Press Release
June 21, 2012

Villar joins nation in praying for Dolphy's recovery

Sen. Manny Villar today expressed sadness over the condition of actor Dolphy, dubbed as the country's King of Comedy.

"We are one with the nation in praying for the speedy recovery of Dolphy. He is one of the few gems of the entertainment industry. His feat as a comedian will be very hard to replicate," Villar said.

Reports said 83-year-old Dolphy, or Rodolfo Quizon in real life, is in a critical condition. He was rushed to the hospital last week due to pneumonia.

The Nacionalista Party president said he will forever be indebted to Dolphy for supporting his advocacies, especially his help during the 2010 presidential campaign.

"I have great admiration for people who came from humble beginnings and worked their way to the top. They teach the youth the value of hard work," Villar said.

Like Villar, Dolphy also came from Tondo, Manila.

Villar also reiterated his call for the conferment of the National Artist Award to Dolphy in recognition of his outstanding achievement in the entertainment industry. In 2007, he wrote Chairman Emily Abrera of the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Since then, he has been pushing for Dolphy to be named as National Artist.

He said Dolphy is an artist who has helped build a sense of Filipino nationalism through motion picture. He is respected by his peers and was recipient of many awards.

"But more than the trophies he collected, Dolphy is known as a compassionate man, donating substantial wealth and talent to assist health welfare programs and provide financial assistance to senior actors and those involved in filmmaking including extras, stuntmen, bit players, crews and technical staff," he added.

"In my heart and in the hearts of many Filipinos, he is a National Artist," he said.

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