Clark to be part of twin-airport system

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has hit back at critics, denying accusations of indecisiveness on the planned development of the Clark International Airport in Pampanga.

In a statement, the state-run Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) said it would not be a choice between the Pampanga airport and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), saying that both hubs would share a “symbiotic relationship” to benefit the travelling public.

CIAC president and CEO Victor Jose Luciano and top DOTC officials conducted a “planning session” for the Clark airport last Feb. 8 in Tagaytay City.

“Subsequently, CIAC senior officials attended another meeting called by DOTC on Feb. 18, during the updating of the Philippine Development Plan, the Public Investment Program (PIP) and the Tourism Development Plan for 2013 to 2016,” Luciano said.

The statement did not specify concrete projects completed during the last three years, but Luciano said the company would submit a list of projects, including proposed budgets, to the DOTC on March 4.

These projects would include the construction of the gateway terminal, a budget terminal and installation of navigational equipment.

The updated list, including the projects submitted by other attached agencies of the DOTC, will be consolidated and submitted to the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) for processing.

“We support the development of a twin-airport system. That is the overall development of both Clark airport and the Naia,” Luciano said.