Actress Nora Aunor may have failed to bag this year’s National Artist award, but Malacañang assured that the Superstar is still the “crowned people’s artist”.
In a statement by Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo, he said Palace is optimistic that Aunor will be proclaimed as a National Artist in the future.
“Her non-inclusion does not diminish her iconic stature as the country’s Superstar and her significant contributions to film, theater, television and music industries,” he said.
During the term of former President Benigno Aquino III, Aunor’s nomination in 2014 was deferred because of the her involvement in illegal drug use issues.
However, Panelo added that Aunor may not have passed the critical eyes of the awarding authority, but her artistry supasseses any technical recognition that can be given out to any individual.
“Her phenomenal rise to movie and musical stardom that counted a generation of shrieking and adoring fans unparalleled in the movie and music industry is a walking testament to her mesmerizing artistry and singing voice and the people’s acceptance. She truly is the crowned people’s artist,” Panelo said.
In a previous report, the National Commission of Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said they will have to discuss if Aunor is still eligible to be nominated for the award, after she has been delisted by two Philippine presidents.
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