ANGELES CITY -- Senators Grace Poe and Chiz Escudero yesterday stressed the need for the full utilization of Clark International Airport (CRK) in order to boost employment and tourism in Central and Northern Luzon.
During a press conference at Fortune Seafood and Restaurant here, Poe said Governor Lilia Pineda echoed some of the local issues in Pampanga including the full development of Clark airport.
There are about five million overseas Filipino workers in the area that may benefit if Clark airport will have more international flights, according to the presidential candidate.
She added that the utilization of Clark airport will also help in addressing air and land traffic congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
The runways in Clark are suited for international flights and there is still enough space inside the aviation complex which may be used for additional landing paths, Poe said.
The national government should prioritize tourism by strengthening and developing international airports like Clark.
She also said that a railway system is needed to connect Subic, Clark and other cities in Central Luzon with Metro Manila.
If given a chance to serve as the country’s president, Poe vowed to issue a national policy or presidential pronouncement for the full development and utilization of Clark airport.
“Kaya nga sinasabi ko, sa aking panunungkulan sa Malacanang ang mga kuarto roon ay hindi para sa meetings lamang. Kailangan may isang kuarto dun para sa infrastructure development kasi po ang mga programang katulad nito sa Clark, ang pagkakaroon ng railway system na konektado sa Metro Manila ay priority sapagkat anim na taon lang ang administrasyon ng isang pangulo na gusto ko within the first year ay maumpisahan na ang implementasyon,” Poe said.
For his part, Escudero said [government] permits and approval for Clark airport operation will be wasted if it is not used as international airport.
He said the international airport in Metro Manila should eventually be transferred but the system should be gradual.
In the meantime, Clark airport should be used as alternate international gateway of the country, according to Escudero.
With the help of local officials, Escudero vowed to file a resolution in the Senate which will no longer allow additional flights at NAIA to prevent airport accidents.
Air traffic congestion at the NAIA is described by many people as a disaster waiting to happen because of congestion.
The senator also disclosed that their slate will use Clark airport as their hub during the campaign period.
“Gagamitin naming bilang hub ang Clark sa paglipad papunta sa ibat ibang parte ng bansa dahil dito walang traffic at mas mabilis kaming makakauwi sa Quezon City kaysa mag-landing kami sa NAIA na sobrang traffic at sobra parin ang traffic mula Pasay pabalik ng Quezon City. Kami po siguro ang magiging unang ehemplo na ng paglipad at paglipad at paggamit ng Clark ngayong darating na halalan at saka sa Clark wala pang Laglag Bala scheme,” Escudero said.