Arroyo signs law creating RP's Civil Aviation Authority

(Updated 3:30 p.m.) MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Tuesday signed into law Republic Act 9497, paving the way for the creation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). In a speech during the signing ceremonies, President Arroyo said the creation of the CAAP will ensure safer and more secure flights. "Salamat sa Kongreso sa pagpasa ng Civil Aviation Authority Act na ating nilagdaan ngayon. Magandang tanda ito para sa bayan at sa mundo na patuloy ang pamahalaan sa paglilingkod sa tao at sa pagsusulong ng kinakailangang reporma tungo sa mas mahusay na pamamahala," President Arroyo said. "Salamat sa bagong batas na lilikha ng CAAP, magiging mas ligtas ang mga biyahe sa eroplano, at mawawalan ng sagabal sa paglago ng turismo at investment na lumilikha ng daan-daang libong trabaho para sa bayan, o milyon-milyon pa nga. Ito ang ating mga pakay noong hilingin natin ang batas na ito sa Kongreso sa SONA (State of the Nation Address) noong Hulyo at nagagalak tayo sa pagtugon ng ating mga mambabatas sa aking panawagan," she added. The move came months after the United States-based Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) downgraded the Philippines' aviation rating. To recall, the US FAA on December 26 revised the Philippines' aviation safety oversight category from Category 1 to Category 2 due to "serious concerns" about the ATO's oversight of air carrier operations. Category 2 means the FAA has assessed the Philippine Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with ICAO. The Philippine Travel Agencies Association had expressed alarm over the downgrade saying it will negatively affect the country's tourism industry. Also, the country's flag carrier Philippine Airlines stands to lose 10% of the revenues of its US operations as a result of the downgrade. In a press conference in Malacañang, Exec. Sec. Eduardo Ermita said with the passage of the law, the government is optimistic that the US FAA will revise its Philippine rating downgrade, saying the law contains safety and security provisions. "With the passage of this law, we are (confident) that the US FAA can have a review of our system and come up with a better rating of Civil Aviation in the Philippines," Ermita said.- GMANews.TV