Posted by ReyFort Media
Star for All Seasons Vilma Santos-Recto has broken her silence on her omission from the latest list of National Artists, saying she has accepted that the recognition may simply not be meant for her.
“Napakatagal na issue na. But at the end of the day prinsipyo ko na ever since sa buhay ay if it’s meant to be it is meant to be, if it is for you, it is for you. Kung hindi ka nasasali it is fine with me,” Santos said.
The actress and Batangas governor addressed the issue during the talkback session following a special screening of her 1984 film “Sister Stella L” at the Metropolitan Theater on Sunday, Sept. 20.
Santos said she considers the more than six decades she has spent in show business as a gift in itself.
“Sa animnapu’t taon ko sa industriya, palagay ko ang naibalik sa akin ng industriya ay malaking regalo na,” she said.
Her omission from the latest batch of National Artists has drawn attention, particularly among her supporters who have long backed her for the honor.
Ten new National Artists were proclaimed in 2026, bringing the total number of declared National Artists to 91.
Still, Santos said she would rather accept the outcome than dwell on what did not happen.
She was also asked whether her role in public service could affect her chances of becoming a National Artist.
Santos, who is currently serving as governor of Batangas, said she would rather fulfill her responsibility to her constituents first.
“Palagay ko po hindi ko po muna ipagpapalit ang pwede ko maitulong sa totoong buhay ang pangangailangan ng ating kababayan,” she said.
“I have two years and eight months to go at kung ito ay maging sagabal sa pagiging National Artist, hayaan niyo ako magsilbi sa totoong buhay. Ako ay pinagkatiwalaan ng Batangueño ibabalik ko muna iyon,” she added. (Ian Ureta/mb.com.ph)
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