Angeles City welcomes Duterte plan to utilize Clark Airport

SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga (Philippines News Agency) -- President Rodrigo Duterte's announcement Monday that Clark International Airport can be used for more domestic and international flights was a welcome one, Angeles City Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan said.

 

He said that the development of Clark as an international hub catering international and domestic flights is long overdue. 

 

"It took a back seat during the previous administration and the result has been disastrous to the country's aviation industry, with delayed flights as long as three to four and even seven hours," Pamintuan added.

 

Pamintuan also said the decongestion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is just the short-term goal. He said the strategic goal is to develop Clark as part of the continuing comprehensive development of the country.

 

The mayor, who is also the president of the League of Cities in the Philippines, stressed the completion of the railroad system from Southern Tagalog and Metro Manila to Central Luzon is another necessary part in the development of Clark, which will facilitate the speedy transit of passengers and goods. 

 

President Duterte also mentioned a one-stop shop for government services for OFWs in Clark, which, according to Pamintuan, is just what Clark needs.

 

The development of Clark International Airport, including the construction of a P12-billion passenger terminal there, had been in the Department of Transportation pipeline even before the elections.

 

"The president has the political will and foresight to include this in his priority projects," he said.