Can't sing anthem? Pacman will do it

MANILA, Philippines – Next time around, Manny Pacquiao might just sing it himself.

Amid the hullabaloo stirred by what many consider an improper rendition of the national anthem by Martin Nievera before the Pacquiao-Hatton bout last May 3, the Filipino boxing idol said he is willing to sing the national anthem “Lupang Hinirang” in his next fight.

“Pwede naman siguro ‘yun (That’s possible) next time… next fight,” a beaming Pacquiao said.

The different versions of the national anthem sung in every Pacquiao bout have drawn varying degrees of post-fight criticism.

Pacquiao has music albums as well as an acting contract with GMA-7. His first album includes hits like “Para Sa’yo Ang Laban na ‘to” and “Pac-Man Punch.” His recent release was a “fight song” called “Lahing Pinoy.”

The people’s champ defended Nievera, saying critics should not have singled him out.

“Yung mga nagpupuna dyan naman mga sumasakay lang eh, mga KSP ba… mga kulang sa pansin (Those critics are just jumping on the bandwagon. They just want attention),” Pacquiao said.

The National Historical Institute (NHI), the Cebu provincial board as well as some lawmakers have criticized Nievera’s interpretation of the national anthem.

The provincial board of Cebu reportedly passed a resolution condemning Nievera’s version of the Lupang Hinirang, claiming he violated Republic Act 8491, or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, by allegedly “murdering” the national anthem.

Nievera has refused to apologize “for something I’m not sorry for.”

Other Filipino music artists like Charice Pempengco have expressed willingness to sing the national anthem in the next match of Pacquiao, possibly in October, against Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Juan Manuel Marquez. 

The NHI meanwhile sought the help of the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) in determining if there are grounds for the filing of charges against Nievera.

“We have already given the letter to them to hear their recommendations,” said NHI’s Teddy Atienza at the No Holds Barred forum at the National Press Club.

“Personally, I saw the intention to change or alter the law. We believe that there is evidence such as the statement of Ryan Cayabyab,” he said. Cayabyab had reportedly warned Nievera against changing the melody of the national anthem.

The NHI also pointed out that Nievera was wearing a Philippine flag-like earpiece which had the wrong color arrangement. NHI said the left side of the flag should be blue, while the red should be on the right side of the earpiece.

“My idea is that it would be better if we apply persuasion rather than punishment,” said Bayan Muna’s Rep. Teddy Casiño. 

“Schools must make sure that their students memorize by heart our national anthem and that they know how to sing it properly,” Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said. With Rainier Allan Ronda and Evelyn Macairan