Nora: Does one have to be subservient to gov’t to become a nat’l artist

Nora Aunor

Let’s all move on… If God does not will it, it will not happen.”

This was the gist of the official statement of veteran actress Nora Aunor, who was once again excluded from the list of 2018 National Artist awardees.

President Rodrigo Duterte conferred on seven individuals the National Artist award on Wednesday, and the veteran actress was conspicuously not among them.

“Just let it be,” said Aunor, addressing her supporters, whom she calls Noranians, and members of the show biz press. “Let’s just forget about it, move on and start anew with our goal to do good for others.”

Aunor, however, admitted that she felt bad about the Malacañang decision. “I’m sad for my Noranians and for all my friends who had helped, believed and fought for me since I joined the business through ‘Tawag ng Tanghalan’ … 51 years [ago].”

She added that life goes on for her, whether or not she is declared a national artist. “I’m thankful to God because I still have work and am still being idolized and loved by my supporters and friends who cared for and defended me endlessly.”

Aunor was first recommended to be a national artist in 2014, during the term of former president Benigno S. Aquino III, who rejected her nomination due to her alleged links to illegal drugs while in the United States.

“I was shocked when I learned that he removed my name from the list. I asked myself why. This happened even though I’ve repeatedly said that the drug case against me was untrue,” she stressed.

Aunor said she had opted to keep quiet then.

The actress was again nominated for the same award recently.

Sabrina Tan, project coordinator of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) said Aunor had earned an “automatic” nomination because she was already previously nominated.

The members of the joint boards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the NCCA are tasked to submit a list of names to the Office of the President for possible proclamation as national artists.

“What happened to me during PNoy’s time happened again during the Duterte administration,” Aunor pointed out. “I asked myself once again,  ‘What does it really take to be a national artist?’ What are the criteria that the NCCA and CCP go by? Why did they include me if they thought I was not worthy to be one, in the first place? Does one have to be obsequious to the administration to get this award?”

In a statement sent to the Inquirer, Aunor also said: “In my opinion, we do have pillars in this industry, those who have served as its vanguards, who are truly deserving of the award, just like (the late comedian) Dolphy. I was just lucky to have achieved things as an artist and singer, and that a lot of people took notice.”

She ended her message by addressing her loyal Noranians. She said: “For now, I can only offer you ‘Onanay’ (her drama series on GMA 7). Don’t forget to watch it. I love you all.”