Ilonggo Senator Franklin Drilon is not in favor of renaming the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s main gateway.
“If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. We are facing a pandemic and we are thinking of renaming an airport? I believe we can do better than that,” Drilon said in a statement.
A bill that seeks to rename NAIA has been filed in Congress. It is authored by Representatives Paolo Duterte, Lord Allan Velasco, and Eric Go Yap.
The proposed bill, once passed into law, would change the airport’s name to the Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas.
Drilon described the move as “divisive,” which the country “needs the least” during the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis.
“We are in a crisis and we owe it to every Filipino to avoid a situation that will create division rather than invite unity and cooperation,” he said.
“The renaming of NAIA will not serve any purpose at this point,” the Senate minority leader added.
Paolo, the son of President Rodrigo Duterte, said they want the airport to “reflect the legacy of the Filipino people, our everyday heroes.”
“The name bears no color, no political agenda. It only signifies our warmth as Filipinos in welcoming our own kababayans and foreign visitors.”
The proposed measure will be referred to the House Committee on Transportation for deliberation.IMT
