SENATOR Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada is set to file a resolution seeking an investigation, in aid of urgent remedial legislation, into the latest crisis that hit the country’s main gateway on New Year’s Day.
“The incident aggravates the already unpleasant image of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). It has been repeatedly labeled as one of the ‘worst’ and ‘most stressful’ airports in the world. This most recent episode necessitates remedial legislation and urgent action from the authorities to save it from becoming a national disgrace or pambansang kahihiyan,” Estrada said.
The technical issues and power outage that paralyzed the operations of NAIA last January 1 further highlights the need for the installation of more sophisticated technologies, the setting up of effective backup mechanisms, and the hiring of competent manpower and experts to man them to ensure uninterrupted airport operations, the veteran lawmaker likewise stressed.
“We also have to be on guard against cybersecurity attacks, sabotage, disasters, and other threats,” Estrada said, adding that the ten-hour technical glitch spells massive losses for the national economy as it leaves a dent in the overall image of the country as a viable tourism destination, commercial and investment hub.
In pressing for remedial legislation through the conduct of a Senate inquiry, Estrada said there is a need to properly and comprehensively identify the needed infrastructure, as well as possible government or private sector support, to modernize and fully equip NAIA at the soonest possible time.
“If we really want to transform from being one of the world’s best, we have to ensure the highest quality of service for all its users. It’s high time that we take a look at its current state,” he said.
Estrada also said that the latest mess becomes yet another stumbling block for the recovery and revitalization of the tourism industry which is among the most severely affected sectors during the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The cancellation of flights inconvenienced some 56,000 to 65,000 passengers while at least 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) were also affected, with some having their chances of being employed abroad in limbo, he added.
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NAIA dapat isalba sa pagiging pambansang kahihiyan — Jinggoy
NAKATAKDANG maghain ng resolusyon si Senador Jinggoy Ejercito Estrada para magsagawa ng imbestigasyon ang Senado na layong makapaglatag ng agarang remedial legislation matapos ang pinakahuling krisis na nagpatigil ng operasyon ng pangunahing paliparan ng bansa sa mismong araw ng pagsisimula ng bagong taon.
“Ang insidenteng ito ay nagpapalala sa dati nang hindi kanais-nais na imahe ng Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). Makailang beses na itong nabansagan na pinakamasama at pinaka-stressful na paliparan sa mundo. Ang insidenteng ito ay nagpapakita ng pangangailangan ng remedial legislation at agarang aksyon mula sa mga kinauukulan upang masalba pa natin ang ating airport sa pagiging pambansang kahihiyan,” ani Estrada.
Ang problemang teknikal at pagkawala ng kuryente na nagparalisa sa operasyon ng NAIA ay lalong nagpatibay sa pangangailangan ng pag install ng mas makabago at sopistikadong mga teknolohiya, paglalagay ng mga epektibong backup mechanisms at pagkuha ng mahuhusay at maasahang mga eksperto at tauhan na magsisiguro ng walang patid na operasyon ng paliparan, giit pa ng beteranong mambabatas.
“Kailangan din nating maging maingat at handa laban sa mga cybersecurity attacks, sabotage, disasters at iba pang mga banta,” sabi pa ni Estrada.
Aniya, ang aberyang inabot ng sampung oras ay makapagdudulot ng malaking pagkalugi sa pambasang eokonomiya dahil makasisira ito sa pangkalahatang imahe ng bansa bilang isang tourism destination, commercial at sentro ng pamumuhunan.
Sa paggigiit ng remedial legislation sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon sa Senado, sinabi ni Estrada na kailangan ng maayos at komprehensibong pagtukoy ng mga kinakailangang imprastraktura, maging ang suporta mula sa gobyerno o pribadong sector upang gawing moderno ang NAIA sa lalong madaling panahon.
“Kung talagang gusto nating baguhin ito upang maging isa sa pinakamaayos sa mundo, kailangan nating tiyakin ang pinakamataas na kalidad ng serbisyo para sa lahat ng gumagamit nito. Panahon na para tingnan natin ang kasalukuyang kalagayan nito,” aniya.
Sinabi rin ni Estrada na ang pangyayari noong Enero 1 sa NAIA ay isang dagok sa recovery at pagpapasigla sa industriya ng turismo na kabilang sa pinaka malubhang sector na naapektuhan sa kasagsagan ng pandemya dulot ng COVID-19.
Ang pagkansela ng mga flight ay naka-abala sa tinatayang 56,000 hanggang 65,000 na mga pasahero samantalang nasa 3,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) ang naapektuhan rin at ang ilan sa kanila ay nanganganib na mawalan ng trabaho, dagdag niya.