‘They’re petty,’ says Sotto of critics bucking bid to tweak nat’l anthem

Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III. INQUIRER.NET PHOTO/CATHY MIRANDA

Senate  President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III shot back on Friday at critics who made a “big fuss” out of his  “idea” to tweak the last line of the national anthem.

“It’s just an idea that we think should be considered. Joey Ayala has been espousing for this for so many years now and very few mind it,” Sotto said in a text message.

“I merely mentioned it across Gordon’s bill (regarding) the rays of the sun. Suddenly,  people are making a big fuss out of it. Sila mababaw hindi yun idea,”  he said.

While interpellating on Senator  Richard  Gordon’s bill early this week,   Sotto raised the possibility of changing the last line of the national anthem.

From the  current line:  “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],” the Senate leader thought of replacing it with “Aming ligaya na ‘pag may nang-aapi, ang ipaglaban kalayaan mo [It is our joy to fight for your freedom when oppressors come].”

READ: Sotto suggests changing some lines in national anthem

His suggestion drew criticism from various sectors of the society.

Sotto took to Twitter on Thursday night to respond to critics.

“Maraming mahina intindimiento.  Ayaw nyo? Hwag! But I will support Joey Ayala’s version of singing the national anthem,” he said.

“Tama pronunciation (and) intonation. The original translation from Spanish to English to Filipino is the cause of the wrong cadence of words,” he added.