Lapu-Lapu is a hero, not a fish—solon

Lapu-Lapu City Rep. Paz Radaza wants “dishonorable” reference of hero Lapu-Lapu’s name to fish species be stopped.

While Filipinos value Lapu-Lapu’s heroism, he said that it is ironic that his name is also used to call a fish with the scientific name of Plectropomus leopardus.

Radaza filed House Bill 2223 or “An Act Rectifying the Dishonorable Use of a Great Filipino Name Lapu-Lapu to a Fish Species ‘Plectropomus leopardus.”

“The bill aims to rectify, correct and give justice to the honorable name of Lapu-Lapu as a hero,” she said.

The Filipinos must be encouraged to call it “Pugapo,” instead of lapu-lapu, she said.

 “It is inappropriate, a defilement and a violation, even if the fish could be the most sought-after, not only in the Philippines but also in Southeast Asia,” she added.

In yesteryears, fish Plectropomus leopardus was known in the regions of the Visayas and Mindanao as “Pugapo.”

“But nowadays, it is alarming that more and more Filipinos prefer to call it lapu-lapu, a disrespect to a patriotic Filipino forebear,” she said.

The measure declares that Lapu-Lapu, who resisted and defeated the Spaniards in the Battle of Mactan, should always be accorded and honored befitting of a patriot, a great ruler and a hero.

It further declares that as it is a defilement that his name is being used to call a fish, Plectropomus leopardus.

Calling the species as Lapu-Lapu or Lapulapu shall be prohibited.

The bill also mandates the National Historical Commission of the Philippines, along with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture, to take the lead role in the implementation of the Act.