MANILA, Philippines – Boy Abunda said he humbly disagrees with President Benigno Aquino III's decision to reject the nomination of Nora Aunor as National Artist for Film.
This comes after Aquino said Nora's previous drug case as the reason for the actress' exclusion in the list of new National Artist.
READ: PNoy: Drug case disqualified Nora as Nat'l Artist
“I totally respect the decision of the president but I humbly disagree with his decision, dahil naniniwala ako na si Nora Aunor ay deserving to be a National Artist,” Boy said on ABS-CBN's late night talk show “Aquino and Abunda Tonight” on Tuesday, July 1.
The TV host also cited reports that Nora's lawyer Claire Navarro Espina denied the actress was convicted of drug use as claimed by Aquino.
READ: Lawyer corrects PNoy: Nora Aunor never convicted of drug use
“Aquino and Abunda Tonight” co-host Kris Aquino defended his brother President Aquino.
“Ako, ang masasabi ko lang, he stands by his decisions. Whether we agree or not with those decisions, meron siyang paninindigan and that's what I want in a leader,” she said.
Boy added, “I disagree with the decision of the president dahil—uulitin ko lamang po ang aking stance—sabi ko nga, sana pagdating ng araw maamiyendahan ang batas na ito.”
“Ministerial ang trabaho ng presidente dahil hindi naman ito field of expertise ng presidente.
“And that's why it is a democracy,” Kris ended.
Actors and celebrities such as Robin Padilla, Piolo Pascual, Ai-Ai delas Alas have expressed their dismay over the exclusion of Nora as National Artist.