House resolution seeks to probe airport equipment breakdown

Two lawmakers on Monday filed a resolution seeking an inquiry into the breakdown of the Philippine main airport’s navigational equipment that later caused the cancellation and diversion of some 50 domestic and international flights. In House Resolution 49, Cagayan de Oro Rep Rufus Rodriguez and his brother, Abante Mindanao Rep. Maximo Rodriguez Jr. seek to summon officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and other entities to shed light and resolve the issue. Flight delays and problems in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the country’s main airport hub, adversely affect the Philippines’ reputation and standing in the international community not to mention problems it will cause for travelers, both local and foreign. On July 19, NAIA’s Very High Frequency Omni-Directional Radio Range (VOR) — a device that directs aircrafts to the runway especially during periods of poor visibility — broke down. It took airport technicians days to temporarily fix the equipment and weeks to fully restore it. As of last week, some of the flights were still being diverted due to poor visibility despite assurances from the airport officials that the navigation system problems were already solved. Airport officials have decided to replace and upgrade the equipment. A VOR has a lifespan of 15 years, and the current system in place at the NAIA was due for replacement after being used for more than 14 years. - Amita O. Legaspi, RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV