flag ceremony compulsory for all schools, citing the case of Gerona et al v. Secretary of Education. 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, explaining the importance of freedom of religion in the Philippines in an opinion written by justice Carolina Griño-Aquino: The students were later allowed to re-enroll in the school they were expelled from, and the teachers were allowed to resume their duties. See also Flag of the Philippines References Philippine culture Oaths of allegiance