Palace leave NAIA fate to Congress

Malacañang on Monday stressed that it will let the lawmakers to decide on the proposed renaming of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas (PPP).

They noted that the measure will help make the Manila airport easily identifiable as the Philippines’ main terminal.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque disclosed that the Palace will leave the matter to Congress because a law needs to be enacted to change the NAIA following criticisms received by the House Bill 7031.

The bill was filed by President Rodrigo Duterte’s son, Deputy Speaker Paolo Duterte, ACT-CIS party-list Representative Eric Yap and Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco.

They noted that the measure will help make the Manila airport easily identifiable as the Philippines’ main terminal.

“We will leave the matter to Congress,” said Roque.

Congressman Duterte said that in filing their proposed measure, there is a need for a more representative branding for the country’s international gateway.

Velasco said that their proposal seeks to reposition the Philippines as a choice destination for tourists, especially when the country reopens its borders for travelers once the COVID-19 crisis is over.

Yap, on the other hand, stressed that they want returning Filipinos or balikbayans and foreign tourists to see the name of the country right away once their flights land at the airport, making them feel at home.

The old Manila International Airport was renamed in 1987 through Republic Act 6639, in honor of Aquino who was assassinated on its tarmac on 21 August 1983.