Duterte action on Naia woes awaited

MANILA, Philippines — The problems besetting Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 2 may be tackled during President Rodrigo Duterte’s meeting with his Cabinet, according to Malacañang.

Presidential spokesperson Salvador Panelo on Monday said the President might announce moves to solve woes at Naia 2 his surprise inspection of the terminal early on Monday.

Asked if the President intended to fire airport officials over flight delays and cancellations over the weekend, Panelo said: “Let’s see. He has not made [an] announcement.”

He added: “Maybe in the Cabinet meeting [on Monday night], he will make some announcements or he will discuss the problem … or [the] department head may discuss it
with us.”

Flight cancellations

The President inspected Naia 2 on Monday morning after receiving reports about dozens of flight cancellations and delays due to bad weather.

The President apologized to the passengers affected by the flight delays and vowed to improve airport operations after a month.

The Palace said the President learned about the passenger complaints on Sunday, prompting him to make the surprise visit.

The President was also briefed on the situation by officials, who committed to solve the airport’s problems.

“The President apologized for the inconvenience to the public because of the delays. I understand that the head of
Naia committed to the President that they are doing something about the problems at the airport,” Panelo said.

Causes of delay

He said the solution to the airport’s problems would depend on the causes of the flight delays.

“Because, if you know the cause of the delay, you’ll know the solution. That’s why he went to the airport,” Panelo said.

Meanwhile, Malacañang played down the presence of Leyte Representative-elect Martin Romualdez during the President’s visit to Naia.

Panelo said Romualdez was with the President after they attended the wake for Sendeng Loo Gaisano at Santuario de San Antonio Parish Church in Makati City.

He said Mr. Duterte would not interfere in the speakership race in the House of Representatives. Romualdez is one of the top contenders for the post.

“The President will not interfere with that. We have repeatedly said that,” Panelo said.