MB:
Some legal experts have come to the defense of controversial artist Mideo Cruz and the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), saying they did not violate any law when the former’s collection of art works titled “Poleitismo” was allowed to go on exhibit recently.
Atty. Florin Hilbay of UP Law argued that "the right of Cruz to express himself through ‘Poleitismo’ is recognized by the constitution. It was not as if the CCP exerted extra effort to offend the feelings of subscribers to the Catholic faith."
This was also shared by another colleague at UP Law, Dean Raul Pangalangan.
“Cruz’s work, shocking as it may be, will fall within that protective clause,” Dean Pangalangan said on “24 Oras,” Aug. 16.
"The artist in question is...entitled to the protection of speech clause,” he said on “TV Patrol.”
Prof. Cecilia dela Paz, Head of University of the Philippines – Diliman’s Art Studies Department feels that there is a need for better understanding of the situation.
“It may violate and offend the community and common standards of morality but it would be more protective for us to bring the discussion in a well-informed manner,” she said.
But Sen. Jinggoy, who is tasked to investigate on the controversial art work, hears nothing of it. He is pushing for the CCP board members to resign.
"Yung call ko na magresign ‘yung mga board members because of their insensitivity to the feelings of the Catholic religion,” Sen. Estrada explained.
CCP Chairman Emily Abrera, meanwhile, believes that it should not be Mideo who should bear the brunt of public ire.
“It is not Mideo who has to [deface] the face of Christ but his opinion that our own ways have defaced Christ. The way we have, you know pursued material things and so on, we, by our own actions, have defaced God,” she said.
Abrera explained her take on Mideo’s art.
"I did not take it as his comment against religion. I took it as his comment to society, about how society has treated the different things that we idolize.”
Abrera stood her ground for her decision not to resign amid the controversy despite call by Senator Estrada for the CCP to leave their post.
“I said no. I meant it in all modesty, in all humility. I recognize my responsibility in this case,” she said.
For National Artist for Sculpture Abdulmari Imao, however, Mideo is at fault.
"Ang pagkakamali nu’ng artist (Mideo), hindi niya binigyan ng limit ‘yung kanyang imagination...”
And naturally, from the clergy’s point of view, Miedo committed a sin with his art.
"Look at the picture and there is violence done. A picture has to be considered very sacred. With any other picture, I will be a little bit more understanding. Never with a picture of God,” Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said.
"The picture of Jesus is not just any picture. He is the picture of God. Nothing like that should be repeated again,” he said on “TV Patrol” that same evening.
For National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose, the “artist is immature and juvenile in his attempt to express his views.”
Mideo did not attend the senate hearing and, instead, issued a statement to “24 Oras.”
“Sa isang statement sinabi naman ni Cruz na kaya hindi siya dumalo sa pagdinig ay dahil hindi naman ang kanyang art ang naging paksa
doon kundi ang freedom of expression. Pero muli, humingi siya ng paumanhin sa mga nasaktan dahil sa kanyang obra,” Mel Tiangco reported.
Information Courtesy of MB \ ALEX VALENTIN BROSAS
http://mb.com.ph/articles/330992/legal-experts-say-mideo-cruz-ccp-did-not-violate-law
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