Marcos Jr. mourns Nora Aunor, commends her legacy in Philippine cinema

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expressed condolences on Thursday for the passing of screen icon Nora Aunor, also known as Nora Cabaltera Villamayor.

Marcos praised her films such as 'Banaue', 'Bona', and 'Tatlong Taong Walang Diyos' as part of national heritage, highlighting her other stellar performances in 'Himala', 'Thy Womb', and 'The Flor Contemplacion Story'.

He also commended her for having a golden voice that brought comfort to many and acknowledged her role as a film producer who began producing films at the age of 23.

The President urged everyone to pray for Aunor's eternal repose, noting her contributions to Philippine cinema over more than five decades.

Born in Iriga City, Camarines Sur, Aunor rose to fame in the 1960s as a singer before breaking stereotypes with her dusky looks in films and starred in 170 movies throughout her career.

Aunor's family announced her death on Wednesday night at age 71. She was named National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts under Proclamation 1390 signed by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2022, and had recently withdrawn her candidacy from the 2025 midterm elections due to health reasons.

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts has announced state necrological services and a funeral for Aunor. Actor turned lawmaker Sen. Jinggoy Estrada also expressed his condolences.