Duterte: No revamp of Naia execs yet despite flight woes

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday said there would be no revamp yet of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) officials even after flight delays and cancellations hit the country’s premiere airport last weekend.

“No [revamp yet]. I am still trying to sort out the problem,” Duterte told reporters in Lanao Del Sur after leading the 121st Independence Day Celebration at the 6th IB in Malabang town.

During the 38th Cabinet meeting Monday night, Duterte told his officials he was  “displeased” over the flight woes at Naia.

Presidential Spokepserson Salvador Panelo earlier said in a Palace briefing that Duterte “hinted” an overhaul of Naia officials.

“I think I will make a revamp,” Panel quoted Duterte as saying.

READ:Duterte wants Sangley Airport operational by November

The Palace official said Duterte agreed with the plan of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade to transfer domestic flights from Naia to Sangley Point, a former US naval facility turned over in the 1970s to the Philippine Navy and Philippine Air Force.

READ:Duterte wants Sangley Point to handle domestic flights, immediately

Panelo said the President wanted Sangley Airport to be operational by November to decongest Naia.


On Monday morning, Duterte made a surprise inspection at Naia Terminal 2 and apologized to passengers affected by the flight delays and cancellations due to a lightning alert on Sunday.


READ: Duterte conducts surprise Naia inspection, apologizes for flight woes

(Editor: Katherine G. Adraneda)

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