MANILA -- President Benigno Aquino III on Thursday conferred a posthumous National Artist for Cinema award to the late actor Ronald Allan Poe, popularly known as Fernando Poe Jr.
Aquino commended the contribution of the late actor to the country's film industry.
"Who doesn't know FPJ or who has not watched his films? His contribution to the movie industry is unparalleled," Aquino said in his speech. "More than being an actor, writer, producer and director, he is a humble, caring Filipino and always ready to help others."
He lauded Poe for living a life dedicated to advance the film industry and uphold the welfare of the people.
Poe was accorded the same award by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2006 but his family declined it as they believed the former President cheated the "King Philippine Movies" during the 2004 presidential race.
Poe's family claimed the actor won the presidency.
Aquino earlier issued Proclamation 435 to confirm the conferment of the National Artist award to Poe.
Poe is the sixth National Artist awardee for cinema, according to the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. The five others are Lamberto Abellana, Ishmael Bernal, Eddie Romero and Lino Brocka.
Poe's widow, veteran actress Susan Roces and daughter Mary Grace Poe-Llamanzares were present during the event.
Roces said she did not get enough sleep the night before Thursday's awarding rites due to excitement.
"A National Artist award is not just an ordinary award. Every actor hopes to get this award. I couldn't sleep last night because I was thinking how FPJ would have reacted if he was still alive, what will he think and what will he say in his speech," she said.
She said the award was a perfect gift for the 73rd birthday of Poe on August 20.
The award will be displayed at the museum of FPJ, where all his belongings are kept, said Roces. (Jill Beltran/Sunnex)