Penalizing Disrespect to the Philippine National Anthem
Commonwealth Act No. 634, approved on June 10, 1941, amends an earlier law to penalize disrespect towards the Philippine National Anthem. It establishes that any act, speech, or written material that dishonors or ridicules the anthem, as well as its inappropriate use, is prohibited. Violators may face fines ranging from twenty-five to one thousand pesos, imprisonment for up to one year, or both, with harsher penalties for repeat offenses. The law aims to uphold the dignity of the national anthem and promote national pride.
June 10, 1941
COMMONWEALTH ACT NO. 634
AN ACT TO PENALIZE DISRESPECT TO THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM, AMENDING COMMONWEALTH ACT NUMBERED THREE HUNDRED AND EIGHTY-TWO, ENTITLED "AN ACT TO ADOPT THE ORIGINAL AUTHENTIC FORM OF THE PHILIPPINE NATIONAL ANTHEM AND TO APPROPRIATE FUNDS FOR ITS PRINTING AND FREE DISTRIBUTION"
SECTION 1. A new section is inserted between sections three and four of Commonwealth Act Numbered Three hundred and eighty-two to be known as section 3-A, and to read as follows: DcAaSI
"SEC. 3-A. Any utterance in speech, writing or drawing, and any act or omission casting dishonor, ridicule, or contempt upon the Philippine National Anthem as well as its use in places of ill-repute or for purposes involving disrespect is prohibited and its execution shall constitute an offense; and any person who, either himself or through another, violates the provisions contained in this section, shall, upon conviction, be punished by a fine of not less than twenty-five nor more than one thousand pesos, or by imprisonment for not more than one year, or both. For any second and additional offense, both fine and imprisonment shall always be imposed."
SECTION 2. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Approved, June 10, 1941.