MANILA – The mandatory singing and recitation of the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge in all national government agencies and educational institutions must be put into law.
According to Senate Minority Leader Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III, a simple executive directive is insufficient as this “involves the way of thinking of the people.”
“I suggest that the Executive branch should submit a bill containing those ideas (to sing a new song and recite a new pledge) to amend the existing law(s) governing the National Anthem, Pledge, and Flag Raising ceremonies,” Pimentel said on Monday.
“This involves the way of thinking of the people. Hence, such a mandate must emanate from the people’s chosen representatives, their legislators,” he added.
Pimentel further said: “Also, notice that the MC (memorandum circular) involves SUCs (state universities and colleges). The students therein are not even government employees. They all observe the established flag ceremony under existing law.”
Under Memorandum Circular No. 52 released publicly on Sunday, all national government agencies and educational institutions must make the “Bagong Pilipinas” hymn and pledge a part of weekly flag ceremonies.
“The order was made to further instill the principles of the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership among Filipinos,” stated in a memorandum signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on June 4.
The Marcos administration unveiled last year the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance and leadership campaign in a bid to implement an “all-inclusive plan for economic and social transformation.”
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. then ordered all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or -controlled corporations (GOCCs) and state universities and colleges (SUCs), to adopt the “Bagong Pilipinas” campaign in planning all their programs and activities; and use its logo in their letterheads, websites, official social media accounts, and other documents and instruments pertaining to flagship programs of the government./PN
