NHCP corrects EZ Mil’s controversial ‘Panalo’ lyrics
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The government has intervened on the controversies surrounding Fil-Am rapper EZ Mil’s ‘Panalo’ lyrics.
The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), in a statement issued on February 10, 2021, corrected the controversial lyrics of the song that has sparked outrage among Cebuano netizens.
“Lapulapu was definitely not killed in the Battle of Mactan. The Battle was a victory of our ancestors led by him,” NHCP chair Rene Escalante said.
While they welcomed the creation of songs to inspire the public and be educated about history, Escalante also reminded future artists to practice accuracy involving history.
“The NHCP welcomes new songs that inspire our people to think great and be informed of their history. But let us not compromise history and be conscious of our accountability on what we are conveying to our people,” he noted.
“As we approach the 500th anniversary of the Victory at Mactan this April 27, 2021, let us be reminded how the founders and heroes of the Filipino nation reckoned to Lapulapu and Mactan as sources of pride and dignity,” he added.
‘Panalo’ became an instant hit and has gained over 32 million views since it was released last January 31.
But Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard ‘Ahong’ Chan took offense on the song’s line, which stated “Nanalo na ako nung una pa pinugutan si Lapu sa Mactan (I was already victorious even before Lapu was beheaded in Mactan).”
Chan initially pushed for the city’s council to pass a resolution but later changed his decision by asking the rapper to rectify the inaccurate lyrics, and issue a public apology.
Mil, for his part, has earlier issued an apology before Chan made his pronouncements.
Lapulapu is regarded as the country’s first Filipino hero, after he led his warriors to win the Battle of Mactan, and ultimately defeated and killed Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan and his troops.
Magellan’s defeat delayed Spanish colonization in the country until the arrival and conquest of Miguel Lopez de Legazpi 44 years later.
/bmjo
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