Duterte supports name change for country

MANILA: Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s idea to change the country’s name on Wednesday triggered mixed reactions from the public, with some saying that the government should focus on more important problems.

Duterte made the comments during a speech on Monday evening, saying that late ruler Ferdinand Marcos was right in suggesting in the1970s that the Philippines should have a different name.

“Someday, let’s change it,” he said. “Marcos was right. He wanted to change the name (to) Maharlika. The Republic of Maharlika because Maharlika is a Malay word and it means more of a concept of serenity and peace.”

Maharlika roughly translates to “nobility” in English.

Filipinos, including some legislators, took to social media to express their support or opposition to the idea.

“Philippines keeps reminding us of King Philip II of Spain and our 300-year colony status,” said Senator Panfilo Lacson. “Take out the politics attached to it; Maharlika sounds like truly ours. I will be proud to be a Maharlikan.” But others wondered why the president would even bring up the idea.

“Why in the world would he even consider it, when there are more pressing issues at hand? Priorities, please,” said political blogger Francis Baraan IV. “Can we change the president instead?”

Presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said the remark was “only one of the many ideas” of the president, and that a law was needed to rename the Philippines. The law would also have to be submitted for a referendum. — dpa