Bids for Multi-airport strategy is best

Filipinos have long suffered the inadequacies of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport – directly, when we and our loved ones travel and are hampered by various choke points and burdened by delays, and indirectly, because of the numerous economic opportunities missed when investors get discouraged and bring their business somewhere else.

Our facilities at present are only able to serve 35 million passengers a year; we need to expand this capacity and make it accommodate at least 62 million passengers in the immediate future if we are to compete in the global economy.

CitizenWatch Philippines thus supports the long term strategy revealed by Transportation Secretary Sec Bautista to upgrade the country’s international gateway with the rehabilitation of NAIA complex and eventually be monetized as new airports are developed in Sangley Point and Bulacan.

We fully support the decision to go for a solicited proposal to rehabilitate the NAIA complex. A solicited bid, where the government itself sets the requirements and specifications for its own undertaking, certainly better serves a government that acknowledges the need for good governance. This mode allows various competent investors to bid competitively and provide the best options in which to complete the project founded on their track record and expertise in the field. The soliciting body then – in this case, the Philippine government – is able to make decisions according to what is good and optimal for its purposes.

The implementation of this airport strategy will be transparent and devoid of corruption. However, the recent report of the dismissal order based only on an anonymous letter was issued by the ombudsman to the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) chief Cesar Chiong for alleged grave abuse of authority and misconduct raises suspicions on the veracity of the complaint.

The accusers should not be afraid to reveal their identities if their allegations have solid basis.

The rehabilitation of our airport complex is a high-stakes strategic project that will affect the next generations of Filipinos. This will boost business and tourism, encourage investments, ultimately translate into jobs, sustainable income, and a better quality of life for citizens. This is an urgent infrastructure requirement that needs to be at the top of the government’s priority.

Atty Kit Belmonte

Co-convenor

CitizenWatch Philippines