Take down shameful, ugly exhibit

MANILA, Philippines - Former First Lady and now Ilocos Norte Rep. Imelda Romualdez Marcos told her colleagues yesterday she has convinced Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) officials to take down an allegedly blasphemous art exhibit.

“I was there this morning until early afternoon to see it for myself. I was shocked to see this ugly and shameful exhibit. It is not only ugly, but it is a desecration of the sacred spiritual symbol for Catholics,” she said.

Marcos, who developed the CCP complex during her term as first lady, said “we built the Cultural Center for what is beautiful, and what I saw was not at all beautiful. We built the center as a sanctuary for the Filipino soul.”

She said she called for the CCP officials, who promised her they will remove the “offensive statues and pictures.”

Marcos reported her CCP visit to her colleagues after Manila Rep. Amado Ba-gatsing delivered a privilege speech in which he called for the resignation of members of the CCP governing board and its top officials.

“I went to CCP early this morning and unfortunately for that supposed work of art, that particular part of the exhibit was closed. If it were open, I would not have controlled myself,” he said.

He urged his colleagues to look into the “sacrilege” and recommend punishment for the CCP officers. The House leadership referred Bagatsing’s speech and Marcos’ remarks to the proper committee.

CCP: Nothing wrong with exhibit

The exhibit titled “Kulo,” which features the works of 32 artists from the University of Santo Tomas, was launched on June 17 in line with UST’s 400th anniversary.

According to an ABS-CBN report, CCP chairperson Emily Abrera earlier said she stands by the legitimacy of the exhibit, saying that it promotes intelligent debate. “We see nothing wrong with the works, exhibit,” she said.

Abrera said artist Mideo Cruz’s installation – which drew the most flak from Catholic devotees – should be taken ”as part of the exhibit. This is part of the dialogue of the discourse, part of social community. Not all art is for aesthetic purposes...and that is the context from which the exhibit must be taken.”

“It is part of our culture to question, it is part of our culture to seek answers, to look behind the surface and dig out what our real values are. This is a time for questioning for many,” she added.

Dr. Primitivo Chua of the Jaime Cardinal Sin Assembly said he will file a criminal case against CCP officials for allowing the exhibit to be shown. He also called on the CCP board members to resign.

CCP president Raul Sunico said he welcomes the filing of a criminal case over the controversial exhibit. He said while he himself was offended by the exhibit, he will not resign unless ordered to do so by the Office of the President.

He also said there is no basis to apologize for the exhibit, saying there was no malice intended.

Palace has nothing  to do with artworks

Malacañang yesterday tried to disabuse Catholic bishops of the notion that the government had something to do with the CCP art exhibit.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda doused cold water on insinuations made by some members of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, who believe the exhibit is related to the government’s push for the reproductive health bill that they are opposing.

 “As far as the Palace is concerned, we were not involved in the CCP decision. The CCP board decided on this matter independent of Malacañang,” he said. “I think we should not be involved in a matter that is purely a decision made by CCP and this is about art,” the spokesman explained.

While members of the CCP board are presidential appointees, Lacierda said they are expected to perform tasks that are within their competence that no longer need presidential approval.

“I think the controversy is purely on the question of freedom of expression and also on violation of the sensibilities of the Christian faith. I don’t think there is, in any way, any involvement of the President. So that can be resolved purely on those levels,” Lacierda said. – With Delon Porcalla, Evelyn Macairan, Eva Visperas