Pangilinan: Renaming NAIA should be least of gov't concerns amid crisis

Liberal Party  President and Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Friday said some lawmakers' proposal to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport should not be the priority of the government amid a global health crisis.

"That should be the least of our concerns now that we are facing the COVID-19 pandemic and millions have lost their jobs and are starving," Pangilinan said in a message.

Presidential son Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte and two other lawmakers recently filed a bill seeking to rename NAIA to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas.

"We want it 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," Congressman Duterte said.

NAIA was previously known as Manila International Airport but it was renamed during the Cory Aquino administration in 1987 to honor her deceased husband and former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. who was shot and died at the said airport.

Late president Cory and Ninoy son former President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, is currently the chairman emeritus of the LP. —LBG, GMA News