House to tackle resolution on national artist award for Dolphy

Dolphy. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/MIKE ALQUINTO

MANILA, Philippines—Despite President Benigno Aquino III’s decision to leave Rodolfo “Dolphy” Vera Quizon Sr.’s nomination as a national artist to cultural authorities, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr. has ordered the House committee on basic education and culture to tackle a resolution on the said issue.

Belmonte has directed committee chairman Sorsogon Representative Salvador Escudero III to ensure that House Resolution 2404 is discussed when they resume work in July for the third regular session.

The resolution, which seeks to declare Dolphy a national artist, was filed by Las Piñas City Representative Mark Villar on May 14 and was endorsed to the committee during a plenary session on May 21.

A similar resolution has been filed by the lawmaker’s father, Senator Manny Villar, at the Senate.

Belmonte said that he believes that the King of Comedy deserves the title of national artist due to his contribution to the local entertainment industry.

Aquino has earlier cited Dolphy’s contribution to the arts but explained that there was a process to be followed in awarding a national artist.

The ailing 83-year-old comedian has been in critical condition at the Makati Medical Center since June 9 due to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.