Jinggoy Estrada still wants CCP officials to resign

Even after hearing their explanation on the controversial art exhibit, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada on Tuesday insisted that officials of the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) should still resign for allowing the artwork "Poleteismo" to be displayed in its premises. "As a Catholic I feel offended. I still stand by my call for those people responsible for showing the exhibit at the CCP (to resign)," Estrada said during Tuesday's hearing on the controversial exhibit "Kulo" in the CCP. He made the statement even after the CCP officials explained that many of them had wanted to take down the exhibit when they saw it. Among the works displayed in Kulo was Mideo Cruz's mixed-media collage called "Poleteismo," which juxtaposed Catholic religious images with clowns, Mickey Mouse ears, and a bright red penis. No intention to resign CCP chairperson Emily Abrera, however, said she does not wish to resign because she wants to oversee the continuing policy changes in the CCP. "When I said no I meant it in all modesty. I would like to assure the public and all those concerned that the policies are undergoing review," she said during the hearing. Senate Edgardo Angara, chairman of the Senate education committee, agreed with Abrera that they are in need of policy changes and not administrative changes. He likewise said they will no longer continue their inquiry into the issue because there is already a case regarding the matter pending before the local courts. He added that this means they will no longer subpoena Cruz because there will no longer be another hearing. "I'm personally satisfied that they brought out to the open. I think we have already gathered enough insights. We will submit our conclusion," he said. - GMA News