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.

my unsolicited advice:

- let NHI  sing the song themselves. if they find fault each time, better let them do the tasks themselves. para wala nang reklamo at kung ano pang kaechosan. better yet, send LaLoma’s Marching Band do it. para band kung band.

- there are more important matters that the NHI should tackle -i.e. youth neglecting the importance of Philippine History, people that vandalize Historical site, and worse, the government itself vandalizes and destroys historical site (do you still remember a CDO Mayor approved to destroy the very historical  Huluga Caves in favor of a highway?). these issues are much worthy than listening to what they think about the latest singer’s rendition of the National Anthem.

- can they just be loose about it? i mean c’mon, he sang in front of thousands of people who are gathered around because of passion and adrenaline. they sang it with pride naman eh. bagayin mo ba daw ang march style? you like?

- look at these girls, they are half naked while singing the Star Spangled Banner… lolz (my brother keeps on saying they are the sexiest chipmunks alive. lolz)