Filipino-American YouTube Star Bretman Rock is currently under fire after a video of him dancing to the Philippine National Anthem resurfaced online over the holidays.
The video that was originally posted on Instagram stories almost three months ago suddenly resurfaced on YouTube towards the end of December 2019. On it, Bretman was “twerking” while the “Lupang Hinirang” played in the background.
Many netizens called him out for disrespecting the national anthem while many others jumped to his defense saying Bretman had deleted the video as soon as it was shared and that he had already apologized for it.
Twitter user @andrengsam, in particular, posted a screenshot of her conversation with Bretman from the time that he posted it. “I just want to inform y’all, the video of Bretman singing and disrespecting our national anthem on his story was 3 mos ago. and he deleted it immediately and HE APOLOGIZED IMMEDIATELY. I HOPE U CONSIDER THAT,” she wrote.
I just want to inform y’all, the video of Bretman singing and disrespecting our national anthem on his story was 3 mos ago. and he deleted it immediately and HE APOLOGIZED IMMEDIATELY. I HOPE U CONSIDER THAT. pic.twitter.com/mUclEs4Yzh
— andreng (@andrengsam) December 30, 2019
Bretman also apologized anew for the video. “Thank you so much for understanding, I can promise you it will never happen again, I take full responsibility and I truly am so sorry,” he said.
Thank you so much for understanding, I can promise you it will never happen again, I take full responsibility and I truly am so sorry ❤️❤️✨
— Bretman Rock ? (@bretmanrock) December 31, 2019
In response to the issue, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) on Friday, January 3 released an official statement reminding the public that dancing to the national anthem is a violation of the flag law and is subject to public censure and may lead to a penalty fine of PHP 5,000 to PHP 20,000 or imprisonment of not more than one year.
This is according to the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.
Bretman has not made further comments on the viral video nor on the statement by the NHCP.
(ALSO READ: Bretman Rock’s reality show is happening and it will be the only series I’m keeping up with!)
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