JINGGOY URGES PNOY TO CITE DOLPHY AS NATIONAL ARTIST

Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada formally filed a resolution on Monday urging President Noynoy Aquino, the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to bestow upon Dolphy the Order of the National Artist.

Under proposed Senate Resolution 815, Sen. Estrada declares that "Dolphy was one of the most enduring and esteemed pillar in the local movie industry whose unparalleled dedication to his work and exemplary achievements, as an actor, producer, and philanthropist" and has "brought joy, hope and inspiration to the Filipino people amidst various political, economic and socio-cultural eras."

The Order of the National Artists (Orden ng Pambansang Alagad ng Sining) is the highest recognition given to Filipino artists for their substantial contribution to the development of Philippine arts, specifically in music, dance, theatre, visual arts, literature, film and broadcast arts, architecture and historical literature.

The prestigious National Artist Award is conferred by the President upon recommendation of the CCP and NCCA.

Dolphy, or whose real name is Rodolfo Vera Quizon, Sr., is considered as an icon of the Philippine movie industry who earned the moniker "King of Comedy" and has dedicated more than 60 years of his life as a multi-awarded actor and respected producer with more than 200 movies and countless performances on television, radio and theatre.

Sen. Estrada, a movie actor and producer himself, is hopeful that the selection and screening process would favor Dolphy into receiving the celebrated recognition, saying that every Filipino from all walks of life and across generations is convinced of his artistic excellence and tremendous contribution to Philippine arts and culture.

"We've seen how the people in and out of the entertainment industry respected and admired him, not only because of his immense talent but also of his generosity, humility and good nature. For me, Dolphy personifies the talented and kind-hearted race that we are," Sen. Estrada asserts.

Dolphy passed away last July 10 at the age of 83.