Artists group strongly opposes return of Marcoses, Dutertes to Malacañang

MANILA, Philippines — Recipients of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ (CCP’s) Thirteen Artists Award have strongly opposed the possible return of the Marcoses and Dutertes to power, shortly after the tandem between presidential aspirant Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos and his running mate Sara Duterte was announced.

“We, recipients of the CCP Thirteen Artists Award, strongly oppose the return of the Marcoses and Dutertes in Malacanang. As Filipino artists and cultural workers, we join the people’s call to stand for freedom and democracy and uphold the sovereignty of the people,” the group said in a statement on Facebook on Wednesday.

https://www.facebook.com/13ARTISTSAWARDEES/posts/415649266876760

National Artist of the Philippines for Visual Arts Benedicto Cabrera (BenCab) is among the signatories.

“That Marcos, Jr. and Sara Duterte are running for national office is alarming and enraging. Duterte and his cohorts’ political maneuverings are a mockery of the dignity of public service,” the group said.

Of the late dictator’s son, it said: “Marcos Jr.’s propaganda of historical denialism is a grave insult to the thousands of victims who suffered under his father Ferdinand Marcos’ regime.

“Marcos Jr. also has consistently lied to the public about his credentials, the tax-related criminal cases charged against him, and his father’s dictatorial and corrupt legacy,” it added.

READ: Marcos’ martial law: Golden age for corruption, abuses

Meanwhile, Thirteen Artists Award recipients also criticized the presence of political dynasties which only benefit “families in power and their cronies.”

“We cannot afford the perpetuation of the Dutertes in public office,” they said.

“We must stop extra-judicial killings under the banner of a war on drugs [campaign], and the murder of peasants and workers, activists, journalits, lawyers and political opponents,” they added.

The group also called on the public to choose leaders who will not condone or incite violence nor have records of corruption. They urged Filipinos to vote for candidates based on their track records and platforms of truth, justice, freedom and accountability.

CCP confers the Thirteen Artists Award to recipients who “restructure, restrengthen and renew artmaking and art thinking in the Philippines.” The awards are held every three years.

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