Beside those hot babes singing the US anthem in the Pacquaio-Clottey fight being more interesting, the goverment is again making a hoot over the way the Philippine national anthem was sung.

Justice head: ‘Pineda’s rendition may have violated national anthem law’


MANILA, Philippines -- Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda may have violated the law with his stylized singing of the national anthem during the Pacquiao-Clottey fight last Saturday in Texas (Sunday in Manila), according to Justice Secretary Alberto Agra.

Agra, concurrent Solicitor General, said Republic Act 8491 clearly banned the singing or playing of “Lupang Hinirang” in any way other than the original musical arrangement made by composer Julian Felipe.

RA 8491 imposes a penalty of imprisonment of not more than one year or a fine of between P5,000 and P20,000.

Agra said he did not get to watch Pacquiao's latest fight so he could not say yet if Pineda violated the law, as the National Historical Institute (NHI) charged.

“In no uncertain terms the law is very categorical. Under our law we must follow the arrangement of Julian Felipe,” he said when asked for comment.

Should the NHI decide to pursue a case against Pineda to set an example to other singers who would be singing the national anthem in such a prominent event, Agra said government lawyers would have to settle the legal question of where to file the case since Pineda sang it in the United States.

“We are confronted with the issue of jurisdiction. I haven't been requested to issue a new (legal opinion on that),” Agra said.