Monday, May 5, 2014

Provincial Board condemns way Martin sang nat'l anthem

The Cebu Provincial Board condemned concert king Martin Nievera for “murdering” the Philippine National Anthem he sang during the Pacquiao versus Hatton boxing match the other day.

The condemnation is expressed in an immediate resolution passed and approved by the PB in yesterday’s session.

In a unanimous decision of the PB, approved was a resolution condemning Martin Nievera for singing the Philippine National Anthem in a beat and tune different from what is prescribed by the law.

The PB also considered the act not at all respectful of the sacred song of the country.

Cebu fourth district Provincial Board member Jose Ma. Gastardo also included in the resolution the mandate that the Philippine National Anthem should strictly and consistently be sung in accordance to Section 37 of the Republic Act 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

RA 8491 provides that the rendition of the national anthem entitled Lupang Hinirang, whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe.

Felipe is the original music arranger of Lupang Hinirang in 1898. It has tune of march and the lyrics was adapted from the Spanish poem “Filipinas” written by Jose Palma only in 1899.

The public to stand at attention and face the Philippine flag when the anthem is played. In case no flag is displayed, the public should face the band or the conductor.

Members of the uniformed services, security guards and trainees in uniform should execute a salute to the anthem as prescribed by their regulations. The public is also required to put their right palms over their left chests until the last note of the anthem.

The National Historical Institute is mandated to disseminate a copy of the official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung” to ensure standards are followed.

The national anthem, however, would not be allowed to be played and sung preceding events of recreation, amusement, or entertainment purposes.

But the anthem may be played during the following: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; national and local sports competitions, during the "signing off" and "signing on" of radio broadcasting and television stations, before the initial and last screening of films and before the opening of theater performances; and other occasions as may be allowed by the Institute.

The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic education institutions. The Pledge of Allegiance (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) may be recited as well, though the law did not specify who is required to do so.

In Section 20 of the law also states: “The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing or singing of the anthem in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo.”

When Nievera belted out Lupang Hinirang, it started slowly, took on a martial beat in the middle, then finally ended on a sustained high note.

Council chairman Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez said that the culture of the country must always be protected.

Gastardo pointed out that it should be a condemnation of illegal act as Nievera violated the RA 8491.

The PB at first considered referring the matter to the committee on culture and arts since it was not the first time that Filipino singers had sung the national anthem in a revised tune.

But Sanchez insisted that Nievera should not be exempted from the law just because he is a “stylist singer”.

Under Section 48 of RA 8491, “failure or refusal to observe the provisions of this Act and any violation of the corresponding rules and regulations issued by the Institute, after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.”

Further, Section 50 states that “any person or juridical entity which violates any of the provisions of this Act shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than P5,000 nor more than P20,000, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both such fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.”

Even moviegoers who do not stand up when the National Anthem is being played in cinemas will be sanctioned, 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.

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