Sotto suggests changing some lines in national anthem

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER.net file photo / CATHY MIRANDA

Senate President Vicente Sotto III has raised the possibility of changing the last two lines of the national anthem, which he said sounds like a “defeatist attitude.”

Sotto was referring to the lines: “Aming ligaya na ‘pag may mang-aapi, ang mamatay nang dahil sa’yo [It is our joy to die because of you when oppressors come].”

“Patay na agad eh [It’s about death already]. I have thought of a line that could replace this: ‘Aming ligaya na ‘pag may nang-aapi, ang ipaglaban kalayaan mo [It is our joy to fight for your freedom when oppressors come],’” he said on Tuesday while interpellating on a bill seeking to add a ninth ray in the sun on the design of the Philippine flag.

The Senate leader said he has also been hearing sentiments from composers and writers about the last two lines of the national anthem.

According to Sotto, the Senate could also look into this possibility as they discuss the bill on the flag authored and co-sponsored by Senator Richard Gordon.

Historical records reveal that first President of the Philippine Republic General Emilio Aguinaldo commissioned Julian Felipe in 1898 to compose a “more stirring and majestic” march to inspire Filipinos to fight the enemy, according to the Official Gazette.

Jose Palma wrote the lyrics of the Philippine national anthem a year after. /jpv