Poe panel pushes for review of gov’t plan to better airport ops

A Senate panel headed by Senator Grace Poe has recommended a review of the government’s plan to rationalize airport operations in the country, saying it should not be implemented “arbitrarily.”

The recommendation was contained in a report that Poe, as chair of the Senate committee on public services, sent to Senate President Aqulino “Koko” Pimentel III’s office Wednesday.

“The government’s plan to rationalize airport operations and distribute domestic flights should not be implemented arbitrarily, in that changes in airport operations will affect passengers,” the report said.

“The MIAA is urged to review its rationalization plans with the view in mind of not prejudicing the interests of Filipino passengers. Extend beyond six (6) months or even consortium expansion as an alternative,” it added.

The report is recommending that the capacity of the country’s main gateway be expanded as the main solution to decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

Poe’s committee also warned that a transfer of domestic flight operations to the Clark International Airport in Pampanga “may be too premature.” It cited the lack of connectivity between Manila and Pampanga and other neighboring provinces where overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their families reside.

“Clark is a wonderful opportunity for expansion. But even the government has mentioned that we still have to broaden the study and the plans for Clark,” the report said.

“In the meantime, when the time comes that the government wants to fully utilize Clark—whether to use it as an alternative to NAIA or make it the country’s premier gateway—a high-speed railway that will connect Manila to Clark and other main points should be constructed.”

The committee also urged government to seriously consider instead the proposals submitted by private consortiums on the much-needed NAIA expansion and act on it immediately.

Taking into account of the magnitude of aircraft movements, Poe’s committee also recommended  the construction of a third runway at NAIA to meet the growing demands of increased travelers.

“For the long-term, the government should study whether expanding NAIA or transferring Manila’s airport away from the city center is more viable,” the report said.

“If, after the conduct of the necessary studies and assessments, the MIAA has independently determined, based on its expertise in the field, that the redistribution of flights among the terminals is still the most optimal solution, notwithstanding the capacity constraints, a blueprint or roadmap of the process should be provided to all stakeholders so that they may also be engaged in effective consultation.”

Poe said ample time for planning and execution must also be provided to concerned parties to ensure that the transition would be as seamless as possible.

“In any case, the MIAA should ensure that passengers do not suffer as a result of terminal rationalization,”  she added.    /muf