In an exclusive interview with The Philippine STAR, Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Karl Miranda, Leòn Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon, and Buhay Group of Artists President Joey De Leon shared the story behind “Mga Pinta ng Pag-asa: A Special Auction of Artworks by Former and Current Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).”
According to them, the special auction aims to rebuild PDLs’ lives and showcase their talent through art.
It’s the first time for Leon Gallery to host this kind of auction for the PDLs.
“Ang daming madi-discover dito na talent,” Leon Gallery director Jaime Ponce de Leon said.
Justice Miranda also hopes that these kinds of events will help re-shape the perspective of the public to current and former PDLs.
He also noted that prison life is not the end, as they try to open new doors for PDLs.
“Is prison life the end of everything? No. Ok na convict ‘yung tao, sinaraduhan ng pintuan, pero bubuksan doon sa kabila,” he said.
“Sana ‘yung public will look to the artwork not thinking kung sino gumawa noon, but for the style and beauty. On many occasions, people buy because naawa sila sa PDL even if magandang-maganda [‘yung artworks]. Hindi nila kailangan ng ating takot, hindi nila kailangan ng ating awa, kailangan sana ay ‘yung ating pag-unawa,” Miranda stressed.
For former PDL and Buhay Group of Artists President and founder Joey De Leon, these activities are a big help for them as they try to navigate their new life. He also expressed gratitude to the government and private institutions that support them.
“Proud kami, grateful kami kasi sila ’yung ginamit na instrumento para makita itong mga gawa ng mga dati kong kasamang PDL,” he said.
“Lahat naman tayo, deserve ng second chance… Ito sana maging [eyel opener sa public na ito kami, humans kami, give us another chance,” he emotionally added.
The art auction concluded last July 19, 2025, at Legazpi Village, Makati. All proceeds from the event will be given to PDL artists.
