House OKs bill vs improper way of singing RP anthem

A warning to singers: invoking creative license when singing "Lupang Hinirang," the Philippines’ National Anthem, may no longer be allowed soon. On Wednesday evening, the House of Representatives passed on second reading House Bill 465 or "An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines." The bill will now be calendared for third reading, when the House members conduct nominal voting, before it is passed on to the Senate for consideration by the upper chamber. Under the proposed measure, a P100,000 fine and two-year imprisonment await a performer who will deviate from the official musical arrangement of "Lupang Hinirang" as composed by Julian Felipe. "Lupang Hinirang" should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played, the bill said. Several popular singers, among them Journey’s Arnel Pineda, Martin Nievera and the all-female group La Diva, had been criticized for their renditions of the country’s National Anthem, both during the fights of Filipino boxing icon and now Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao. Sorsogon Rep. Salvador Escudero III, chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture, sponsored the committee report on the floor. This was the first measure acted upon by the House in the plenary since the 15th Congress opened its session last July. More teeth "Congress has given more teeth to [the] government’s campaign to invigorate respect, patriotism and love of country, instilling in the citizens' consciousness the nation's history and, as a nation, a reminder to continuously struggle for justice, equality and freedom which the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices signify," Escudero said. He said the respect accorded the use of the National symbols form the base of good citizenship and must be reiterated and strengthened. Aside from the National Anthem, the bill — a consolation of House Bills 603 and 465 — also seeks to protect the Philippine flag and other heraldic items of the country. “The increase in penalties could create awareness of the citizens' patriotism and nationalism, to Filipinos of all ages," said Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the co-authors of the bill. Warning for moviegoers Rodriguez said even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned if the bill becomes a law, as it empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrest. The measure also requires all citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at a public gathering. "The bill now has more teeth. It aims to update the law in the light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms," said Escudero. Also prohibited under the measure is the use of the Philippine flag and other heraldic items and devices as an advertising tool for political or private purposes, and as clothing or fashion accessory other than what is prescribed. The National flag, anthem, seal, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices are not to be mutilated, defaced, defiled, or trampled on, the bill said. Anyone who shows contempt or commits any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule on heraldic items will also be held liable under the law. Respect the flag The flag may be used to cover the casket of the honored dead of the military, veterans, national artists, and of civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation, as maybe determined by the local government unit concerned, but not to be lowered to the grave or touch the ground, and shall be folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs of the deceased. The measure also requires all government and private offices as well as Filipino residences to display the Philippine flag from May 28, the National Flag Day to June 12, the Independence Day of each year, declaring the period as Flag Days. Under the bill, the National Heritage Institute shall be responsible for the strict enforcement of the measure and shall submit the implementing rules and regulations to the Office of the President and Congress of the Philippines and may include other acts or omission which shall be deemed disrespectful, relative to the flag, national anthem, great seal, coat-of-arms, national motto, and other heraldic items and devices. — KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV