Aquino urged to give posthumous national artist award to Dolphy

MANILA -- One of the three actors in the Senate asked his colleagues to urge President Benigno Aquino III to confer the posthumous National Artist award to Rodolfo "Dolphy" Quizon Sr., otherwise known as the Comedy King.

Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who followed the lead of fellow actor and Senator Lito Lapid, said Dolphy had done enough to save the ailing motion picture industry as evidenced by producing over 60 flicks.

"Dolphy was one of the most enduring and esteemed pillar in the local movie industry whose unparalleled dedication to his work and exemplary achievements as an actor, producer, and philanthropist, has brought joy, laughter, hope and inspiration to the Filipino people amidst various political, economic and socio-cultural eras," Senate Resolution 815 stated.

The other actor in the chamber, Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. had also expressed his admiration to the comedian, who died at age 83 due to a lingering respiratory disease on July 10.

The resolution was also addressed to the Cultural Center of the Philippines and the National Commission on Culture and the Arts, which recently opened nominations for the prestigious award. (Virgil Lopez/Sunnex)