Group Files Legal Complaint against Robredo, Carpio for not Singing National Anthem
The National Historical and Patriotic Union of the Philippines (NHPUP) filed two separate legal complaints against Philippine Vice President Maria Leonor Robredo after she refused to sing the national anthem during President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday.
History professor and dean of University of the Philippines College of History, Dr. Claudio Bustamante, and head of NHPUP signed both complaints and submitted to the Supreme Court on Wednesday.
Both complaints refer to the House Bill House Bill No. 5224, the bill that also seeks to impose stiff penalties of P50,000 to P100,000 on “any person who, or entity which violates any provision” of the proposed law—much heftier than the P5,000 to P20,000 fine provided for by the current Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
Under the proposed measure, singing along when the anthem is played at public gatherings “shall be mandatory and must be done with fervor.” It may be noted the current flag code, enacted in 1998, did not use the word “mandatory” when it directed public attendees to sing along during gatherings.
As a sign of respect, all persons must stand at attention facing the Philippine flag, if displayed, or the band or conductor; civilians salute the flag with their right palm over the left chest.
But, the House bill also seeks to provide leeway for people whose religious beliefs prohibit them from singing. The current flag code did not contain any provision, while the House measure states these people “must, nonetheless, show full respect… by standing at attention.”
The group said it is not asking the high court to impose a big penalty on Robredo but to remind her of her responsibility as Vice President of this country.
“Mrs. Robredo must offer a public apology and take responsibility for her careless and senseless act”, the complaint said.
The NHPUP composed of history and social science faculty of major colleges and universities in the Philippines and is accredited by the National Historical Commission.
A similar complaint also filed against Associate Justice Antonio Carpio who was standing beside Robredo during the event.
No comment from both parties is given as of press time.
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Both complaints refer to the House Bill House Bill No. 5224, the bill that also seeks to impose stiff penalties of P50,000 to P100,000 on “any person who, or entity which violates any provision” of the proposed law—much heftier than the P5,000 to P20,000 fine provided for by the current Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
Under the proposed measure, singing along when the anthem is played at public gatherings “shall be mandatory and must be done with fervor.” It may be noted the current flag code, enacted in 1998, did not use the word “mandatory” when it directed public attendees to sing along during gatherings.
As a sign of respect, all persons must stand at attention facing the Philippine flag, if displayed, or the band or conductor; civilians salute the flag with their right palm over the left chest.
But, the House bill also seeks to provide leeway for people whose religious beliefs prohibit them from singing. The current flag code did not contain any provision, while the House measure states these people “must, nonetheless, show full respect… by standing at attention.”
The group said it is not asking the high court to impose a big penalty on Robredo but to remind her of her responsibility as Vice President of this country.
“Mrs. Robredo must offer a public apology and take responsibility for her careless and senseless act”, the complaint said.
The NHPUP composed of history and social science faculty of major colleges and universities in the Philippines and is accredited by the National Historical Commission.
A similar complaint also filed against Associate Justice Antonio Carpio who was standing beside Robredo during the event.
No comment from both parties is given as of press time.
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