Singing the National Anthem in various styles or desecrating the Philippine flag would soon be a criminal offense following today's approval by the House of Representatives of House Bill No. 10323, "An Act Prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and Other Heraldic Items and Devices of the Philippines."
The House Committee on Basic Education and Culture, chaired by Rep. Roman Romulo (Pasig) sponsored the floor deliberation of the Committee Report 1276, the consolidated measure seeking to protect the National Anthem, the Philippine flag, and other heraldic items and devices.
"Congress has given more teeth to government's campaign to invigorate respect, patriotism, and love of country, instilling in the citizens' consciousness the nation's history and, as a nation, a reminder to continuously struggle for justice, equality and freedom which the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices signify," Escudero said.
Romulo said the respect accorded the use of the National symbols form the base of good citizenship and must be reiterated and strengthened.
Under the measure, violators face a fine of 100,000 and imprisonment of two years.
The bills approved by the housing body is a consolidation of House Bill Numbers 1095 or "An Act Amending Section 24 of Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines" authored by Rep. Ron Salo (Kabayan), House Bill No. 2748 or "An Act Strengthening the Rules on the Proper Use and Display of our National Symbols and the rendition of the national anthem, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as the 'Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines' authored by Reps. Rufus Rodriguez (2nd District, Cagayan de Oro) and Evelina Escudero (1st District, Sorsogon).
"The increase in penalties could create awareness of the citizens' patriotism and nationalism, to Filipinos of all ages," Rodriguez said.
"Some violations usually happen in cinemas where moviegoers do not even stand up when the National Anthem is being played," Rodriguez said.
The bill empowers the security personnel and ushers in movie houses to arrest a violator and summon law enforcement officers to assist in conducting citizens' arrests.
The measure also requires all citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervor, as a sign of respect, when the National Anthem is played at a public gathering.
Romulo said the measure intends to polish the conceptual outline of the law for clarity. "The bill now has more teeth. It aims to update the law in the light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms."
Prohibited under the measure are the various Interpretations of "Lupang Hinirang" which deviates from the musical arrangement of the composer Maestro Julian Felipe.
Under the bill, the National Anthem should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played.
Using the Philippine flag and other heraldic items and devices as an advertising tool for political or private purposes, and as clothing or fashion accessory other than prescribed shall also be prohibited.
The National flag, anthem, seal, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices, are not to be mutilated, defaced, defiled, trampled on or cast contempt, or commit any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon it.
The flag may be used to cover the casket of the honored dead of the military, veterans, national artists, and of civilians who have rendered distinguished service to the nation, as may be determined by the local government unit concerned, but not to be lowered to the grave or touch the ground, and shall be folded solemnly and handed over to the heirs of the deceased.
The measure also requires all government and private offices as well as Filipino residences to display the Philippine flag from May 28, the National Flag Day to June 12, the Independence Day of each year, declaring the period as Flag Days.
Under the bill, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines shall be responsible for the strict enforcement of the measure and shall submit the implementing rules and regulations to the Office of the President and Congress of the Philippines and may include other acts or omissions which shall be deemed disrespectful, relative to the flag, national anthem, great seal, coat-of-arms, the national motto, and other heraldic items and devices.
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