The Department of Transportation and Communications is asking for P9.1 billion to upgrade 31 international and domestic airports in the countryside in 2016, an opposition lawmaker said on Sunday.
LPG-MA Rep. Arnel Ty, House deputy minority leader, said the amount was cited in the proposed budget of DoTC.
The lion’s share of the department’s 2016 budget for aviation-related development projects would go to Panglao International Airport at P2.136 billion, Clark International Airport at P2.093 billion and Naga Airport at P1.002 billion.
Ty is a member of the House transportation committee.
“Some of the money would be allocated for the new construction facilities, and some for continuing projects,” he said.
According to Ty, the Bicol International Airport would be given P747.4 million for its development; Sanga-Sanga Airport, P577.7 million; Siargao Airport, P264.1 million; Calbayog Airport, P203.6 million; Cauayan Airport, P198.0 million; Tuguegarao Airport, P194.6 million; San Jose Airport, P185.7 million; Zamboanga International Airport, P160.1 million; Roxas Airport, P95.4 million; Puerto Princesa International Airport, P68.1 million; Cotabato Airport, P51.5 million; Siquijor Airport, P40.8 million; San Vicente Airport, P34.0 million; Basco Airport, P33.2 million; Virac Airport, P32.6 million; Dipolog Airport, P25.4 million; Ozamiz Airport, P20.0 million; Laoag International Airport, P13.5 million; Bagabag Airport, P11.8 million; Antique Airport, P10.0 million; Taytay Airport, P8.8 million, and Butuan Airport, P2.0 million.
“If we look at how Filipinos are spending their savings from cheaper air fares, the money appears to be going mainly to travel-related expenses including increased food consumption in airport terminals,” Ty said.
The higher consumption spending spurred by the drop in fuel prices contributes to overall economic growth, he said.
Meanwhile, Ty said DoTC is spending another P700 million for “consultancy payments” for public-private partnership projects at Davao International Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Bacolod International Airport, Laguindingan International Airport and Panglao International Airport.
