Tarlac execs nix MIAA takeover of Clark airport

CLARK FIELD, Pampanga — Opposition to moves by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to take over the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) here has gained momentum with Tarlac leaders, headed by Gov. Jose Yap, issuing a resolution warning that such efforts would "hamper the full and fast development of Central Luzon, to the detriment of its people."

In Resolution No. 081-2003, the Tarlac provincial board confirmed reports that "various sectors are making attempts to transfer control over the DMIA and the Clark International Airport Corp. (CIAC) in favor of the MIAA allegedly in order to harmonize development plans for the DMIA."

Yap and Vice Gov. Marcelino Aganon were among the signatories of the resolution.

At present, the DMIA is under the management of the Clark Development Corp. (CDC), which has jurisdiction over the Clark special economic zone.

A few months ago, however, President Arroyo issued an executive order reconstituting the CIAC, which used to have control over the Clark airport during the administration of former President Joseph Estrada.

While Central Luzon leaders bewailed this, they are now proposing that local leaders manage the CIAC as they expressed fears that "vested political interests" were pushing for the MIAA takeover.

The resolution, sponsored by provincial board members Carlito David and Enrique Quizon, said the Sangguniang Panlalawigan sees an MIAA takeover "as a setback to the ongoing and continuing progress of the DMIA" and a "downgrading of its international airport status."