New Controversy in the Singing of the Philippine Anthem at the Pacquiao-Cotto Match

The National Historical Institute (NHI) is not happy how the Filipino all-girl pop group "La Diva" sang the Philippine National Anthem during the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto match yesterday.

The NHI claims that the the trio's version was longer by about a minute and a half and is far from Julian Felipe's tempo of the Anthem.

Not so long ago, Filipino balladeer Martin Nievara was lambasted by the NHI for his alleged wrong rendition during the Manny Pacquiao-Ricky Hatton match.

Section 37 of Republic Act 8491 or the 1998 Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines tasked the National Historical Institute to see to it that the display of the Philippine Flag and the rendition of the National Anthem whether played or sung, should be in accordance with Julian Felipe's original musical arrangement which follows a marching-type beat.

Photo above features the stamp of the Philippine National Anthem Centennial issued by the Philippine Postal Corporation on September 3, 1999.

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