Vilma Santos-Recto has addressed her exclusion from the latest batch of National Artists, saying she accepts the outcome and respects the selection process.

“If it’s meant to be, it’s meant to be, if it’s for you, it’s for you. Kung hindi ka naman nasasali, it’s fine with me,” the Star for All Seasons and Batangas governor said.

Santos spoke about the issue during the talkback session following the Philippine premiere of the restored version of her 1984 classic “Sister Stella L.” at the Metropolitan Theater in Manila on Sunday, September 20.

“Alam n’yo po, ‘yung pagiging National Artist, napakatagal na pong issue n’yan. Kasali ka, hindi ka kasali, ‘di ba?” Santos said.

For the veteran actress, her more than six decades in the entertainment industry have already given her much to be grateful for.

“Sa animnapu’t tatlong taon ko sa industriya, palagay ko naman, ibinigay ding balik ng industriya ay malaking regalo na para sa akin,” she said.

Santos acknowledged that the latest National Artist selection generated considerable discussion, including reactions from supporters questioning why she was not included.

She nevertheless congratulated those who received the honor, including screenwriter Armando “Bing” Lao, with whom she had previously worked.

“Siguro lang, at this point in time, masyado lang naging maingay itong huling selection ng National Artists. And I’d like with all sincerity, to congratulate all our National Artists. Si Bing Lao, naging scriptwriter ko rin,” she said.

She also appealed for the discussions surrounding the issue not to become personal.

“Huwag lang masyado na ano… you know, if you will talk about this National Artist issue, meron lang mga nangyayaring below the belt. Hindi na natin dapat patulan. There’s so much more in life. You get my point? There’s so much more in life.”

“Don’t think of any negativity dahil hindi napupunta sa ‘yo. Maybe it is not meant. But, again, at the end of the day, life has to go on,” she added.

Rather than focusing on the recognition, Santos said her priorities at 72 are now centered on her family, the health of her loved ones, and her peace.

“Sa klase ng buhay ko now that I am 72, tatlong bagay na lang ang priority ko sa buhay ko. Unang-una is I’m praying to God to take care of my family, health of the people that I love, and third, to protect my peace. Palagay ko, ‘yun na ang importante at this point in time.

“Wala nang ibang pwede pang magmaneho ng buhay ko. Because it is time that I enjoy life naman,” she said.

Santos also thanked those who have publicly supported calls for her to be named National Artist.

“From my heart, maraming, maraming salamat po,” she said.

Asked whether her current political position could affect her chances of receiving the recognition, Santos did not make a definitive conclusion about the National Artist selection. Instead, she stressed that serving her constituents remains her immediate responsibility.

“Palagay ko po, hindi ko po muna ipagpapalit ang pwede kong maitulong sa totoong buhay na pangangailangan ng atin pong mga kababayan.

“So, at this point in time, I still have two years and eight months to go at kung ito naman ay maging sagabal sa pagiging National Artist ay bayaan n’yo po munang magsilbi ako sa totoong buhay.

“Dahil ako po ngayon ay pinagkatiwalaan ng mga Batangueño. Ibabalik ko muna iyon sa kanila,” she said.

Santos added that she respects the criteria and process involved in selecting National Artists.

Her remarks came during the special screening of the restored ‘Sister Stella L.,’ directed by Mike de Leon and originally released in 1984. The screening formed part of the 2026 Philippine Film Industry Month activities.