MANILA, Philippines — Senator Robinhood “Robin” Padilla has filed a resolution urging the government to confer the title of National Artist on the late musician Freddie Aguilar for his contributions to Philippine music and culture.

In Senate Resolution No. 1364, filed on Tuesday, Padilla said Aguilar’s body of work reflects the spirit of Section 15, Article XIV of the 1987 Constitution and Presidential Proclamation No. 1001, which recognizes individuals who have significantly influenced Philippine arts and culture.

“Ferdinand Pascual Aguilar, also known as Freddie Aguilar, rose to fame in the late 1970s for his powerful and heartfelt compositions using folk rhythms and kundiman music,” the senator said in his resolution.

Padilla cited Aguilar’s 1978 hit song Anak, which has been translated into 27 languages, released in 56 countries, and sold over 30 million copies worldwide. Aguilar also performed socially relevant songs such as Bayan Ko, Pulubi, Anak ng Mahirap, Sa Kuko ng Agila, Luzviminda, Bulag, Pipi at Bingi, and Mindanao.

The senator said Aguilar’s career, spanning over five decades with more than 20 recorded albums, has continued to inspire Filipino musicians and social activists. He added that Aguilar had previously been honored by the Senate in 2018 through a resolution filed by then Senate Majority Leader Vicente Sotto III.