Armando “Bing” Lao has joined the National Artist roster for Film and Broadcast Arts after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honoured him posthumously through Proclamation No. 1414.
President Marcos signed the proclamation on September 1, 2026. Lao joined nine other Filipinos recognised for their contributions to the country’s cultural life.
Lao died in 2024 at the age of 75. His National Artist recognition highlights a career that shaped Philippine film and television.
Lao in Philippine cinema
Lao was born on September 6, 1948. He worked across television and film throughout his career.
He wrote screenplays for several notable Filipino films. His credits include Takaw Tukso (1986), Itanong Mo sa Buwan (1988), Pila Balde (1999), Tuhog (2001), La Vida Rosa (2001), Serbis (2008) and Kinatay (2009).
Lao earned several Gawad Urian awards for his screenwriting. In addition, Hati Tayo sa Magdamag won FAMAS awards for Best Story and Best Screenplay.
The Film Development Council of the Philippines also honoured Lao with a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2024.
Screenwriter Ralston Jover praised Lao’s approach to storytelling in an interview with BusinessWorld. Jover highlighted Lao’s ability to find humour, social honesty and philosophical meaning in everyday Filipino life.
Lao in the National Artist tradition
Lao now joins the National Artist roster for Film and Broadcast Arts.
The roster includes Lamberto Avellana, Gerardo de Leon, Lino Brocka, Ishmael Bernal, Eddie Romero, Fernando Poe Jr., Manuel Conde and Kidlat Tahimik.
The 2022 honourees also included Nora Aunor, Marilou Diaz-Abaya and Ricky Lee.
Together, these artists represent several generations of Philippine cinema and broadcast storytelling.
Lao’s recognition adds a screenwriter to a distinguished group of Filipino artists who have shaped the country’s film tradition.
Posthumous benefits
As a posthumous awardee, Lao’s legal heirs will receive a cash award of PHP75,000, net of taxes, according to Philstar.com.
They will also take part in cultural commemorations and ceremonial events that honour his artistic contributions.
Meanwhile, the University of the Philippines Diliman remembered Lao as a valued mentor at the UP Film Institute.
Lao taught at the institute from 2019 to 2022. During that time, he shared his experience with a new generation of filmmakers and writers.
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