2 senators oppose changing the name of NAIA

MANILA, Philippines — Two opposition senators on Friday pooh-poohed a move in the House of Representatives to rename Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), the country’s main gateway named in honor of slain anti-Marcos opposition leader Sen. Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.

“There is more to it than just a name,” Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said in a statement.

“It gives a glimpse of who we are as a people. We are known as a democracy-loving people because that is what Ninoy Aquino represents,” he said.

He said Congress should focus instead on addressing the record-high unemployment rate and the spread of COVID-19.

“The renaming of Naia will not serve any purpose at this point,” he argued.

Sen. Francis Pangilinan agreed, saying it should be the “least of our concerns now that we are facing a pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and are starving.”

Davao City Rep. Paolo Duterte, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and ACT-CIS party list Rep. Eric Yap had filed House Bill No. 7031, seeking to rename NAIA to “Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas” (International Airport of the Philippines).

—Marlon Ramos