President Aquino has intervened in the art controversy at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP), leading to Tuesday’s closure of the exhibition that has been vigorously criticized by Catholics for its “offensive” depiction of Jesus Christ.

The University of Sto. Tomas, meanwhile, disowned the exhibit, which it described as “offensive” but acknowledged that the artist was an undergraduate in the university.

Mr. Aquino said in an interview he spoke with some members of the CCP board on Monday to clearly convey his position that the CCP runs on public funds and should thus be “in the service of the people.”

“So when you insult the beliefs of most of the people, I don’t see where that is of service,” he said.

The exhibit, which opened in June, has prompted threats and hate mail against the artist Mideo Cruz and the CCP, and been condemned by politicians and Roman Catholic church leaders. Former first lady and art patron Imelda Marcos also joined in the denunciations.

Even as the exhibit was closed, Catholic lay organizations and other Christian denominations said this would not stop them from filing charges against CCP officials and the artist.

“The Christian groups will pursue the charges because a serious offense has been committed and the CCP and the artist are accountable under the law. The Christian nation has been offended,” said Jo Imbong, the legal counsel of the consolidated Christian groups.