Madonna faces being banned from the Philippines over allegations that she broke the law by defiling the country’s flag.
The Philippines President’s Office released an official statement from the Malacañang presidential palace: “President Benigno Aquino is keen on banning the Queen of Pop, Madonna, from performing in the Philippines for disrespecting the Philippines flag in her concert,” presidential spokesman Herminio Coloma said.
The pop provocateur, now aged 57, gave the controversial performances in Manila on 24-25 February, as part of her ‘Rebel Heart’ world tour. The flag furore erupted over Madonna incorporating the national symbol into her already controversial act.
The diva was seen facing off against a sword-brandishing dancer dressed as a scantily-clad stylised nun, with the Philippine flag billowing behind her. At other times the Grammy Award-winner draped herself in the flag, as she strutted across the stage belting out her various hits.
A major source of the fall out was that, at one point, Madonna allowed the flag to fall to the ground. This gesture, and many others carried out by the songstress, created a stark violation of the country’s laws, as codified in a specific section of the 1998 Republic Act, covering all heraldic and national symbols of the Philippines.
An entire section of the act is dedicated to ‘Prohibited Acts’ when use of the Philippine flag is proscribed. The Code states that it is forbidden “to wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform,” or “[cast]dishonour or ridicule upon the flag.”
Madonna has been assessed to be in violation of these acts which carry a one-year jail term and a fine, and may therefore be facing a ban from the country. She has now continued on the next leg of her tour to Singapore.
Madonna’s performances in the country were already a source of contention before they began. A Catholic bishop in Manila urged people to boycott the diva’s performances, citing Madonna’s “vulgar” outfits and the “suggestive” nature of the shows.
“Pinoys (Filipinos) and all God-loving people should avoid sin and occasions of sin,” said Archbishop Ramon Arguelles. The Philippines is a deeply religious society in many ways, with 86% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic.
“Why is the Catholic Philippines the favorite venue for blasphemy against God and the Holy Mother?” the clergyman went on to say, denouncing Madonna’s performances as “subtle attacks of the evil one.”
Madonna has not so far responded to the allegations. She is currently in the grips of a custody battle with her ex-husband, director Guy Ritchie, over their son Rocco.
The child reportedly ran away from Madonna’s tour to live with his father in London. The ageing pop star has now brought child abduction charges against her ex-husband.
