Palace: La Aunor’s ‘iconic stature’ as country’s ‘superstar’ not diminished

The non-inclusion of Nora Aunor as a National Artist for Film will not “diminish her iconic stature as the country’s “Superstar,” Malacañang said Thursday, as the veteran actress was again snubbed for the award.

“Ms. Nora Aunor is still young and in God’s perfect time we are optimistic that she will be proclaimed as a National Artist,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a Palace briefing.

Panelo, however, refused to give details why President Rodrigo Duterte declined to give Aunor the award.

“Of course the power and the privilege to appoint rest on the President. That’s discretionary,” he said.

WATCH: Pres. Spox Panelo on Nora Aunors's delisting in the National Artist Awards: Her non-inclusion should be viewed as to spare Ms. Nora Aunor from the emotional and psychological torment she will go through as a result from the barrage of mixed reactions the award will bring. pic.twitter.com/gQadYckbnS

— chonayuINQ (@chonayu1) October 25, 2018

While Aunor’s name was in the list submitted to the President, Panelo said the actress did not get a unanimous vote from members of the joint boards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA).

“The artistical and musical legend that is Nora Aunor may not have passed the critical eyes of a select juror and the awarding authority to be bestowed the National Artist award but her enrapturing film artistry and musicality and mass acceptance surpass any technical recognition given by any entity or authority,” he said.

Panelo said “her rise to movie and musical stardom that counted a generation of shrieking and adoring fans unparalleled in the movie and music industry is a walking testament to her mesmerizing artistry and singing voice and the people’s acceptance. She truly is the crowned people’s artist.”

“Her non-inclusion does not diminish her iconic stature as the country’s Superstar and her significant contributions to film, theater, television and music industries,” he said.

“Her non-inclusion is to spare Ms. Nora Aunor from the emotional and psychological torment coming from the barrage of mixed reactions the award will bring,” he added.

Aunor was recommended to be a National Artist for Film in 2014 but was rejected by former President Benigno S. Aquino III due to alleged links of the multi-awarded actress to illegal drugs. /muf

READ: Nat’l Artist Award for film still frustratingly elusive for La Aunor