Yes, it can be done – gov’t agency shows how to cut red tape

CUTTING some red tape, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has allowed its 12 area center managers throughout the country to sign off on local airport improvement projects up to P5 million, from the prior P3 million.

In an order issued in December, CAAP Director General William Hotchkiss III raised the capital outlay ceiling for procurements to P5 million per project that area center managers had the authority to approve.

The revision was for “the exigency of the service and in order to expedite the approval of procurement transactions,” according to Hotchkiss.

CAAP spokesperson Eric Apolonio said the new order allowed area center managers—their people on the ground—to undertake urgent airport improvements and repairs without having to seek permission from the head office.

The CAAP exercises supervision and control over 84 airports nationwide, excluding the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and privately owned airports.

Apolonio said the new order was “economical and practical and would save time, to the ultimate benefit of the flying public.” It would likewise decentralize the procurement process. Jeannette I. Andrade