The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is planning to privatize some of the regional airports.
DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the move is aimed at providing convenience and enjoyable experience to local and foreign air travelers.
In an interview with members of the Airport Press Club (APC) on Wednesday, Oct. 12, Bautista said privatization also ensures efficiency in the operation of regional airports.
Among the regional airports being eyed for privatization are those in Bohol, Laguindingan, Iloilo, Puerto Princesa, Kalibo, Bacolod and Siargao.
"We are studying the move to give to the private sectors the operations of some regional airport. We will try to do a PPP (public-private partnership) with the private sector and with the new IRR (implementing rules and regulations) in PPP laws, hopefully this will attract the private sector,” said Bautista.
Her said the DOTr is now in the process of talking to some groups that have already expressed interest and willingness to study the feasibility of joining the government in running regional airports.
Among the companies that earlier expressed interest in the privatization of airports are the Aboitiz Group, Dennis Uy’s Chelsea Logistics Holdings Corp. and Udenna Infrastructure Corp., Philippine Airport Ground Support Solutions Inc., Mega7 Construction Corp. and Prime Asset Ventures Inc. of the Villar Group.
Bautista said the move will also address the lack of sufficient funds on the part of the government to shoulder the expenses of sustaining efficient operations of the regional airports across the country.
"With the private sectors coming in, the funding will no longer be a problem on the part of the government," said Bautista, adding that it will also ensure beautification and upgrading of the airports.