UP Ibalon Bicol: Supreme Court steps in the National Artist controversy

Supreme Court steps in the National Artist controversy

8/26/2009 | Posted by mesiamd | Edit Post

A lifetime recognition like being a National Artist carries prestige. People work hard to be worthy of such a coveted honor. Yet, for this year’s selection, sharp objections to 4 out of 7 nominees incite a firestorm of protests that has reached the Supreme Court (SC). The highest court in Manila temporarily put a hold order in the conferment of the award to thresh out a controversy.

The search for nominees of the prestigious recognition this year was undertaken by the National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCAA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) boards. A short list after a careful search of awardees was submitted for approval of Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo. But in an overextended exercise of power, it is alleged, the president dropped fpir (4) nominees namely Lazaro Francisco (posthumous) for literature), Dr. Ramon Santos (music), Manuel Conde (posthumous) for film and broadcast, and Federico Aguilar Alcuaz (visual arts, painting, sculpture, and mixed media).

Gloria instead chose Cecile Guidote Alvarez (theater), Magno Jose Carlo Caparas (visual arts and film), Jose 'Pitoy' Moreno (fashion design), and Francisco 'Bobby' Mañosa (architecture). The resultant controversy distracted the public from the parallel embarrassment brought by the extravagant dinners reported during Gloira's travel in the USA.

The president’s action on the nominees led to angry protests from at least four past Natioanl Artist awardees, the Concerned Artists of the Philippines, community groups and private citizens. Airing their grievances in rallies, they who did not agree with GMA. The national artists insisted her choices were less worthy than those that were originally chosen by the selection body. They petitioned the SC to intervene and rule on the case.

It’s amazing how the wholesome and inspiring cultural exercise like choosing our National Artists can be corrupted. Though winners may receive the honor, recognition, and the monetary benefits that the award carries, it is extremely shameful, if true, that the list of nominees have been tampered by the president.

Inured to power abuse and corruption, Malacanang Palace tends to shrug off this new allegtion---another gross assault to our cultural pride. With dismay, we don't want the chief executive to trivialize the National Artist Award. We don't favor her whims and her brand of politics. (Photo Credits: Sheltercrow; Sneakyzoo) =0=

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Labels: Awards, controversy, national artist, nomination, protest, Supreme Court, Totie Mesia

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Supreme Court steps in the National Artist controversy

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