Monday, March 16, 2015

DOJ ready to probe 'wrong rendition' of Philippine national anthem during Pacquiao-Clottey fight

Department of Justice (DOJ) Secretary and concurrent Solicitor General Alberto Agra on Monday said that they are ready to investigate the alleged wrong rendition of the Philippine National Anthem during the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight on Sunday.

Agra stressed that if ever a case is filed regarding the improper singing of the national anthem, they will immediately form a panel of prosecutors specifically assigned to conduct the investigation.

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 NHI, in coordination with the proper government agency, shall disseminate an official music score sheet that reflects the manner in which the national anthem should be played or sung.

When the national anthem is played, the public is required to sing and do so "with fervor."

They are expected to sing while the right hand is placed over the left chest. Uniformed personnel, meanwhile, are to salute the flag as prescribed by their respective regulations.

Individuals whose faith prohibit them from singing Lupang Hinirang must still show full respect.

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 to the Philippine Flag (Panunumpa ng Katapatan sa Watawat ng Pilipinas) may be recited as well, though the law did not specify who is required to do so.

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

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 Office of the President, shall after proper notice and hearing, shall be penalized by public censure which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation.

If found guilty of violating Republic Act 8491, the singer may be imprisoned for not more than one year and fined from P5,000 up to P20,000.

All citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at public gatherings.

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

However, the National Historical Institute (NHI) clarified on Monday that they have not yet filed a criminal case against singer Arnel Pineda in connection with the wrong rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" during the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey boxing bout on Sunday.

According to Prof. Teddy Atienza, chief of the Heraldy section of the NHI, at present they are still gathering a video footage of Pineda's singing of the national anthem in the Pacquiao-Clottey fight.

After this, they will file a report before the NHI board who will determine whether Pineda will be charged before the DOJ.

However, Atienza said that they are ready to forgive if Pineda asks for an apology by way of helping in the campaign of the NHI to educate the public on the proper singing of the national anthem.

Atienza added that the explanation of Pineda that his rendition of "Lupang Hinirang" was from the bottom of his heart was not enough as there is a law regarding the proper way of singing the national anthem. (PNA)

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