TULFO NIXES PRIVATIZATION OF PHILIPPINES’ AIR TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

SENATE Committee on Public Services chairperson Raffy Tulfo strongly opposed the proposal to privatize the operations of the Philippines’ communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management system (CNS/ATM) through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP).

Tulfo has confirmed from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that ComClark Network and Technology Corp. (ComClark) owned by Tech tychoon Dennis Uy submitted an “unsolicited proposal” to take over the operations of the Philippines’ air traffic management system.

“The privatization of CNS/ATM functions poses serious national security risks and exposes us to foreign interference since private companies may be entered into through equity participation by nationalized investors, including big government back corporations in China,” he said.

In explaining his objection, Tulfo cited an alleged statement by Ret. Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss, former Philippine Air Force chief and former CAAP director, that such proposal would transfer CAAP’s power to monitor and control all flights inside our Flight Information Region (FIR) to a private entity who could have private vested interest.

Hotchkiss purportedly noted that every country has a FIR, where they control the information navigation and alert system, and he stressed that this is “bigger than our maritime zone and territorial land areas combined.”

This only means that privatization of CNS/ATM is tantamount to giving private companies control of the security over our country’s land and seas,” Tulfo highlighted.

In opposing said privatization, Tulfo also recognized that large personalities such as former Congressman Arnolfo Teves, dismissed Bamban Mayor Alice Guo, and other POGO VIPs have used the means of flights to exit the country.

“Privatization may just lead to a system that can be much easier to exploit as a way to avoid the country’s justice system,” he stressed.

The senator from Isabela and Davao vowed that he will exhaust all means to stop any attempt to privatize Philippines’ air traffic system.

He is also set to file a Senate resolution to investigate the proposed privatization and find ways to improve our traffic system without removing government control.