Nick Lizaso, chairman of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA), believes Nora Aunor should still be considered among contenders for the National Artist plum.
Lizaso told ABS-CBN News Aunor this must be as “she already passed through the process of two deliberations.”
He added, “What is crucial is if she will still be included in the third and final deliberation of the board commissioners and trustees of the NCCA and the Cultural Center of the Philippines and living National Artists.”
The deadline for filing of nominees is on Dec. 15.
Among names already mentioned as nominees this year include that of Cecille Guidote Alvarez, Ramon Revilla and Eddie Garcia.
The incumbent president will still approve the final list.