The Missing Art Movement

If a picture paints a thousand words, what could these paintings say about the corruption during the Marcos regime?

Marcos Art Acquisitions (1965–1984)

The disposable income of the Marcoses from 1965 to 1984, based on their own income tax declaration, was only US$957,487.75 (they did not file any SALN, contrary to law). Yet they purchased more than $25,000,000 worth of artwork by world masters, while the country suffered economic and natural disasters.

Discovery After EDSA Revolution

The Filipinos were oblivious, as media was controlled. After the EDSA Revolution, receipts and empty frames were discovered in Malacañang Palace, revealing the scale of the acquisitions.

The paintings have disappeared.

The Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) is tasked to get them back. One by one, some of these paintings are being recovered. Some were found not too far away, in Metro Manila, some had to be confiscated as far as in Paris, France. Some are under litigation in the Philippines, and New York, while some may have already been purchased by innocent buyers.

PCGG Recovery Efforts

The PCGG is tasked with recovering them. Some artworks have been recovered locally or internationally; some are under litigation. Many valuable pieces remain missing.

Reflection

“Walang Forever they say. The paintings should not be lost forever. So long as they are not recovered and are being enjoyed by those who have no right to it, how can we truly say that we have toppled the Marcos regime? With your mouse and keyboard as your brush, let us paint a brighter future for the Philippines.”

*This is a project of the PCGG on its 30th anniversary #RecoveringIntegrity*

Explore the Timeline of Missing Art