The meeting between President Rodrigo Duterte with airport advocate Alex Cauguiran in Davao may have resulted into a positive development after Digong delivered his first SONA last Monday. This is because everything that Duterte have said about Clark Airport is included in the Clark-NAIA dual airport proposals of the group ADAPT.
During his speech, the president mentioned the transfer of domestic and international flights to very capable airport in Pampanga. Duterte also cited DOTC's plan to build a fast railway system connecting Metro Manila to Clark Freeport Zone. I can only imagine the grin of the passengers must be from ear-to-ear.
Another proposal of ADAPT is to have a one-stop shop for OFWs inside the Freeport like the one revealed by Duterte during his state of the nation address.
The president was also bold on making reference to the well-heeled people about their private jets and choppers which are said to be factors of the airport's congestion. Digong gallantly orders the transfer of NAIA general aviation operations to Sangley Point in Cavite. Providentially, flag carrier PAL has expressed support to the new government's plan to move the ops out from the Manila airport. Airline tycoon Lucio Tan concurs to DOTC that the strategy would help decongest NAIA. But aside from Sangley, Digong also suggested putting up another runway in the metro.
Having said that, Cauguiran said there are still some concerns that were not specified in the president's first SONA and some of these needs legislation. The removal of excise tax and VAT on fuel airlines was not voiced. The removal of travel tax to air passengers flying out of Clark can be an additional incentive. The house of Congress should also study about passing a new Clark Authority from being just a development corporation.
Now that Digong has formally considered Clark to be fully utilized, the national government should consider building a 15-million capacity per annum terminal to accommodate the move of flights and to adequately receive upward projection of passenger growth on the said airport. Cauguiran added that he never felt so good listening to SONA and hearing policy statements for the Pampanga airport. "Only PRRD has the guts and foresights and political will to do it," he added.
Honest, brave and sincere Duterte's message was. Like him or hate him, the Filipino cannot deny that this administration will do something and change is inevitable.