Bretman Rock apologizes for dancing to national anthem

After YouTube sensation Bretman Rock uploaded a video of himself dancing to the Philippine national anthem, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) reminded the public that such an activity actually violates the Flag Law.

The NHCP issued a notice responding to complaints "regarding a video uploaded on a social media platform showing a man dancing while the national anthem was being played."

The complaints were apparently referring to a video of the Hawaii-based Filipino makeup artist dancing and twerking to "Lupang Hinirang."

NHCP said this violates Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines, saying that when the national anthem is played, "as a sign of respect, all persons shall stand at attention" and "shall execute a salute by placing their right palms over their chests."

"[D]ancing to the national anthem as shown in the video abovementioned, therefore constitutes a violation of the flag law," it added.   

Bretman's video, which was originally posted to his Instagram stories, resurfaced on YouTube towards the end of December, with netizens calling him out saying it was disrespectful and illegal.

Twitter user @andrengsam said that Bretman claimed in a private message that he already deleted the video.

Bretman replied to the tweet, taking full responsibility of his actions.

"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 wrote.

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

Bretman was born in the Philippines but moved to Hawaii when he was just eight. Now known for his makeup tutorials, he was recently honored as the Beauty Influencer of 2019 by the E! People's Choice Awards. — Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/BM, GMA News