Philippine flag hoisted for war!
By eileenleyva
@eileenleyva (27560)
Philippines
September 26, 2010 4:06pm CST
The Philippine flag law is very clear about how to show our colors - the blue on top, in time of peace, or the red on top, in time of war.
So far, in all my years, the red had never been on top, except yesterday, when President Aquino convened with ASEAN members in the US, during the meeting of the UN General Assembly.
Could it be a dire foreboding? Nah, that is over reading! The US Embassy had already said that it was an honest mistake, and added that they will investigate the matter.
But the Philippines at war?
As far as I am concerned, we had been at war all along. We had been combating corruption and poverty and hunger, unemployment and environmental pollution, and many other ills. The social cancer had been incapacitating us, gripping the very fibers of our basic unit of society, the family. And this couldn't be a time of peace.
President Aquino was right, the world needs a global people power. And since the People Power concept originated from this nation in 1986, then let the world know that we really are at war to preserve humanity.
3 people like this
10 responses
@ybong007 (6643)
• Philippines
28 Sep 10
It certainly was an honest mistake and thank god it was not the Philippines who messed up otherwise we could be the hot seat again. Let's just not make a big deal out of it not unless a note or a sign that that says "this way up" will be included everytime our flag is hoisted.
1 person likes this
@stellar126 (278)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
If I saw our flag with the red on top, I would have ducked for cover already. But jokes aside, the sight of the red band on top would have alarmed anybody who knows the symbolism of the Philippine flag and what it implies.
But you are right, we have been at war all along. But to be honest, this protracted war against corruption, poverty, hunger, unemployment and with all their ugly cousins have been too long, too ineffectual.
Maybe what we need is a new strategy. And with President Noynoy at the helm, maybe that's something to look forward to.
1 person likes this
@EnslinPorter (1718)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
Interesting topic. I thought at first it was going to be about the apology thingy but it's something else...and of great substance too. 
My mom thought of the same thing, maybe it's a sign? But then, I remember the series on the History Channel called the "Nostradamus Effect" when his prophecies coincide with current events. Maybe it's a similar thing. 
You've got a good point. Is the Philippines really in peace? I didn't see it that way until today. I hope all those social factors that need repair and fixing be solved someday (and soon) so that our country will finally experience true peace. I guess it might take longer but I do hope I get to see it.
My mom thought of the same thing, maybe it's a sign? But then, I remember the series on the History Channel called the "Nostradamus Effect" when his prophecies coincide with current events. Maybe it's a similar thing.
You've got a good point. Is the Philippines really in peace? I didn't see it that way until today. I hope all those social factors that need repair and fixing be solved someday (and soon) so that our country will finally experience true peace. I guess it might take longer but I do hope I get to see it.1 person likes this
@o0jopak0o (6394)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
well for me its a little bit funny to have this kind of mistake in the international scene.
but the news didnt say who made that mistake directly.
1 person likes this
@airasheila (5454)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
Good day to you eileenleyva,
I was quite upset when I have read the news. To think, our beloved President was there as one of the attendees. However, as they have said, it is an honest mistake. For this reason, let us give the benefit of the doubt for what had happened. Anyway, nothing to loose if we give them the benefit of the doubt.
@greenpeas (998)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
I think it is an honest mistake by the flag hoisters.
It's better to not dwell with these simple faux pas and instead look at the occasion as a chance for our country to shine and attract more investors which will ultimately benefit our economy and our people.
1 person likes this
@chiyosan (30183)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
i don't want to think and speak ill of other nations. i just hope that this is true that they meant no mockery or fun of the country when this was done. it has been a long time and how could they have missed this.. its just so sad how every country in the world sees the Philippines in such a not so good way...
1 person likes this
@LetranKnight25 (33121)
• Philippines
27 Sep 10
Hello there,
NO BIG DEAL! of course, it's very imperative that We SHOULDN'T and CAN'T Afford to make or have War with other nations.
WE ARE ALREADY AT WAr. and that is within.
the most popular is against corruption. secondary is with against the Rebel Forces in our country.
If we truly get into the war now, our Armed Forces will grow thinner, estimating impending defeat in days.
not only conquerors win, rebel forces win (conquered later on).
anyway, just an honest mistake.1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
26 Sep 10
We saw this on Sky News earlier..a sorry state of affairs! Can you imagine if that had been the other way round..as in your government messing with the US flag? I dread to think!
According to hubby the Americans are always portraying our Union Flag upside down which is a sign of "distress" according to him.
1 person likes this
@The_Mechanical_Turk (208)
• United States
27 Sep 10
I really believe that it's just a honest mistake. But I agree with you Ms. eileenleyva that we are still at war not against other country but for our own selves against poverty and corruption and the never ending true war at Mindanao. Our country is still not in peace and its unclear if we can have it now.
1 person likes this
