Sing anthem ‘with fervour’ — or face jail

Filipinos would be required to sing the national anthem when it is played in public — and to do so with enthusiasm — under a bill the House of Representatives of the Philippines approved on Monday.

If the bill, which will be considered by the Senate, is approved and signed into law, a failure to sing the anthem, “Lupang Hinirang,” with sufficient energy would be punishable by up to year in prison and a fine of 50,000 to 100,000 pesos, or about $1,000 to $2,000.

A second offence would include both a fine and prison time, and violators would be penalized by “public censure” in a newspaper.

“The singing shall be mandatory and must be done with fervour,” the bill states.

The law would also mandate the tempo of any public performance of the anthem — it must fall between 100 and 120 beats per minute. Schools would be required to ensure all students have memorized the song.

It’s not unusual for nations around the world to value their national anthems, but it is rare for that respect to be legally required.