Pacquiao Proposes Stricter Punishment to Filipinos Who Don’t Stand Still When Singing National Anthem

Senator Manny Pacquiao wants to punish Filipinos who are not attentive during flag ceremony, when the Philippines’ national anthem, Lupang Hinirang is being played. In an interview with reporters last Wednesday, March 7, the boxer-politician said that it is time to be strict to people who disrespect the national symbols of the country.

“Nalulungkot ako kasi napapansin ko ngayon na dumarami na sa atin ang binabawela ang pagiging Pilipino natin. Kasi ngayon wala na tayong disiplina, maski sa Bayang Magiliw.” Sen. Pacquiao told reporters after the Commission on Appointments (CA) promoted him from Lieutenant Colonel to Colonel as a reservist of the Philippine Army.

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(I’m sad because I notice that today, many of us are not serious in being a Filipino. Because today, we have no more discipline, even in Bayang Magiliw.)

“Noong estudyante tayo, tumatayo ng maayos pag may flag ceremony at pag inaawit ang Bayang Magiliw. Pero pag tumanda na, di na ginagawa. Nandun yung hindi tumatayo, o kaya naman galaw nang galaw. Sa mga laban ko sa boxing, nakafocus lang tayo palagi doon sa singer sa pero hindi sa mga tao.” He added.

(When we were students, we used to stand still during flag ceremony and singing Bayang Magiliw. But when we grow older, we don’t do it anymore. Some of us don’t even stand or stand but are moving. In my fights, we always focus on the singer only but not on the people.)

Sen. Pacquiao did not provide details of his proposed punishment to disrespectful Filipinos, but noted that he will announce it in the Senate early next week. Meanwhile, there is already an existing law, "An Act prescribing the Code of the National Flag, Anthem, Motto, Coat-of-Arms and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines."



Also known as Republic Act No. 8491, Section 38 states that, “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.” Section 50 states a fine of P5,000.00-P20,000 for violators, or by imprisonment for not more than 1 year.

Contributed by Renato Pasayao