As solons express opposition

WHILE some senators expressed opposition to the possible privatization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA),

Senator Grace Poe said it is high time to consider this possibility specially after the incident that took place before 2022 ended.

Poe said the privatization of NAIA will give the necessary help that it needs in modernizing its facilities including its operations.

Over an ANC interview, Poe said if only the government had earlier considered the privatization of NAIA, the country’s main airport could have been rehabilitated during the lockdown at the height of the pandemic to a mega consortium that had negotiated with the government since 2017.

Earlier, Senator Nancy Binay strongly opposed the possibility of privatizing NAIA as she explained that this is the country’s national aviation system since it carries national security concerns.

Binay said the country cannot afford to privatize components of the national aviation system because it will affect critical government facilities that will affect our national security.

She maintained that national security is non-negotiable and should be a primary consideration in making any decision as far as this issue is concerned.

Binay further said that commercial oprations and improved services under a private supervision is not bad as this will upgrade facilities and amenities as well as operations and services within the airport complex. She added that air traffic is a different issue and should be controlled by no less that the government as this will impair national security.

Senators Christopher Bong Go and Joseph Victor Ejercito Estrada also opposed this possibility insisting that this is not an easy matter considering that it will affect the country’s economy and security concern.

“Our country will be vulnerable should this happen and the national security should be prioritized first and foremost,” said Ejercito.

Go said he is open to an investigation on the issue so that all experts on this field can give the proper input on how “we can improve the services of NAIA and how to avoid the same mishap in the future.”

Senator Ramon Bong Revilla who described the incident as a Pambansang Kahihiyan said those who are in charge of handling the situation must give the necessary explanation on the matter.

Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Service, blamed the CAAP for what took place during the New year’s eve.

She said those in-charge and other officials including experts will be invited on Thursday, January 12, 2023 to shed light on the flight disruption that happened last December 31, 2022.

She added that Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista should not be blamed for the incident insisting that he was just appointed recently by the Chief Executive. By CAMILLE BALAGTAS & PS JUN M. SARMIENTO