Quezon City Mayor Belmonte has expressed full support for the city council’s move to pass a resolution urging both chambers of Congress to rename Roosevelt Avenue as Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue instead of Del Monte Avenue.
In a public consultation yesterday afternoon, the QC Council Committee on Cultural Affairs and Tourism led by Councilor Candy Medina and stakeholders arrived at the decision, in response to a proposal seeking to rename Del Monte Avenue after the late action king.
“It is but right and proper to honor the late Fernando Poe Junior for his invaluable contribution to the city and our culture. At the same time, we also recognize the historical and religious significance of the area. We are hoping this issue will be resolved judiciously,” Belmonte said.
Belmonte also lauded Senate President Tito Sotto’s similar proposal to rename Roosevelt Avenue after the late action star Fernando Poe Jr. in honor of his contribution to Philippine movies.
“The Senate President’s suggestion to rename Roosevelt Avenue after the late action king more popularly known as FPJ is a welcome development and a win-win solution for everyone concerned,” said Belmonte.
“We thank the Senate President for sharing his wisdom and for providing us with a situation that is acceptable to everybody,” she added.
Priests, residents and other stakeholders opposed the original Senate bill filed by Sen. Lito Lapid because the avenue has historical and religious significance.
Its name was derived from San Francisco del Monte, a retreat founded in 1590 by Franciscan missionary Fray Pedro Bautista, who was later canonized as a saint.
The Senate President said he wanted to rename Roosevelt Avenue because this is where FPJ’s ancestral home is located.
Also, Sotto said Roosevelt Avenue is ideal as it is larger compared to Del Monte Avenue. Sen. Lapid, who is also a friend of FPJ, agreed to the proposed amendment, Sotto said.
The Senate leader also said that he informed Sen. Manny Pacquiao regarding his planned amendment as the boxing champion would sponsor the bill as chairman of the Committee on Public Works.
In his 46-year-career as an actor, FPJ starred in around 300 action films, thus earning him the monicker “Da King” of Philippine movies. He passed away on Dec. 14, 2004 at age 65.
Almost two years after his death, FPJ was declared as a National Artist by then-President Benigno Aquino III.
