ARTISTS STAND FOR FREEDOM AND DEMOCRACY
We, recipients of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ Thirteen Artists Award, strongly oppose the
return of the Marcoses and Dutertes in Malacañang. As Filipino artists and cultural workers, we join the
people’s call to Stand for Freedom and Democracy, and to Uphold the Sovereignty of the People.
Uphold the dignity of public office and government service!
That Marcos, Jr. and Sara Duterte are running for national office is alarming and enraging. Duterte and
his cohorts' political maneuverings are a mockery of the dignity of public service.
Marcos Jr.’s propaganda of historical denialism is a grave insult to the thousands of victims who
suffered under his father Ferdinand Marcos' regime. Justice is yet to be served and billions still to be
reclaimed from the Marcoses, who have not apologized, nor willingly returned ill-gotten
wealth. Marcos Jr. also has consistently lied to the public about his credentials, the tax-related criminal
cases charged against him, and his father’s dictatorial and corrupt legacy. We cannot afford the
perpetuation of the Dutertes in public office. Political dynasties have proven to be beneficial only to
the families in power and their cronies. We must stop extra-judicial killings under the banner of a “war
on drugs,” and the murder of peasants and workers, activists, journalists, lawyers, and political
opponents.
We must choose leaders who will not incite nor condone violence, and have no record of corruption,
in order to stop this culture of deception and impunity.
Defend National Sovereignty! Defend our elections from foreign influence!
The Filipino people need to be vigilant as the upcoming elections are at risk of being controlled by
China and the candidates it supports. Duterte crony Dennis Uy, the owner of Mislatel (now Dito
Telecommunity), is set to become the third major telecommunications provider in the Philippines,
in partnership with China Telecom--notorious for surveillance under the influence of the Chinese
government. A company linked to Uy, F2 Logistics, was also granted a P535-million contract for the
transportation of 2022 election paraphernalia by the Commission on Elections.
Duterte failed to assert our sovereign rights over our Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) in the West
Philippine Sea. Ramon Ang and Chinese companies are now priming Manila Bay and its surrounding
areas for a massive aerotropolis project. This administration has also allowed foreigners 100%
ownership of geothermal projects.
We must choose leaders who will not betray the sovereign rights of the people, in order to stop this
culture of subservience and greed.
Fight for freedom, democracy, and human rights!
For the upcoming polls, we call on all Filipinos to vote for candidates who will pursue resolutions to
the most pressing issues of the country. We must select leaders based on their track record and
platforms of truth, justice, freedom, and accountability.
First, leaders must provide a clear, transparent, and humane response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Second, leaders must address the issue of poverty, the landlessness among our farmers, oppressive
wages and working conditions of workers and continuing unemployment.
Third, leaders must be accountable and hold other public officials accountable by bringing to justice
all cases of corruption, negligence, gender based violence, and human rights abuses.
Fourth, leaders must be one with the Filipino people in upholding basic human rights and sovereignty.
Academic Freedom and Press Freedom must be defended.
Fifth, leaders must reject martial law and all forms of authoritarian control, and uphold the
constitutional principle of civilian authority over the military at all times. They must stop the red-
tagging and killing of peasant and Indigenous leaders who are only defending their land and waters.
Promote a nourishing, creative culture!
Filipinos must unite in fostering a culture of creativity, freedom, and progress. As artists we stand by
our commitment and duty to create, to innovate, and to liberate. Only through our collective courage
and creativity can we defeat the culture of destruction, greed, and servitude.
Now, more than ever, must artists assert and fight for their right to express the sentiments and
struggles of the people. We must refuse to stand alone, still and quiet in the dark.
Abas la mystification, down with the philistines!
No to another Marcos, No to another Duterte in Malacañang!
Uphold the rule of law! Protect the ballot!
No to historical denialism!
Never again to Martial Law!
Stand for freedom! Stand for democracy!
1970
National Artist for Visual Arts
Benedicto Cabrera aka BenCab
Virgilio Aviado
1972
Dani Dalena
Ofelia Gelvezon Tequi
1974
Nap Jamir II
Yoli Laudico
Fernando Modesto
1978
Benjie Cabangis
Lani Maestro
Mariano del Rosario
Phyllis Zaballero
1980
Luis “Junyee” Yee
1988
Pardo de Leon
Jose Tence Ruiz
1990
Imelda Cajipe Endaya
Norberto Carating
Charlie Co
Antipas Delotavo
Egai Talusan Fernandez
Renato Habulan
Julie Lluch
Pablo Baen Santos
Roy Veneracion
1992
Fil dela Cruz
Brenda Fajardo
Willy Magtibay
Soler Santos
1994
Elmer Borlongan
Noel Soler Cuizon
Mark Justiniani
Alwin Reamillo
Arlene Suico Villaver
2000
Ronald Achacoso
Juan Alcazaren
Sari Dalena
Alfredo Esquillo
Karen Ocampo Flores
Emmanuel Garibay
Gerry Leonardo
Jose John Santos III
Katti Sta. Ana
2003
Ringo Bunoan
Mideo Cruz
Nona Garcia
Geraldine Javier
Wire Tuazon
Reginald Yuson
Eric De Leon Zamuco
2006
Poklong Anading
Jeho Bitancor
Mariano Ching
Lena Cobangbang
Daniel Coquilla
Louie Cordero
Lyra Garcellano
Eugene Jarque
Gary Ross Pastrana
Yasmin Sison
Jevijoe B. Vitug
Mac Valdezco
2009
Buen Calubayan
Don Djerassi Dalmacio
Christina Dy
Kawayan de Guia
Racquel de Loyola
Patricia Perez Eustaquio
Winner Jumalon
Raya Martin
Iggy Rodriguez
Jaypee Samson
Pam Yan Santos
MM Yu
2012
Marina Cruz
Kiri Dalena
Michael Munoz Jr.
Leeroy New
Kaloy Olavides
Renan Ortiz
Mark Salvatus
Rodel Tapaya
Cos Zicarelli
2015
Buen Abrigo
Zean Cabangis
Vermont Coronel Jr.
Nikki Luna
Hanna Pettyjohn
Mark Valenzuela
Alvin Zafra
Jeona Zoleta
2018
Zeus Bascon
Cian Dayrit
Janos Delacruz
Doktor Karayom
Carlo Gabuco
Dina Gadia
Guerrero Habulan
Eisa Jocson
Archie Oclos
Shireen Seno
2021
Allan Balisi
Nice Buenaventura
Gino Bueza
Mars Bugaoan
Rocky Cajigan
Geloy Concepcion
Patrick Cruz
Ian Carlo Jaucian
Czar Kristoff
Ryan Nazareno Villamael
