LRT-1 commuters, take note: Starting today, August 20, 2023, the Roosevelt station in Quezon City, will be officially called Fernando Poe Jr. station, or FPJ station.
This is in accordance with Republic Act (RA) 11608, signed by former President Rodrigo Duterte on December 10, 2022, honoring the late actor and National Artist Fernando Poe Jr., endearingly called FPJ by the public.
Read: President Rodrigo Duterte admits using "presidential powers" against ABS-CBN
The law was authored by Senator Manuel "Lito" Lapid and sponsored by former Senate President Vicente "Tito" Sotto III.
The name change coincides with FPJ's birthday. He was born on August 20, 1939, in Manila.
A ceremony, held today, unveiled the station's new identity and a marker bearing FPJ's name.
Senator Grace Poe, daughter of FPJ and late actress Susan Roces, led the unveiling.
Read: Showbiz history: Susan Roces at FPJ, bongga ang kasal noong Pasko 1968
Senator Lapid and Sotto, along with Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Light Rail Management Corporation President and CEO Juan Alfonso, also graced the ceremony.
Actor and FPJ fan Coco Martin was also there and gave a speech thanking everyone who honored the late actor.
LARGER THAN LIFE
This latest honor bestowed on FPJ adds another sheen to his enduring legacy.
He was regarded as the "King of Philippine Movies" thus the nickname "Da King" as given by his showbiz peers.
FPJ's storied career started in 1955 — appearing in more than a hundred films, many of them memorable and now regarded as classics — and ended abruptly in 2004.
He ran for president of the Philippines in 2004 but lost to Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
The election was marred with controversy and allegations of fraud were hurled against Arroyo, with the infamous "Hello Garci" scandal allegedly proving that the poll results were rigged to prevent FPJ from winning.
FPJ died on December 14, 2004, after suffering a stroke during a Christmas party event.
He was named National Artist for Film posthumously in 2006, recognizing his contributions to Philippine cinema, entertainment, and culture.