Duterte signs law renaming Roosevelt to Fernando Poe Jr. Avenue

President Rodrigo Duterte has signed the law renaming Roosevelt Avenue in Quezon City after the late King of Philippine Movies Fernando Poe Jr.

Malacañang on Thursday said Duterte signed Republic Act 11608 on December 10.

Roosevelt Avenue, located in the first legislative district of Quezon City, is home to the Poe's ancestral residence where he spent most of his childhood.

His real name is Ronald Allan Kelley Poe.

The 2.9-kilometer thoroughfare runs between EDSA and Quezon Avenue.

Poe has already been declared a National Artist after starring in over 300 movies in his 46-year career.

His daughter Senator Grace Poe expressed gratitude for the passage of the measure.

"My family and I are grateful and humbled by this legislation. FPJ Avenue gives my father's work and legacy a sense of place in our nation's history," said Grace, one of Duterte's opponents in the 2016 presidential elections.

Grace thanked her fellow lawmakers from the Senate and the House of Representatives who pushed for the measure which described Poe as a cultural icon and champion of the masses.

"For every Filipino, every 'probinsyano' who will pass along this avenue, we hope this serves as a physical reminder that no dream is too big and no goal is ever out of reach," Grace said.

"Nawa'y magsilbing ehemplo ng katatagan, pagpupunyagi at pag-asa ang buhay ni FPJ sa ating mga kababayan," she added.

Grace abstained during the Senate voting on the bill due to conflict of interest. —NB, GMA News