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By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter
Despite a court order and a row
with investors, the government will still open the Ninoy Aquino
International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 for domestic service on July
23.
Michael Defensor, the head of
Task Force NAIA 3, on Monday said operations will be on a dry run to
avoid a temporary restraining order from the courts.
The government, he added, will
also put the income from the operations in escrow until it reaches
an agreement with the consortium that built the airport.
Defensor said they are still
choosing a bank where to put the money.
When asked about an update on
talks with the consortium composed of local and foreign investors,
he mentioned “feelers from all over and, from what I understand,
we are open and considering suggestions and proposals.”
Defensor said “nothing” is
yet official but the government’s legal team is ready for the
outcome of the talks.
Although the income will be put
in escrow, the government will set aside a management fund to run
the airport, he added, without mentioning any amount.
For Day 1 of the opening of
Terminal 3, 12 fights are scheduled.
The maximum number of 145 flights
a day could be reached, Defensor said, once the airport is fully
operational. The government could also open it to international
flights by February or March next year, he added.
Defensor assured that Terminal 3
is safe for travelers and that ensuring the safety of passengers
will be the government’s paramount concern.
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