POSITIVE DEVELOPMENTS TO COME OUT OF THE NAIA FIASCO

IT IS noteworthy that the Department of Transportation (DOTr), and the Senate and House of Representatives have initiated and/or committed to conducting their respective investigations in the light of the Naia shutdown. Hopefully, these agencies can promptly complete their evaluations and recommendations, and come up with a “todo list” with dispatch to avoid a repeat of the same incident due to utter negligence.

In the midst of this brouhaha, let us try to focus on the “blessings” and positive developments that happened during the said incident, such as:

• that no major disaster (airplane collision that could have resulted in deaths and other collateral damages);

• that someone (alleged anonymous unsung hero) from the airport control office was quick enough to alert other foreign control centers (using his mobile phone) to contact and direct the planes not to proceed to Philippine airspace;

• that some airlines have extended assistance to their respective passengers per air passenger rights;

• that the Department of Migrant Workers have assisted the OFWs who were stranded at the airports;

• that the said incident has “once again” triggered a wake-up call to the DOTr, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, and Manila International Airport Authority to ensure that they religiously conduct regular systems, equipment, and personnel audit, maintenance, and updates.

The option being posed by the businesses to the government regarding the privatization of our country’s airline operations can be considered if and when these government agencies/officials/staffs responsible/accountable to ensure “seamless” airline operations would have proven to be inutile.