Letter to the editor - Tattered Philippine flag should not be thrown away

I am writing to you as a reaction to your published photo in an article entitled "Waste recycling is key to save energy," dated October 20, 2008.

The photo displays a tattered Philippine Flag waving in the middle of a land fill. Indeed, the photo depicts a myriad of emotions and meanings and is a good evidence of craftsmanship of the photo journalist.

However, as a concerned private citizen, I would like to remind you that your photo blatantly desecrates the value of our flag. Article 19 of "The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines" stipulates that "A worn-out National Flag should not be thrown away. It should be burned solemnly, ashed collected and buried."

As an institution that values and promotes Filipino interest, you should not have published such a demeaning photo of our sacred national symbol. In one way or the other, the photo jeopardizes the sanctity of our flag, thus, also putting into shame the honor of the Filipino nation.

I hope my reaction would be taken constructively and will remind you to always consider national interest in publishing whatever form of information, photo or text, in your dignified publication.