What's in a name?

'A nation does not become great because it has a beautiful name.' WHAT if one day, Filipinos opened their passports and discovered that the words 'Republic of the Philippines' were gone? What if they were replaced by 'Republic of Maharlika?' Or perhaps, 'Republic of Malaya?' It sounds radical. It may even sound absurd. But the question deserves serious discussion: Should the Philippines continue carrying a name inherited from its colonial past, or should Filipinos eventually choose a name that better reflects their own identity? 'Philippines' traces its origin to King Philip II of Spain. That historical fact alone has prompted generations of Filipinos to question whether an independent nation should continue bearing a name bestowed in honor of a foreign monarch. But changing a country's name is not like changing a street sign. It would involve constitutional questions, legislation, diplomacy, passports, identification documents, government institutions, maps, international agreements, businesses and countless other records. It would also cost enormous amounts of money. Still, cost should not automatically end the conversation. One possible replacement is Maharlika. The word carries a distinctly pre colonial Filipino resonance. It sounds dignified, powerful and unmistakably different from a colonial designation. 'Republic of Maharlika' has the ring of a nation asserting its own historical identity. But Maharlika must not become merely a political slogan. Its historical meaning has been debated, and its use as the supposed original name of the entire Philippine archipelago requires careful historical scrutiny. A national name should be built on scholarship, not mythology, political convenience or nostalgia. Then there is Luzviminda, combining Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. Its message is inclusive and unmistakably Filipino. Three major island groups, one nation. But as a formal country name, it may be too long and somewhat artificial. Malaya is another attractive possibility because it evokes freedom. Yet its historical and regional associations could create confusion internationally, considering that there's already Malaysia. Ultimately, however, the name is not the Philippines' greatest problem. Call the country Maharlika. Call it Malaya. Keep calling it the Philippines. If corruption remains rampant, justice remains selective, poverty remains entrenched and public institutions remain vulnerable to political abuse, changing the name will accomplish very little. A nation does not become great because it has a beautiful name. It becomes great because its government respects its people, its leaders accept accountability, and its citizens defend institutions stronger than personalities. If Filipinos ever decide to rename their country, the decision must therefore be bigger than any president, political party or administration. It must come through serious historical study, constitutional debate, broad public consultation and, ultimately, the democratic consent of the Filipino people. A new name should not merely erase the past. It should announce a better future. Otherwise, changing the name of the Philippines would simply put a new label on an old problem.