By Leslie Ann G. Aquino Three Catholic prelates oppose the proposal to change the name of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to "Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas" especially since it came at a time when there is a public health crisis due to the COVID-19. The church leaders believe there are far more important issues that the government should address at this time such as poverty and hunger. "The people have no work, and many are hungry and sick. Let us not be distracted by discussion on changing names," Apostolic Administrator of the Archdiocese of Manila Bishop Broderick Pabillo said in an interview. "We should focus more on things that are important, like the situation of the poor people, jobless drivers, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs)," said Cubao Bishop Honesto Ongtioco. Pabillo said such a proposal showed "how disconnected the politicians are to the plight of the people." Retired Sorsogon Bishop Arturo Bastes also thumbed down the proposal saying the country owes much to the sacrifices of the late senator, Benigno Aquino Jr. "Our country owes much to the sacrifices of Ninoy Aquino, who was martyred at this airport, which triggered the EDSA Revolution that ended the Marcos Dictatorship! NAIA is the cause and force of the glorious EDSA I. This is a great moment in the history of our country!" he said. "Let us keep the memory of Ninoy Aquino, our national hero martyred in that airport by the dictatorship! Lest we forget!" added Bastes. House Bill No. 7031 was filed by Davao City 1st District Rep. Paolo Duterte, Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco and ACT-CIS Partylist Rep. Eric Yap on June 25. READ MORE: Pulong files bill renaming NAIA to Paliparang Pandaigdig ng Pilipinas