Several lawmakers today filed a bill seeking to rename the Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City as Erano G. Manalo Avenue in recognition of the spiritual contribution of the late religious leader of the Iglesia Ni Cristo.

Introduced by Reps. Candido P. Pancrudo, Jr. (1st District, Bukidnon), Diosdado "Dato" M. Arroyo (1st District, Camarines Sur), Pedro P. Romualdo (Lone District, Camiguin), Yevgeny Vincente B. Emano (2nd District, Misamis Oriental), Jose S. Aquino II (1st District, Agusan del Norte), Antonio F. Lagdameo, Jr. (2nd District, Davao del Norte) and Rommel C. Amatong (2nd District, Compostela Valley), House Bill 6785 sought to convey Ka Erdy's idea of Filipino ingenuity by sculpturing a religion that originated in the Philippines, which has expanded around the world.

The lawmakers said the late Erano G. Manalo or "Ka Erdy," as he was fondly called, provided exemplary leadership to the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) by turning it to a concrete religious organization with influences around the world.

Ka Erdy also piloted the spiritual and moral well being of the Filipino people, the solons said.

According to the legislators, Ka Erdy also developed the Filipino culture with his colossal followers, through the massive doctrinal-discipline formation of norms and behavior that was transparently associated with the religion he professed.

"With Erano G. Manalo's religious leadership that transcended over political and social boundaries, Ka Erdy is worthy to be lined up with great Filipino leaders and other great Filipino achievers," the solons said.

Under the measure, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) shall issue the rules, orders and circulars necessary to carry out the provisions of the act.