MANILA, Philippines?The controversy that arose from singer Martin Nievera?s version of the national anthem in the Pacquiao-Hatton boxing match in Las Vegas could end on a sour note.
Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said Wednesday at the ?Ayes and Nays? forum that he would file a ?test case? against Nievera for singing the hymn in his own style in violation of the country?s laws.
The congressman said the move would be in behalf of most Cavite?os who were incensed at how Nievera departed sharply from the musical arrangement of their fellow Cavite?o, composer Julian Felipe, who wrote Lupang Hinirang in a marching tone in 1898.
Nievera?s rendition clearly violated section 37 of the Republic Act No. 8491, also known as the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, that provides that ?the rendition of the National Anthem, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe,? he added.
Barzaga said neither ignorance nor lack of intent could excuse Nievera from culpability.
?This will be a test case in order to settle this issue once and for all,? said the legislator who expressed support for a suggestion from colleagues in the House of Representatives to investigate the incident.
In Vigan City, where he was a judge in the Ilocandia Singing Idol contest, composer and music arranger/conductor Ryan Cayabyab said he had warned Nievera not to change the melody of the national anthem at the start of Sunday?s Pacquiao-Hatton match.
?Martin, papatayin ka ng tao. Huwag mong papalitan yung huling part kasi delikado ka (Martin, the people will kill you. Don?t ever think of changing the last part, or you?ll get into trouble) You will be crucified for that,? Cayabyab recalled telling Nievera.
The composer said he urged Nievera to sing the anthem the regular way because other Filipinos would be joining him in the singing, adding that the singer had sent him a copy of his nontraditional rendition of ?Lupang Hinirang? five days before the fight. Nievera, however, told him that he would push through with his plan because he was ?doing it for the country.?
Cayabyab said Nievera delivered ?a very good performance? but lamented that the rendition violated the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
