NCCA puzzled by exclusion of Nora Aunor in National Artists list

MANILA, Philippines­ -The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said that they are puzzled, as to why Malacañang did not include actress Nora Aunor on the final list of National Artists announced  on Friday, June 20.

In an interview with The Philippine Star, NCCA Chairman Felipe de Leon Jr., said that the decision not to proclaim Aunor is a big loss for the movie industry.

The Star had previously reported that Aunor was part of those recommended for the award to the President by the NCCA and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP). The two organizations jointly prepare the list of nominations.  

“I cannot understand, Malacañang has not yet given an explanation. This is a big loss to the film industry because it lost an opportunity to have another artistic role model,” De Leon said.

He said they will ask the Palace to explain why she was not included in the list.

“We would ask if there was a big reason for it to decline her nomination. If there is no big reason, then maybe we would try to ask Malacañang to reconsider.”

In the same interview, the NCCA chairman said that during the deliberation with the CCP, the actress had one of the highest ratings during the voting.

President Benigno Aquino III on Friday signed the proclamations of 6 personalities as National Artists. They are:

• Alice Reyes, Dance
• Francisco Coching, Visual Arts
• Cirilo Bautista, Literature
• Francisco Feliciano, Music
• Ramon Santos, Music
• Jose Maria Zaragoza, Architecture and Allied Arts

No reason was given to the exclusion of Aunor from the National Artists list. (READ: New set of National Artists revealed, Nora Aunor not part of list)

In 2005, the actress, whose films include Himala (1982), The Flor Contemplacion Story (1995), and Thy Womb (2012), was arrested at the Los Angeles Airport for allegedly being in possession of illegal drugs known as methamphetamine.

In 2007, she was eventually cleared of the charges. – Rappler.com