US apologizes for displaying inverted Philippine Flag

Apparently, President Noynoy Aquino and his staff failed to notice that the Philippine Flag was displayed with the red field above the blue field.

Section 10 of the Philippine Heraldic Code or RA 8491 states:

The flag, if flown from a flagpole, shall have its blue field on top in time of peace and the red field on top in time of war; if in a hanging position, the blue field shall be to the right (left of the observer) in time of peace, and the red field to the right (left of the observer) in time of war.

Recognizing the gaffe, the Unites States through its embassy here in Manila has admitted the mistake and apologized.

Statement of Rebecca Thompson, spokesperson of the US Embassy, on the inverted Philippine flag on display during the 2nd ASEAN-US Leader’s Meeting

[September 26, 2010]

This was an honest mistake. The U.S. treasures its close relationship and close partnership with the Philippines which were demonstrated this past week during President Aquino’s trip to the U.S., with the signing of the MCC Compact, the US-ASEAN meeting, and the meeting of our two Presidents that followed it.

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