NCCA, CCP deny opposing PNoy, blame media for Nora mess

(Updated 4:38 p.m.) The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) have denied opposing President Benigno Aquino III's decision to exclude superstar Nora Aunor from the list of National Artists, saying their statements were exaggerated by the media.

"Your Excellency, the NCCA and CCP fully respect your authority to exclude any nominee for the award if it is in the national interest. Indeed, we are happy that we have a new set of National Artists," NCCA chair Felipe de Leon told Aquino in a letter dated June 23, copies of which were provided to Malacañang reporters.

"Rest assured Your Excellency that we have always understood that the final decision when it comes ot the National Artist Award is in your office. We continue to abide by this. Any sign of disrespect for your authority, Mr. President will not and will never emanate from the NCCA or its affiliated agencies," he added.

Earlier, however, de Leon was also quoted as saying he could not understand what happened and that Aunor's exclusion is a "big loss to the film industry."

NCCA lawyer Trixie Angeles even said the commission is considering re-submitting Aunor's name for the award.

De Leon, however, said he just meant to express his "sadness" at the non-inclusion of Aunor.

"I said I simply lamented the reuslts, but the wording was changed to 'vehement objection,' 'tinutuligsa,' or 'slamming' Malacañang for its deciison.  None of these were stated by NCCA or any of its officials," he said.

He blamed reporters' alleged "penchant for media hype", which he said led to "gross exaggerations."

"In the fierce competition for a scoop, the media snoops and scribes have gone overboard with their investigations and reporting of the circumstanes regarding the award. The thrill of the hunt has caused them to lose restraint and respect for the truth in their accounts," he said.

De Leon said the NCCA and CCP will meet before releasing any official statement to "forge a united stand."

The NCCA and the CCP act as the Order of the National Artists Award Secretariat, which plans, organizes and implements the National Artist awards.

Earlier, the Palace admitted it did not know the reason behind the President's decision, but said it was still his call to make.

"The President followed the law and jurisprudence in deciding and choosing those that will be conferred the Order of the National Artist," said Coloma. — BM, GMA News