In a speech at the Philippine Navy anniversary, President Rodrigo Duterte recalled the struggles of airline passengers when he made a surprise inspection last week at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
“Merong isang eroplanong nag-landing and they stayed for five hours inside the plane incoming. So merong tumawag late ng two hours, mag-book sila ng hotel. Kawawa talaga ang riding public,” Duterte said.
The President adds that airlines should shape up on their services or else he will question why they are still in the business.
“The very essence of a common carrier, whether it is a jeep, a bus, an airplane, a ship -ang common ano diyan is for public interest and public governance, and convenience. If you cannot provide convenience and comfort, do we ought not to be there at all?” Duterte explained.
Last week, Duterte ordered the transfer of domestic flights from NAIA to Sangley Point in Cavite.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said he is working on a November implementation of Duterte’s orders.
