Gov’t softens stance on open skies policy By Aytch S. de la Cruz 09/12/2010

Gov’t softens stance on open skies policy
By Aytch S. de la Cruz
09/12/2010
Transportation Secretary Jose de Jesus yesterday said nothing is definite yet on President Aquino’s plan to employ an open skies policy should the ongoing clash between the Philippine Airlines (PAL) and the Flight Attendants’ and Stewards’ Association of the Philippines (Fasap) create massive disruption of flight services to the riding public.

De Jesus, in an interview aired over Radyo ng Bayan, implied that while he thinks the open skies policy is a good idea, it would need to undergo thorough study first before the government can implement such plan.

Aquino on Friday conveyed that the government’s scrutiny over this open skies policy is being fast-tracked for its easy application should the current labor issues hounding PAL distress the convenience of the plane-riding public to a greatest extent.

“I think that (open skies policy) would be good but we have no definite policy on that (yet). It is still being studied at this point and we’re just about to discuss that in the Cabinet,” De Jesus said of his position regarding the matter.

De Jesus claimed what he can confidently relay to the public right now, insofar as his office is concerned, is that they are currently devising some contingency plans that would hopefully reduce the potential unwelcome effects of Fasap’s declaration of strike.... MORE

Source:  The Daily Tribune

URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/headlines/20100912hed4.html