The alleged “bastardized” version of Lupang Hinirang was sang by Martin Nievera at the start of the bout between Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on May 3, 2009.
In objecting to Nievera’s rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, the NHI cited Section 37 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8491 (1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) which 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.”
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; Provided, that the owners and management of the establishments shall be mandated to enforce proper decorum and implement the pertinent provisions of this act; civic activities, cultural shows or presentations and other occasions as may be allowed by the NHI.
The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic educational 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 states: “The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing and mandatory singing of the national 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.
The same law punishes failure or refusal to observe the provisions of the code with public censure, “which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. The guilty person may be fined up to P 5,000 or imprisoned for not more than a year, or “be meted with both penalties, at the discretion of the court.”
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, 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.
But Nievera has maintained he did nothing wrong, and he is unrepentant. He insisted he interpreted the song the way he “understood” it.
After 11 years, the National Anthem 1998 Centennial Version during the Presidency of Joseph Estrada making a comeback on ABS-CBN, S+A, PTV, One TV, One Sports, IBC, BEAM TV, now in digitally restored, remastered and in 4K UHD and 1080p Widescreen.
In objecting to Nievera’s rendition of the Philippine National Anthem, the NHI cited Section 37 of Republic Act (RA) No. 8491 (1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) which 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.”
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; Provided, that the owners and management of the establishments shall be mandated to enforce proper decorum and implement the pertinent provisions of this act; civic activities, cultural shows or presentations and other occasions as may be allowed by the NHI.
The Oath of Patriotism (Panatang Makabayan) must be recited after the singing of the national anthem in basic educational 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 states: “The observance of the flag ceremony in official or civic gatherings shall be simple and dignified and shall include the playing and mandatory singing of the national 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.
The same law punishes failure or refusal to observe the provisions of the code with public censure, “which shall be published at least once in a newspaper of general circulation. The guilty person may be fined up to P 5,000 or imprisoned for not more than a year, or “be meted with both penalties, at the discretion of the court.”
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, 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.
But Nievera has maintained he did nothing wrong, and he is unrepentant. He insisted he interpreted the song the way he “understood” it.
After 11 years, the National Anthem 1998 Centennial Version during the Presidency of Joseph Estrada making a comeback on ABS-CBN, S+A, PTV, One TV, One Sports, IBC, BEAM TV, now in digitally restored, remastered and in 4K UHD and 1080p Widescreen.
While on GMA-7 and GMA News TV-27 is the 1994 version produced by BPI.
