Costanilla: Rage at anthem disrespect

DISRESPECT. For the nth time, let me express my dismay over some people’s disrespect for the Philippine national anthem every time it is played inside cinemas in local malls prior to a movie’s last full screening, usually around 9:30 p.m. We suggest that cinema management field at least two security guards or personnel to check if all moviegoers in cinemas stand at attention as a sign of respect for the anthem.

Recently I watched a movie in one of the mall cinemas here. When the anthem was played, everybody, including five Korean students, stood at attention except two Cebuanos (must have been a couple), who simply munched on their popcorn with their feet comfortably placed at the back rest of the seats in front of them. What a disgusting sight. They acted as if the anthem was of no significance at all.

Wrong. Something must be wrong with those two moviegoers. I don’t think nobody told them about the importance of respecting the anthem each time it is played. Don’t tell me they were not told about it in school. I think one of the reasons some people disregard the importance of the anthem is that nobody has been brought to court for it. Nobody has been penalized. Nobody has ever been blacklisted in cinemas for not singing the anthem. Cinema management should do something to encourage all moviegoers to stand at attention when the anthem is played.

Views. I have solicited the views of friends regarding this matter, and they texted their opinions. Former Interior and Local Government Usec. Lito Ruiz said there is no need to penalize those who don’t respect the anthem, but they should be told that it carries the message of our proud race. For Peachy Pegarido of the Movement for a Liveable Cebu, the anthem, just like the flag, should be respected by all.

Reminder. For Fr. Vic Amplayo, OSA, a songwriter, educators should remind their students about the importance of honoring the anthem. He recalled that when he was still a student, an ant bit his foot while he was singing the anthem during a flag raising ceremony, but he didn’t move until after the end of the song. Cebuano diva Dulce texted that one time, during the singing of the anthem, she saw a school janitor continue sweeping the ground as if he had heard nothing. She was dismayed by what she saw.

Penalize. For composer-arranger Doy Montaña, those who disrespect the anthem should be penalized with imprisonment or disqualification from holding public office. He texted that the anthem is the symbol of our unity as a people. Award-winning songwriter Eugene Tan is also for penalizing those who don’t respect the anthem. He said just like the flag, the anthem deserves honor and respect from all of us.

Imprisonment. Fellow columnist Chinggay Utzurrum says one’s love of country is manifested in his/her respect and love for the anthem and if he/she cannot do this, that person doesn’t deserve a country to belong to. Anti-drug crusader Clarence Paul Oaminal reminds us that under the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, those who violate any of its provisions could be punished with a fine of P5,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year or both. For veteran broadcaster Max “Daloydoy” Andrino, respecting the anthem is like respecting God and those who don’t respect it should be penalized.

Deadline. Dr. Mila Espina of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry says the deadline for the More Fun in Cebu poster-making contest is today. Entries should be submitted to Speechcom at Rivergate Complex on Gen. Maxilom Ave. Cash prizes for the top three winners are P10,000, P5,000 and P3,000 plus gift certificates from Ayala Center Cebu, SM City Cebu and Speechcom. Inquiries may be made at tel. 253-3656.