The damage on NAIA runway pavement is seen in a photo.
Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade apologizes to all affected passengers of the runway closure yesterday.
Tugade does not want to pass the blame on the previous administration and thus, takes full responsibility of the problem.
The transportation department will implement new standard operating procedures or SOP regarding the matter
“I am now in the position. I will not blame anyone. I hold responsibility for what happened. Please accept our apologies and we will do our outmost best that a repeat will not happen,” Tugade said apologetically.
Normal operations in NAIA complex has been restored after the damaged pavement on runway 6-24 was repaired last night.
Repairs finished at 10:35 p.m. but hundreds of flights have been affected
The Manila International Airport Authority said, a total of 53 departure flights, 76 arrivals and about eight international flights have been affected while 41 domestic flights have been cancelled.
Although MIAA insists that the materials used on the runway are not substandard, the Department of Transportation will still look into it to enable authorities to come up with an effective plan for the coming days.
The asphalt overlay was done in 2013.
It is supposed to last until 2018 but problems have started occurring much earlier
“You can have scientific methodologies to examine the material that was use,” said Usec. Bobby Lim.
The Civil Aeronautics Board lauded the airline companies.
CAB says what happened is considered as a force majeure and airline companies have no obligation to the passengers.
But instead of charging the passengers, airline companies allowed rebooking fee free of charge.
Some even gave food for the passengers.
But there are many things that must be done for the sake of the affected passengers
“There are not enough buses. This are the one of the things that we should review. How do we deal with the situation? Do we compel the airlines to provide stand by buses in case of emergency?” CAB Director Carmelo Arcilla said.
The Office of the CAB is open to accept complaints from affected passengers.
(MON JOCSON/UNTV NEWS & RESCUE)
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