Roosevelt Avenue is officially renamed Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue

The Philippines is a funny nation. We like funny things, funny people, funny movies. We celebrate many comedic icons, but who else has perfected the action-comedy as Fernando Poe Jr. has? "The King of Philippine Movies" has few equals in cinema, and now we'll forever be reminded of that fact.

Earlier today, Malacañang released a signed copy of Republic Act No. 11608. It bore President Rodrigo Duterte's signature, and it says that Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City is now officially known as Fernando Poe Jr. (FPJ) Avenue.

The measure will take effect 15 days from media circulation, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will issue the necessary rules, orders, and circulars to implement the provisions of the Act.

Daughter of FPJ and Philippine Senator Grace Poe also released a statement on the new law. The senator abstained from the Senate's voting on what was then a bill due to a conflict of interest.

As the new law prevails, we have formally erased the Roosevelt name from that road in Quezon City. It was notably named after Franklin Delano Roosevelt (FDR), the 32nd President of the United States. 

As a member of the Democratic Party, FDR won a record four presidential elections, serving from 1933 to 1945. He led the country out of the Great Depression and the climax of World War II. During the Pacific Campaign, Roosevelt placed the Philippine Military under American command. 

He also brought in General Douglas MacArthur to lead the charge. After three years of Japanese occupation, Roosevelt, MacArthur, and international forces coalesced to expel Japan in the Liberation of the Philippines.

FDR's legacy is a lasting one, but now it's time to give honor to an icon of a different breed, one who touched lives through the silver screen. Like it or not, FPJ Avenue is here to stay.