NHCP releases notice to public after video of Bretman Rock dancing to PH national anthem resurfaces online

The 21-year-old internet star has yet to respond to NHCP’s notice, but he already apologized for what he did. (File photo: bretmanrock/Instagram)

The public has been warned about disrespecting the Philippine National Anthem, after a video of Filipino-American internet sensation Bretman Rock dancing to “Lupang Hinirang” resurfaced online.

The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) released a notice to the public on Friday, January 3, after it received complaints regarding “a video uploaded on a social media platform showing a man dancing while the National Anthem was being played.”

The commission did not mention Rock’s name but several online users, over the holidays, re-uploaded a portion of Rock’s Instagram stories where he lip-synced, danced, and then briefly twerked to the Philippine national anthem.

“When the National Anthem is played…as a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention…shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their chests…[and that] the National Anthem shall not be played or sung for mere recreation, amusement or entertainment purposes,” the NHCP said, citing Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.

The NHCP said exceptions can only be made during the following occasions: international competitions where the Philippines is the host or has a representative, national or local competitions, and other events stated in the provision.

“Dancing to the national anthem as shown in the video abovementioned, therefore constitutes a violation of the flag law,” it stressed.

Those who violated the law may face a fine amounting from P5,000 to P20,000 or imprisonment of not more than a year.

“This notice is given to the public to prevent future violations, in a similar manner, of the law,” the NHCP said.

The 21-year-old internet star has yet to respond to NHCP’s notice, but he already apologized for his actions.

Last December 30, a Twitter user posted a screenshot of a chat where Rock said he realized that what he did was not right and that he deleted the video.

https://twitter.com/andrengsam/status/1211539080510504960

Responding to the tweet, Rock said. “Thank you so much for understanding, I can promise you it will never happen again, I take full responsibility and I truly am so sorry.”