MANILA - The House of Representatives has approved a bill that renames the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to Marcelo H. del Pilar Expressway (MHDPEX), saying the name change was needed to "constantly remind" Filipinos of the revolutionary hero.

The chamber approved on third and final reading Bulacan Rep. Joe Antonio Sy-Alvarado's House Bill No. 8958 that sought to commemorate del Pilar, a writer and patriot who was a contemporary of national hero Jose Rizal.

"It will constantly remind us of the noble deeds of Marcelo H. del Pilar and inspire our people to emulate his example of selfless service to the nation, while his exceptional courage and leadership gave hope and helped unite the Filipino people at a critical time in our country’s history," Sy-Alvarado said in the explanatory note on his proposal.

Del Pilar, just like Sy-Alvarado, hails from Bulacan. A journalist, writer and lawyer, Del Pilar used the pen name "Plaridel" and was among editors and publishers of revolutionary paper La Solidaridad during the Spanish occupation.

The Senate has yet to pass a counterpart measure seeking to name the 84-kilometer thoroughfare after the Philippine revolutionary hero.

The expressway connects Metro Manila and Northern Luzon provinces.