Poe, Escudero see more efficient operations if NAIA managed by private firm

Senators Grace Poe and Francis Escudero are seeing a more efficient operation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) under the management of a private firm.

Poe, Senate public services committee chairperson, said not only the time for the privatization of the country’s main gateway has come but it is also “well past its due.”

“We could have averted the glitches that messed up the flight schedules and inconvenienced thousands of travelers had the modernization of the airport's air traffic control and operations been undertaken years ago,” Poe pointed out.

The Senate panel had tagged as it’s priority recommendation the enlisting of a private concessionaire to operate the country’s main airport after it investigated the January 1 airport shutdown, Poe said.

She mentioned anew the transformation of the Mactan-Cebu International Airport under a private consortium, saying its improved services and facilities have “positively impacted on tourism and passenger experience.”

“This could be a template for the modernization of the NAIA operations. It's time to start fixing our country's premier gateway. Filipinos and foreign travelers deserve a better airport,” Poe said.

While she is supporting the privatization of NAIA operations, Poe explained that the government must ensure that the private firm lives up to its commitment to improve the air transport sector in the country.

Among the requirements that the government should set are accomplishment timeline, performance matrix and penalties for any default.

Escudero likewise agreed to the need for NAIA privatization.

“The private sector, I believe, is by far more efficient than government,” Escudero said in a text message to reporters. Escudero is a member of the Senate public services committee. 

However, the senator said the scope of the private sector and government’s control must be “clear cut.”

Further, Escudero said the privatization must be in compliance with the law, applicable procurement procedures, and relevant regulations.

“I believe it should be open to all qualified bidders,” he added.

Last week, the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to improve the services and increase the capacity of NAIA.

The proposal is for the NAIA solicited Public Private Partnership (PPP) project that will be subject for approval by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board.

The DOTr and MIAA said the government needs a private concessionaire to invest in modern air traffic control equipment, rehabilitate runways and taxiways, and improve existing terminal facilities. — Hana Bordey/RSJ, GMA Integrated News