Groups threaten to sue CCP, artist over exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - Several groups threatened to file charges against the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) and an artist if they do not close an exhibit that reportedly disrespects the Christian faith.

The groups, represented by lawyer Jo Imbong, said they sent a letter to CCP president Raul Sunico Monday, giving them until today to discontinue showing the exhibit “Kulo.”

“The exhibit, taken as a whole, mocks and makes a travesty of religious sentiments of the Filipino people – their Christian sentiments – that are inextricably part of our Filipino culture and values that define our national identity – values that the CCP is mandated to foster, nurture and protect,” the letter read.

Imbong said they may ask the Pasay prosecutor’s office on Thursday “for a preliminary mandatory injunction which would be good for 30 days so (once it is issued by the court) they could stop the exhibit.”

The exhibit began June 17 and is slated to run until Aug. 21. It was shown reportedly in connection with the 150th birth anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal and in commemoration of the 400th anniversary of the University of Sto. Tomas. The artists are said to be UST graduates.

Imbong alleged that CCP violated the provisions of its mandate by allowing the display of the works of Mideo Cruz, who the lawyer said made a mockery of the Christian faith with his “Poleteismo” segment.

Imbong said they are considering filing criminal charges against Cruz for violating a provision in the Revised Penal Code covering “immoral doctrines, obscene publications and exhibitions and indecent shows.”

If proven guilty, the violator faces the penalty of prison mayor or a fine ranging from P6,000 to P12,000.

Former Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, a signatory in the letter to the CCP, described the artists behind the exhibit as “sick and their work sickening.”

Apart from Imbong and Archbishop Cruz, other signatories in the letter sent to Sunico are former Manila congressman Benny Abante, president of Biblemode International and senior pastor of the Metropolitan Bible Baptist Church; Dr. Primitivo Chua, former president of the Philippine Medical Association; Fenny Tatad , president of Women of Asia for Development and Enterprise; Lorna Melegrito, executive director of Pro-Life Philippines Foundation; Eric Manalang, chairman of Philippine Solidarity Foundation; and Norman Cabrera, secretary general of Ang Kapatiran Party.