Barrita: National Anthem

EVERY time Filipino boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao climbs the ring, we’d hear different versions of “Lupang Hinirang,” our national anthem.

The latest version, in the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, was by Journey vocalist Arnel Pineda.

The National Historical Institute (NHI) now wants Pineda charged for violating the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines for singing a stylized version of the national anthem.

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The law, RA 8491, carries a penalty of not more the a year in jail and fine of P5,000 to P20,000.

Manny Pacquiao still has several fights ahead of him.

If the NHI pursues their charge against Pineda and others who will follow him, we may end up with as many Filipino artists in jail as the number of foes Pacman defeats in the ring.

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“Showing artistic expression is not a crime,” said Eleazardo Kasilag, president of the Federation of Associations of Private Schools Administrators, in defense of Pineda.

“It is the feeling behind the song,” he said, “not the notes that count.”

You may get carried away by your feelings in singing some songs, but in the case of the national anthem, you may end up being carried away to jail.

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Malacañang said it is running out of awards for boxing champ Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao who’s been routing all his opponents lately.

They may have exhausted all available awards for Manny.

But does the “Lord of the Ring” need any awards?

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Joshua Clottey chose to defend himself against Manny’s relentless barrage instead of engaging the Filipino champ in some boxing.

Disappointed boxing fans watching the bout at Pier Cuatro Hotel said Clottey should have instead played hide and seek.

Or he might just have been training to become his country’s next defense minister.

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Cebu City Mayor Tommy Osmeña has put in deep freeze a plan to build museum in honor of Pacman at the South Road Properties, saying they have other priorities to attend to.

Yes, such as becoming congressmen first.

Pacquiao in Sarangani Province and Mayor Tommy in the city’s south district.