Cory Aquino's Paintings, Copyrighted

Last April 29, 2011, the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines (IPOPHL) certified and copyrighted sixty of President Corazon Aquino’s artworks. The presentation of the certificates of registration of the said paintings was conducted during a ceremony staged at the IPOPHL Multi-Purpose Hall in Makati City. 

 Atty. Ricardo Blancaflor, Director General of IPOPHL, gave a warm, hearty welcome to the attendees of the event. Atty. Antonio Santos, Director of the National Library of the Philippines (NLP), followed with a very relevant message on the importance of protecting the intellectual property of Filipinos to national development.

Mr. Ruben Tangco, Managing Director of the Ninoy & Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF), accepted the certificates of registration and deposit of the paintings on behalf of the late President’s family from Deputy Director General Andrew Michael Ong. “There is a hint of irony in the selection of Tita Cory’s paintings as a showcase of the IPO-Philippines’ Copyright Regsitration System,” said Tangco. “This is because the former President never considered herself a professional painter—having adopted the artistic pastime quite late in her life as an effective form of spiritual therapy more than anything else.” But, on the other hand, the Tita Cory paintings is the best example to show that copyright does not require more than the independent creation of works to afford it a lifetime of protection plus fifty years. As such, copyright registration is not just for professionals. Every creative Filipino may be awarded with copyright registration.

In 1996, Cory took an active interest in painting under the tutelage of artist Jeff Consumo. Next to prayer, painting became a favored mode of keeping her mind active and her sense of humanity intact. She has participated in a joint exhibit with friends and has sold some of her works to raise funds for her advocacies. She likes to paint flowers and women, usually in oil or acrylic on canvas. 

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Acceptance Speech of IPO-PHL Certificates of Registration and Deposit On Behalf of the Family of the Late President Corazon C. Aquino and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation (NCAF)

Given by Mr. Ruben V. Tangco
Managing Director of the iamninoy-iamcory Movement, NCAF
Makati City
29 April 2011

"Atty. Blancaflor, Atty. Santos, Atty. Ong, Deputy Director Sanchez, other officers and staff of the Intellectual Property Office-Philipines and the National Library of the Philippines, fellow guests, ladies and gentlemen:

I am honored to accept the certificates of registration and deposit of the paintings of the late President Corazon C. Aquino on behalf of her family and the Ninoy and Cory Aquino Foundation.

There is a hint of irony in the selection of Tita Cory’s paintings as a showcase of the IPO-Philippines’ Copyright Registration System. This is because the former President never considered herself a professional painter—having adopted the artistic pastime quite late in her life as an effective form of spiritual therapy more than anything else. Had she been alive when the subject of having her paintings copyrighted was broached, her self-effacing side might have thought the whole idea unnecessary—if not downright outrageous. Those of us who had the good fortune of having worked with her up close can almost picture her pursing her lips, shrugging us all off with a wry smile and a dismissive wave of her hands, and shuffling away. End of discussion.

It would have taken a yeoman’s effort—and a lot of courage—on the part of Rapa Lopa, our president and executive director and the rest of us at the Aquino Foundation to convince her otherwise.

So, President Cory, please forgive us for our audacity to have sought copyright protection for your paintings. While we know that you would not have approved of our decision, we do see the value that this process of intellectual property registration brings—not so much for your heirs’ benefit but for the strengthening of the democracy that you fought so hard to restore.

May our humble initiative serve to inspire Filipino artists, scientists and other innovators to register their works as well and to create a broader awareness among out people of the importance of respecting intellectual property in order to propel economic dynamism and growth.

More power to IPO-Philippines and the National Library on your noble mission! Thank you very much and good morning."