rizaliana cards were printed prior to the prohibition of the Philippine Flag by the Philippine Commission.

 

With the implementation of the Flag Law of 1907, the display of the Philippine flag was banned. In response, the sun and stars on these Rizaliana cards were covered up to conceal them in accordance with the law.

Many Filipinos were jailed for daring to display the flag, while others chose to hide or destroy their cherished possessions. But the fight to restore the right to display the flag was not over. From 1908 to 1914, fourteen bills were filed in Congress to repeal the Flag Law, and five were eventually passed by the Philippine Assembly. Despite these efforts, the approval body, the Philippine Commission, disregarded them. 

Finally, in 1919, Filipinos were able to use their national flag once again, thanks to the persistent efforts of Senate President Manuel Luis Quezon and House Speaker Sergio Osmeña. This marked a crucial moment in the Philippines' quest for independence and the flag once again became a symbol of patriotism for the nation.

This was sent through mail in 1909, the Philippine flag having been covered in paint to make it acceptable under the Flag Law of 1907, which forbade the display of the flag.

Source: www.esquiremag.ph,  by Mario Alvaro Limos,  June 6, 2019