Suarez: Declare Dolphy national artist ‘before it’s too late’

Dolphy. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — House minority leader Danilo Suarez on Wednesday said that he hopes the title of national artist be given to ailing comedian Rodolfo “Dolphy” Vera Quizon “before it is too late.”

He told reporters during a press briefing that he filed last November 2010 House Resolution 581 that seeks to declare the King of Comedy as a national artist.

“We all know that Dolphy is now in critical condition. We are hoping that this accolade be given to him before it is too late,” said Suarez.

Asked about his view of the Supreme Court’s 2009 temporary restraining order (TRO) on the conferment of national artist titles, the minority leader said that he hoped Dolphy’s case would be treated separately if the issue on the TRO could not be resolved quickly.

He said that Dolphy’s contribution to the entertainment industry was known “very well.”

“Everybody has seen his movies. We all have to admire his talent,” Suarez said.

It could take several generations more for the country to experience a talent like Dolphy’s, he added.

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