Ninth ray in RP flag being pushed

Manila, Philippines---Senator Richard J. Gordon says that he wants to add ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine flag to symbolize the Muslims who fought the foreign colonizers--and have remained tough throughout the century.

Radio report of DWIZ quoted Gordon as saying that, "Our national flag not only represents principles of sovereignty and solidarity of the Philippine nation, but also embodies the ideals and traditions of the Filipino people developed over the course of national history."

Gordon stated that the Philippine flag symbolizes the nation’s sacrifices to attain the independence and victory against foreign invaders.

The three stars in the flag represent the three divisions of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao; while the eight rays of the sun represent the eight provinces fought against the Spanish colonizers: Batangas, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac.

Gordon stated that behind the stories of the most celebrated names of national heroes who fought for our independence lie the stories of our mostly-forgotten Muslim heroes, including Lapu-Lapu, Sultan Kudarat, and Rajah Sulayman, who displayed courage to defend the country.

The senator clarified that this is his reason, that’s why he proposed to add a ninth ray to the sun in the Philippine flag---to acknowledge the courage and integrity of Muslim Filipinos who fought for the nation’s independence.

"Our Muslim heroes left an imprint on national history that, at the very least, must be given due recognition in the most heraldic item of national importance---he Philippine flag," he said.

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

Paula Isaiah L. Panganiban with reports from Grace-Landicho Perez