On May 6, 2009, he apologized to those who disapproved of his rendition of the Philippine national anthem during the Pacquiao-Hatton fight in Las Vegas. While maintaining that he gave his best shot in singing the Philippine national anthem, Nievera stated that he was issuing an apology in view of criticisms from the National Historical Institute (NHI) and a threat by a congressman from Cavite province to file criminal charges against him for violation of Republic Act 8491, or the Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines.