DFA downplays inverted Phl flag during bilateral meeting

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) downplayed the mishandling of the Philippine flag during the bilateral meeting between the Philippines and Canada on Wednesday.

During the bilateral meeting on Wednesday between President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, the Philippine flag was erroneously shown in an inverted position.

A portion of the Philippine Flag and Heraldic Code mentions that the blue section of the flag, if displayed horizontally, should be positioned above the red section in periods of peace.

However, the red section of the flag, when also displayed horizontally, is placed above the blue in times of war.

In a statement coursed through the Presidential Communications Office, DFA Undersecretary Maria Theresa Lazaro said the incident was an "honest mistake" that had nothing to do with the department's protocol officers.

"But the battle of the socks continued," she added, referring to Marcos and Trudeau's shared knack of wearing colored or printed socks.

For context, Marcos and Trudeau posed for a photo while showcasing their custom-printed socks during the APEC gathering in November in Bangkok.

During their recent meeting on Wednesday, Trudeau extended an invitation to Marcos to visit Canada in the coming year, as both countries commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations.

"Next year, we are celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations. It will be celebrated. But the reality is the trade ties, economic ties between our countries continue to grow, the opportunities for investment, the flow of people back and forth as well. The Filipino-Canadian diaspora is incredibly important to all of us," Trudeau said.

As a response, Marcos said he was equally happy to meet the Canadian leader again to discuss all of the issues that are really in the process of evolution including the Philippine diaspora.

"Again, we cannot have discussions without mentioning the diaspora, the Philippine diaspora, to Canada. And I noted during our Independence Day, all these celebrations being held officially by local governments around Canada for the Philippines, as a celebration of Philippine culture, a celebration of Philippine independence, was really indicative of how well they have assimilated themselves into places and into your society," President Marcos said.

"And for that, that is something that we need to continue and to develop. It is perhaps the way of the world," he added.