MANILA, Philippines — Rep. Lito Atienza of party-list group Buhay yesterday called for the return of a mural created by National Artist Carlos “Botong” Francisco “to its rightful place in Bulwagang Antonio Villegas in city hall.”
“Now that the National Museum has restored this masterpiece, it should be returned to its owners – the city and people of Manila,” Atienza, who served as mayor of the city for three terms or nine years, said.
He said it was the late mayor Antonio Villegas who conceptualized the mural and commissioned Francisco.
“This grand mural depicts Manila’s history and its important role in our nation’s development. No one has the right to loan it or lend it to anybody. It must be returned to its original place in the Bulwagan in deference to the mayor who, in his patriotic and cultural vision, had it made,” he said.
Atienza criticized the city government for not insisting that the mural be turned over to city hall immediately after restoration.
“This priceless national treasure has been replaced by a piece of tarpaulin which has deprived Manileños of ownership and control over what is rightfully theirs. It behooves the city government to take action and have it reinstalled at the Bulwagan,” he said.
He acknowledged the “outstanding work” the National Museum did in restoring the mural, “but at this point, they should return this national treasure to its rightful place.”
He called on Mayor Joseph Estrada to improve Bulwagang Antonio Villegas so the mural would not deteriorate again.
Estrada, in a telephone interview with The STAR, said the city government is still looking for the proper place to install the mural.
“We are in the process of rehabilitating the Bulwagang Antonio Villegas in city hall. I’m looking for a place to transfer it… The painting is now so sensitive because of its age. We have to ensure its protection from damage,” he said. – Jose Rodel Clapano