PNoy, politicians mourn Dolphy

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III condoled with the family of the late Rodolfo “Dolphy” Quizon on Tuesday evening, July 10, after the Philippines’ King of Comedy died due to a lingering illness. 

In his statement, Aquino said Dolphy represented the ordinary Filipino — “caring, jolly, respectful of others, and ready to face life’s challenges.”

“Nagmula siya sa isang henerasyong dumaan sa maraming pagsubok — at sa pakikipagsapalaran ay natutong maging mapagpakumbaba, matapat, at matulungin. Hindi kailanman niya tinalikuran ang mga kaibigan, at ang sambayanang naging bukal ng kanyang mga tagumpay,” Aquino said. (He came from a generation that went through trying times — and learned humility, faithfulness, and compassion along the way. Never did he turn his back on his friends and countrymen who helped him succeed.)

“Binago niya hindi lamang ang kaniyang industriya, kundi maging ang pambansang kamalayan: sa pamamagitan ng kanyang sining, pinalawak ni Dolphy ang ating pananaw, at binigyan tayo ng kakayahang suriin, pahalagahan, at hanapan ng ngiti ang mga pang-araw-araw na pangyayari sa buhay ng bawat Pilipino,” the President added. (He changed not only his industry but more so, the national consciousness: through his art, he widened our perspective, and gave us the ability to analyze, give importance to, and find joy in the situations of everyday Filipino life.)

To the dismay of the government’s critics, Dolphy did not receive the National Artist Award when he was alive. Aquino, however, conferred the Grand Collar of the Order of the Golden Heart on Dolphy in 2010.

‘Debt of gratitude’

Politicians also mourned Dolphy’s death.

In an interview on ANC, former President Joseph Estrada recounted Dolphy’s contributions to the movie industry.

Estrada recalled how Dolphy joined him and another showbiz legend, the late Fernando Poe Jr, in establishing the Movie Workers’ Welfare Fund (Mowelfund). The 3 actors established Mowelfund in 1974 “to provide aid to movie workers in times of sickness, disability, accident, and death,” according to the fund’s website.

“Iisa lang kami sa pagtulong sa aming mga kapwa artista na walang pelikula,” Estrada said. (We were one in assisting our fellow artists who didn’t have movies.)

Estrada said his friend extremely valued the industry that made him succeed.

“Dahil sa pelikula nakilala siya at gumaan ang kabuhayan niya. Kaya ang utang na loob niya sa industriya ng pelikula, hindi niya malillimutan,” the former President said. (It was because of the movies that he was recognized and had a comfortable life. That’s why he never forgot his debt to the industry.)

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla, who was an actor before he became congressman, expressed his grief over the passing of Dolphy, whom he addressed as “tito” (uncle).

“Lubha akong nabigla at nalungkot sa pagpanaw ng ating Comedy King na si Tito Dolphy. Malaking kawalan siya sa industriya, ngunit sa pagbabalik-tanaw, hindi matatawaran ang kanyang mga pamana sa larangan ng sining at sa ating kultura.” (I was shocked and deeply saddened by the death of Tito Dolphy. His passing is a big loss to the industry. His legacy in the field of arts and culture can’t be rivaled.)

Senator Manuel “Manny” Villar said he is also saddened by the death of Dolphy, who campaigned for him during the 2010 presidential elections. “Hinding-hindi ko malilimutan ang tiwala at suporta na ibinigay niya sa akin. Maraming salamat, Tito Dolphy.” (I will never forget the trust and support he gave me. Thank you, Tito Dolphy). — Rappler.com