Manila: The Philippine House of Representatives has passed a bill that would send to jail people who sing out of tune the country's national anthem, Congress records showed on Tuesday.
The bill, approved on Monday by the congressmen, seeks to impose two years imprisonment and a fine of 100,000 pesos (USD 2,298) for those who sing the national anthem, Lupang Hinirang, out of tune.
"Lupang Hinirang should be sung in a marching-type tempo, within the range of 100 to 120 metronome, in 4/4 beat and 2/4 beat when played," the bill said.
The bill also requires all citizens to stand at attention and sing with fervour as a sign of respect when the national anthem is played at public gatherings.
The House of Representatives will forward the bill to the Senate for consideration. The senate can adopt it or draft a similar bill. A consolidated bill approved by both houses is then sent to the president to be signed into law.
IANS
First Published: Tuesday, October 05, 2010, 15:24