BY PRINCE GOLEZ
Manila Reporter
MANILA – Superstar Nora Aunor’s involvement in illegal drugs was the reason why she was not conferred with the National Artist title, President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III explained.
While he and his father, the late Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr., were fans of Aunor, the President he said he believes the actress won’t be a good role model.
Early in 2005, Aunor was arrested at the Los Angeles International Airport. Authorities found an illegal substance and a glass pipe in her bag.
The “Himala” actress, however, entered a year-long rehabilitation program, as suggested by the Los Angeles Superior Court, so she could avoid prison time.
According to the President, making Aunor a National Artist would mean his government tolerates the use of illegal drugs.
“It is always bad and illegal drugs do nobody any good. I cannot emphasize that message enough,” Aquino said at the sidelines of the 67th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Air Force at Clark Air Base in Pampanga.
He said he has “zero tolerance” for illegal drugs, adding that it is “mali all the time.”
Had he made Aunor a National Artist, other groups would also question his decision, Aquino noted.
“Maski anong desisyon ko, meron talagang papanig o sasalungat,” he lamented.
Aunor, for her part, said she was hurt about Aquino’s move. But she thanked those who continue to support her.
“Ang pagsuportang ito ang lalong nagbibigay ng lakas ng loob sa akin, at ng walang kapantay na inspirasyon, upang lalo kong pagbutihin ang aking sining, upang lalo akong sipagin sa pagbabahagi ng kung anumang talent meron ako, at upang lalo ko pang pag-ibayuhin na maging isang mabuti at marangal na mamamayang Pilipino,” the actress said in a statement.
Aunor top-billed critically-acclaimed movies such as, “Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos” where she won her first FAMAS and Gawad Urian awards for Best Actress; “Atsay” (Metro Manila Film Festival Best Performer); “Ina Ka Ng Anak Mo” (Metro Manila Film Festival and FAMAS Award for Best Actress); and “The Flor Contemplacion Story” (Cairo International Film Festival, Gawad Urian, Film Academy of the Philippines and Star Awards for Best Actress).
She also received international recognition in “Bakit May Kahapon Pa?”, “Naglalayag” and “Thy Womb”./PN
