MANILA, Philippines – One of actress Nora Aunor’s children, her adopted daughter Matet de Leon, has spoken up on the exclusion of her mother in this year’s National Artist Awards.

In an interview with The Buzz on Sunday, June 29, Matet became emotional in defending her mother with regard to the issue.

“Bawat award na ipinanalo niya hindi lang dito sa ibang bansa, sana alam ninyong lahat na bitbit ng nanay ko, itinaas ng nanay ko, hindi lang yung sarili niya, kung hindi ang buong Pilipinas,” she said.

(For every award that she’s won, not only here, but in other countries, I hope all of you know that my mother brought pride not only for herself, but for the Philippines.)

“Kayong lahat kasama, so kung ayaw ninyo bigyan ng award, huwag ninyo na lang bastusin,” she added.

(All of you share in her awards, so if you don’t want to give her an award, please don’t disrespect her.)

Nora has yet to speak up on the issue.

The esteemed actress was part of the list of nominees for National Artist presented to the President, but she was not part of the final list of honorees. 

In an interview with Rappler last Thursday, June 26, National Artist for Literature Bienvenido Lumbera said that Malacañang owes Nora Aunor’s fans an explanation as to why she was dropped from this year’s list. 

Lumbera said that the National Artist Awards has become more about politics, pointing out many instances when names were changed from the shortlist given by The National Commission for the Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines. (READ: Looking back: The National Artist Awards controversies)

The NCCA has said that while they are disappointed about the exclusion of the actress from the list, they will abide by the decision. However, they are open to revising the nomination rules.

Malacañang said that the President followed the law in the decision-making about who would be given the award. – Rappler.com