Nora Aunor, still not in the new National Artists list

Malacañang Palace has released the names of those that will be recognized as National Artists of the Philippines this year, and Nora Aunor is not in the list.

Recent reports said the superstar will be honored as a national artist this year, and her non-inclusion saddened the Noranians.

"Ang nominasyon ni Nora Aunor sa pagka-National Artist ay pumasa sa NCCA at sa CCP. Iyong ginagawa ng NCCA at at CCP ang may pinakamabigat na halaga dahil sila yung artistic community," said Don Rapadas, convenor of the Nora Aunor for National Artist Movement.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts and the Cultural Center of the Philippines screen the nominees for National Artists. They then make the list from where the President will pick the individuals to be honored with the award.

Nora's past drug case in the U.S. was said to be the reason why she has not been picked, but Rapadas said the CCP has already explained the issue. He also said that the actress was admired because she admitted to the crime and has underwent rehabilitation and community service. Furthermore, an individual's personal life isn't in the criteria for choosing the national artists.

Here is the list of the new National Artists according to Proclamation Numbers 807 up to 812:

Alice Reyes - Dance
Francisco Coching (Posthumous) - Visual Arts
Cirilo Bautista - Literature
Francisco Feliciano - Music
Ramon Santos - Music
Jose Maria Zaragoza (Posthumous) - Architecture, Design, and Allied Arts

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