THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) is finding ways and solutions to address recurring problems affecting the country’s transportation systems and commuters, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said Tuesday, 10 January 2023.
At the House briefing on the airport incident on New Year’s Day, Bautista assured lawmakers that the DOTr is committed in coming up with permanent solutions on the recurring transport problems, especially issues affecting the country’s air traffic navigation system.
“We hope to convey to our honorable lawmakers and to the riding public, that we are committed in coming up with permanent solutions to recurring problems affecting passengers and commuters,” Bautista tells the members of the House Committee on Transportation chaired by Antipolo City 2nd District Rep. Romeo Acop.
Addressing the incident, Secretary Bautista likewise apologized to passengers affected by the airport shutdown.
“We sincerely apologize to all those affected by the technical glitch, which disrupted hundreds of flights and brought inconvenience to thousands of passengers, not just at NAIA, but other major airports as well,” he said.
According to Bautista, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had been immediately informed that 90% of the operations at the Ninoy Aquino Internatinal Airport (NAIA) had been recovered within 24 hours since the incident.
He added that an intra-agency investigation is being conducted on the source of the air traffic navigation system glitch.
The House hearing will also give the DOTr an opportunity to highlight the critical need for technical and financial support in upgrading the facilities at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), NAIA, and other regional airports throughout the country,Bautista said.
