PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and First Lady Louise “Liza” Araneta-Marcos contributed their personal money in paying for the hospital bills and other expenses of national artist and Philippine entertainment industry’s “Superstar” Nora Aunor, an official of the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said yesterday.
PCO senior undersecretary Ana Puod said Aunor, as a national artist, had received some benefits but it “can only cover so much” of her medical bills, noting that the late actress stayed at a private hospital.
“When PCSO (Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office) was processing (her hospital bills), the First Couple said they would pay the expenses,” Puod said, adding that “nagbigay ng personal na pera ‘yung mag asawa (the First Couple gave their personal money).”
She said the PCSO also said that they did not pay for any of Aunor’s expenses since the First Couple already shouldered the “hospital bill and other expenses.”
PCSO director Imelda Papin, during an interview, said the president told her that he would foot the bill when she reported that her agency would handle the veteran actress’ expenses.
Aunor died of acute respiratory failure on April 16.
The First Couple attended Aunor’s wake at The Heritage Park in Taguig on the eve of her burial at the Libingan ng mga Bayani.
Aunor, as a national artist, was accorded a state funeral and burial.
