Gatchalian to DOTr: Prioritize expansion, rehab of existing Phl airports

The Department of Transportation should prioritize the expansion and rehabilitation of existing airports in the country "to enhance air travel and support the tourism industry," said Senator Win Gatchalian.

Among the airports that should be expanded are those located in Camarines Norte, Southern Leyte, and North Cotabato provinces, he said.

"We need to expand our existing airports, build new terminals, and fly tourists straight to their destinations," Gatchalian said noting that the rehabilitation efforts would enhance tourism activities in these provinces, create more jobs, and underpin the local economy.

"This is a very good phenomenon because it decongested Manila and tourists were able to fly straight to their destination," he added.

Gatchalian said the DOTr could carve out a portion of the 2024 budget for right-of-ways under the National Expenditure Program for the expansion of airports, "since the disbursement of the budget for the acquisition of right-of-ways is usually underutilized."

He explained that under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, for instance, utilization of the P1.65 billion budget for right-of-ways is at a very low level.

Likewise, a budget of P12.4 billion under the 2023 GAA appropriated for right-of-ways has a very low disbursement rate to date.

In a recent budget hearing, Gatchalian noted that the DOTr's budget for the rail sector has increased substantially to P163 billion, despite the perennial problem of underutilization.

"Napakalaki ng increase ng rail sector in the budget of DOTr and I support the call to expand the rail sector to different parts of the country including Mindanao. However, the rail sector is perennially underutilized in terms of disbursement," he said.

Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the DOTr is already coordinating with its contractors to hasten the disbursement of payments.