MANILA, Philippines–Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III on Friday called for a Senate inquiry as he lamented the “sad state” of the country’s domestic airline operations and roll-on-roll off (ro-ro) services which recently saw thousands of holiday travelers stranded at airports and seaports.
“It is about time that laws governing the operations of airlines and shipping and bus companies are reviewed and updated so that they conform to international standards,” Pimentel said in a statement on Friday.
In calling for an investigation, Pimentel particularly cited the “chaotic operations” of a local airline that caught the ire of local and foreign travelers whose flights were delayed for hours or canceled at the last minute.
Pimentel said he would call for a Senate probe when Congress resumes this month.
The senator also expressed alarm on the overbooking of shipping and bus firms servicing the ro-ro Manila-to-Visayas routes as thousands of passengers failed to reach their destinations on time.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) should impose stiff sanctions against erring companies to protect the interest of the riding public, he said.
Pimentel questioned the practice of outsourcing the ground services of airline companies which he said could unduly endanger the security and safety of passengers.
Personnel handling the ground services of airline companies should be properly trained and strictly selected because they are handling highly sensitive flight operations, he said.
Quoting aviation officials, Pimentel noted that other airlines did not encounter similar problems during the holidays despite a heavy schedule, including the alleged congestion at the airports.
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