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A lawyer challenged the National Historical Institute’s (NHI) rebuke of Martin Nievera’s controversial rendition of the Philippine National Anthem during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight last Sunday, saying that although the performance was in “bad taste,” Nievera did not violate any law.
“It certainly does not constitute criminal conduct. Call it artistic license exercised in bad judgment, but it is still constitutionally-protected free expression and therefore not subject to criminal prosecution,” said Atty. Harry Roque Jr., chairperson of the Center for International Law (CenterLaw) Philippines.
CenterLaw is a non-government organization that advocates free speech and human rights.

Flag Code
The NHI said this constituted a violation of Section 37 of Republic Act 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, which states that the rendition of the national anthem, whether played or sung, should be in accordance with the original musical arrangement of Julian Felipe, which follows a marching-type beat. Violators may be imprisoned for not more than a year and fined at least P20,000.

Source: www.abs-cbnnews.com