Prosecutors ready to tackle complaint vs Pineda over RP anthem row

Government prosecutors are ready to tackle a prospective complaint from the National Historical Institute against Journey lead singer Arnel Pineda over his rendition of the Philippine national anthem during the bout of boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny" Pacquiao against Joshua Clottey in Texas Sunday (Manila time). In a radio interview Monday, Justice Secretary Alberto Agra said the prosecutors will take first crack at the complaint that the NHI threatened to file against Pineda for changing the tone and tempo of the anthem when he sang it. "Lahat ng reklamo, lahat na complaint, kailangan dinggin ng DOJ. Kung sa unang yugto di pa ito umabot sa Office of the Secretary, ito ay didinggin muna ng prosecutors (The DOJ is duty-bound to tackle complaints lodged before it. But it will initially be brought at the level of the prosecutors before the Office of the Secretary)," Agra told dwIZ radio. On the other hand, Agra admitted he could not pass judgment on whether Pineda violated the law, as he failed to watch the televised bout Sunday. "Pagpapaumanhin ko di ko napanood ang pagkapanalo ni Pacquiao. Di ko alam ano ang naging rendition ng kanta (I am sorry I did not watch the bout so I did not see how the anthem was rendered)," he said. Law is clear Still, he said the law prohibits the rendition of the national anthem in a manner different from its original tempo and tone. He noted this was what got singer Martin Nievera in trouble with the NHI. "Maliwanag yan, matagal na po batas ito at di pa repealed. Sa ngayon, maliwanag ano ang tono at hymn ng national anthem (It is clear, the law specifies the tone and hymn of the national anthem)," Agra said. Republic Act 8491, approved Feb. 12, 1998, prescribes the code of the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines

Under Sec. 20, the playing or singing of the anthem should be "in its original Filipino lyrics and march tempo." On the other hand, Sec. 50 said violators face a fine of P5,000 to P20,000, or imprisonment of up to one year, or both at the discretion of the court. "For any second and additional offenses, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed: Provided, further, That in case the violation is committed by a juridical person, its President or Chief Executive Officer thereof shall be liable," the law added. Not pleased On Sunday, NHI Heraldry Section chief Teddy Atienza was not pleased with Pineda’s rendition of the national anthem and said they would file a complaint against Pineda before the DOJ. [See: Arnel Pineda’s version of RP anthem criticized] But Pineda defended his version, saying he had sung it with all his heart. He said he would ask his lawyer to deal with the complaint once it is filed. Pineda, who rose to fame in 2007 when members of the US-based band discovered him on YouTube, belted out before a crowd of almost 51,00 boxing fans his somewhat slow rendition of "Lupang Hinirang." - RSJ, GMANews.TV