‘Ferdinand Marcos Airport’ proposal by Philippine President Marcos Jnr’s ally draws sharp criticism

Netizens are slamming a Philippine congressman’s proposal to rename Manila’s airport after the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos, just a week after his namesake son became president

Former senator Franklin Drilon is among those urging the new administration to focus on more immediate, pressing issues such as inflation and unemployment

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Congressman Arnolfo Teves Jnr said that the airport should be named after Ferdinand Marcos Snr (right), the father of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr (left), because it was constructed during his time in office. Photo: Malacanang Museum and Library

Published: 4:36pm, 6 Jul 2022

A congressman’s proposal to rename the airport in the Philippine capital after former dictator Ferdinand Marcos Snr has triggered a backlash from citizens who say the move could further inflame the country’s political division.

Arnolfo Teves Jnr on Tuesday filed a bill in the House of Representatives seeking to rename the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila to Ferdinand E. Marcos International Airport.

Teves said the facility should be named after Ferdinand Marcos Snr, the father of President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr, because it was constructed during his time in office.

“It is more appropriate to rename it to the person who has contributed to the idea and execution of the said noble project,” he claimed in his bill.

Construction of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, previously known as Manila International Airport, began in 1948 under the administration of President Manuel Roxas. The airport became fully operational in 1953, while Marcos Snr took power in 1965. Photo: AFP

But the construction of the NAIA, previously known as Manila International Airport (MIA), began in 1948 under the administration of President Manuel Roxas. The airport became fully operational in 1953, while Marcos Snr took power in 1965.