The National Historical Insitute (NHI) is asking for a public apology from Martin Nievera for not singing the Philippine National anthem properly before the Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton fight last Sunday, May 3.

Martin Nievera, wearing a T-shirt designed by the late rapper Francis Magalona, sang Lupang Hinirang’s first stanza slowly, then shifted to a marching tone up to the last line with prolonged, high notes.

“Despite repeated reminders, some artists continue to make adjustments to the anthem, which is not an ordinary piece of music open to free interpretation,” NHI chairman Ambeth Ocampo reportedly said.

Meanwhile, Martin refuses to apologize and felt sorry that some people were not pleased with his rendition. “Well, it’s gonna be hard for me to apologize for something that I am not sorry for. I did not ask to do the anthem. Manny Pacquiao himself asked me to sing the National Anthem.” he said.

The NHI have always been critical of the singing of the anthem during international events that were aired on TV and radio. They also criticized the renditions of singers Sarah Geronimo, Kyla, Lani Misalucha and Bituin Escalante in the past.