34 arrested for not standing up for ‘Lupang Hinirang’ in Batangas cinema

Police arrested 34 moviegoers for not standing up during the playing of the Philippine national anthem in a film showing in Lemery, Batangas on Wednesday.

Police said in a report on Thursday that the 34 were about to watch “The How’s of Us” starred by Kathryn Bernardo and Daniel Padilla in a local mall. “Lupang Hinirang” was then played before the film, according to the report.

Authorities said the suspects showed “disrespect” to the national anthem by not standing.

The arrested moviegoers will be facing charges for violation of Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, police said.  /muf