The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill that addresses controversies surrounding the wearing of fashion accessories containing items in the Philippine flag or seal and the propensity of Filipino artists to freely make their own interpretation of the National Anthem.

In a bid to make clear its stand against disrespect of the flag and other heraldic codes of the country, the chamber decided to hike the imposable fines up to five folds and doubled the prison term from one year to two years.

Congressmen also put in a new provision that would allow any person to conduct a citizen’s arrest while the law is being violated in his presence.

Before adjourning last week, lawmakers unanimously voted to pass House Bill 6424 which seeks to amend Republic Act 8492 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

“The bill aims to update the law in the light of contemporary changes in attitudes and idioms among Filipinos. It also intends to instill love of country and underscore the importance of complying with standard expressions of respect for our national symbols,” said Marikina City Rep. Del de Guzman, chairman of the House committee on basic education and culture.

Approval of the measure came in the wake of the controversy surrounding the rendition of the national anthem by balladeer Martin Nievera during the celebrated boxing match between Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao and British Ricky Hatton.

Also caught in the wake of the bill’s approval was the issue on the use of Philippine flag items such as the stars and the eight-ray sun in T-shirts and other fashion accessories.

Authored by Reps. Edno Joson (Independent, Nueva Ecija), Juan Edgardo Angara (LDP, Aurora); Rufus Rodriguez (PDP, Cagayan de Oro City) and Mark Leandro Mendoza (NPC, Batangas), HB 6424 prescribes the standard beat and tempo and requires mandatory singing of the National Anthem.

Under the bill the national anthem will be rendered in accordance with the musical arrangement and composition of Julian Felipe “in 2/4 beat when played” and in 4/4 beat when sung.”

It tasked the National Historical Institute to disseminate the official music score sheet for the anthem.

Persons with religious beliefs prohibiting them from making pledge to the flag will also no longer be exempted from showing full respect for the flag and will be asked to stand at attention.

The proposal prohibits the wearing of the flag, seal or coat-of arms as part of a fashion accessory or merely as a design element.

It also bans the use or display of the flag as part of any advertisement or infomercial unless approved by the NHI.

To further instill national awareness for respect of the flag, education agencies of the government were tasked to ensure that students in all public and private institutions will “commit to memory” the national anthem.

Penalties imposed against violators include a fine ranging from P50,000 to P100,000 and imprisonment of up to two years.