Travel content creator Teejay Hughes drew flak after wearing swimwear that featured design elements of the Philippine national flag.
The Miami-based vlogger posted photos on Friday, September 26, showing himself in a swimming brief that displayed a sun with rays, resembling the one on the Philippine flag.
The swimsuit also bore the flag’s colors and appeared to be styled to look like the flag itself.
“Ako ay Pilipino. I bought these so they don’t even have to ask if I’m Filipino anymore,” Teejay wrote in a social media post.
“Also, there’s soooo many ways to spell Philippino, huh,” he added.
“These are, like, my ‘made in the Philippines’ tag. Would you wear your country’s flag on your swimsuit?” Teejay continued.
His post caught the attention of some Filipinos, who raised concerns over the use of national flag design elements in his swimwear.
“Omg, this is against the law! Our flag can’t be used as clothing under RA Act #8491,” an online user wrote.
“Correct me if I’m wrong, pero’ di ba violation ‘to?” another commented.
“This is illegal, right?” asked a different user.
The Flag and Heraldic Code provides the basic rules and guidelines for displaying and hoisting the Philippine flag properly.
It also stipulates the code for the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines.
Under Section 39, the code says it is prohibited “wear the National Flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform.”
It is also illegal “to print, paint or attach representation of the National Flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and articles of merchandise.”
Merchandise refers to “the commodities or goods that are bought and sold in business.”
In 2018, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines issued an advisory regarding commercial products that bear elements of the national flag, such as the yellow stars and a coat of arms.
“Babala: Huwag tatangkilikin ang produktong ito dahil nilalabag nito ang Batas Republika Blg. 8491 o ang ‘Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines’ na nagbabawal sa paggamit sa mga elemento ng Pambansang Watawat ng Pilipinas sa mga produktong komersyal,” it said before.
The post specifically featured a picture of rubber shoes designed with elements of the national flag.
