Amendment for “artistic” rendition of Lupang Hinirang

After the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, Martin Nievera was being questioned and asked for a public apology for not following the right way of singing of the Philippine National Anthem.

NHI (National Historical Institute), some politicians and other people says that Nievera disgraced the National Anthem made by Julian Felipe and Jose Palma.

On the other hand, AKBAYAN Rep. Ana Theresia Hontiveros-Baraquel called for the amendment of RA 8491. According to her, “artistic” rendition of Lupang Hinirang should be allowed as long as it stirs nationalism and pride. “We can ensure the integrity and reverential treatment of the national anthem by maintaining the melody, but the arrangement, cadence and rhythm can be altered to suit the occasion or the public mood,” she added.

For Baraquel, ievera’s performance was  “very artistic and was not in any way disrespectful of our national dignity.”