The Philippines will be fined for a lack of diligent performance of the anthem

The Philippine house of representatives has approved a bill requiring members of the public to sing the national anthem with enthusiasm. Those who violate the law can face public censure, with fines ranging from $1 thousand to 2 thousand and up to one year in prison.

Some other provisions in the bill:

All students in public and private schools will have to memorize the national anthem.
He should be played in accordance with its original composition.
All men must stand and face the flag during the national anthem, or on the group and the conductor, if there is no flag.
Mocking the national anthem is considered a violation of the law.

The bill, which must be approved by the Senate and the President of the Philippines, doing a favor for those "whose faith or religious beliefs forbid them to sing the national anthem": they must "demonstrate full respect" during the anthem.

The bill aims to instill patriotism and respect, said Marlene Alone, one of the authors of the bill. "Some Filipinos don't even know all the words to the national anthem," said Alonte. Answering the question about the fines, Alone noted that some provisions of the bill, including penalties, are subject to change.

Analysts say that this measure is intended to promote a sense of nationalism and patriotism. The Philippines is currently mired in a bloody drug war, as well as in the ongoing battle with militants based in ISIS, in the South of the country.

In recent years, other Asian governments have passed similar measures associated with the use of the anthem.

India's Supreme court ruled last year that cinemas should play the national anthem before each film, a decision that comes shortly after a surge of violence in Kashmir, has caused tensions with the old enemy Pakistan.

The Chinese government decided in 2014 that its national anthem can't play at events with "an inappropriate atmosphere" and should be executed in full, and no one can start or stop singing halfway through. The change in melodies, lyrics or musical composition is also prohibited.

sections: Politics, World News, Accidents