With all the problems that the Philippines is facing, our lawmakers still found the time to discuss an important topic — changing the lyrics to the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang.
The mastermind? Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III who suggested yesterday to change a phrase in the national anthem’s lyrics.
During the Senate debates on the proposed amendments to the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, Sotto suggested changing the phrase “ang mamatay ng dahil sa ‘yo (to die for you)” into “ang ipaglaban ang kalayaan mo (to fight for your freedom)“
The phrase is sung in the last line of the national anthem, which was composed in 1899 by José Palma.
According to a report by Abante TNT, Sotto said the original phrase sounded “too defeatist.”
For the unaware, the Flag and Heraldic Code, also known as Republic Act 8491 explains the right design of the flag, gives the complete lyrics to the national anthem, and how the public should behave whenever the anthem is being played, among other others.
But if Sotto were to have his way, there will be major changes in that law.
Perhaps Sotto is speaking from his experience as a composer. Before he pursued a career in politics, Sotto was a host, actor, and musician. He wrote one of the anthems of the 1986 People Power Revolution titled Magkaisa, and he’s also responsible for the disco hit Rock Baby, Rock.
He was a talented musician, but changing the lyrics of a centuries-old song? That won’t sit well with a lot of people.
But according to a report by the Philippine Star, Sotto was supported by his colleague, Senator Richard Gordon. And Gordon also wants to add another line to the anthem — “The Filipino is worth dying for,” the quote uttered by the late senator Benigno Aquino Jr.
And Gordon didn’t stop there. He also wanted to add another ray to the sun in the Philippine flag, which now has eight rays to represent the first provinces which revolted against Spain in the late 19th century.
According to Gordon, the ninth ray will represent the Muslim leaders who defended the country from foreign invaders.
This is not the first time that Gordon has proposed that. According to the Philippine Senate’s website, Gordon filed Senate Bill 3307 back in 2009, which proposed including that ninth ray into the flag.
Good luck senators, but expect a ton of Filipinos to reject what you’re asking for.
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