MANILA, Philippines — How should singers in boxing champion Manny Pacquiao?s next fight or anybody singing the national anthem in public belt it out? A lawmaker wants to know.
Following criticisms that balladeer Martin Nievera did not make a correct rendition of ?Lupang Hinirang? during Pacquiao?s fight against British Rocky Hatton in Las Vegas over the weekend, Bayan Muna partylist Representative Teodoro Casi?o on Tuesday called on the House of Representatives to investigate the matter.
In filing House Resolution 1137, Casino said there was a need to look into the correct manner of singing the Philippine national anthem and whether there was a need to amend Republic Act 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
?It would do well for Congress to review Republic Act Number 8491 to see whether its restrictions on the singing of the national anthem, displaying of the flag and other national symbols are still appropriate, whether it should be relaxed or strengthened given the realities on the ground,? the resolution said.
Nievera was not the first artist who sang the national anthem in a different style and tempo, Casi?o said.
?As in the past, such non-traditional renditions elicit much debate among policymakers and the public at large as to the proper way of singing the national anthem and whether artists have the license to deviate from tradition,? he said in his resolution.
The law notwithstanding, Casino said that ?society also recognizes the artists’ right to free expression and to interpret the national anthem or depict the Philippine flag as they see fit, provided that such national symbols are revered and not desecrated.?
Officials of the National Historical Institute have been quoted in media as saying that Nievera and his arranger violated Section 37 of Chapter II of Republic Act 8491 which states: “The rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.”
Anyone who violates the law faces a fine of 5,000 to 20,000 pesos and imprisonment of up to one year.
