Screengrab from Atty. Vic Rodriguez’s FB video
MANILA, Philippines — It is not the place of the Palace to say if the proposal to change the name of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) to Ferdinand E. Marcos International Airport is a timely topic to discuss now, Press Secretary Trixie Cruz-Angeles said Wednesday.
Cruz-Angeles said it will be “premature” to react to the proposal, especially when the measure was recently filed before the House of Representatives.
“Malacanang has no comment yet on this one. It’s just been filed. After all, wala pang first reading. Any reaction would be premature, if any is even warranted at this time,” Cruz-Angeles said in a press briefing.
Asked if she believes it is a timely matter to discuss given the issues faced by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’ s administration, such as the increase in the prices of goods, Cruz-Angeles said: “This is not a bill filed by Malacañang.”
“So, it’s not our place to indicate whether it is timely or not. It was the congressman who filed it so comment for right now… It’s just been filed,” Cruz-Angeles said.
Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr. filed the bill in the House, saying “[i]t is more appropriate to rename it to the person who has contributed to the idea and execution of the said noble project.”
Teves, however, did not mention that Naia, previously known as the Manila International Airport, was not constructed under the administration of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., the father of Marcos Jr.
According to the history section of the Manila International Airport Authority’s official website, the international runway and associated taxiway were built in 1953 and 1961, respectively. Marcos Sr.’s term as president only started in 1965.
The current name of the country’s main gateway is in honor of former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino, a staunch critic of Marcos Sr.. He was killed at the tarmac of the then-Manila International Airport on August 21, 1983.