Concert King Martin Nievera's  rendition of our National Anthem during the Pacquiao vs. Hatton bout was faced with criticism in several sectors notably from the National Historical Institute. A possible  case is also being lobbied againts him from one congressman, Rep.Elpidio Barzaga of Cavite, in violation of R.A. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Act. The NHI, the government agency tasked to ensure that national symbols are given the reverence and respect they deserve, said Nievera should not have slowed down the song’s opening and ending. The NHI added the singer should have sung the entire song in accordance with composer Julian Felipe’s “march-type" tempo.

Although Mr. Nieverra really sang it very well and very emotionally, I believe those kind of renditions should be reserved on other songs not on our National Anthem. I respect Martin as an artist and he was one of my favorite balladeers our country has ever produced but what he had done  to our National Anthem is wrong. Its not just wrong  because it should be sang according to composer Julian Felipe's tempo but because Mr. Martin is an icon looked upon by the youths and masses. Our National Anthem is identical to our own definition of a Filifino just like our Flag. We cannot just alter our Flag and use it anywhere and for anything we want. Same thing, we cannot just do our own renditions on our Anthem or edit it. Before this incident, there are a lot more celebrities who sang our National Anthem according to their preferences. This gave a wrong impression to the people that what they are doing are right since no actions are being done from our agencies. This is not a concert where you can just do your own rendition on a revival song. If it is alright to render our National Anthem incorrectly means it is also okay to sing it in a rock or rap method. Imagine "Lupang Hinirang in Rock Metal Version" or "Lupang Hinirang - Remixed Version ".