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Philippines - flag specifications

by Zeljko Heimer, 8 November 2002

Explanation of the specifications

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Explanation of the specifications

The specifications of the current flag were laid down in 1936; prior to that the dimensions of the triangle near the hoist were different; also, until 1936 there was the tradition of a Latin-American style face on the sun.
Manuel L. Quezon III, 4 January 2002

Album des Pavillons (2000) gives construction details as (45+45):(78+102) which is not quite exact - should be (45+45):(78~+102~), as 78 here is approximation of the height of the triangle with side equal 90 units. According to the construction sheet above, the flag size is 45 x 90 units. The sun's center is 14 units from hoist, diameter of the Sun's main disk is 9 with longer rays protruding 5 units to their tips, shorter rays protruding 4 units on their edge. The Sun is sectored into 16 each of 22.5°. The stars are inscribed in imaginary circles with centers 7 units from the triangle apices, the diameter of the circles is 5 units and the diameter of the circles inscribed into the five-pointed stars is 2 units (therefore these stars are not the usual "pentagram" stars, but of the "inflated" type, though the difference is rather minor. The white vertical line on the sheet shows the minimal allowed dimension of the flag - that is equal to two times the height of the triangle (the inclined white line). The 1:2 flag is prescribed by the law, and I suppose that this minimal size is understood as that when the flag should be replaced when shortened by wear and tear.
Zeljko Heimer, 8 November 2002

According to the 1989 confirmation of the 1936 construction details the flag may be made in a reduced length (presumably for civilian use) of not less than twice the length of the white triangle - or approx 10:17. Also, flags for special occasions may carry a fringe of knotted yellow silk around three sides one-fifth the diameter of the sun in width.
Christopher Southworth, 29 January 2001

The shorter length for practical purposes is mainly used for mini-flags, of which a lot are manufactured because every time there is a state visit, the capital is plastered with mini flags on all the lamp posts (of the Philippines and the flag of the visiting head of state or delegation). However, for full-size flags, I have never seen any but the maximum length flag.
Manuel L. Quezon III, 16 July 2003