MANILA, Philippines -- Singer Martin Nievera was being "artistic and creative" and not irreverent when he sang the Philippine national anthem in Manny Pacquiao?s historic match with Ricky Hatton, a lawmaker said on Tuesday.

Akbayan partylist Representative Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel defended Nievera?s rendition of the "Lupang Hinirang," which was deemed inappropriate by the National Historical Institute (NHI).

The NHI said Nievera violated Section 37 of the Republic Act No. 8491 or the Flag and Heraldic Law, which stipulated that the national anthem be sang with the musical arrangement of its composer Julian Felipe.

The NHI demanded an apology from Nievera who could face a fine of between P5,000 and P20,000 and up to a year in prison but the singer refused to do so, insisting that he did nothing wrong.

Baraquel said that the Felipe version should be used in formal events but the government should be more flexible in allowing artistry and creativity in rendering the song "to suit the occasion or the public mood."

"I don?t think hearing Martin Nievera?s rendition of the national anthem made millions of Filipinos less nationalistic or patriotic. It was very artistic and was not in any way disrespectful of our national dignity," said Baraquel.