Pampanga gov against diverting int’l flights from NAIA to Clark

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO –– A plan to divert international flights from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to the Clark International Airport (CRK), once Metro Manila locks down for a 30-day community quarantine, has gotten the ire of Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda.

“Puwede pa domestic flights (We can accept domestic flights) but not international flights especially those from COVID-19-affected countries,” Pineda said in a Friday (March 13) briefing.

“I hope the national government would consider consulting with me, Angeles City Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr., and Mabalacat City Mayor Cris Garbo first before they implement anything,” he said.

“Following the statement of President Rodrigo Duterte that domestic air travel to and from the (NAIA) will be suspended beginning March 15, we would like to assure the public that (CRK) is ready, and has the capacity for the expected influx of passengers,” according to a statement from the state-owned Clark International Airport Corp.

Pineda had earlier announced that a driver for ride-sharing company GRAB was the first confirmed case of the coronavirus disease in Pampanga.

Lazatin denounced GRAB for “refusing to cooperate in back-tracing persons exposed to COVID-19.” The firm had asserted a confidentiality policy regarding the identities and travel information of its passengers.

In a statement, the mayor identified the car’s licensed plate as Number 6989./lzb