Martin finds allies in party-list lawmakers

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers on Tuesday moved to have the law on how the national anthem should be sung reviewed after Martin Nievera’s rendition during the Pacquiao-Hatton boxing match drew flak over the weekend. House Resolution 1137, filed by Rep. Teodoro Casiño (Bayan Muna), calls for the review of Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, to determine whether restrictions on the manner of singing "Lupang Hinirang" should be relaxed or strengthened "given the realities on the ground." "I think amendments are in order so as not to penalize artists who interpret the anthem or depict the flag differently without necessarily desecrating these national symbols," Casiño said in a text message to reporters. Section 37 of Chapter 2 of the said law says the national anthem should be played or sung in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of its composer Julian Felipe. Violators upon conviction will be fined P5,000 to P20,000 and may be imprisoned for no more than a year. Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel (Akbayan) said the law should be amended to allow artists to deliver new "but still reverential" renditions of "Lupang Hinirang." In a statement, Baraquel said artistry and creativity in the treatment of the national anthem should be allowed as long as the anthem is not made irreverent. "I don't think Martin Nievera's rendition of the national anthem made millions of Filipinos feel less nationalistic or patriotic. It was very artistic and was not in any way disrespectful of our national dignity," she said. The National Historical Institute (NHI) accused Nievera of violating the law and asked him to apologize publicly. Nievera, for his part, said he has nothing to apologize for, adding that Manny Pacquiao himself was pleased with his rendition. Pacquiao was the one who picked Nievera to sing the national anthem in his Las Vegas fight against British slugger Ricky Hatton. Hatton was defeated at the second round. - GMANews.TV