Charges vs Martin Nievera eyed over anthem rendition

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker on Wednesday said he intends to file criminal charges against Martin Nievera over the singer's rendition of the Philippine national anthem during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight in Las Vegas last Sunday. In a weekly press conference, Cavite Rep. Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said the "test case" would determine if Nievera indeed violated Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which states that the national anthem should be played or sung in accordance with the musical arrangement of its composer, Julian Felipe. Even though the singer delivered his version of "Lupang Hinirang" in Las Vegas and not within Philippine territory, the performance was shown live via telecast all over the Philippines, Barzaga said. The lawmaker said there was "uproar" in Cavite over Nievera's version of "Lupang Hinirang" because it strayed from the musical arrangement of Felipe, whom he said was a native of the province. Barzaga said he would study first the possible content of his complaint. "I'll be drafting the complaint in the soonest possible time," he said, adding that he would likely file the case in a Cavite court. Barzaga, a practicing lawyer for 22 years before he entered Congress, said "good faith" is not a valid defense in such a case because the only question is whether there has been a violation of the law. Upon conviction, violators of RA 8491 will be fined P5,000 to P20,000, and may be imprisoned for no more than a year. On Tuesday, Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro Casiño and Akbayan Rep. Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel said there may be a need to amend RA 8491 so as not to penalize artists who interpret the national anthem differently. But Barzaga said he does not think there is a need to amend the said law, saying citizens need only to comply with it. The National Historical Institute (NHI) had earlier accused Nievera of violating the law and asked the singer to issue a public apology. Nievera, however, said he has nothing to apologize for, adding that Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao himself was pleased with the rendition. Pacquiao picked Nievera to sing the national anthem in his Las Vegas fight against British slugger Ricky Hatton. Pacquiao knocked out Hatton at the close of the second round. - GMANews.TV