As “CIA with BA” returns to Hong Kong, several questions from Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) were clarified by the program, coinciding with the upcoming celebration of the Philippine Independence Day.
One of the questions came from Gemma, an OFW: “May legal po ba tayong obligasyon na kantahin ang ating national anthem dito sa Hong Kong?”
According to Atty. Mark Demova, “‘Pag sinabi kasi nating obligasyon, may kaakibat na parusa kung hindi mo gawin ‘yung obligasyon na ‘yon. May liability. In that sense, wala po.”
He further explained, “Ang jurisdiction ng Philippine government o mismong estado ng Pilipinas ay nasasaklaw sa kanyang teritoryo lang. Pero ang pagiging Pilipino naman natin ay hindi natitigil sa Pilipinas lang. Pagpunta natin sa ibang bansa, Pilipino pa rin naman tayo at bilang pagpapakita ng galang at respeto sa ating national symbols tulad ng National Anthem, National Flag… nararapat lang din naman na tumayo tayo at magbigay ng respeto whenever our National Anthem is sang or whenever the flag is being raised.”
Another question from Gemma became the focus of the discussion: “Pwede po ba naming kantahin ang Pambansang Awit sa lenggwahe ng mga taga-Hong Kong?”
Atty. Matt Cesa gave a straightforward answer: “The answer is ‘no.’ Ang National Anthem natin, even within or outside the Philippines, it should be sa language natin. Hindi pwedeng ibahin ‘yon.”
Aside from questions about singing the National Anthem, there was another inquiry from Donalyn: “Pwede bang magsuot ng damit na may design ng Philippine Flag?”
According to Atty. Demova, “Hindi pwede. Sa ilalim ng ating Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, mahigpit na ipinagbabawal ang pagsusuot ng Philippine Flag as a costume or part of an apparel, except when inspired lang by a Philippine Flag.
“Ang intention noong ginawa ‘yung law ay para maiwasan ang pag-disrespect sa flag. Pero ngayon kasi ginagamit na ‘yung flag to boost the country.”
Through “CIA with BA,” continuous education is given to Filipinos not only about the law but also about the importance of recognizing and respecting our national symbols, wherever in the world we may be.
Led by Senator Alan Peter Cayetano and Boy Abunda, “CIA with BA” continues the advocacy of the late Senator Rene Cayetano and airs every Sunday at 11 p.m. on GMA7, with a replay every Saturday at 10:30 p.m. on GTV.
