By Brian Jules Campued
Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Monday defended the issuance of Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 52 which orders all national government agencies and instrumentalities to include the recital of the Bagong Pilipinas hymn and pledge during weekly flag ceremonies, saying it is neither illegal nor irregular.
In a statement Monday, Estrada said that MC 52 aims to “foster a culture of good governance and progressive leadership across all government levels.”
“Walang pinagkaiba ito sa pagkanta ng Senate, school, at university hymns na isang paraan para ipaalala ang pagiging makabayan at pagkakaisa nating mga Pilipino,” he stated.
MC 52, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 4, also covers government-owned or -controlled corporations and state universities and colleges.
The move aims to instill the principles of “Bagong Pilipinas” among government workers, characterized by “principled, accountable and dependable government, reinforced by unified institutions of society.”
According to the Presidential Communications Office, Bagong Pilipinas envisions empowering Filipinos to support and participate in all government efforts in an all-inclusive plan toward deep and fundamental social and economic transformation in all sectors of society and government. – iro
