The commission has commented on the viral incident reported to them.
In a statement on Tuesday, April 28, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) responded to reports it has received.
Particularly, the complaints were regarding the viral short video, which was uploaded on social media platforms over the weekend.
In which, it appeared that a group of partygoers were raving to the Philippine National Anthem, Lupang Hinirang, which was played in what the NHCP described as ” rowdy and noisy manner.”
“While we are unable to pinpoint the exact provenance of this video reel, various leads in social media suggest that the rave party in question occurred around December 2025 in the United States,” the commission shared.
Considering that Philippine domestic laws cannot be applied extraterritorially, the agency said it its “technically constrained” from taking appropriate legal action on the incident.
Hence, it used this as an opportunity to remind Overseas Filipino communities that the Philippines’ official national symbols are protected under the law.
The National Flag, the National Anthem and the Coat of Arms and Great Seal of the Republic are all protected from misuse under Republic Act No. 8491 (the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines).
Particularly, sections 37 and 38 of the aforementioned law states that the National Anthem (1) “whether played or sung, shall be in accordance with the musical arrangement of and composition of Julian Felipe.”
Furthermore, (2), “shall not be played and sung for mere recreation, amusement, or entertainment purposes.”
“The NHCP maintains that expressing love for one’s country might be done in good faith and sincere intent,” the agency added. “While patriotic fervor may be exercised in many ways, it must be done with discretion and circumspection, and aligned with existing laws or culturally sensitive, as carelessness on our part may at times give the wrong impression or even cause offense, even when our original intent is to inspire and edify our countrymen.”
“The freedom and rights which we enjoy today was paid for by the blood, sweat and tears of our heroes. Our duty, as heirs to this invaluable legacy, is to exercise this freedom responsibly,” the commission underscored.