PAL remains optimistic unpaid dues will be settled

Embattled flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is optimistic that its unpaid obligations will be settled taking into consideration national interest.

"After a series of exchanges of communications, PAL remains optimistic that the matter will be settled in the spirit of national interest," the flag carrier said in a statement on Friday.

"We echo the CAAP's assurance that the welfare of the riding public is of topmost priority," PAL said in a statement.

PAL and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) met on Thursday to discuss a settlement offer by the flag carrier covering its unpaid navigational fees and other charges.

"PAL assures the riding public that negotiations are ongoing with the government to resolve with dispatch the issue of unpaid navigational fees and other charges to ensure the flag carrier's continued and unhampered operations," it said.

"PAL representatives have been meeting with government counterparts to address the CAAP issue on said fees with the mutual objective of resolving it at the soonest possible time," it added.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the 10-day ultimatum set by President Rodrigo Duterte for PAL to settle its unpaid obligations amounting to around P7.3 billion remains in place.

The Transportation chief vowed to protect public interest.

"Hindi kami babalangkas ng desisyon na masasaktan 'yung sambayanan. Siyempre, balansiyadong desisyon, balansiyadong pag-implement," Tugade said. — Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News