Airport Privatization Is Not the Answer

By Herbert Vego

IS it necessary to privatize the Iloilo International Airport?

If we listen to Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon, it is because of the need to expand it to accommodate more flights and plane passengers.

The ₱21.16-billion rehabilitation of Iloilo International Airport, however, has not yet been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), pending further study.

On his part, Dizon seems inclined to favor the unsolicited proposal of Prime Asset Ventures Inc. (PAVI), a key subsidiary of the Villar Group, to privatize it via a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme.

I don’t agree with that. Expansion and modernization of our airport to conform with international standards does not mean giving up its operation to former Senate President Manny Villar and his wife, incumbent Senator Cynthia Villar.

We only have to browse public reactions to the proposal to understand why most Ilonggos do not agree.

Here’s one: “The Villars have no track record in operating airports.”

In fact, they are infamous for buying and converting our farm lots into private subdivisions, thus depriving farmers of their sources of livelihood.

However, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas told the GMA Regional TV on March 8, “We really need to fast track this because kung gobyerno aton hulaton, mahinay.”

Since the mayor is a government functionary, that statement sounds ironic. Our international airport is not really problematic. Since its construction by Japan-based Taisei-Shimizu joint venture in 2007, it has been operating smoothly

Since the present problem involves expansion to accommodate more international and domestic flights, why not just hire another trustworthy airport contractor to expand its land and building areas?

It is not necessary to privatize the airport that has proven itself capable of generating huge income. With an increasing number of international and domestic flights serving thousands of passengers daily, the government has nothing to lose but everything to gain by spending for its modernization.

The ₱21.16 billion could easily be raised by the national government to fund the terminal building’s rehabilitation, expansion and such enhancements as additional terminal seats, escalators, and elevators.

We can’t pooh-pooh the consequential inflationary effects of airport privatization, according to the management of a budget airline, Cebu Pacific (CEB), because “airport privatization could lead to increased operational costs, as in landing and takeoff fees.”

Naturally, all additional costs would add to the cost of plane tickets.

-oOo-

‘DENNIS THE MENACE’ IN TIGBAUAN?

IF you know Dennis the Menace, you must have come from the 1950s when he emerged as the 5-year-old American comic character who would annoy or harm his elders.

No offense meant, but the comic boy reminds us of the ongoing political rivalry between Tigbauan, Iloilo Mayor Virgilio “Nene” Teruel and former Sangguniang Bayan member Dennis R. Valencia.

While the two used to be allies within the Garin political camp in the 1st District of Iloilo, they have turned “enemigos” vying for mayor of Tigbauan.

Obviously, Mayor Nene Teruel is licking the wound caused by their split.

To his advantage, challenger Dennis has aligned himself with re-electionist Governor Art Defensor Jr.

It is really a big problem for Mayor Nene because, while Gob Art may campaign all-out for Valencia in Tigbauan, the Garin dynasty may not do so for Teruel without alienating their own supporters in Tigbauan who have committed to side with Valencia.

You see, most of the die-hard followers of Valencia are long-time loyalists of the Garins.  Therefore, if the Garins openly campaign for Teruel, their supporters in Tigbauan might junk Congresswoman Janet Garin, who is pitted against former Tubungan mayor Victor Tabaquirao.

Tigbauan has a voting population of 41,216 — a big slice of the 1st district’s 228,690 registered voters.

Naku, Dennis ha, menace ka talaga kay Yorme.