REMEMBERING National Artist for Literature F. Sionil Jose should not be like having a sense of the last-song syndrome. Besides one of his final public comments, he was known as a consequential and prolific writer, having authored more than 35 books. Few other Filipino authors are so accomplished that they merit mention in international news or an obituary in The New York Times.

Still, some remember Mr. Jose for his social media post not long ago. He stung people when he said Maria Ressa did not deserve the Nobel Peace Prize, which was awarded in recognition of her contributions to journalism.