BY JOSEPH PEDRAJAS
Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte on Saturday supported Senate President Tito Sotto’s suggestion to rename Roosevelt Ave. as Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Ave. in honor of his contributions to Philippine movie industry.
The local government said that Belmonte has asked the city council to pass a resolution urging the Congress to make a law renaming the said avenue.
Originally, Senator Lito Lapid suggested to rename Del Monte Ave. after the late actor, but Sotto suggested to change the name of Roosevelt Ave. instead because “it’s where FPJ grew up because it was their ancestral home.”
For Belmonte,”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,” the local chief executive said.
“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,” she added.
“We thank the Senate President for sharing his wisdom and for providing us with a situation that is acceptable to everybody,” she added.
In his 46 years as an actor, FPJ starred in around 300 action films, which allowed him to earn the monicker “Da King” of Philippine movies.
Almost two years after his death on December 14, 2004 at 65, he was declared as a National Artist by former President Aquino.
