Several candidates and former senators voiced concerns on Wednesday about renaming Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Ferdinand E. Marcos International Airport.

Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, who managed to run for reelection under President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s “Uniteam,” believes that introducing bills that would stir up more conflict should be discouraged, particularly at this time when the government is in conflict.

Marcos Jr. is the late strongman’s son.

“My personal take on that (bills that may worsen disunity) the battle cry is to unite the Filipino people, unite the country against inflation, against rising fuel prices, against potential food security issues. Dapat mag-concentrate tayo doon, dahil hindi simple itong mga problemang ito. I agree it’s very difficult to face these problems with a disunited country,” Gatchalian said during an meeting.

Some other Marcos Jr. mate, presumptive Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, bowed his head after hearing Negros Oriental Arnolfo Teves, Jr.’s proposal.

Teves claimed Marcos Sr. “built or conceptualized” the airport project after becoming president in 1965. However, according to MIAA records, NAIA’s international runway and associated taxiway have been created in 1953, and a structure and control tower and intercontinental terminal building were completed in 1961.

To resolve the issue, Zubiri suggested that the airport’s name be shifted back to what it was previously known as.

“I don’t know what our colleagues will be discussing. Mas pabor na gawin na lang natin na Manila International Airport. Ibalik na lang natin sa original name,” Zubiri said during the interview.

Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III responded with an each other: “Hmmmm…. Why?”

Former Senate President Vicente Sotto III, for one, saw the proposal as reviving the debate over the airport’s heritage.

“Could be very controversial; It’s better to bring back the old name instead, Manila international Airport,” Sotto said.

Bills that would improve the country survive the crisis, according to former Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon, must occupy the energy and attention of today’s legislators.

“We urge the 19th Congress to address the more urgent issues of inflation, unemployment, hunger, the economy, education and other national concerns rather than such divisive issue as the name of an airport,” Drilon stated “.

The senators believe that difficult issues include discussions about the suggested political reform or giving a president, vice president, congressman, local officials, or village chairmen a 5-year term with one reelection.

Gatchalian believes that addressing charter change is unnecessary at this time. He stated that how to address rising prices should be prioritized in Congress.

“Talking about ‘cha-cha’ might derail the attention of Congress and Senate to the pressing problems right now which is inflation and external head wins. Mabigat yung problema natin eh. So we should concentrate on these problems “Gatchalian explained.

Zubiri also dismissed the need to consider rewriting the 1987 Constitution.

“I think ang usapin natin should revolve around paano natin bubuhayin muli ang ekonomiya, paano natin iangat muli ang kabuhayan ng ating mga kababayan…Yun na muna yung pag-usapan natin kasi galing tayong pandemya, madaming nahihirapan na mga kababayan natin. Hindi pa tapos ang COVID-19, so we have to support the President in his of course health program sa darating na mga buwan. Yun na muna ang pag-usapan natin. I would say right now that’s not our priority,” Zubiri added.