Over 100 artists back Robredo through virtual exhibit

MANILA, Philippines — Over 100 artists, including National Artist Benedicto Cabrera, better known as “BenCab,” have joined a virtual group exhibition to support the presidential bid of Vice President Leni Robredo.

The show, “Mas Radikal ang Magmahal,” online at www.radikal.ph, is a “strong collective statement of support from the creative community,” said organizer Gigo Alampay.

Months before Robredo announced her decision to join the presidential race, Alampay had already reached out to her office to say that should she decide to run for president, he would make sure “the artists were standing beside her.”

“Hers is a brand of leadership that stands in stark contrast to what we have now. It is one defined by example, competence and incorruptibility,” Alampay said. “It is the only one today that is genuinely worthy of our children, our country and our future.”

BenCab’s depiction of the Philippine flag, titled “Fragile and Strong,” made in 2014, is featured in radikal.ph.

Writer Butch Dalisay’s brief essay is on the meaning of being “radical” that accompanies the artworks.

Alampay said he is still getting messages from other artists who want to participate in the exhibit.

The website is “still a work in progress,” and the group plans to add selected works.

‘Oplan Baklas’ illegal

Meanwhile, Robredo’s running mate, Sen. Francis Pangilinan, dared the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Philippine National Police (PNP) to prove their impartiality and also go after administration bets’ tarpaulins in implementing their “Oplan Baklas” program.

“What the Comelec did was illegal. We learned that the posters and tarpaulins they were tearing down were those from opposition candidates. We call on the Comelec and the PNP to prove that they are fair and impartial,” Pangilinan said in Filipino during radio interview with Love Radio-Dagupan in Pangasinan over the weekend.

Based on reports, the Comelec and PNP removed posters and defaced murals inside private properties, drawing the ire of private groups and individuals.

Pangilinan, a lawyer, argued that the two agencies overstepped the bounds of law, saying they do not have any authority on private properties.