The House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill 5224, which updates, among others, the rules on the rendition of the national anthem, expressly repealing Republic Act No. 8491 or the “Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”.
Under the proposed “Revised Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines”, the national anthem, “Lupang Hinirang”, shall be committed to memory by all students of both public and private educational institutions, and rendered during the flag ceremony conducted in accordance with the rules and regulations issued by the NHCP.
As a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention and face the Philippine flag, if there is one displayed, and if there is none, they shall face the band or the conductor. Individuals, whose faith or religious beliefs prohibit them from singing the national anthem, must nonetheless show full respect when the anthem is being sung or played on record by standing at attention.
The rendition of the “Lupang Hinirang” shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe, in 2/4 beat when played; and within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat when sang. The national anthem shall not be played and sung preceding events of mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes, except on the following occasions: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative; national or local sports competitions; during the “signing off” and “signing on” of radio and television broadcasting 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 NHCP.
The singing of the national anthem by means of other languages or dialects other than the national language within the Philippines may be allowed, subject to the approval of the NHCP, in consultation with the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino (KWF). Any act which casts contempt, dishonor or ridicule upon the national anthem shall be penalized under the proposed law.
Violation of the law or the relevant regulations of the NHCP shall subject the offender to criminal and/or administrative cases, with the penalty of public censure, imprisonment and/or fine.
Authors of the bill include:
Reps. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro City),
Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon),
Christopher de Venecia (4th District, Pangasinan),
Marlyn Alonte (Lone District, Biñan City),
Victoria Isabel Noel (Party-list, AN WARAY),
Jose Christopher Belmonte (6th District, Quezon City),
Deogracias Victor Savellano (1st District, Ilocos Sur),
Sandra Eriguel (2nd District, La Union),
Pablo Ortega (1st District, La Union),
Anna Katrina Enverga (1st District, Quezon),
Lianda Bolilia (4th District, Batangas),
Rossana Vergara (3rd District, Nueva Ecija),
Ron Salo (Party-list, KABAYAN), Mark Go (Lone District, Baguio City),
Cecilia Leonila Chavez (Party-list, BUTIL),
Luisa Lloren Cuaresma (Lone District, Nueva Vizcaya),
Divina Grace Yu (1st District, Zamboanga del Sur),
Vilma Santos-Recto (6th District, Batangas),
Glona Labadlabad (2nd District, Zamboanga del Norte),
Ana Cristina Go (2nd District, Isabela),
Celso Lobregat (1st District, Zamboanga City),
Marlyn Primicias-Agabas (6th District, Pangasinan),
Harlin Neil Abayon III (Party-list, AANGAT TAYO),
Manuel Jose Dalipe (2nd District, Zamboanga City).
###via Maritz Moaje – PTVNews