Dolphy National Artist nomination being processed, says NCCA lawyer

Comedy king Dolphy Quizon. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–The nomination of veteran comedian Dolphy for the national artist award was already being processed, according to Trixie Angeles, legal counsel of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts.

“For the moment we understand that Mang Dolphy has been nominated and is now undergoing the process of evaluation–along with other noteworthy artists. In the meantime, we continue to pray for his recovery and return to full health,” Angeles said in a statement posted on her Facebook page on Friday.

Angeles said the selection of National Artists is a long process, sometimes taking up to two years. She said President Aquino should not be blamed for why the 83-year-old comedian, who is gravely ill, has not been awarded national artist despite the growing clamor.

“That Mang Dolphy has not been awarded the recognition yet does not reflect on the government’s or the arts sector(‘s) wanting or not wanting to do so. In short, it’s not the President’s fault,” she said.

Angeles said a “misappreciation” by the NCCA Board members of the effect of the Temporary Restraining Order on controversial designation of some people as National Artist during the previous administration led to the temporary suspension of the search process.

“However, with the assumption of the new members of the Board in 2010, the process has again been put back on track,” she said.