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By APD Writer Melo M. Acuna
Manila, Sept. 29 (APD)– Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the ten-day ultimatum set by President Rodrigo Duterte for Philippine Air Lines to settle its outstanding obligations remains.
In a chance interview with transport sector reporters after groundbreaking rites for the LRT-MRT common station, Mr. Tugade said the ten-day grace period will stay.
His statement came a day after the Philippine Air Lines and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines talked about the flag-carrier’s proposal to settle its obligations incurred from navigation fees and other charges easily amounting to P 6.9 billion as of July 30,2017.
In a speech before the Philippine Constitution Association at the Manila Hotel last Tuesday night, President Duterte warned business tycoon Lucio Tan, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Philippine Air Lines to settle the unpaid dues within ten days if they still want to use the Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s Terminal II.
When asked what would happen should PAL fail to settle its dues in ten days, Secretary Tugade was qouted saying he’ll cross the bridge when he gets there.
He explained PAL is asking for a chance to meet and discuss possible arrangements.
Secretary Tugade said they will not do anything to harm the general public’s interests.
“The public should feel secured and confident,” he further said.
Reactions
Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry President George Barcelon said he hopes the issue between the government and Philippine Air Lines would be resolved “before irreparable damage is done.”
“The impact would negate all the good that has been done for the country,” Mr. Barcelon said in an SMS to this writer.
A former top-ranking diplomat said while it may be hard to say about possible impact on tourism, “all travelers will be inconvenienced.”
As far as former Philippine Ambassador to Palau and the Vatican Apolinario Lozada, Jr. is concerned, he said “this is act would be a big let down on the tourism and transport industries” as the ordinary man on the streeet would be the direct beneficiary of this.
“The goods and services which will be available to the ordinary citizen would be gone with no substitute that could be thought of no matter how should it will be,” he further explained.
International Chamber of Commerce-Philippines Secretary-General Jesus Varela said while closure or takeover is an option of the government, whatever move should abide by the rules of procedures and due process provided for by law.
“I believe President Rodrigo Duterte’s statement is premised on this and the message put across is that the government may not intend to compromise,” he said.
However, former Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce President and former Philippine Special Trade Envoy to China Dr. Francis Chua sees some light at the end of the tunnel.
“I understand Philippine Air Lines agreed to pay,” he said.
A check with the Manila International Airport website revealed 98 flights leave for domestic and international routes daily.
Some 59 flights leave Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 while 23 others fly from Terminal 3 while 16 others fly our of Terminal 1.
PAL corporate communications has not returned calls nor provided answers to questions about the latest developments.
(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)
