NHCP condemns viral video showing rave partygoers singing ‘Lupang Hinirang’

The incident quickly drew the ire of many social media users, who criticized the action as disrespectful to the National Anthem.

"This honestly feels really disrespectful. 'Yung national anthem isn’t just some random song na pwedeng gawing joke—it represents our country and who we are. Hindi ko gets bakit kailangan pang ganyanin," one user commented on the video.

Another said, "This is so disrespectful and goes too far, and also illegal for tampering with the music."

@bratittudeaxxl disrespecting the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," is prohibited under Republic Act No. 8491 (Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines) and Commonwealth Act No. 634. Violators face fines of ₱5,000 to ₱20,000 or imprisonment up to one year, with stricter penalties for repeat offenses. Respectful conduct, such as standing at attention and saluting, is mandatory when the anthem is played. kabataan pa nga ba ang pag asa ng bayan?#fyp #nationalanthem #xyzbcafypシ #foryoupage #justiceforalyssa ♬ original sound - moka

In a statement, the NHCP said that while they were unable to pinpoint the exact location of the party, their sources suggested it took place back in December last year in the US.

"Considering that Philippine domestic laws cannot be applied extraterritorially, we are technically constrained from taking appropriate legal action on the incident," the commission said.

However, they warned Filipinos living abroad that the Philippines' official national symbols, such as the National Flag, the National Anthem, and the Coat of Arms and Great Seal of the Republic, are protected from misuse under Republic Act No. 8491, otherwise known as the "Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines."

In particular, Sections 37 and 38 of the act mandate that the National Anthem, "shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe" and that it "shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes."

"While patriotic fervor may be exercised in many ways, it must be done with discretion and circumspection, and aligned with existing laws or culturally sensitive, as carelessness on our part may at times give the wrong impression or even cause offense, even when our original intent is to inspire and edify our countrymen," the NHCP said.

"The freedom and rights which we enjoy today [were] paid for by the blood, sweat, and tears of our heroes. Our duty, as heirs to this invaluable legacy, is to exercise this freedom responsibly," they added.

Violators of RA 8491 will be punished by a fine between P5,000 and P20,000.00, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both at the discretion of the court.