Noy: Nora drug problem cost her Artist award

MANILA, Philippines - There should be zero tolerance for illegal drug use, President Aquino stressed yesterday as he explained why he did not proclaim show biz superstar Nora Aunor as National Artist.

According to the President, he is also a fan and has great respect for Aunor for what she has achieved.

However, he said Aunor was caught in possession of illegal drugs in the United States in 2005.

Aunor had pleaded guilty to possession of illegal drugs in Los Angeles, reports said.

In October 2007, the criminal case was dismissed and stricken off the record after she met court requirements, including a rehab program and community service.

The President said Aunor was “convicted” of illegal drug use and was punished and the question he had to deal with was, “If we make her National Artist, would I send a clear message to the people?”

“We know that we have a problem with illegal drugs for the longest time locally. This includes reports about West African syndicates, that there are Mexican syndicates coming into the Philippines and peddling illegal drugs,” Aquino said.

“I don’t want to send a message that illegal drug (use) is acceptable sometimes. The message should be that it is always bad and illegal drugs do nobody any good and I cannot emphasize that message enough and at the same time raise Ms. Nora Aunor to be a, I repeat, National Artist,” he said.

Aquino also told reporters in an ambush interview following the 67th anniversary of the Philippine Air Force at Air Force City, Clark Air Base, Pampanga that proclaiming Aunor a National Artist would also make some people ask how she is as a role model.

The President said that in his job, he could understand that there would be people who would agree and others who would object to the decisions he would make.

“Let me reiterate, I respect her. I recognize her work and masterpieces. But my problem is that the clearer message about zero tolerance on illegal drug use should be of higher priority. It’s wrong all the time,” Aquino said.

The President noted that even his father, former senator Benigno Aquino Jr., was a fan of Aunor and that people could all remember her humble beginnings – selling at bus stations when she was young and then discovered in the singing competition “Tawag ng Tanghalan” before she became a superstar for her acting and singing prowess.

But he said her qualification to be a model citizen for fellow Filipinos should come with the honor and recognition that would come with the National Artist title.

Moral fortitude

A commissioner of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCAA) over the weekend defended Aquino’s decision to exclude Aunor from the list of National Artists this year.

Jeremy Barns, also director of the National Museum, pointed out that the actress’ drug problem in the past has affected her bid for the National Artist recognition.

“It was discussed extensively,” he said, recalling how the body evaluated the actress’ background that included her drug-related offense in the United States.

The 15-member NCCA Board nonetheless submitted Aunor’s name to the Office of the President since he would have the final say, Barns said.

“There was an issue on moral fortitude. You should be exemplary,” he said.

While some declared National Artists had drinking habits, for example, no one was convicted of any crime. - With Christina Mendez, Ding Cervantes