AUG.

24, 2013

NR # 3205B

Creation of the Corazon C. Aquino International Airport Authority sought

A lawmaker has filed a bill changing the name of the Clark International Airport in Pampanga to the Corazon C. Aquino International Airport. Rep. Joseller Yeng Guiao (1st District, Pampanga) filed House Bill 321 to create a corporate body, which is tasked principally to undertake the economical, efficient and effective control, management and supervision of the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, including the Clark International Airport. With the pressing problem of congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila, and the vision and plan of developing the Clark International Airport, there is a need to establish a more stable and streamlined Authority with expanded capabilities to ensure the continued development and efficient management of the Clark Civil Aviation Complex, including the Clark International Airport, Guiao said. Guiao said the bill would abolish the Clark International Airport Corporation and create the Corazon C. Aquino International Airport Authority (CCAIA), which shall have direct jurisdiction over the entire Clark Civil Aviation Complex. Guiao said the establishment of the CCAIA is being sought to promote it as a major hub and gateway in Luzon and to encourage, promote and develop international and domestic air traffic in Luzon, particularly Region III as a means of making it as one of the premier regional centers of international trade and tourism, and accelerating the development of the means of transportation and communications in the country. The bill also aims to upgrade the services and facilities of the airports and to formulate internationally acceptable standards of airport accommodation and service, Guiao said. The bill will formulate a comprehensive and integrated development policy and program for the entire complex including the CCAIA and implement, review and update such policy and program periodically. Further, it shall promulgate rules and regulations governing the planning, development, maintenance, operation and improvement of the complex including the CCAIA, and to control and supervise the construction of any structure or the rendition of any service within the complex. Under the bill, CCAIA is vested with the power to administer incentives to investors with business establishments operating within the Export Processing Zone. In lieu of paying taxes, said business establishments shall pay and remit to the national government

5% of their gross income to be shared by the national government, cities and municipalities affected by the declaration of the Zone and by the Authority. The CCAIA may, in accordance with Section 21, Article XII of the Constitution and existing rules and regulations on local or foreign borrowing, raise funds, either from local or international sources, by way of loans, credit or securities and other borrowing instruments with the power to create pledges, mortgages and other voluntary liens or encumbrances on any of its assets or properties. It shall be exempted from realty taxes imposed by the national government. All ongoing projects relating to the construction of airport facilities and supply of equipment shall be administered and undertaken by the CCAIA. (30) lvc