Gordon prods Nat'l Historical Institute to add 9th ray in RP flag's sun

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon today prodded the National Historical Institute (NHI) to support his proposal of adding a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine flag to acknowledge the courage and bravery of Muslim Filipinos who fought for the nation's independence.

Gordon said the ninth (9th) ray would symbolize and recognize the historic contribution of the Filipino Muslims for the nation's fight for independence against the Spanish colonizers who invaded the country a few centuries ago.

"It is time we put a ninth ray in the sun especially during this time when we still have conflicts among our brethren who are Muslims. This is a way of recognizing all their great traits such as courage, bravery, integrity and sense of pride," he said.

Gordon aired his views during a public hearing conducted by the Senate committee on constitutional amendments, revision of codes and laws on Senate Bill (SB) 2590 which he authored.

SB 2590 proposes that the rays of the sun on the Philippine flag be increased from eight to nine, to symbolize the community of Muslim leaders who defended the country from foreign invasion.

It seeks to amend Section 4 of Republic Act 8491, otherwise known as The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which, once passed into law, shall state that "the flag of the Philippines shall be blue, white and red with a NINE-rayed golden-yellow sun and three five-pointed stars, as consecrated and honored by the people."

Gordon, who also chairs the Senate tourism committee, justified his legislative proposal as he cited historical accounts of gallantry and bravery of Filipino heroes who fought for Philippine independence from Spain 's three-decade colonial rule.

"They are our forgotten heroes, and through this proposal, we seek to inculcate in the minds and hearts of our people pride for our native Muslim brothers who sacrificed their lives for the country's freedom," he said.

The senator also explained that it is important to recognize the efforts and contributions of the Filipino Muslims in the country's history so that they would not feel marginalized and Filipinos would be united regardless of creed.

"By adding a ninth ray in the sun to represent our Muslim brothers, I think we make ourselves one with our counterparts in the South, the Filipinos who were very, very successful in thwarting colonialism in our country," Gordon said.

"Mindanao is composed of Christians and Muslims. But for the Muslims, they say they were invaded by the Christians, precisely because they are not recognized as people who were the first among equals in terms of the revolution," he added.

Gordon told the NHI that his proposed measure would significantly contribute to achieving unity in the nation as it would send a strong message that Muslims are also Filipinos.

"We have to change the mindset of the National Historical Institute if we are to unite our nation. We have had this conflict for a long, long time because we have never embraced our Muslim brothers. I embrace my Muslim brothers. We must be embracing all our people," he said.