Senators Manny Pacquiao and Sherwin Gatchalian are pushing for former Sen. Ramon Revilla Sr. to be declared National Artist.
The two senators are known allies of Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla Jr, and filed separate Senate resolutions recommending the older Revilla be named as National Artist for Film.
In Pacquiao’s Senate Resolution no. 477 filed on July 27, 2020, he acknowledged Revilla Sr’s contribution to the movie industry and public service.
“Revilla Sr. is an embodiment of talent, intelligence, the artistry that makes him befitting of the title of National Artist,”
“Through the years, he has contributed immensely to the development of Philippine art. His movies depicted not only the Filipino way of life but also our unique culture and strong ideas,” Pacquiao’s resolution said.
Meanwhile, in Gatchalian’s Senate Resolution no. 482, he praised Revilla Sr. for being a “genuine gem” of the movie industry.
“to Philippine society in general and to the Philippine entertainment, in particular, should not go unrecognized as he is a genuine gem who contributed much to the proliferation and appreciation of the arts in our country.” said Gathalian.
Ramon Revilla Sr. died on June 23, 2020, at the age of 93. Prior to being a senator, Revilla Sr. was known as the Hari ng Agimat ng Pelikulang Pilipino for his films that mostly featured amulets.
Some of his notable works are Nardong Putik: Ang Kilabot ng Kabite, Pepeng Agimat: Sa Daigdig ng Kababalaghan, Hulihin si Tiagong Akyat, Tonyong Bayawak, Pepeng Kuryente, and Ang Mahiwagang Daigdig Ni Elias Paniki.
Netizens meanwhile didn’t welcome the recommendations of the two senators.
Most of the netizens reacted negatively to their resolution with the majority saying there are other Filipino artists who much deserve the National Artist award more than Revilla Sr.
Award-winning writer Jerry Gracio countered the claim that the older Revilla was “genuine gem” of the movie industry saying he was a “ham actor”
“Ramon Revilla Sr is a ‘genuine gem’ and worthy of the National Artist Award? Jusko, he’s a ham actor! He has contributed much to the proliferation of ham acting and bad films.”
Ramon Revilla Sr is a "genuine gem" and worthy of the National Artist Award? Jusko, he's a ham actor! He has contributed much to the proliferation of ham acting and bad films. https://t.co/3h1jdxcCrH
— Jerry B. Grácio (@JerryGracio) August 25, 2020
Netizen @jhorgene1 meanwhile said FPJ, Dolphy, and Eddie Garcia are far more deserving of that award rather than Revilla Sr.
“FPJ and Dolphy are deserving to be National Artists. Those who are not yet given the honor Eddie Garcia is more deserving than Revilla Sr. who is a mediocre actor. Eddie Garcia has won Hall of Fame as Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor, and as Director. Give to Eddie posthumously.”
FPJ and Dolphy are deserving to be National Artists. Those who are not yet given the honor Eddie Garcia is more deserving than Revilla Sr. who is a mediocre actor. Eddie Garcia has won Hall of Fame as Best Actor, Best Supporting Actor and as Director. Give to Eddie posthumously.
— Jhorgene #AngatBuhayNGO! (@Jhorgene1) August 27, 2020
He/she also added that even Batangas Rep. and Star for All Season Vilma Santos and Superstar Nora Aunor are also more deserving of the Nat’l Artist award.
“NORA AUNOR is more deserving. She won the most international awards for our country. VILMA SANTOS deserves too.”
NORA AUNOR is more deserving. She won the most international awards for our country. VILMA SANTOS deserves too.
— Jhorgene #AngatBuhayNGO! (@Jhorgene1) August 27, 2020
Here are other reactions from the netizens regarding Pacquiao and Gatchalian’s resolutions.
https://twitter.com/PinkDroid2/status/1298905030142001152
Hindi pa national artists sina Dolphy, Eddie Garcia, at Nora Aunor. Kung pipili ng artista, unahin na muna natin 'yung may mas makabuluhang ambag sa pelikula.
— Jowana Bueser (@jowanabueser) August 26, 2020
My reaction on the proposal to make Ramon Revilla sr. a national artist pic.twitter.com/XuasdpBTo4
— bf (@nayrbf) August 27, 2020
Dolphy was like and Ricky Lee was like and Pete Lacaba was like Eddie Garcia was like https://t.co/vGIL7SNvYk
— J.E. Tiglao (@Pigeon_X_) August 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/hellohanina/status/1298834542522798082
Dapat si Eddie Garcia https://t.co/doykMzdwHC
— oli r. (@ohlistic) August 25, 2020
mauuna pa talaga to kesa kay nora aunor?? https://t.co/PFPETt1NgW
— STREAM #SETMEFREE (@akazukinchan2x) August 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/Demonito315/status/1298161058985553920
https://twitter.com/RenzEidan/status/1298831159871205379
