Every country has symbols. Symbols are permanent representations of ideals. It is absolute. Deliberately changing these symbols without that country’s mandate is illegal is and considered disrespectful.

Flags, for example, are the most common symbols of any country, an absolute representation. Displaying the flag incorrectly is punishable by law in most countries. Another absolute symbol is a country’s name. Though varying with translations, the flow of the name and the essence remains the same. You don’t call my country Milipphines, it’s Philppines. You don’t call it Unheard States of America. You say United States of America.

The same principle applies with our National Anthem. It is a national symbol. An absolute symbol that must not be changed because it represents the ideals and hardships of our forefathers. What Martin Nievera did is disrespectful to all Filipinos and our mother country. He bastardized the Philippine National Anthem for selfish reasons, to show off to everyone how highly he thinks of himself, that he thinks he is “better” than any Filipino. How you say? Read more.