The Quezon City local government lauded on Tuesday the Senate's decision in renaming Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City to Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Avenue, in honor of the late actor who was also known as the “King of Philippine movies.”
“We laud the Senate, under the leadership of Senate President Vicente Tito Sotto III, for passing this measure that will give recognition to the immense contribution of FPJ not only to our movie industry but to Filipino culture in general,” Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte said in a statement.
“We also consider it a big honor to have one of our city’s main arteries named after FPJ. After all, Quezon City is the City of Stars and it is but fitting to name one of our major thoroughfares after the biggest star of them all," she added.
House Bill No. 7499, which was sponsored by Senator Manny Pacquiao, sought to rename Roosevelt Avenue after the late actor. Senator Grace Poe, FPJ’s daughter, abstained from voting on the bill.
The House measure originally sought to rename Del Monte Avenue after FPJ but it was opposed by priests, residents, and parishioners in the area because of its historical and religious significance.
Sotto introduced an amendment to the measure, pushing to rename Roosevelt Avenue after FPJ because this is where his ancestral home is located.
Sotto’s amendment was accepted by Senator Manny Pacquiao as chairman of the Committee on Public Works.
The measure mandates the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to issue the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement the law’s provisions within 60 days from its effectivity.
In his 46-year-career as an actor, FPJ starred in around 300 action films, earning for him the title “Da King” of Philippine movies. He passed away on Dec. 14, 2004 at age 65 and was declared a National Artist by then-President Benigno "Noynoy" Aguino III.