Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said he plans to separate the Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
Bautista, during the 59th Directors General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Conference in Cebu, said: “We are strengthening the independence of the AAIIB. The recent restructuring of the board under the direct oversight of the DOTr is crucial for conducting unbiased investigations and eliminating any potential conflicts of interest from the CAAP.”
He said in the event of an accident, CAAP will not handle the investigation.
Instead, another office within the DOTr will be responsible.
“This is a common practice in other countries, and there is already a law that establishes an investigation board,” Bautista said.
“When an accident occurs, it should be investigated by an independent body because the CAAP serves as the regulator. A regulator cannot investigate itself, so independence is necessary, as is the case in many countries,” he added.
The AAIIB aims to enhance aviation safety by identifying causes of air accidents and incidents, issuing safety recommendations to prevent recurrence, investigating accidents involving civil aircraft, and promoting research and proposing preventive measures to reduce accidents in civil aviation, Bautista said.
Meanwhile, Bautista said the Philippines is actively collaborating with the DGCA in creating actionable plans for the Asia-Pacific region that align with global aviation standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
“We recognize that the growth in air travel also brings significant environmental challenges. Mindful of our role in this, the Department of Transportation and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines are actively working to minimize the environmental impact of aviation growth through the integration of sustainable practices and continuous operational improvements,” he said.
“Emphasizing responsible expansion, we integrate environmental assessments into all airport projects to ensure that ecological considerations are central to project viability and prioritize collaborations with private sector partners who share our dedication to sustainability,” he added.
