CCP board that approved controversial art show should resign—Senator Estrada

MANILA, Philippines – Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada called on Tuesday for the resignation of all members of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) board, who approved the controversial “Kulo” exhibit.

Estrada, who stood up on the floor of the Senate to condemn the exhibit, demanded a heavy punishment for this kind of act, which he described as an “outrageous abuse of artistry and freedom of expression.”

“These ugly, insulting, blasphemous images achieve nothing, enrich no one, and debase instead of uplift,” the senator said. Estrada issued the statement even after the CCP management decided to close down the exhibit on Tuesday morning.

Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile supported the resignation call of the CCP’s board of directors.

After Estrada’s speech , the senators agreed to conduct an investigation on the matter. They referred it to the Senate committee on education, arts and culture headed by Senator Edgardo Angara.