Bill seeks to rename EDSA 'Cory Aquino Avenue'

MANILA, Philippines - Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos has filed a bill that seeks to rename Epifanio de los Santos Avenue (EDSA) from Caloocan City to Pasay City, after the late President Corazon Aquino.

Bill 5422 would rename EDSA, site of two civilian-backed people power revolts that toppled the Marcos and Estrada administrations, as Cory Aquino Avenue.

The measure is now pending with the committee on public works and highways of the House of Representatives.

Relampagos said Edsa should be named after Aquino because “one cannot think of the 1986 EDSA Revolution without thinking of former President Corazon Aquino.”

“It would be but a fitting tribute to Mrs. Aquino, a woman of courage and valor, that EDSA — an avenue that became testament to the country’s love of democracy, be named after her,” he said.

The bill would repeal Republic Act 2140, which named EDSA previously called Highway 54, after Filipino historian Epifanio de los Santos.

Relampagos said he expects the committee on public works and highways to endorse his bill soon.

If the House and the Senate approve the Bohol congressman’s proposal, EDSA would be named after the late president during the presidency of her son Benigno Aquino III.

This could put the President in a bind, since he would have to sign the bill for it to become a law.

However, he could allow it to lapse into by not signing it within 30 days from the time it gets to his desk.