PNoy disapproves of 'insulting' exhibit, but won't touch CCP board
09-Aug-11, 2:10 PM Chichi Conde, InterAksyon.com
MANILA, Philippines – President Aquino on Monday expressed his own disapproval of a controversial and allegedly "blasphemous" art installation at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, but said he was "not after censorship" and saw no need to discipline or dismiss the CCP board, as Catholic conservatives and leaders have suggested.
President Aquino said the exhibit – called “blasphemous” by Philippine bishops - is “wrong” and a “disservice to the public.” While he does not believe in censorship, the President added that “stoking conflict is not an ennobling activity” particularly when public funds are involved.
Still, he flatly shot down suggestions to dismiss the CCP board, saying it was enough for him to have conveyed his message. The President said he had talked to board members of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) to express his displeasure over the group exhibit “KULO”, and in particular the installations of artist Mideo Cruz, titled, “Politeismo”.
President Aquino talked to reporters just an hour after the CCP board announced it was shutting down the center’s main gallery, citing threats of violence.
“I was in contact with several board members yesterday and I told them I am a Christian, and our country is composed of at least 85 percent Christians. Depicting Christ in an unflattering manner by anyone is wrong,” Aquino said.
Cruz’s installation includes images of Jesus Christ juxtaposed with a phallus and a condom.
“CCP is funded by public money also. It should be in the service of the people. So when you insult the beliefs of most of the people, where is the service there?” the President added.
No need for resignations
Aquino, however, appeared not inclined to heed calls for the replacement of the entire CCP board.
“I think I have made my position very clear already to them and I did stress the idea that our rights end where other people’s rights begin,” he said. “We have reminded them that no freedom is absolute. Our laws set limits to what you are allowed to do. I'm not after censorship but it is not an ennobling activity when you stroke conflict.”
The CCP board had been threatened with a lawsuit from lay organizations that said a publicly-funded institution should not be used for an exhibit that in their view violated statutes proscribing acts deemed offensive to a race or religion.
