The Panatà was revised in November 9, 2001 by then Secretary of Education Raul Roco, using shorter lines in less formal Tagalog.
[2] The oath was revised and amended again on February 14, 2023 by Vice President and then-Secretary of Education Sara Duterte replacing the words "nagdarasal" to "nananalangin".
In return, I will heed the counsel of my parents, I shall obey the rules of my school, I will fulfill the duties of a patriotic, law-abiding citizen; I will serve my country with selflessness and utter fidelity.
Since I love the Philippines, I shall heed the counsel of my parents, I shall obey the rules of my school, I shall fulfill the duties of a patriotic citizen, serving, studying, and praying with utter fidelity.
I offer my life, dreams, and striving to the Philippine nation[5] In 1993, a controversy erupted when 70 adherents of the Christian sect Jehovah's Witnesses: 68 students and two teachers, were expelled and fired respectively from five schools in Cebu for their failure to salute the flag, sing the Philippine National Anthem, and recite the patriotic oath.
1265, the law making the flag ceremony compulsory for all schools, citing the case of Gerona et al v. Secretary of Education.
[6] The superintendent also argued separation of church and state, stating the flag is devoid of religious significance and does not involve any religious ceremony, and that giving the JWs right to exemption would disrupt school discipline and demoralize the rest of the school population, which by far constitutes the great majority.
Evidence showed that none of the aggrieved parties engaged in "external acts" or behavior that would offend the people who believe in expressing their love of country through the observance of the flag ceremony even if they did not take part in the compulsory flag ceremony, having only quietly stood at attention during the event to show their respect for the right of those who choose to participate in the solemn proceedings.
The Court ruled in favor of the expelled students and the fired teachers on the grounds that expulsion due to religious beliefs is invalid,[7] explaining the importance of freedom of religion in the Philippines in an opinion written by justice Carolina Griño-Aquino: Religious freedom is a fundamental right which is entitled to the highest priority and the amplest protection among human rights, for it involves the relationship of man to his Creator.