The Philippine flag could be seen inverted during the leaders’ meeting of the US and Association ofSoutheast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in New York Saturday morning (Manila Time).
The photograph of the inverted flag with President Aquino sitting beside US President Barack Obama is still available at the Official Gazette of the Philippines.
Photo credit: Jay Morales / Malacañang Photo Bureau
Rebecca Thompson, spokesperson of the US Embassy in Manila has issued the following statement regarding the incident:
“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.”
I remember my teacher in HS who said that if you invert the Philippine flag (i.e., red above the blue), it means war. hmmm…i wonder if it’s true or just some “old wives’ tale”?