Govt conducts inventory of NAIA-3 equipment

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has began a tertiary inventory of all equipment at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3, DZMM reported Tuesday.

The report said MIAA General Manager Alfonso Cusi and Florencio Montalvo Jr., assistant general manager for NAIA-3, will lead four teams that will inspect the architecture, electrical and information technology equipment in the facility.

Cusi said the inventory will only list down the actual equipment installed at NAIA-3. "We are not checking if the equipment works, we are just listing down what is actually there," he said.

He added that the teams were not tasked to assess the actual cost of the equipment.

He said the Philippine International Air Terminals Company (PIATCO), the foreign consortium that built the terminal, failed to send representatives for the tertiary inventory despite invitations from MIAA officials.

The Pasay Regional Trial Court earlier ordered the formation of a three-man commission to determine the real market value of the terminal.

PIATCO lawyers have sought the dismissal of the government's expropriation case of the facility and accused the government of legal fraud for taking over private property.

The consortium also has a pending complaint against the government before the International Court of Arbitration based in Singapore, while its German partner, Fraport AG, has filed a separate claim before the World Bank’s International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes for just compensation for the NAIA Terminal 3.

The government took over the $650-million facility last December after the Pasay court issued a "writ of possession" for the property.

President Arroyo has ordered the opening of the NAIA Terminal 3 within six months.
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more developments on NAIA-3...

as for SM.. haha... umm, OT. they've updated their site after being left idle for quite a bit. some recent news articles as well as an updated "inventory" of their supermalls...

speaking of SM. they should awarded the NAIA-3 contract to the Gloden Dragon group made up of the local "taipans". I have a feeling things wouldn't have turned out like this. if PIATCO really did cheat the gov't (and if the Erap administration of the time even helped them out), then I commend GMA for actually taking a stand and doing something about it instead of just turning a blind eye on it and playing dumb. investors should be happy to know that the gov't is trying to cleanse itself and stop thinking that it cannot uphold and bind to contracts and other private-public sector agreements that it commits itself to.

the design of NAIA T3 has a resemblance of SM Bacoor and SM Sucat.

hahaha

I'm sure Mr.Skidmore, Mr. Owing, and Mr. Merrell will not be too pleased with your analogy.

The inside is actually quite nice, very well appointed, definitely on par with other new airports. I heard they complained though that the flooring should have been terrazzo instead of granite. But it is well designed and even the arrival has been designed to accomodate the whole barangay which picks up our OFW's.

yes its design has taken in mind it is in the philippines. the "bookshelf" look is supposed to show the country on the up. and unlike naia1 and like other airports, wellwishers can go inside the airport.

ha ha ha..hell yeah...

But that is just my observation....The terminal III is really beautiful outside and really really big. It is the best and most beautiful structure I've seen so far in Metro Manila..The color of the structure are Black, Gray and the Glass is Green and it really blends into the surrounding. It reminds me also of
RCBC Plaza in Ayala Ave. If only the RCBC Plaza in Makati is located in that area the both structure will surely be superb. Outside that terminal complex there is another structure I don't know if it is still part of that terminal or maybe the office of PIATCO it has the same theme like the terminal, it is Grey with lots of pointed edges the building is like a lots of triangle that was put together. Did you notice it?

Takenaka Group seems so silent about this issue, in the news all we hear is about PIATCO, FRAPORT, and the government.

everything seems to be like Naia3 to you. ;) i prefer rcbc in the cbd, well away from the airplanes. peace

PIATCo lawyer: Gov't has no intention to pay for NAIA-3 (http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=24695)

Gov't takeover 'legal fraud' -- PIATCo lawyer (http://news.inq7.net/breaking/index.php?index=1&story_id=24665)

Oh well... :blahblah:

the interior of the terminal is actualy very much like the Tom Bradley International Airport at LAX. Btw, I don't think the roof of NAIA 3 is similar to that of the SM malls. Yung sa SM malls kasi, pa-curve pero circular pa din ang shape. Whereas yung sa NAIA 3, pa-triangle talaga parang bubong ng bahay. hehehehehe

...and the V shaped structural beams seem like "wings of an eagle" flying, the Philippine Eagle, at least that is what the architects thought of when they were designing the building.

Pearl of the Orient Seas - The Philippines (http://community.webshots.com/user/jbkayaker12)

Jon

...and the V shaped structural beams seem like "wings of an eagle" flying, the Philippine Eagle, at least that is what the architects thought of when designing the building.

oh... i thought they little "wings" was the pointed roof? but yeah... i think that was the main idea behind it. maybe the wings of the Philippine Eagle, or the wings of a plane, but it was about the country lifting off into progress and development... or something like that.

PIATCO's lawyer looks like he is just running stupid, baseless arguments now... they know they've lost and they know they're wrong, and these are just useless, pointless last-ditch efforts to save themselves from the big mess they've gotten themselves into. maybe I am wrong (I hope I'm not) but that's how it seems right now. that comment about the MIAA taking over NAIA-3 and deliberately vandalizing it to lower the cost of compensation was especially absurd. this columnist writing about it was right (I forgot where I read it. i think it was maybe even posted here...). I'm paraphrasing his exact analogy, but it was something like "a man hiring someone to build his house, and then going into the house and breaking it down in order to avoid having to pay for its construction". even if the gov't was that stupid to do such a thing, they'd have had to pay to reconstruct the damage, and that would make no sense at all...

buksan na kasi yang naia terminal 3 na yan!

panahon na! ngaun na pls! (kahit ngaung taon pede na) :bash:

Im really sorry for the airport. Maybe by the time they open it, the stucture's design is already passe or something. They should have opened that a long time ago and impress the world with the cool design.

with 54 gates in total, naia does'nt need a new terminal. what they need is to renovate the terminal 1 or if they have a money in the near future just demolish it and make a new domestic terminal in it's present site di ba mas maganda yun.

Actually NAIA has almost double that number of gate positions, somewhere between 103 and 105. For example, Terminal 1 actually has 24 gates, 14 of which are directly connected to the terminal by loading bridges, the remaining 10 are remote parking positions. Terminal 2 also has remote gates, in addition to the 12 gates directly connected to the terminal through loading bridges. The 28 gates you described for Terminal 3 actually include 20 gates directly connected to the terminal, and 8 gates corresponding to the remote parking areas. I think the parking positions in the domestic terminal are also counted here.

Im really sorry for the airport. Maybe by the time they open it, the stucture's design is already passe or something. They should have opened that a long time ago and impress the world with the cool design.

What do you mean by "passe"? This thing is only 4 years old. the Bank of China in Hong Kong is as old as I but its hardly "passe".

I didn't know about the V strutsin the building being eagle wings that's new..but I know the roof symbolises the country yeah "lifting off"

Actually NAIA has almost double that number of gate positions, somewhere between 103 and 105. For example, Terminal 1 actually has 24 gates, 14 of which are directly connected to the terminal by loading bridges, the remaining 10 are remote parking positions

I dont think gate is the right phrase for it, maybe what you mean is apron? because gate is the place where passengers await and will board the airplane, either by aerobridges or bus/stairway to the apron (where the plane is actually parked).

Cheers

I dont think gate is the right phrase for it, maybe what you mean is apron? because gate is the place where passengers await and will board the airplane, either by aerobridges or bus/stairway to the apron (where the plane is actually parked).
Cheers

I think the more appropriate term is parking bay. It that case, T3 has 20 parking bays, served by 18 lounges on the third floor. Then there is a first floor lounge on the North wing that serves the 8 remote parking bays.

ha ha ha..hell yeah...

But that is just my observation....The terminal III is really beautiful outside and really really big. It is the best and most beautiful structure I've seen so far in Metro Manila..The color of the structure are Black, Gray and the Glass is Green and it really blends into the surrounding. It reminds me also of
RCBC Plaza in Ayala Ave. If only the RCBC Plaza in Makati is located in that area the both structure will surely be superb. Outside that terminal complex there is another structure I don't know if it is still part of that terminal or maybe the office of PIATCO it has the same theme like the terminal, it is Grey with lots of pointed edges the building is like a lots of triangle that was put together. Did you notice it?

RCBC Plaza and NAIA3 are both works of SOM. I remember attending a meeting with SOM and Skilling, Ward, Magnusson and Barkshire in May 1996 regarding the RCBC Plaza. I recalling it was in this meeting that the local counterparts during lunch brought up the subject that the Government was planning to build a third terminal. Based on the discussion, it seems that this was the first time the representative of SOM had heard about this project, because their response was "Oh, if thats the case, we have this great idea for an airport terminal. Who should we talk to about this?". And then sometime in November 1997 I saw an article in the paper stating that SOM got the project, and it was based on the Filipino concept of over-hangs. SOM also worked on the Roxas Triangle condominium, which has the same over-hang features as NAIA3.

When PAL landed in the runway last January 02, 2005 (i went to boracay...he he he) i took a video of NAIA Terminal 3 while we are taxiing going to terminal 2. In this drawing there are 18 contact gates connected to the terminal so there should be 36 air bridges overall in this 18 gates, there are also 10 parking stand in right concourse area for remote parking. Overall there are 28 gates (18 contact + 10 remote). There are 20 aircraft (14 big + 6 small) that can park simultaneosuly connected to this terminal maybe this is why they did not include the other air bridges in this drawing just to give us an idea that only 20 aircraft can park at the same time. These 18 gates which are connected to the terminal has 36 air bridges [2 air bridge (left and right) per gate] but they only show 4 air-bridges connected to the two gates in left concourse for smaller aircraft (I saw PAL uses this air bridges). While our taxi (cab) passed through in front of the terminal3 building I noticed that there was a Boeing 737 of Philippine Airlines who is already using the left concourse air bridges. Maybe for parking purposes only. When i went home i search this photo in the net. It is pretty accurate but some of the air bridges are missing they only put 1 air bridge per gate where it should be two air bridges per gate.

http://www.geocities.com/metro_manila_philippines/naia3design.jpg

thanks for sharing :) i see a black rectangle in the upper left area of the image. is it supposed to be like that? thanks.

When PAL landed in the runway last January 02, 2005 (i went to boracay...he he he) i took a video of NAIA Terminal 3 while we are taxiing going to terminal 2. In this drawing there are 18 contact gates connected to the terminal so there should be 36 air bridges overall in this 18 gates, there are also 10 parking stand in right concourse area for remote parking. Overall there are 28 gates (18 contact + 10 remote). There are 20 aircraft (14 big + 6 small) that can park simultaneosuly connected to this terminal maybe this is why they did not include the other air bridges in this drawing just to give us an idea that only 20 aircraft can park at the same time. These 18 gates which are connected to the terminal has 36 air bridges [2 air bridge (left and right) per gate] but they only show 4 air-bridges connected to the two gates in left concourse for smaller aircraft (I saw PAL uses this air bridges). While our taxi (cab) passed through in front of the terminal3 building I noticed that there was a Boeing 737 of Philippine Airlines who is already using the left concourse air bridges. Maybe for parking purposes only. When i went home i search this photo in the net. It is pretty accurate but some of the air bridges are missing they only put 1 air bridge per gate where it should be two air bridges per gate.

http://www.geocities.com/metro_manila_philippines/naia3design.jpg

If you notice the 14 gates facing 13-31 have two loading bridges per parking position, while the 6 gates facing andrews avenue only have one loading bridge per parking position. This is the reason why there are only 34 loading bridges. BTW, if you look at your video, you will notice that there are only 13 ramps in front, although there are 14 parking positions. 4 of the ramps slope downward to the left, while the 9 others slope down to the right.

For the back gates which have a total of 6 parking positions, the ramps are made up of two sections. Unlike the ramps facing 13-31 which are cantilevered, these ramps are supported by columns separate from those in the concourse. Two of the ramps have to 2 parking positions to them. While the two other ramps have a single parking position to them. The ramps with only one parking position per gate seems to be narrower than those with two parking positions.

You picture you showed is the plan of the third floor which is where the departure area is located. I think that the 14th gate in front does not have a ramp, and that the passengers go down to the second floor by means of stairs or an escalator, because the bridge is on the second floor.

I also forgot to mention that the reason why the plan seems to have 18 bridges consists of two parts: a fixed bridge perpendicular to the concourse, and a movable part. all the 14 parking positions in front have two movable bridges to one fixed bridge whereas, those at the back have 4 fixed bridges. Two of them have two loading bridges to one fixed bridge, and these are the ones that have two small parking bays. Whereas the remaining two bridges, have only one movable loading bridge per fix bridge.

In Terminal 2 the fixed bridge is made up of glass and steel and you can see out side. In the case of Terminal 1, the fixed bridge is made up of concerete with a pebble wash out finishing, and small windows. In the case of Terminal 3 the material seems to be similar to that used in the loading bridge, and has small windows, and is carpeted inside - if I remember right.

thanks for sharing :) i see a black rectangle in the upper left area of the image. is it supposed to be like that? thanks.


nope the black rectangle portion is an image..he he he..i just print screen this image so the black box on the upper left is another image..sorry for that..

cool...thanks for sharing

nope the black rectangle portion is an image..he he he..i just print screen this image so the black box on the upper left is another image..sorry for that..

that's ok. thanks.

Piatco to government: We can compromise
By Edu Punay | The Philippine Star | 01/20/2005

The Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco) has expressed willingness to strike a compromise agreement with the government to expedite the expropriation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) even as it believes the government does not have sufficient funds to pay the consortium with just compensation as ordered by a lower court.

"Piatco is willing to go for alternatives that will be beneficial to both parties. It is one with the Filipino people in seeing NAIA-3 open as soon as possible," Piatco spokeswoman Liwayway Vinzons-Chato said.

Vinzons-Chato stressed that Piatco has always extended its cooperation to the government towards the goal of opening NAIA-3. In fact, she said it has even accommodated the government’s requests for meetings in Hong Kong and even in Washington D.C.

She also disclosed that Piatco earlier agreed to a proposal by the Manila International Airport Authority to operate NAIA-3 under a revenue-sharing scheme.

In August 2002, Vinzons-Chato said the government has also offered Fraport AG of Germany, a major shareholder in Piatco, $400 million to take over NAIA-3. She laments that now, it is offering only $300 million for the entire consortium for the total cost of building the terminal.

The government, however, is adamant that it did not perpetrate legal fraud when it expropriated NAIA-3.

In a press briefing held at the Department of Foreign Affairs, Solicitor General Alfredo Benipayo affirmed the government’s commitment to pay just compensation for the terminal, countering allegations made by Piatco that the move was illegal as the government seized the facility without payment.

Benipayo clarified that the government’s preliminary deposit of $62.3 million at the Landbank of the Philippines Baclaran branch, which was not released to the consortium with the issuance of a temporary restraining order by the Supreme Court, is not the full compensation for Piatco but a deposit required under Rule 67 of the Rules of Court to obtain possession of the terminal.

"We are not saying that it is full amount," he said. "Just compensation cannot be determined until a full inspection and assessment of the terminal is finished."

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) is recommending "competent, disinterested and reputable international airport engineers" to conduct the valuation of the terminal.

In its motion to stop payment to Piatco which the High Court granted, the OSG asserted that it is protecting other claimants to just compensation. Benipayo claimed that Japan’s Takenaka Corp., the unpaid contractor and builder of the terminal, which is demanding $100 million from Piatco, had a claim to just compensation as well.

Piatco said though that Landbank’s refusal to release the initial down payment to the consortium was one of the strategies to delay the payment.

But even with the government’s alleged dilatory tactics, Vinzons-Chato said the consortium is looking forward to a speedy and just resolution of the case.

"We are still working on continuing talks with the government," she said.
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this was from the other day still, but I just had to post it... haha. I mean, omg, this is just ridiculous...


"Piatco is willing to go for alternatives that will be beneficial to both parties. It is one with the Filipino people in seeing NAIA-3 open as soon as possible," Piatco spokeswoman Liwayway Vinzons-Chato said.

Vinzons-Chato stressed that Piatco has always extended its cooperation to the government towards the goal of opening NAIA-3.
---------
But even with the government’s alleged dilatory tactics, Vinzons-Chato said the consortium is looking forward to a speedy and just resolution of the case.


doesn't that just make you want to puke...? especially those parts in bold. holy crap... backtrack to a few months ago, when Piatco thought they were unstoppable - with possession of the terminal - and believed they had every leverage over the gov't in this big tussle over NAIA-3. they refused to negiotiate or budge on any compromises and obviously was trying to work around the issue again through ilegal deals. now, they realize they were so stupid they had overlooked that one last resort the gov't finally and rightfully used against them, and all of a sudden turn the tables once again trying to put the blame on the administration. really... who are they trying to fool here?? they should be lucky the gov't hasn't totally blown its top over their damned cheats and "dilatory tactics" and are still open to working things out with them...

KUDOS to the Philippine Government. I guess PIATCO has learned it's lesson....ha ha ha....they are the victim of their own "Dilatory Tactics"....

well, lets see what's the next drama about this terminal!

NAIA 3 Telenovela

First Season - The Bidding
Second Season - The Making
Third Season - The Hearing
Fourth Season - Republic of the Philippines Strikesback
Fifth Season - Coming Soon

Well I just hope that Fifth Season is the opening of the terminal to the public. Somehow all of this is begining to resemble STAR WARS.

NAIA-3 expected to bring in 15 M tourists — PTA
By Mayen Jaymalin | The Philippine Star | 01/22/2005

At least 15 million more foreign tourists are expected to visit the country as soon as the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) opens this June, officials said yesterday.

"Once NAIA-3 is fully operational, the country can offer additional world-class airport terminal service that would serve as an impressive gateway to our nation," Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA) general manager Robert Dean Barbers said.

He pointed out that with the opening of NAIA-3, the Philippines could capture at least five percent of the estimated 300 million tourists flocking to the Asia-Pacific region in 2005, and "even surpass our projected three million tourist arrivals in the country."

The government announced earlier that NAIA-3 will be operational within six months. Barbers said the PTA is on an intensive campaign to attract foreign and local tourists into availing themselves of affordable tour packages offered by 13 agencies and field offices affiliated with the PTA.

Meanwhile, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Alfonso Cusi sent a "written guarantee" that NAIA-3 will open by June to station managers of airline companies operating at NAIA’s Terminal 1.

Airline companies, however, said the letter, dated Jan. 12, is not enough for them to transfer their operations to NAIA-3.

Cusi, in his letter, assured airline companies that "all government agencies directly or indirectly involved in the (NAIA-3) project are presently being fully mobilized to ensure that the target date for the opening and operation of (NAIA-3) is met." He encouraged airline officials to "accelerate your planning activities" for the transfer to NAIA-3, and to submit "your office and other passenger terminal requirements soonest so we can act on them accordingly."

Cusi told airline companies that to ensure proper coordination of activities, the MIAA’s NAIA-3 Project Management Office will resume its regular meetings with airline officials on "operational readiness for terminal transfer" every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon at the International Passenger Terminal Boardroom starting Jan. 18.

Airline officials, reacting to Cusi’s letter, made a list of what their firms need before they can transfer to NAIA-3. The list includes facilities for baggage handling, customs, access roads, and computer link-ups.

They also said Cusi did not mention a definite date on his letter, simply citing that NAIA-3 will be open by June 2005. "A one-month difference is quite long," one airline representative said.

Lufthansa station manager Santiago Medrana III, vice chairman of the Airline Operators Council (AOC), said earlier that they need "a written memo saying the airport will open at a particular date. We will be needing this to be sent to head offices abroad to justify our preparation."

The AOC is an international organization whose members include 32 airlines and six ground handling service companies operating at the NAIA complex. Medrana told government officials it would take them six months from the time they receive the written commitment to transfer from NAIA-1 to NAIA-3.

Cathay Pacific station manager Ed Monreal said his firm, as the largest foreign airline operating in the country right now, has asked the MIAA for six months’ lead time upon signing of contract. Cathay Pacific has six flights daily to and from Manila and Hong Kong.

He said the transfer to NAIA-3 would cost airlines millions of pesos, and they would need to revise their budget to cover the cost of building offices and lounges within the terminal.

Monreal also said they need eight weeks to set up computer connections and links with their software and internet providers, and that a lot of time is needed to train their staff.

Officials of the Board of Airline Representatives, another international airline organization, cited it would take time to prepare communication lines and publish schedules.

‘Back-channeling’ judge?

Government lawyers, led by Solicitor General Alfredo Benipayo, are set to ask the Supreme Court to remove the NAIA-3 expropriation case from the sala of Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 117 Judge Henrick Gingoyon and re-raffle it to another judge.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who heads the Cabinet committee tasked with ensuring the smooth opening of NAIA-3, said the government decided to take this course of action after noting Gingoyon’s undue haste and interest when he ruled that the government should immediately pay the $62.3 million deposit to the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco), the consortium that built the terminal.

Ermita expressed surprise at Gingoyon’s controversial decision since Piatco, the other party in the expropriation case, did not even ask for it.

"The Solicitor General has already filed a petition to the Supreme Court to inhibit" Gingoyon, he said, adding that depending on the ruling by the high tribunal, the expropriation case "has to be re-raffled." — With Sandy Araneta, Marichu Villanueva
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I hope the airlines aren't disappointed once more, although I have a good feeling they won't be... still hoping and praying T3 will finally be up and off the ground by June. hehe...

They keep saying that they will open the terminal in six months. Its been almost a month now since they took over the facility. I have the feeling that the reason why they couldn't say "We will open it in less than six months" is because there isnt any concrete progress regarding the case since thay have taken over the facility.

Government may bid out NAIA Terminal 3
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 01/23/2005

The government is considering bidding out Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s new Terminal 3 to a private operator so it can regain its investment within a shorter period.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Alfonso Cusi said the terminal might be bid out once all legal questions surrounding the facility are settled.

"We cannot bid it out yet before we have taken possession. We have to take possession of the terminal. We have to put this in order, then we will bid it out," Cusi said in a radio interview yesterday.

"We cannot get the money from a private source since the government has no right to sell it yet. Our position here is that we must put the house in order, make it operational so that we can regain our credibility and have it bid out," he said.

Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco), the consortium that built the facility and was supposed to run it for the government, may participate in the bidding, Cusi said. "There is no prohibition. It is not in the decision of the Supreme Court," he said.

In May 2003, the Supreme Court voided Piatco’s government contract to build and run the terminal, ruling that it was not qualified to participate in the 1997 bidding for the contract.

It also found that the contract had provisions that were unfair to the government. Piatco has asked for reconsideration of the ruling. Its petition is still pending.

Last month, a Pasay City regional trial court allowed the government to expropriate the terminal from Piatco. The court is currently determining how much Piatco should get from the government as compensation.

Critics say it would take 20 years for the government to recoup its investment, estimated at P20 billion, before it begins making a profit — assuming the MIAA earns P1 billion a year.

The government has no objections if Piatco ever wins the bid to operate the terminal fair and square. "They have the advantage. They can have the money by then. If they win — as long as it is done in a legal way — there is no problem," Cusi said.

The government is also considering other options aside from bidding out the terminal’s operation.

"We can borrow the money. Number two, we can ask from other government corporate entities to finance it such as the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. or the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office," Cusi said.

"We still don’t know the amount yet. We cannot agree on the amount yet. By the time we call, we must be ready and we have to stand by what we are calling for. We are now making arrangements. We are working on that," Cusi said, but did not give details.

The government plans to finally open the terminal in June after being mothballed for over two years.

The Philippine Tourism Authority expects tourism to dramatically perk up once the facility — seen as the country’s premier international gateway — is open.

"We haven’t changed our schedule. We still have the June opening. They (the airlines) have to show us the justification on why it would take six months. It’s too early to give up," Cusi said.

"We want to remain focused on what we are doing. While there could be possibilities, we don’t even know what to expect when they check the structural integrity. But as of this moment we are still on the belief that the June operational timetable is doable."

Airlines, however, are hesitant to move into the new facility because of the government’s ongoing legal battle with Piatco, worried that unforeseen legal problems along the way might force them to stop operations.

Cusi has written airlines asking for a written guarantee that they would move from the old terminal to the new facility in June.

But carriers said they might not have enough time to get everything up and running by the June opening.

Lufthansa station manager Santiago Medrana III, vice chairman of the Airline Operators Council (AOC), said earlier that they need "a written memo saying the airport will open at a particular date. We will be needing this to be sent to head offices abroad to justify our preparation."

The AOC is an international organization whose members include 32 airlines and six ground handling service companies operating at the NAIA complex.

Meanwhile, the government is busy getting the terminal ready for the scheduled opening.

The government is set to enter into an agreement with a Japanese firm, Takenaka, one of Piatco’s major subcontractors, according to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

Takenaka has agreed to "cooperate with the government" and complete still-unfinished sections of the terminal under its responsibility.

"And they are just finalizing the written contract with MIAA engaging the work of Takenaka so that they will continue to finish the job," Ermita said. He did not say how much this will cost the government.

Piatco still owes Takenaka $80 million to $90 million for its work on the terminal, Ermita said.

The government is still negotiating with other Piatco contractors, including the consortium’s German partner, Fraport AG, "on how they will be paid."

The terminal was completed in 2002 but its opening was delayed by a squabble between German airport developer Fraport and its Filipino partner in Piatco, the Cheng family.

Fraport holds a 30-percent interest in Piatco but funded most of the project, investing over $300 million.

In 2002, Fraport said it might sue the Philippine government for damages if the company’s interests were not protected.

In 2002, President Arroyo abandoned Piatco’s contract to build and operate the terminal, claiming that one-sided provisions in favor of the consortium were inserted in the agreement after it was signed.

The government asked the Supreme Court to nullify the contract and won its petition the following year. — With Marichu Villanueva

I wish they had a confirmed timeline for the opening, so that we arent left doubtful and confused.

but the current flow of news seems to be the most positive news about the opening since Dec. 2002

Lawmakers seek new NAIA-3 deal
By Paolo Romero
The Philippine Star 01/24/2005

Administration lawmakers called yesterday for a new agreement between the government and airline companies and concessionaires that are supposed to operate at the new Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3).

Reps. Monico Puentevella of Bacolod City and Antonio Cuenco of Cebu City said in a joint statement that a renegotiation is needed amid threats by airlines and concessionaires to sue the government if it disregards the deals forged with the Philippine Air Terminals Co. (Piatco), the consortium that built NAIA-3.

The lawmakers said airlines and concessionaires will have to strike a new deal with the government since the Supreme Court voided Piatco’s contracts to build and operate NAIA-3 and a lower court issued a writ of possession that the government used to take over the terminal.

Puentevella, who chairs the House committee on transportation, said the government, airlines and concessionaires should immediately settle the issue to ensure the smooth opening of NAIA-3 by June.

"Since the government has been allowed to operate (NAIA-3), it follows that all contracts by airlines and concessionaires should be with the government, and no longer with Piatco," he said.

Puentevella expressed confidence that the issue will be resolved peacefully since the government has always acted fairly and promptly on issues concerning the opening of NAIA-3.

He added that since the court recognized the government’s authority to operate NAIA-3, "it is only proper that airlines and concessionaires also acknowledged this right of the government."

Cuenco, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, said the lower court’s writ reinforced the Supreme Court’s ruling in 2003 voiding the five contracts awarded to Piatco after these were found to violate the Build-Operate-Transfer Law.

"Piatco’s deal with airlines and concessionaires is no longer binding since the government has been recognized by the court to operate NAIA-3," he said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the government is still looking at opening the mothballed terminal within six months after it took over NAIA-3 last December.

He declined to comment on a statement by Manila International Airport Authority general manager Alfonso Cusi that NAIA-3 might be bid out once all of the legal issues have been settled.

"What is important right now is that we fix (NAIA-3). We are at a stage wherein the government has just taken over possession so it is being examined and fixed," Bunye said.

Piatco recently accused the government of legal fraud for planning to bid out the terminal to a private firm after taking possession of NAIA-3.

Cusi has indicated that Piatco could still participate in the new bidding if the government chooses this course of action.

Bunye said the government will only discuss issues regarding the opening and operation of the terminal.

He said progress has been made towards this goal — the taxiway belonging to NAIA-3 is already being utilized so the existing infrastructure being used by domestic and international flights was expanded.

"The estimated time to make the airport operation is approximately six months. By that time, the airport could already be opened and will accommodate regular flights," Bunye said.

The government is currently taking an inventory of the terminal, its facilities and equipment and will conduct a thorough assessment to determine their value.

Since taking over the terminal, the Arroyo administration vowed that all stakeholders will be justly compensated after all assessments have been completed.

Piatco and its German partner Fraport AG claim the government owes them over $500 million for the project. — With Marvin Sy

Piatco seeks junking of move to revive plunder, graft cases
Philippine International Air Terminal Co. Inc., (Piatco) president Cheng Yong is asking the Supreme Court not to revive the investigation of plunder and graft charges against him and other Piatco directors for the alleged overpayment of P76.5 million to Wintrack Builders, Inc. in the building of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3).

In a 118-page memorandum filed Jan. 17, Mr. Cheng argued that the Office of the Ombudsman correctly dismissed the complaint lodged against them by the MIAA-NAIA Association of Service Operators, Inc. (MASO).

"There must be direct proof of an overt act from which it can be inferred that the accused previously came to an agreement to commit the crime charged," Mr. Cheng said.

On Feb. 22, 2002 the Ombudsman dismissed the charge of plunder without prejudice to the outcome of the special audit investigation to the Commission on Audit (CoA).

"Let the records of this case be forwarded to CoA, Quezon City for the conduct of a special audit investigation on the complaints' allegation of overpayment of over P56 million to Wintrack Builders, Inc., through allegedly bloated work accomplishments, which amount was allegedly deducted by Piatco from the guaranteed annual payments due GRP (Government of the Republic of the Philippines)," the Ombudsman decision read.

The charges of violating the anti-graft and corrupt practices laws, subordination of perjury, perjury and obstruction of justice were likewise dismissed.

Unsatisfied, complainant MASO asked for the intervention of the Supreme Court on Aug. 12, 2002 claiming the Ombudsman abused its discretion when it dismissed the complain without the official CoA report negating the overpayment.

The MASO said the investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman was incomplete and said the decision was arrived at in haste. One of the pieces of evidence presented by the complainant to the Ombudsman was an affidavit of a CAD Engineer of Wintrack Venner M. Mendoza.

In the affidavit, Mr. Mendoza alleged that Engineer Edgardo Angas of Wintrack instructed him to bloat the dimensions of the NAIA-3 subterranean structures.

Mr. Cheng said if this was the case, then why was Mr. Angas not among the respondents. He also said any matter relating to the NAIA-3 project was not discussed in the presence or within earshot of Mr. Mendoza.

The Ombudsman, however, said "a study of the voluminous documents attached to the affidavitis insufficient to support the allegation of bloated claims or overpayment of P76,496,157.45 to Wintrack."

It added to this the claim of Mr. Cheng that the affidavit was fabricated by the petitioners.

Mr. Mendoza personally appeared before Overall Deputy Ombudsman Margarito Gervacio, Jr. and denied ever executing the affidavit.

Mr. Mendoza said sometime either April or May 2001, a certain Ben Lorenzo approached Mr. Mendoza and introduced himself as the vice president of MASO.

Mr. Mendoza said Mr. Lorenzo informed him that Mr. Cheng was seriously affecting his business interest in NAIA because Mr. Cheng had been monopolizing all construction therein and for the next 25 years.

It was then that Mr. Lorenzo allegedly made the proposal to Mr. Mendoza and said: "Kung magkakatulungan tayo, sabihin mo ang iyong presyo at walang problema sa association [if we will be able to help each other name your price, it won't be a problem to the association]," referring to the MASO.

Three weeks after the initial meeting, Mr. Mendoza said he was again approached by Mr. Lorenzo and told him that all he had to do was come up with a statement to make it appear that the data given by Piatco to MIAA and approved by MIAA on the volume of the removed subterranean structures were higher than the actual volumes.

Mr. Mendoza said he was offered $200,000 if he would agree to become a witness against Mr. Cheng.

Another affidavit submitted by MASO to the Office of the Ombudsman was executed by Engineer Reynaldo S. Libutan.

Mr. Cheng said the NAIA-3 project was never discussed before Mr. Libutan. As he had admitted, the Piatco president contended, Mr. Libutan's participation to the demolition work was limited to the preparation of project costings and estimates prior to the award of the demolition contract to Wintrack.

Mr. Cheng said contrary to the claim of Mr. Libutan, records showed that Piatco never charged the government and that the government never paid Piatco for the removal of rubbish materials from the NAIA-3 site.

Also, the Piatco president said the affidavit of Mr. Libutan did not mention or attribute any act to any of the respondents.

Mr. Cheng likewise questioned the existence of MASO calling it a farce.

"It is nothing but a thinly-capitalized shell corporation used as a front for the illegal activities of its undisclosed sponsors to allow them to escape criminal and civil liability for their libelous and destructive activities," Mr. Cheng said in a memo. -- Ma. Elisa P. Osorio

NAIA 3 taking off at last?
Will the government expropriation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 fly?

The Supreme Court has ruled illegal the contract between the government and the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (PIATCO). The government wanted to take over the terminal, but PIATCO has refused until it was paid for its expenses in the project. There is a lot of legal complications in this and for almost three years there had been several attempts at negotiations to resolve the matter. All to no avail. In the meantime, the terminal itself and the facilities that have been completed are deteriorating. It is feared that by the time the dispute is settled -- how much should PIATCO be paid, who will operate the terminal -- the facility would have been overtaken by changes in technology.

Nothing much could be done to improve the facilities on the present Terminal 1 because of the expectation that operations will have to be transferred to Terminal 3. PIATCO could stonewall it and force a desperate government to give in if only to allow for a more efficient operation of its present facilities. For the idle Terminal 3 is a gigantic road hog in the present operations at the NAIA.

To break the deadlock, the government exercised its right of eminent domain and expropriated Terminal 3. The government, through Solicitor General Alberto Benipayo, filed expropriation proceedings against PIATCO just before Christmas.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo said the expropriation proceedings were resorted to after "all reasonable measures to arrive at a negotiated settlement broke down." The law says that to do this, it must pay just compensation to the owners. And it appears that the problem is back to square one. However, the government has gained possession of the facility, and is bent on opening it for operations in six months. This will break a major logjam in our international airline operations while the courts and other bodies decide on the "proper compensation."

In addition to the Pasay City court where the expropriation is being contested, the dispute has also been brought before the World Bank's International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes in Washington D.C. and the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Singapore.

PIATCO has at least two major foreign associates: Fraport AG of Germany and the Takenaka Corp. of Japan. Fraport is asking the World Bank arbitrators for $425 million plus damages for compensation. PIATCO is asking for $625 million from the ICC arbitrators. The government's offer is $300 million.

Assuming that a proper compensation is arrived at, PIATCO, Fraport and Takenaka would still have a problem of how to split the amount.

The Pasay City court has ordered the government to pay a $62-million down payment to PIATCO in the wake of the expropriation proceedings. The government has appealed this because, among other things, PIATCO and Takenaka should also share in the deposit. Early in the case, Fraport and PIATCO disagreed on how to share the expenditures in the project. It appears that Fraport provided more funds that its actual share in the consortium.

Benipayo said Takenaka should be given priority in payments as it is the organization that built the terminal structure. He said under the law, as builder, Takenaka should be paid first.

"The issue here is to get access to the facility and we need the cooperation of Takenaka. Once that happens, we can get the terminal operational," Benipayo said in a briefing.

"We are asking Takenaka to go to court to file the complaint so the court can give the order for payment. Legally, I have no qualms in giving Takenaka full payment. We're encouraging Takenaka to come in. Since it is the unpaid builder, the government is giving it priority in terms of payment."

The government appealed the Pasay City court's order of payment, but the appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court. The court then ordered the release of the deposit to PIATCO and again, the government appealed. This time, the court upheld the appeal and restrained the Pasay City court from enforcing its order of payment.

The government had earlier only offered P3 billion ($53.5 million) as deposit. " The respondent judge unilaterally increased the provisional deposit for the issuance of the writ by $9 million, that is more than half a billion pesos," Benipayo said.

Apparently, in the wake of the setback from the Supreme Court, PIATCO has changed its tune or maybe just the lyrics of the song. PIATCO lawyer, former Bureau of Internal Revenue commissioner Liwayway Chato, offered to let the government operate Terminal 3 for free.

"Knowing fully well that it does not have the funds to pay PIATCO the just compensation required by the Philippine Constitution, the government's seizure of NAIA Terminal 3 was clearly illegal," Chato said in a press briefing.

In the original agreement between PIATCO and the government, the price for Terminal 3's main structure should not be lower than $350 million. In August 2002, the government agreed to take over Terminal 3 for $400 million.

Because of the latest government offer of $300 million, Chato said PIATCO has no choice but to let the government operate Terminal 3 for free. But the rental payments from concessionaires should go directly to PIATCO until it is fully compensated.

Since concession payments constitute the bulk of terminal revenues, the effect would have the government work for PIATCO for free, not the other way round.

"PIATCO is not the problem. Why is it made to appear that PIATCO is the problem? Allow PIATCO to collect rentals. There are many other alternatives," Chato said.

"The government does not appear to have the funds to pay PIATCO what is rightly due it. The Department of Budget and Management admits this. The Department of Finance acknowledges this, she added.

Chato also assailed the temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court that prevented PIATCO from withdrawing more than $62 million deposited by the government as down payment for Terminal 3.

The PIATCO press conference was probably prompted by the government briefings before members of the diplomatic corps explaining its takeover of Terminal 3. In the briefing, Benipayo assured the diplomatic community the government will justly compensate PIATCO, Fraport and Tanekawa.

Tanekawa has refused to let the government to thoroughly inspect Terminal 3 since it has yet to be paid for building the facility. But Benipayo said it will be unwise, imprudent and even illegal to pay both PIATCO and Fraport without the assessment first, he said.

From the beginning, the PIATCO dispute has been a public relations battle, mostly a matter of media upmanship.

* * * * *

As usual, one of media's favorite personalities is being dragged into the picture through Philippine Airlines, the national international flag carrier. PAL operates its domestic and international service through. Terminal 2. Since a significant portion of tourists now fly to Cebu and other tourist centers in the South, operating from one terminal makes it convenient for PAL. For cargo, it will only be a short haul transfer incoming international cargo to domestic terminals.

Since Terminal 3 will be exclusively for international, PAL will have to split its international and domestic operations. It will need to have taxiways for the transfer cargo from international to domestic terminals.

In an interview with BusinessWorld, NAIA general manager Alfonso Cusi agreed that "originally the transfer of PAL to Terminal 3 was not contemplated that if NAIA 3 had opened previously, it would have been for the other airlines, and PAL would have stayed at NAIA 2. But of late, it was reported that PAL would leave NAIA 2 and would also transfer to NAIA 3."

Cusi, however, said there is a plan to put one common cargo terminal near Terminal 3, for the better and more efficient operation.

"On the assumption that PAL is moving to NAIA 3, NAIA 2 will become the primary domestic airport. We're going to transfer the operators at domestic (terminal) now to Terminal 2. Then the present domestic (terminal) will become the general aviation area and domestic cargo area. That will improve operations domestically, as well as internal security. For (the old) Terminal 1, the options include converting it into a cargo terminal for freighters international cargo planes We can also convert it into an exhibition center where Duty Free, the casino, and the other travel-related industries will be located. And for the open spaces -- the two or three parking areas that we have developed -- we can put up a modern commercial center."

And when BusinessWorld asked if this was going to be at government expense, Cusi said that "those activities are better done by people who understand the business."

The development of the NAIA was originally planned during the administration of President Ramos. Seven taipans agreed to form a consortium to undertake the project, but they could not agree on the leadership. In the end, the project was picked up by PIATCO.

It is hoped that the first airliner can take off from the project after almost a decade.

Airlines deny delaying NAIA 3 opening
Wednesday, January 26, 2005 1:00 AM

Intense pressure to open the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) in six months has put the 32-member Airline Operators Council (AOC) in a spot; and on Tuesday they were prompted to deny that they are derailing the timetable to open it on June 21, 2005.

“Let it be on record that it is not the airline companies that are causing the delay of the opening,” said Leoncio Nakpil, AOC chairman during a meeting with the Operational Readiness For Airport Terminal Transfer (ORATT).

The ORATT was created by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to fast-track the NAIA 3 opening since President Arroyo announced that her government would start operating the $500- million terminal in six months.

The President made the announcement on December 21, 2004, shortly after the Transportation and Communications Department and the MIAA took possession of NAIA 3 on the strength of a Writ of Possession issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court.

Since the President’s announcement, however, MIAA was unable to give a written guarantee to the AOC that the deadline could be meet.

The AOC had insisted on a documented agreement between MIAA and the AOC, concerned that the estimated P500-million outlay by the airlines on their new offices would not be compromised.

The big airline companies had to build not only check-in counters but also VIP lounges, offices and cargo warehouses.

The NAIA 3 had leased out spaces for airline concessionaires, restaurants and other business operators at the rate of P50,000 per square meter.

Because of the uncertainty of having the NAIA 3 in operation on June 21, the AOC had asked to meet personally with President Arroyo.

I think it's obvious the government want's this thing open for the countries benefit by hook or by crook. And I think it will be open by this years end but it will just take a little time to get all the stakeholders to agree on how best to move.

I think it will definitely open within the year... maybe possible even in 6 months. if the airlines get right to work immediately after the lease contracts are released (supposedly on Feb. 4 already), then I believe they could have things up and running by June or early July.

umm... the airline station managers are saying they need to get computers connected and equipment moved in. don't they just use what's installed at the airport? I mean, at the check-in counters, they don't always get the same counters, right? (or do they...?) and what equipment do they need, aside from the basic office machines...?

Hopefully they will open it before i leave for Canada:D if not...it will be a while before i get to use it.

I think it will definitely open within the year... maybe possible even in 6 months. if the airlines get right to work immediately after the lease contracts are released (supposedly on Feb. 4 already), then I believe they could have things up and running by June or early July.

umm... the airline station managers are saying they need to get computers connected and equipment moved in. don't they just use what's installed at the airport? I mean, at the check-in counters, they don't always get the same counters, right? (or do they...?) and what equipment do they need, aside from the basic office machines...?

The fiber optic cable has not been installed yet i think that is what they are trying to say. the computers are already put in place but its connections are not.

Rush to open NAIA 3 worries foreign airlines
By Nikko Dizon, Inquirer News Service Jan 26, 2005

Foreign airline operators are worried that the government's rush to open the controversial Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 by June 21 could compromise safety, security, and the standard of service they provide their clients from all over the world.

"We ask the government to give us a reasonable time to construct our offices and prepare for the services that we have promised our clients. Each airline has a standard of service, which it follows. If our customers are not satisfied, we may be faced with numerous complaints and suits," Ed Monreal, former chair of the Airline Operators Council (AOC) and station manager of Cathay Pacific, told reporters Tuesday.

AOC officials led by its chair, Leoncio Nakpil, security head of Gulf Air; vice-chair Santiago Medrana III, Lufthansa station manager, and Monreal, have been holding twice-weekly Operational Readiness for Airport Terminal Transfer meetings with airport officials to discuss the details of the transfer of 29 foreign airlines from NAIA Terminal 1 to NAIA Terminal 3.

After their meeting Tuesday, the AOC officials said the airlines would be racing against time if the airport opening is not postponed to a later date. AOC officials said they want to hold a dialogue with President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to air their concerns and explain their misgivings over the tight work schedule given to them.

Nakpil said the President might not be fully aware of the problems the foreign carriers are facing with the preparations for the opening of NAIA Terminal 3. "We are concerned that everything is being rapidly mobilized. In the end, our operations could be messed up," Medrana said.

Nakpil added: "We are cooperating with the June deadline. We know we have to move fast but these should be sure moves." AOC officials said foreign airlines would spend an estimated P500 million in combined investments for their transfer to NAIA Terminal 3.

With only four and a half months to go before June, AOC officials said airlines have yet to start with the construction of their office spaces and passenger lounges, installation of their equipment, and just about everything they need to make them fully functional as an airline service.

Nakpil said airport officials informed them that lease contracts would be issued on Feb. 4. However, the AOC is not certain if the contracts would maintain the foreign airlines' earlier agreement with the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (PIATCo) on office spaces, check-in counter allocations, and locations of passenger lounges among others.

Nakpil said the AOC prefers that the airport management, headed by airport general manager Alfonso Cusi, honor the foreign airlines' agreement with PIATCo to save on time for planning and construction. The AOC is also wary that the entry of national carrier Philippine Air Lines into NAIA Terminal 3 would also affect the earlier agreement with PIATCo.

Gov't may put NAIA 3 fees at par with old terminals
Inquirer News Service Jan. 26, 2005

The government may give in to a request of Philippine Airlines and other carriers to keep aviation fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) at par with those of NAIA 1 and 2, Transport and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza said Wednesday.

"We are evaluating the requests of PAL and other airlines for us not to increase fees and charges at NAIA Terminal 3, so that they would agree to move to the new terminal," Mendoza said. PAL uses the NAIA 2 for domestic and international flight operations. Other airlines, which use NAIA 1, are reluctant to transfer operations to the NAIA 3 because the government might charge higher fees to recover the cost of building the new terminal.

The government has yet to compensate Philippine International Air Terminal Corp. (PIATCo) for building the NAIA 3. The government is spending about P700 million to upgrade NAIA 3. The upgrading will include construction of a peripheral road to connect NAIA 3 to the old terminals and the cargo warehouse near NAIA 1.

The government said it could open NAIA 3 for commercial operation by June, after taking it over late last month amid unresolved arbitration cases. Mendoza also said bidding out the NAIA 3 to private operators was still a long way off. "The immediate plan is to pay just compensation, operate the terminal then bid it out eventually," he said.

Mendoza said ongoing inspection of the terminal should ensure that it is structurally sound. The government earlier said the NAIA 3 had more than 40 construction defects. The terminal is designed to handle 28 aircraft at once, and 13 million passengers a year.

I agree with foreign airlines and their concern. The govt must ensure NAIA 3 meets all safety regulations and other criteria before opening...And in addition they need to do this as quickly and effectively as possible so that the airport will open soon.

Gov't not keen on paying for NAIA-3 -- Piatco
Philippine Air Terminals Co., Inc. (Piatco) yesterday claimed that the government wanted to take over Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) without paying the company a single centavo.

In a 29-page comment filed before the Supreme Court, Piatco said the reason the government does not want to follow Republic Act 8974 or "An Act to Facilitate the Acquisition of Right-of-Way, Site or Location for National Government Infrastructure and for other Purposes," was because it would like to assume ownership of the airport without paying Piatco.

Under RA 8974, the government must immediately pay property owners the entire assessed value of the property before a writ of possession can be issued to the government.

Piatco said Pasay Regional Trial Court Judge Henrick F. Gingoyon did not abuse his discretion when he acted on his own and ordered the release of over $62 million representing initial compensation for the expropriation of the NAIA-3.

"The Solicitor General does not want respondent judge because he appears to be independent-minded, he cannot be dictated upon or influenced by the Solicitor General," Piatco said.

Piatco said even the Supreme Court provided that the government must pay the company "fair and just compensation" for the terminal as a prerequisite for any takeover.

The company also belied the claim of Solicitor-General Alfredo L. Benipayo that they could not assess the just compensation because they have not inspected the property thoroughly.

Piatco said Mr. Benipayo, together with other government officials, conducted an ocular inspection on the site. Piatco said after the inspection, Mr. Benipayo even commented that the problem with the terminal was that it was so big and that it would be difficult to walk through its entire stretch.

Also, Piatco said it was strange for Mr. Benipayo to question whether the terminal was worth anything because "if it is not worth anything why did petitioners [government] have to file a complaint for expropriation?"

"Why did MIAA [Manila International Airport Authority] certify that [NAIA-3] was worth at least P3 billion?" Piatco asked.

Piatco said the October 2004 incident when government officials were denied entry to the premises was a ploy to put respondents in a bad light because the government was not able to secure proper clearance for the inspection. -- Ma. Elisa P. Osorio

taken from inq7.net..
by Victor Agustin
Inquirer News Service

Terminal 3 tailwinds

THE GOVERNMENT has set a June 21 opening for the controversial Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, but foreign airlines are balking at being rushed into moving in unless the airport authority complies with a 30-point operational checklist.

In addition, the foreign airlines still await the so-called tenants' guidelines on construction of offices and lounges and, at the very least, a certificate of completion of the terminal or an authority from the terminal contractor allowing the airlines to start office construction.

According to the industry grapevine, the airlines are asking for a six-month lead-time to construct the terminal offices and train ground handlers or, in a crunch, a minimum of three-four months, provided the previous space allocations granted by PIATCo, the graft-ridden contractor of Terminal 3 prior to the government takeover, are kept by the Manila International Airport Authority.

JUNE 21 is the official date set!

boy.. its an official date that we hope they keep.... lets keep our fingers crossed...:D

exactly 6 months from when they expropriated it back in December last year... hope it will really finally open by then. does anybody know whether or not PAL is moving?

and umm... I was just wondering. why does it seem like the airlines are being given an option to move instead of being forced to do so...? aren't they going to be shutting down T1 for rehabilitation when T3 opens?

well.. from previous articles and from the interview of NAIA (Cusi?).. PAL's international is moving to T3....

well.. from previous articles and from the interview of NAIA (Cusi?).. PAL's international is moving to T3....

yup! i think PAL wants to move its International Flights to T3 :rant:

on the contrary, the airlines are forced to move to NAIA 3. otherwise, if they have the option to stay at T1, then they might not be reacting this way since they already have existing offices and lounges at T1. the airlines are just reluctant to move because the government is not giving them details of the june 21 opening. They cannot move to terminal 3 if they do not have an office put up within a terminal nor a VIP lounge for their first, business class, and VIP passengers and guests. Not to mention the tedious job of networking their computers at T3 to their database. The airlines are willing to cooperate with the government since they know that their move to a much more spacious and world class airport will benefit them among others. They just feel that the government is so set on opening the airline no matter what. The government failed to think that if the airlines are not ready to move, then their opening of the terminal would be well....useless since nobody will be able to use the terminal. Sana lang, the government will give the needs na of the airlines so that these airlines will be able to plan out, implement, then execute their move.

With regard naman to the government not being able to give out the details, it might be because the government itself ( now i know that people are gonna hate what im about to say but...) is not definite yet on the openning date. We all know naman that the Philippines has its own time zone. Its called Filipino time that is best described by people who, even in the face of a tight and strict schedule, has time to do other trivial, nonimportant, and frivolous matters. And not to mention the still ongoing politicking and the derailment of the plan to open the terminal. As i have mentionel in one of my previous posts here in this thread, instead of working together to finally open the thing, they are doing everything in their power to keep it mothballed. Hay nako. I guess it would not be a philippine project if it is not marred with controversy and argument. i know that it's sad that its becoming a trademark, but its true.

so to end this, im all for a june 21 opening of the terminal, but i would't be surprised if they arent able to do so.

yup! i think PAL wants to move its International Flights to T3 :rant:
You seem mad that thats were they are moving. hehehe, im glad that they are moving.. better facilities in Terminal 3.. i just wish they move all PAL Flights in there.. it would have a even better impression with the Travellers

I wonder if Cebu Pacific will also move their international operations to T3? :dunno:

I hope that TOURISM is being used as one of the top factors towards their airport/airplane flying route planning!!

Government amenable to delay in NAIA-3 opening
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 01/29/2005

The government is amenable to delaying the opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) scheduled this June if various deadlines cannot be met, officials said yesterday.

Florencio Montalvo Jr., NAIA-3 project manager for the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), told airline companies during their twice-weekly meetings that if the government’s issues with Takenaka Corp. — the Japanese contractor that built the terminal — were not resolved quickly, it would be logical to defer the June 21 opening.

Lufthansa station manager Santiago Medrana, vice chairman of the Airline Operators Council (AOC), confirmed that the MIAA told them of the possible delay during the meeting, which focused on the airlines’ transfer to NAIA-3.

The MIAA earlier told the AOC that the June 21 opening was "non-negotiable."

Solicitor General Alfredo Benipayo earlier said the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco) owed P70 million when Takenaka stopped construction of the terminal, but interest charges have raised the debt to around P100 million.

AOC officials said the MIAA failed to convince them that its proposed four-month, two-week timetable for the airlines’ transfer to NAIA-3 was realistic and could be implemented.

When the council asked MIAA when its timetable would start, airport officials said it would be when the government got Takenaka "on board," and pegged the date at Feb. 15 in order to meet the June 21 opening.

Airline companies have expressed concern that rushing their transfer to NAIA-3 will result in possible lawsuits and security problems.

The MIAA told AOC last Thursday that the access roads to the terminal will be completed only by June 15, barely a week before the scheduled opening of NAIA-3.

The airport authority also said the Bureau of Immigration at NAIA may be limited to manually checking blacklisted passengers if BI personnel have not set up its computers by June 21.

Ferdinand Sampol, the BI’s head supervisor at the airport, said they need at least six months to transfer personnel and equipment, construct their offices as well as install their computers and link them up with the agency’s database and with the US Embassy for the global anti-terror campaign.

The MIAA, however, said they have consulted with their information technology department, which said it will only take three months to install all the BI’s computers — 116 work stations and one mainframe — in NAIA-3.

Personnel from the Bureau of Customs and those handling quarantine services — human, plant, animal and fisheries — at NAIA said they will have no problem meeting the MIAA’s deadline for transferring to NAIA-3.
No guarantee, no transfer MIAA officials estimated they would be able to issue lease contracts to the AOC by Feb. 3. They said this would give the airline companies enough time to build their offices and lounges, install their equipment, train their staff and make other preparations.

The AOC said before they could agree upon any lease, the government should resolve its issues with Takenaka, which may include paying the contractor or settling on a payment scheme.

"You cannot speculate on their negotiation. But the indication is that Takenaka should be agreeing on those terms," Medrana said.

AOC representatives said the airlines only need a guarantee in the form of a contract with the government, saying they do not want to start spending money unless the opening date is certain and that "plans are realistic."

Once the MIAA issues a lease contract, the airlines would consult their head offices abroad before they are able to decide whether to sign the contract or have it revised, according to Medrana. The airlines’ head offices would take about one to two weeks before deciding on the contract.

The airlines also expressed concern that the government will not resolve its legal problems with Takenaka or if the courts have Piatco take over NAIA-3 again.

Sources said the MIAA cannot yet issue the airlines a contract since a lower court prohibited them from doing acts of ownership over the terminal and from leasing out the spaces in NAIA-3.

AOC officials also said the MIAA was unprepared for its meetings with the airlines regarding the transfer to NAIA-3.

The AOC said the lack of access roads to NAIA-3 could pose a major problem since these roads cannot accommodate large cargo trucks at the same time without a build-up of traffic. The MIAA said these vehicles can be driven faster, but the council said these trucks carry tons of cargo and that there is a speed limit imposed on these roads for the safety of airport and trucking personnel.


NAIA 3 opening may be deferred, MIAA admits

By RECTO MERCENE
TODAY Reporter

Faced with a multitude of problems to meet the June 21 opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) admitted on Friday the possibility of a delay in the transfer of operations in light of new developments.

Florencio Montalvo Jr., NAIA 3 project manager of the MIAA, told airline companies at a meeting that if the issues with Takenaka, a member of the consortium led by the Philippine International Air Transport Co. (PIATCO), is not resolved, the opening of the terminal would have to be postponed.

Takenaka, the Japanese company that actually constructed the $500-million terminal, is being wooed by MIAA to cooperate and hand over the working plans and equipment so that NAIA 3 would be able to operate.

In return, airline sources said, the MIAA could promise Takenaka an immediate return -- in part or in full of its investments.

PIATCO owes Takenaka some $90 million in construction fees, but the Airline Operators Council (AOC), representing all 29 foreign airline companies in the country, doubt that the Japanese company would enter into a compromise with MIAA, knowing that it has a separate contract with PIATCO.

Santiago Medrana, Lufthansa station manager and vice chairman of the AOC, confirmed that MIAA officials told the council members during the meeting about the possibility of postponing the NAIA 3 opening if Takenaka does not cooperate with the MIAA.

On the other hand, the Operational Readiness for Airport Terminal Transfer (ORATT), told AOC that if the deadlines cannot be met, the airport authority may be forced to defer the opening of NAIA Terminal 3, according to Medrana.

The MIAA told the AOC in an earlier meeting that the opening on June 21 is “nonnegotiable.”

Because of the MIAA’s pressure on the AOC, the airline companies expressed worry that rushing the opening of NAIA 3 would cause possible lawsuits, security problems and other complications.

The MIAA told the AOC on Thursday that one of the technical operational requirements needed to be accomplished, the access roads, will be completed on June 15, 2005, barely a week before the scheduled opening of the NAIA 3.Also, the MIAA had estimated that it would be able to issue a lease agreement contract by February 4, 2005 -- four months and two weeks before the opening—giving the airline companies enough time to build their offices and lounges, install their equipment and train their staff, among other preparations.

On the other hand, the MIAA revealed that the Bureau of Immigration at the NAIA may resort to manual checking of blacklisted passengers since the computerization of immigration at Terminal 3 would not be completed or fully operational during the opening this June.

The MIAA said they were told by the information technology department that it would take three months to install all immigration computers at the NAIA 3.

On the other hand, NAIA Customs collector Celso Templo said they are willing to abide by whatever the ORATT orders them to do, so that they could help hasten the transfer to the new terminal.

The quarantine services -- human, plant, animal and fisheries -- at the NAIA also see little problem in their transfer to the new terminal and think they can meet the deadline set by the government.

Handling the human quarantine at the NAIA is the Bureau of Quarantine and International Health Services . The others are the Fisheries Quarantine, Plant Quarantine and Veterinary Quarantine, all under the Department of Agriculture. Both the BOC and the quarantine offices do not rely on computerized operations.

u cant blame the airline operators of stickin to stay in T1. they never wana be in the middle of all these legal issues still bein deliberated in courts, cno bang ayaw lumipat sa world-class na terminal?? of course nobody does, but the way the govt & miaa deal w/ the issue makes them really think twice. & not only the legal part but other points that need to be raised are very impt, like lack of access road, cargo facilities w/c it doeasnt have as of yet, & other security gadgets that need to be installed.

well, on the settin the opening day issue, its better to delay rather than making premature decisions...mahirap na baka bumaligtad na naman ang korte...to my folks here, dont anymore be surprised nor dismayed, just keep on hopin & prayin & waitin, pasasan pat mabubuksan din yan...:)

MIAA confident of June 21 deadline for NAIA-3 opening
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 01/30/2005

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) officials said yesterday they are confident the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) will be open by June 21.

Tirso Serrano, a senior consultant of MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi, called up public affairs manager Judith Dolot and asked her to send a message to the media that they are not entertaining the thought that they will not be able to resolve legal issues with Japanese contractor Takenaka Corp. by Feb. 15, the deadline set by the MIAA in order to meet the June 21 opening of NAIA-3.

Serrano, however, refused to comment when asked about the repercussions if the government is not able to forge an agreement with Takenaka, which built the terminal under the aegis of the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco).

He expressed confidence that a deal can be made with Takenaka on or before Feb. 15. Solicitor General Alfredo Benipayo earlier said Piatco owed P70 million when Takenaka stopped construction of the terminal, but interest charges have raised the debt to around P100 million.

In a statement, Cusi said "with the cooperation of our airline operators, concerned government agencies and other prospective concessionaires and partners that will be operating at the new terminal, we remain very confident that we will be able to open (NAIA-3) as directed by the government."

He said Takenaka has been cooperative with the MIAA since the start of the negotiation process, and that they will resolve all issues surrounding NAIA-3 in a way advantageous to both parties.

"The fact that conscription is ongoing proves that Takenaka and the Arroyo (administration) is working together in preparation for the NAIA-3 opening," Cusi said.

Lufthansa station manager Santiago Medrana, vice chairman of the Airline Operators Council (AOC), and other sources in the MIAA confirmed that if Takenaka is not "on board" by Feb. 15, NAIA-3’s opening may be delayed.

Florencio Montalbo Jr., NAIA-3 project manager for the MIAA, was quoted telling airline companies during their twice-weekly meetings that if the government’s issues with Takenaka were not resolved quickly, it would be logical to defer the June 21 opening.

Montalbo, however, clarified that he actually told airline operators that "the MIAA is aware of many possibilities, but this should not be taken to mean that we are extending the deadline, as we are committed to implementing the orders of the leadership. In fact, as matters stand, we are on track."

AOC officials earlier said the MIAA failed to convince them that its proposed four-month, two-week timetable for the airlines’ transfer to NAIA-3 was realistic and could be implemented.

When the council asked MIAA when its timetable would start, airport officials said it would be when the government got Takenaka on board and pegged the date at Feb. 15.

The AOC said before they could agree upon any lease, the government should resolve its issues with Takenaka, which may include paying the contractor or settling on a payment scheme.

AOC representatives said the airlines only need a guarantee in the form of a contract with the government, noting that they do not want to start spending money unless the opening date is certain and that "plans are realistic."

Once the MIAA issues a lease contract, the airlines would consult their head offices abroad before they are able to decide whether to sign the contract or have it revised, according to Medrana. The airlines’ head offices would take about one to two weeks before deciding on the contract.

The airlines also expressed concern that the government will not resolve its legal problems with Takenaka or if the courts have Piatco take over NAIA-3 again.

Sources said the MIAA cannot yet issue the airlines a contract since a lower court prohibited them from doing acts of ownership over the terminal and from leasing out the spaces in NAIA-3.

Meanwhile, Piatco spokeswoman Liwayway Vinzons-Chato said in a statement that any lease agreement the government enters into with airline companies and concessionaires will violate rules on expropriation and Supreme Court rulings.

The government filed an expropriation case with a Pasay City regional trial court (RTC) and was given a writ of possession, which it used to take over NAIA-3 last month.

Chato said that to appease international airlines, the MIAA promised to release lease agreements by Feb. 4 in order for these companies to begin constructing their individual offices and lounges in time for the June 21 opening.

She stressed that even the government’s expropriation case prohibits it from exercising ownership even if it is in possession of the terminal.

"This is not only unethical, but smacks of the government’s desperation to get the terminal open on time. This is because without the help of Takenaka, no technical manuals or technology transfer is possible," Chato said.

She said Takenaka is still under contract with Piatco and pointed out that if the Japanese contractor forges a deal with the government, this will leave Takenaka open to legal action here and abroad.

Vinzons-Chato said she doubts if Takenaka will risk its reputation abroad.

The government is waiting for the Supreme Court to rule on the Office of the Solicitor General’s petition for permanent injunction to stop the enforcement of a ruling by Pasay City RTC Branch 117 Judge Henrick Gingoyon for the government to pay Piatco an initial $62.3 million in just compensation and prevented the government from "performing acts of ownership over the terminal" despite the writ of possession he issued earlier.

The government recently filed two countersuits, each worth $900 million, against Germany’s Fraport AG before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington D.C. and against Piatco before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Singapore. Fraport owns 30 percent of Piatco.

Fraport filed a petition for arbitration and sued for $425 million in damages saying that, among other things, "the Republic has expropriated the investments of Fraport in NAIA-3 in alleged violation of the Philippines-Germany Bilateral Investment Treaty" forged on Apr. 17, 1997. The ICSID has constituted its arbitral tribunal and started proceedings.

At the ICC in Singapore, Piatco filed a $560-million damage suit against the government last year, a few months after President Arroyo voided the Piatco contract. Her move was later upheld by the Supreme Court.

Piatco also filed a request for arbitration against the Republic of the Philippines before the ICC, asserting a number of claims against the government for voiding the concession agreement for the Build-Operate-Transfer contract on the NAIA-3 project. The government filed its answer to Piatco’s request with the ICC last Jan. 30, 2004.

hmmm, baka tomorrow, iba na naman news.... delayed again...

these things hurt people's feelings... including mine. Nevertheless, I hope it is opened soon.... sooner than june 21

June 21 is pretty realistic...to complete inspections and do the necessary modifications they need to do. Hope they dont delay it further.

Is it true that TAKENAKA dont want to cooperate and dont want to give the floor plans and electrical plan of the terminal 3 building?

^I dont know...but it is possible, since they werent fully paid according to their contract.


Government amenable to delay in NAIA-3 opening
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 01/29/2005

The government is amenable to delaying the opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) scheduled this June if various deadlines cannot be met, officials said yesterday.

Florencio Montalvo Jr., NAIA-3 project manager for the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), told airline companies during their twice-weekly meetings that if the government’s issues with Takenaka Corp. — the Japanese contractor that built the terminal — were not resolved quickly, it would be logical to defer the June 21 opening.

Lufthansa station manager Santiago Medrana, vice chairman of the Airline Operators Council (AOC), confirmed that the MIAA told them of the possible delay during the meeting, which focused on the airlines’ transfer to NAIA-3.

The MIAA earlier told the AOC that the June 21 opening was "non-negotiable."

Solicitor General Alfredo Benipayo earlier said the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco) owed P70 million when Takenaka stopped construction of the terminal, but interest charges have raised the debt to around P100 million.

AOC officials said the MIAA failed to convince them that its proposed four-month, two-week timetable for the airlines’ transfer to NAIA-3 was realistic and could be implemented.

When the council asked MIAA when its timetable would start, airport officials said it would be when the government got Takenaka "on board," and pegged the date at Feb. 15 in order to meet the June 21 opening.

Airline companies have expressed concern that rushing their transfer to NAIA-3 will result in possible lawsuits and security problems.

The MIAA told AOC last Thursday that the access roads to the terminal will be completed only by June 15, barely a week before the scheduled opening of NAIA-3.

The airport authority also said the Bureau of Immigration at NAIA may be limited to manually checking blacklisted passengers if BI personnel have not set up its computers by June 21.

Ferdinand Sampol, the BI’s head supervisor at the airport, said they need at least six months to transfer personnel and equipment, construct their offices as well as install their computers and link them up with the agency’s database and with the US Embassy for the global anti-terror campaign.

The MIAA, however, said they have consulted with their information technology department, which said it will only take three months to install all the BI’s computers — 116 work stations and one mainframe — in NAIA-3.

Personnel from the Bureau of Customs and those handling quarantine services — human, plant, animal and fisheries — at NAIA said they will have no problem meeting the MIAA’s deadline for transferring to NAIA-3.
No guarantee, no transfer MIAA officials estimated they would be able to issue lease contracts to the AOC by Feb. 3. They said this would give the airline companies enough time to build their offices and lounges, install their equipment, train their staff and make other preparations.

The AOC said before they could agree upon any lease, the government should resolve its issues with Takenaka, which may include paying the contractor or settling on a payment scheme.

"You cannot speculate on their negotiation. But the indication is that Takenaka should be agreeing on those terms," Medrana said.

AOC representatives said the airlines only need a guarantee in the form of a contract with the government, saying they do not want to start spending money unless the opening date is certain and that "plans are realistic."

Once the MIAA issues a lease contract, the airlines would consult their head offices abroad before they are able to decide whether to sign the contract or have it revised, according to Medrana. The airlines’ head offices would take about one to two weeks before deciding on the contract.

The airlines also expressed concern that the government will not resolve its legal problems with Takenaka or if the courts have Piatco take over NAIA-3 again.

Sources said the MIAA cannot yet issue the airlines a contract since a lower court prohibited them from doing acts of ownership over the terminal and from leasing out the spaces in NAIA-3.

AOC officials also said the MIAA was unprepared for its meetings with the airlines regarding the transfer to NAIA-3.

The AOC said the lack of access roads to NAIA-3 could pose a major problem since these roads cannot accommodate large cargo trucks at the same time without a build-up of traffic. The MIAA said these vehicles can be driven faster, but the council said these trucks carry tons of cargo and that there is a speed limit imposed on these roads for the safety of airport and trucking personnel.

aww come on.. when i go back to the philippines, i dont want to arrive in that NAIA T1. it is so, very, mega, hell of old (small too). you wouldn't think that an urban city has an airport like the T1..

OPEN THAT T3..

The headline in the news is pretty different from the news posted above about amending the June 21 deadline. It says June 21 is now fixed for the airport's opening.

whoops...i didnt realize that solblanc already posted the article i posted. My bad.

this has nothing to do with the NAIA Terminal 3 opening but it shows the effect of its dormancy for years to the Philippines image vis-a-vis other countries in Asia.



Infrastructure projects lose luster post-NAIA 3
By KAREN L. LEMA, Reporter

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal III experience may hamper government efforts to attract investors to the infrastructure sector in the short term, investment bank Bear, Stearns & Co. said.

It is thus important for the Arroyo administration to increase appropriations for capital expenditures to sustain economic growth rates without veering away from its debt reduction program, it said.

Bear Stearns said it would be impossible for the Philippines to replicate Indonesia's "Infrastructure Summit" to attract private capital to its infrastructure development program.

"This is not an option for the the Philippines, at least in the short term, owing to the debacle at the Manila Airport, where the Philippine government invalidated a contract of foreign contractor after the contractor had built a new international terminal, on the grounds that the contractor had engaged in corrupt practices," a Bear Stearns paper stated.

"Whatever the merits of this claim, foreign investors were appalled by the Arroyo government's handling of this problem, resulting in reduction of foreign investment to almost negligible levels since then. Thus reduced government expenditure on infrastructure translates directly into less infrastructure investment in the Philippines," the bank said.

Capital expenditure as a percentage of the economy's total value has been down since 1999. From 3.9% of gross domestic product, it went down to 3.3% in 2000 and 2.9% in 2001. It went slightly up to 3.1% in 2002 but dropped to 1.9% in 2003.

Compared to 1997 when capital expenditure accounted for 16.8% of the budget, only 9.4% of 2003 spending went to infrastructure.

Among six countries in Asia, the Philippines had the smallest outlay for capital expenditures, 2002 data from the Department of Finance showed. Indonesia had the highest allotments for infrastructure, followed by Malaysia, Korea, Thailand and China.

Bear Stearns said the Philippines' infrastructure is among "the worst in Asia."

"Urban areas suffer from massive road congestion, limited rail service and poor air and water quality. Rural areas suffer from poor farm-to market roads and grossly inadequate interisland ports," it said.

These factors, the bank said, have contributed to the high cost of food production as well as high inflation rates.

According to the National Economic and Development Authority, the government aims to increase capital expenditures to 4% of GDP by 2009 to support the 7% medium-term growth target.

This objective, officials said, will be pursued along with a reduction in the budget deficit by improving tax collection, introducing new revenue measures as well as strengthening the regulatory system.

Salary and debt payments, which comprise more than half of the government's budget, have led to cuts in allocations for social services and infrastructure development.

Part of the government's objective is to narrow the consolidated public sector deficit to 3% of GDP, zero the National Government budget deficit in five years, and reduce the country's public sector debt to 90% of GDP by the end of the present administration's term.

Bear Stearns said the Philippines may not achieve its expected growth this year if it fails to pass other key revenue measures, attract more local and foreign investments or avert a downgrade.

Bear Stearns said the Philippines' infrastructure is among "the worst in Asia."


Sobra naman yan. What about Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Bangladesh, India etc.? Basta lang nilang sabihing "among the worst". And the PSE is actually performing very well right now, which means more investors are investing in the country.

Well we're probably in their company. While this statement may not be seen true in Metro Manila, it could very much be in other parts of the country.... Our railways are dilapidated, unlike other countries in the region. I wouldn't completely dismiss the article.

Sobra naman yan. What about Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Bangladesh, India etc.? Basta lang nilang sabihing "among the worst". And the PSE is actually performing very well right now, which means more investors are investing in the country.

Physical Infra. it could be true. I will not rather compare phils. to south asian countries and the least developed countries of asean because we are not in their league. We are more better than those.

Some of those articles are a little too critical or overboard from the truth. Instead of reading those, people should just go and improve their country and that way things will get better. :)

I was able to take pictures of Terminal 3 fronting the 13-31 when I went on a consulting trip recently. I would anyone be interested in them? I dont know how to post pictures on the forum.

I would :yes: Go to Post Reply then click on the mountains and sun button then copy and paste the photos URL (not .html but .jpg. .gif etc.)

or should you want to go another way you can email it to me and ill gladly host it :)

Yeah, i'd like to see those photos. But before you do what renell said, you have to upload them in an image host website such as photobucket or imagestation by creating an account and uploading them.

I'd love to see more pics. There aren't that many floating around as it is. :)

btw, another article. The government seems to want to open this terminal like crazy, like we used to :D (heck, we've waited some four-odd years. What's another year or two?) Some of the details are weird, and will leave you asking more questions :D


============================

Palace orders NAIA 3 dry run

By RECTO MERCENE
TODAY Reporter


Malacañang is putting pressure on several government agencies to conduct a dry run on their respective operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) in April in preparation for the foreign trip of President Arroyo in June, it was learned Sunday.

The Operational Readiness for Airport Terminal Transfer (ORATT) met recently with representatives of Quarantine Immigration, Customs (CIQ) and security, urging them to transfer some of their equipment and operations to NAIA 3 in April.

ORATT was created by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) two years ago to speed up the transfer of operations from NAIA 1 to NAIA 3.

“We were instructed that by April, our computer should have been in place and we must be ready for operation because we were told that President Arroyo would be leaving for Germany and would used NAIA 3 when she takes off,” according to Immigration head supervisor Ferdie Sampol.

Early this month, Malacañang sources said that President Arroyo would visit Frankfurt, Germany in June.

However, the President, during a forum of the Manila Overseas Press Club two weeks ago, denied the report, saying that she would rather stay home.

The President’s decision to stay in Malacañang was brought about by several developments, among them the deadly tsunami in Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India and the collapsed of the negotiations between the government and PIATCO.

But on the strength of the Writ of Possession issued by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court in December 21, 2004, the President announced that the Filipinos would have a new Terminal 3 on June 21.

This time, however, it was reported that the President would leave for Jakarta, Indonesia and would used her departure at NAIA 3 as a “soft-opening” to make sure that her promise to the Filipinos to operate NAIA 3 would be fulfilled.

Asked for confirmation about the President’s trip, ORATT vice chairman Judith Dolot did not deny about the April soft-opening plan but denied that the President is bound for Germany.

“The President might no longer pursue the trip to Germany,” he said.Sampol said that they tried to reason out with ORATT that it would take about six months to reacquire new batch of computers and set them up to link with the mainframe, a task that requires extensive testing and dry runs.

According to Sampol, the Bureau of Immigration (BOI) has bought and set up millions of pesos worth of computers which they had installed at the NAIA 3 in December 2002, when the Philippine International Airport Terminal Co. was about to start operations.

You seem mad that thats were they are moving. hehehe, im glad that they are moving.. better facilities in Terminal 3.. i just wish they move all PAL Flights in there.. it would have a even better impression with the Travellers

is just that PAL is being a brat! every time theres this new and bigger terminal, they want to be the first one in!

geez lucio tan really knows how to throw his weight around! :bash:

^Actually, PAL does not want to move. They want to stay in NAIA 2 and have their own terminal. But MIAA and the govt wants their international flights to move to NAIA 3 so that everything will be more organized. NAIA 2 as domestic and NAIA 3 as international.

just settle all terminals and their roles, shake hands, check everything, open NAIA 3 or else lose tourists in the process!!!

amen..

i cant wait for june..

my gosh another bad news. Its seems that the only thing that they can come up with nowadays are ludicrous ones. I swear, its as if the Philippine government is Lucio Tans bitch. The governemtn would really do anything for this person. Hay nako. Now they want to transfer ALL of PALs flights to terminal 3 including their domestic flights. Jeeez. Have you ever seen an airline as spoiled as PAL? at ang gobyerno naman consintidor. hay grabe na ito. read on nalang kayo......


Gov’t wants PAL to use NAIA-3
By Rainier Allan Ronda
The Philippine Star 02/02/2005

The government wants flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) to relocate to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) to make the new facility profitable when it opens in June.

At the same time, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) assured airline operators that airport fees the government will charge them will not be excessive.

DOTC Secretary Leandro Mendoza said PAL officials expressed willingness to transfer operations to NAIA-3, but that they want to have PAL’s international and domestic operations under one roof.

"They wrote us. They’re ready to move. But their request is that (their operations) should stay under one roof," Mendoza said Monday.

PAL has NAIA Terminal 2 (NAIA-2) to itself for its domestic and international flights. Other airlines use NAIA Terminal 1 for their international flights.

Mendoza said the government can use NAIA-2 to solve congestion problems at the domestic airport if PAL relocates to NAIA-3.

"The current domestic airport is too small. We need the entire Terminal 2 as our domestic terminal," he said.

To encourage PAL to transfer its operations to NAIA-3, Mendoza said the government is willing to charge airport fees that will initially not exceed the rates charged at the other airport terminals.

"We are studying this. Perhaps the rate will be introductory. All of the airlines said they fear that because of the cost of (NAIA-3), we might transfer to them the burden of paying for the terminal," he said. "We are studying all options here."

He said fees collected from airlines are not the only source of revenue from operating an airport, adding that other airport services also generate revenue for the government.

Meanwhile, the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) said yesterday it is working together with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to ensure the successful opening of NAIA-3 in June.

PAL vice president for sales and marketing Felix Cruz, BAR chairman, was designated to speak in behalf of their group and the Airline Operators Council for airline companies to have "one voice."

"We are having the usual meetings with the MIAA, and these have been very fruitful. We will push for opening and having NAIA-3 operational," Cruz said.

He said he can only discuss what is under the airlines’ control, such as their offices and lounges, but not legal issues hounding NAIA-3, which are the government’s concern.

Cruz said once the MIAA issues lease contracts for space in NAIA-3, airline companies will have to refer them to their head offices abroad.

"What we still have to know is what the terms of the contracts are," he said.

Cruz said airlines will need a maximum of six months to construct their offices and lounges in NAIA-3. Construction can be done 24 hours a day in order to meet the June opening of NAIA-3, he said. — With Sandy Araneta

Some of those articles are a little too critical or overboard from the truth. Instead of reading those, people should just go and improve their country and that way things will get better. :)

My sentiment exactly, many people just bitch about the government and country but they neither vote nor pay the right taxes! There really is no excuse for this. If they want to criticize it should be constructive and present a solution, madaling magcomplain pero kung walang ka lang gagawin tumahimik ka na lang.

Let's wait and see if there will be any real movement from PAL. These newspaper stories are not accurate many times . From what I've seen of the airport, i don't think you can easily configure it to have domestic and international flights in the same building without some major renovation.

Actaully i think its easy... if you look at the wing were it had 2 sides full of gates those are configured for small aircraft such as 737s and A320s. and Terminal 3 has to be equipted to handle it cuz China Southern, China Airlines and a Few Others fly B737s to Manila.. but maybe your talking about that it will cost money for a reno cuz they would have to corner off Duty Free Stores and such to the Domestic Passengers..

yeah.. and domestic passengers dont need to go to pass immigration do they? i'm thinking more of the buildings organisation problems.

Here are the pictures I was able to take last Thursday, when I arrived from an out of town consulting trip. The first picture is that of the north concourse in front of runway 13-31. The taxiway on the NAIA3 side is Foxtrot, which I believe was the runway recently opened.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1689.jpg
This is a close-up of one of the gates along the south concourse. Note that the areas with the green facade on the first floor are the passenger waiting lounges for the remote gates.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1693.jpg
This is another close-up picture of the gates along the south concourse.
Notice that you can see through the windows in the sloping ramp the windows on the other side of the course. This concourse seems to me somewhat narrow, like the satellite of Narita Terminal 2.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1694.jpg
This picture shows the junction between the north and south concourse. this is gate 116 which I previously mentioned does not have a ramp going down from the third floor unlike the other contact gates. Notice that part of the area under the head house are still unfinished and covered with a tarp. Each gate including seems to have a set of steel beside the fixed part of the loading bridge.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1692.jpg
This is the picture of the south concourse. Picture is a bit out of focus because the breaks of the plane were being applied.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1691.jpg

Nice shots thanks :okay: :)

wow... nice pics..:D

wow! ang galing! :okay:

greatshow docz

ewh1 i was referring more to how the passengers would flow since the procedures are different after checkin, and from what i've seen all the gates can only be accessed through the same immigration hall with security like in other airport designs. If they want to reconfigure this just for PAL it looks like a lot of work. I believe it's a negotiating posture of PAL to get more concessions.

^ yeah, that was the problem I thought that would appear. If PAL remain stuck-up brats and stick to what they demand the only way I see things being resolved is leaving their arses in T2, shutting down Domestic and moving to T1, and T3 is for int'l flights. But cargo is the problem.

@ article above - :no: OMG...thats just depressing. PAL and lucio Tan is being spoiled to much. NAIA 3 is purely designed for INTERNATIONAL while T2 is really designed for just DOMESTIC and yet PAL gets what they want.

Great pics, docz. Some of the closest to the terminal we've seen.

It would be ridiculous for the government to modify T3 just for PAL. What if PAL's domestic operations grow? It'll just take away capacity from T3, not to mention cause a lot of headaches. If PAL really wants all its operations in one roof, it can build the frigging tunnel and make an inter-terminal monoral or even bus shuttle service for its exclusive use. Or better yet, why doesn't Lucio Tan buld his own terminal in clark with a high-speed rail connection to Manila? After all, if this country can build glitzy malls every few meters, a nice airport shouldn't be far off.

^:yes: I think it would be best for PAL to continue their domestic operations in T2 and have their international flights in T3. Lucio Tan can then build the tunnel to connect the two terminals. Additionally, since he almost controls RP's aviation industry, he should invest heavily in DMIA and Northrail.

Gov't to bid out P26-M contract to make NAIA 3 world-class


THE MANILA International Airport Authority is looking to hire the services of a property management company to ensure that the new Terminal 3 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is maintained like a five-star hotel or a classy mall with clean restrooms and spotless walls, a MIAA official said Wednesday.
With the property management firm taking charge of maintenance, the MIAA could then focus on the management of the airport's operations, "without being bothered by still having to clean toilets," said Judith Dolot, the MIAA public affairs office manager.

Dolot said the invitation to bid for the P26-million contract, which the MIAA recently published, was part of the preparations for the June 21 opening of NAIA 3 as announced by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

But she clarified that the bidding would take place only after the legal dispute over NAIA 3 is resolved.

"We're only getting prospective takers at the moment," Dolot said.

The government moved to expropriate the NAIA 3 in December 2004 even though its compensation dispute with the Philippine Air Terminals Co. (PIATCo) consortium that built the terminal has yet to be resolved.

The new terminal has been in mothballs since 2003 when the President revoked PIATCo's build-operate-transfer contract with the government on grounds that certain terms were illegally renegotiated by jailed ex-President Joseph Estrada, who was ousted for corruption in 2002.

The Supreme Court eventually handed down a decision voiding all contracts awarded to PIATCo.

Dolot said that the hiring of a property management consultant was part of MIAA's efforts to run the NAIA 3 professionally and make the terminal comparable to other high-end establishments in the country.

The property management consultant would handle "packaged services" such as setting up building policies and handling the facility's upkeep, janitorial services and zoning, among others.

The NAIA 3 has been heralded as a world-class international airport that would help boost the economy once it is opened.

It will replace the NAIA 1, the main gateway to the country, which is showing its age. NAIA was opened in the early 1980s.

-Nikko Dizon

Its good that they are proposing such plan. Maintenence will be much better off than T1

good news! is terminal 2 being maintained good?

good news! is terminal 2 being maintained good?

Yes it is. Since the government already learned their mistakes and carelessness on handling Terminal 1..they are now making sure that terminal 2 will not suffer the same fate at the hands of government. I heard this on the interview of the current Manila International Airport Authority Director.

It shoulld. I heard though it is more modern it does have some maintenance problems, eg the air-con etc.

Yeah, although T2 is doing much better than T1...it is still lacking in maintenance. They can still improve a lot.

You've been there haven't you greyx? how about elaborating. cheers :)

What? Alright...the toilets are not as good as they used to be, deteriorating faster than i'd expect. While the aircons in the terminal dont work as effectively as before; it gets really hot in that terminal sometimes. While there have been numerous electrical glitches over the years, once when i was there. But its not that bad, but not also as good as the international standards.

If anyone interested, here is a discussion about NAIA 3 and its hangar that said it was sold to LH aka Lufthansa.

http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/1938127/

Cheers

If anyone interested, here is a discussion about NAIA 3 and its hangar that said it was sold to LH aka Lufthansa.

http://www.airliners.net/discussions/general_aviation/read.main/1938127/

Cheers

T2 is much better when I saw it last December than last summer... the toilets for one thing don't stink anymore. the system is still the same, which is why I was stopped and had a nice and good "conversation" with an immigration lady (this is the worse part). hmm what else? the main led screen is working!!!! (they were busted last time, have to use white boards instead...)

one funny thing about "how well maintained" Naia 2 is when i was flying back to SF almost 2 years ago. i thought the janitorial staff was doing a good job as they were visible everywhere. when i used the restroom, a staff member even turned on the water for me and handed me a paper towel. so sabi ko sa sarili ko, oh! great, what a service! yun pala hihingi lang ng tip :bash:

Here are the pictures I was able to take last Thursday, when I arrived from an out of town consulting trip. The first picture is that of the north concourse in front of runway 13-31. The taxiway on the NAIA3 side is Foxtrot, which I believe was the runway recently opened.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1689.jpg
This is a close-up of one of the gates along the south concourse. Note that the areas with the green facade on the first floor are the passenger waiting lounges for the remote gates.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1693.jpg
This is another close-up picture of the gates along the south concourse.
Notice that you can see through the windows in the sloping ramp the windows on the other side of the course. This concourse seems to me somewhat narrow, like the satellite of Narita Terminal 2.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1694.jpg
This picture shows the junction between the north and south concourse. this is gate 116 which I previously mentioned does not have a ramp going down from the third floor unlike the other contact gates. Notice that part of the area under the head house are still unfinished and covered with a tarp. Each gate including seems to have a set of steel beside the fixed part of the loading bridge.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1692.jpg
This is the picture of the south concourse. Picture is a bit out of focus because the breaks of the plane were being applied.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1691.jpg

Thank you docz. I don't think current pictures of the NAIA 3 can get better than this! ;)

one funny thing about "how well maintained" Naia 2 is when i was flying back to SF almost 2 years ago. i thought the janitorial staff was doing a good job as they were visible everywhere. when i used the restroom, a staff member even turned on the water for me and handed me a paper towel. so sabi ko sa sarili ko, oh! great, what a service! yun pala hihingi lang ng tip :bash:

Yeah...they did the same for me. It really surprised me since im not used to it at all.

wow...!! sweet! nice pictures, docz!! now I think I get how the ramp you were talking about works. it looks like the ramp blocks out any views of the planes from the waiting lounges though.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN1691.jpg

could those windows in this pic above the green windows be an outdoor viewing deck? that would be cool...

great to know that the MIAA will be hiring people to maintain the terminal. but, like the article says, I believe they're gonna have to get things settled with Piatco/Fraport first in order to avoid further controversies.

one funny thing about "how well maintained" Naia 2 is when i was flying back to SF almost 2 years ago. i thought the janitorial staff was doing a good job as they were visible everywhere. when i used the restroom, a staff member even turned on the water for me and handed me a paper towel. so sabi ko sa sarili ko, oh! great, what a service! yun pala hihingi lang ng tip :bash:

You have never seen restroom attendants in San Francisco? They are the norm here in Vegas and also in Germany, a small change will do or better yet 1 denomination of local currency, sometimes they have mints, spray cologne......how suprising to hear your experiences especially someone coming from San Francisco. You will more likely see restroom attendants in clubs and restaurants and as far as airport restrooms handing out a few coins or 1 bill is not out of line especially with the service you mentioned.

Jon

wow...!! sweet! nice pictures, docz!! now I think I get how the ramp you were talking about works. it looks like the ramp blocks out any views of the planes from the waiting lounges though.

That might be true. However, let me point out that how much of the plane you can see depends on the type of the ramp. The ones facing 13-31 as shown in the earlier pictures I posted consist of a single ramp going downwards. Beneath is an earlier picture I took in December 2002 of the ramps facing Sales/Andrews avenue (sorry it is a bit blurred because I was riding in a car which was moving fast at the time). This type of ramp is half as long, but twice as wide because it is made up of two sloping parts.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v636/docz/DSCN0049.jpg


could those windows in this pic above the green windows be an outdoor viewing deck? that would be cool...
There are actually four sets of windows, the two rightmost of which are shown in the picture you are referring to. Based on the plans of the fourth floor, the first two on the left are in the airline lounges. The next to the right seems to be in an area for food outlets or restaurants in the depature lounge. The rightmost window is in the duty-free shopping mall. None of them seem to be accessible to the public.

You have never seen restroom attendants in San Francisco? They are the norm here in Vegas and also in Germany, a small change will do or better yet 1 denomination of local currency, sometimes they have mints, spray cologne......how suprising to hear your experiences especially someone coming from San Francisco. You will more likely see restroom attendants in clubs and restaurants and as far as airport restrooms handing out a few coins or 1 bill is not out of line especially with the service you mentioned.

Jon

no i haven't. i guess i have to go out more often lol! i don't travel a lot you know he he! but thanks for the heads up, next time i wouldn't be "surprised".

See, a bathroom attendant did that to me in NAIA 1 a few years ago. But I think they were very preferential-- they only wanted foreign money. The guy turned the faucet on for me and offered me a paper towel. And then he smiled at me and said, "Yen? Yen?" I guess because I looked Japanese to him for some reason. And when I reached into my pocket and got out a folded twenty peso bill that I needed to get rid of anyway and said, "Wala akong yen. o eto bente pesos." He just said, "Ay... wag na lang."

Huh?????!?!?! You give someone a tip and they don't accept it even if they ask for it in the first place??!?!

Don't they have urinals, toilets and faucets that are motioned sensored to turn on or off? Restroom attendants can get annoying sometimes, especially if they're too eager to serve you when you can help yourself just fine. What's next? Assistance to zip up your fly after you're done taking a leak?

perhaps they'll be more satisfied with a 1 dollar bill than a 100-peso bill, when in fact the 100 peso bill is twice the value of the dollar bill:D

Don't they have urinals, toilets and faucets that are motioned sensored to turn on or off? Restroom attendants can get annoying sometimes, especially if they're too eager to serve you when you can help yourself just fine. What's next? Assistance to zip up your fly after you're done taking a leak?

my point exactly. i would want to have my privacy at times like such, though im not saying that those attendants should go out when i use the restroom. it's just... overkill, sometimes.

T2 has automatic faucets and urinals. The bathroom attendants serve you by giving you paper towels. But they didnt ask for money from me:)

T2 has automatic faucets and urinals. The bathroom attendants serve you by giving you paper towels. But they didnt ask for money from me:)

Thats true greyx. Another fact is attendants in t2 only provide paper towels to foreign nationals. WTF. I hope there is a customer service area where you can raise your concerns about the attitude of airport staff.

But im not a foreign national:D I am 100% Filipino.

lucky for you :)

Geez I come back from near-isolation in Northern Idaho and terminal 3 still isn't open.... :mad2:

Um can someone please update me on the gov't/PIATCo tango? :)

Geez I come back from near-isolation in Northern Idaho and terminal 3 still isn't open.... :mad2:

Um can someone please update me on the gov't/PIATCo tango? :)

government finally expropriates t3. piatco is screaming like a woman who just lost her purse. Most people around this woman hate her guts and try to ignore her.

government is also finally fast-tracking the opening on june 21. airlines are screaming like fishwives over technicalities, such as actual contracts, and having to cram construction timetables of their offices in T3.

and an article to top it off :D

Airline operator insist on NAIA 3 lease contract

By RECTO MERCENE
TODAY Reporter


The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Friday failed to give the Airline Operators Council (AOC) the lease contract it had promised to deliver on February 4 as a government’s guarantee that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) would open on June 21.

However, the AOC could not give comments because of the gag order issued to them by their superiors, the Bureau of Airline Representatives (BAR).

BAR chairman Felix Curz told the media that they are willing to cooperate with the MIAA. “We want maximum flexibility for the benefit of everybody,” he said, adding that they still have enough time to meet the deadline to transfer even if the lease contract would be issued later.

On the other hand, the Operational Readiness for Airport Terminal Transfer placed the burden of transfer on the AOC’s shoulders, confident that the lease contract would not be a hindrance to a successful operations of NAIA 3 four months from now.

“We just have to request the airlines [AOC] to speed up the process of approval of their transfer from their parent companies because general manager Alfonso Cusi had dialogued with their bosses, who have expressed full support of the airport management,” according to Judith Dolot, manager of the Public Affairs Office and top executives.

The “bosses” Dolot refers to are the BAR, which oversees the commercial aspects of the air carriers operations, as opposed to the AOC, which manages the operational aspects of the airlines.

The AOC has been vocal about having the lease contract signed before they commit their airlines to transfer to NAIA 3, saying that they would not like to compromise their respective carriers spending a total of $500 million to furnish the new airline counters, offices and computer connections.

The members, who are all holding offices at the airport, said that without a documented commitment from the government, they are afraid that they would be holding an empty bag if the PIATCO won its legal battle against the government.

The AOC requires a maximum six months to undertake the construction of their respective offices, the training of personnel, ground handlers and service providers to meet the international standards of airline operations.

The MIAA is attempting to speed up the transfer to NAIA 3 to meet the June 21 deadline issued by President Arroyo.

In this regard, the government agencies have opted to go ahead and attempt to put the NAIA 3 back into operations by trying to hold talks with Takenaka, the Japanese partner of the Philippine International Airline Terminal Co. (PIATCO), lead consortium that built the $500 million world-class terminal. Takenaka holds the layout plans for the building, including equipment and machineries that would operate the passenger tubes.Piatco allegedly owes Takenaka some $80 million, which the former said is part of the payment that they are asking for taking over NAIA 3, including the claims of its German partner, Fraport AG.

One of the major projects that the AOC wanted done immediately if the transfer is to be realized is for the MIAA to undertake as soon as possible is the construction of the service road that would link NAIA 3 to NAIA 1.

This service road would accommodate the estimated 50 tons of cargo what would be unloaded daily and brought to their respective bonded warehouses, freight forwarders and brokers by all 29 airlines to NAIA 1 once the NAIA 3 is in full swing.

BLAH BLAH BLAH just open the NAIA 3!

Yeah I wish it was that easy.... :yes: Now I will promise myself not to read any NAIA3 news unless it is regarding any concrete enws about opening dates, finalisations of some kind, not political mumbo-jumbo.

Whew! when will this waiting end?

sleeping in airports? (http://www.sleepinginairports.net)

Megaworld announces P7-B mixed-use project near NAIA-3

PROPERTY developer Megaworld Corp said it will embark on a mixed-use project worth seven billion pesos near Terminal Three of Manila's Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

"The project, known as the Newport City, will have airport hotel and retail and commercial operations," the company told the stock exchange.



"The company, however, has yet to finalize income projections on the project."

Megaworld gave no other details.

The airport's Terminal Three was built by a consortium that includes Germany's Fraport AG and Filipino investors.

Major building work at the terminal was completed in 2002, but it has yet to open owing to a dispute between the government and the consortium.

Yeah I wish it was that easy.... :yes: Now I will promise myself not to read any NAIA3 news unless it is regarding any concrete enws about opening dates, finalisations of some kind, not political mumbo-jumbo.

easier said than done :D

well in a political system like ours we have to face the reality that the battle in the courts will take years to resolve but hopefully that will not deter the early opening of the terminal this june

well in a political system like ours we have to face the reality that the battle in the courts will take years to resolve but hopefully that will not deter the early opening of the terminal this june

The government is in focus of the June 2005 target. It will really open the terminal COME WHAT MAY.

easier said than done :D

opening it is easier said than done;) :D

meh i can do it :yes: :lol:

@ncbmandy, how is sure that? is that your own personal opinion or you have read it is absolutely "come what may" June 2005 opening?

...and an article to top it off :D


What no partridge in a pear tree? :crazy:

hope naia 3 opens soon...i saw photos of it somewhere. looks very nice. i just went back to the philippines after over a decade of living in the states. the first impression i had of the country was old terminal 1... followed by a drive through paranyaque (instead of roxas blvd)... i must say, that would've given a very bad impression of the philippines to a tourist. can you imagine the paranoia the person would've had? even i was shocked at how poor the philippines was until I saw the skyline of makati!

5 months to go!

(hopefully... )

opening it is easier said than done;) :D

meh i can do it :yes: :lol:

@ncbmandy, how is sure that? is that your own personal opinion or you have read it is absolutely "come what may" June 2005 opening?

If the government is having a second thought of opening the terminal three they will not spend millions of pesos on making the acces road. Right now you can really see the government working very well for the preparation of the terminal 3. Thats why i said it will open COME WHAT MAY. No matter what the decision of the International Courts the government will open the terminal 3. Im sure it will, I foresaw this event......he he he..

only god i guess can halt the opening of naia terminal 3

lol be careful cause it might just happen... :runaway:

i just went back to the philippines after over a decade of living in the states. the first impression i had of the country was old terminal 1... followed by a drive through paranyaque (instead of roxas blvd)... i must say, that would've given a very bad impression of the philippines to a tourist. can you imagine the paranoia the person would've had? even i was shocked at how poor the philippines was until I saw the skyline of makati!

I read only a few days ago an article about the MMDA doing a major clean-up drive throughout the tourist routes that foreigners usually have to go through coming out of or going back to the airport. it inculdes Roxas Blvd. up until the roads that lead to NAIA's terminals. I guess they read your post! hehehe! until your comment and this MMDA effort, I never actually realized how bad of a condition those areas are in. the MMDA said it wanted to give tourists and potential investors a better impression of the country, so I hope this works...

^Thats good...but there are "shortcuts" that taxi drivers make passing through slums near the airport instead of main thoroughfairs like Roxas Blvd, Airport Road, etc

‘Raps won’t delay NAIA-3 opening’

The Philippine Star 02/12/2005

The filing of graft charges against three former government officials and private individuals allegedly involved in irregularities in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal-3 (NAIA-3) project won’t delay the facility’s opening in June, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said yesterday.

Ermita, head of the Cabinet Oversight Committee on the NAIA-3 project, disclosed that the committee is guided by a timeframe given by President Arroyo to ensure the completion of the facility.

He also noted that the Pasay City regional trial court (RTC) is still in the process of resolving the issue of fair and just compensation for the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (Piatco).

"So hopefully this would lead to the opening of the airport in June this year. That is the target date," Ermita said.

Three former secretaries of the Department of Transportation and Communications — Vicente Rivera, Wilfredo Trinidad and Pantaleon Alvarez — and Piatco officials led by Henry Go and Cheong Yong were named as respondents in the case filed by the Ombudsman with the Sandiganbayan.

Piatco, however, denounced the move as "pure harassment and persecution."

Piatco spokeswoman lawyer Liwayway Vinzons-Chato said that in September 2003, representatives of Fraport AG of Germany, a major Piatco shareholder, had complained to the World Bank in Washington DC that the consortium was subjected to continuous pressure and extortion attempts by government officials since the Arroyo administration took over.

In a statement faxed to the media, Chato disclosed that two former government representatives had asked for millions of dollars and the ouster of Fraport’s local partner, the Cheng family, in exchange for the protection of Fraport’s investment at NAIA-3.

She added that observers in Germany view the graft charges against former government officials and Piatco executives as the way government representatives are getting back at Fraport for not agreeing to comply with their request.

She added that the charges have no basis and are merely intended to influence the pending arbitration cases at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Singapore and the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington.

Chato, also the spokeswoman for Piatco president Cheng Yong, recalled that the original complaint filed by Deputy Ombudsman Vic Fernandez was sent back by the Special Prosecutor’s Office for lack of probable cause but Ombudsman Simeon Marcelo has insisted on filing the case.

Marcelo, she said, is a partner at Villaraza & Angangco, previously known as Carpio, Villaraza & Cruz, the counsel of Asian Emerging Dragon Corp. (AEDC), the losing bidder in the NAIA-3 project.

Chato is also questioning why Lualhati Foundation president and former Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Edgardo Manda, who was a signatory to the Piatco contracts with the government, was not accused along with other officials of the Arroyo administration who implemented the concession contracts from 2001 to 2002.

Ermita, however, stressed that the graft charges came after years of investigations into alleged anomalous transactions between the government and Piatco.

"I think the filing of this case was enhanced by the decision of the Supreme Court declaring as null and void the contract ab initio (from the start) that Piatco entered into with the government," Ermita said.

The filing of the charges, he said, only proves that the government was on the right track when it ordered the expropriation of the new passenger terminal last December.

According to reports of the Takenaka Group, the Japanese contractor of NAIA-3, the entire facility "is already 97 to 99 percent complete."

All domestic and international flights will be transferred to NAIA-3 once it is completed.

Chato lamented that the government never spent a single centavo for the terminal but was guaranteed to receive P17.75 billion in 27 years under the voided contracts.

In contrast, the government intends to spend P26 million for consultancy services to put NAIA-3 into operation and Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza has said that no less than $50 million more would be spent to open it by June.

"Anybody can easily do their own math and see that the Piatco contracts are definitely advantageous to the government," said Vinzons-Chato. Motion For Inhibition
Piatco has also sought the inhibition of Supreme Court Justices Antonio Carpio and Renato Corona from ruling on the case involving the expropriation of NAIA-3.

In a seven-page motion for inhibition, Piatco said Carpio was a founding partner of Villaraza & Angangco while Corona held key and sensitive positions in the Arroyo administration — officer-in-charge of the Office of the Executive Secretary, presidential spokesman and later presidential chief of staff, among other positions.

"The animosity and hostility of President Arroyo against Piatco is public knowledge. Undoubtedly he (Corona) was a key member of the inner circle of the President. His close association with the President cannot be denied," Piatco said in its motion.

The government, through the Office of the Solicitor General, has asked the high court to annul the orders of Pasay City regional trial court Branch 117 Judge Henrick Gingoyon allowing the release of $62.3 million to Piatco as initial payment for the expropriation of NAIA-3.

"A reversal of the lower court’s order will mean that Piatco will not immediately be compensated (even for the alleged assessed value) of NAIA-3. This means that the bidders, including AEDC, could be benefited as the government might allow them a longer time to raise funds for the facility," Piatco said.

Meanwhile, the granting of Piatco’s motion will remove any doubt on the ability of the justices to discharge their functions with the "cold neutrality of an impartial judge." — Marichu Villanueva, Sandy Araneta, Aurea Calica

this means that centennial terminal will be exclusively for PAL and the upgrading of Centennial Terminal with additional gates for International Operation of PAL will push thru.....Good News.

Let me get this straight, so PAL will stay in T2....and they will add more gates to T2? where? in the international wing, which means that they have to demolish the old hotel?

can somebody tell me how are they gonna filter out the domestic and international passengers entering the airport. I had the impression that the only way for people to get into the boarding gates in this terminal is by going thru immigration since it was designed to handle only international flights. It will be quite chaotic and very inconvenient for the people if they are gonna ask for our passports and tickets upon entry to the immigration area to determine whether we do need a stamp in our passports or not.

And besides, why would they insist of letting PAL have sole use of T2? I thought these guys are already negotiating with these brats regarding their transfer to terminal 3?

And also, does this mean that passengers of other domestic carriers like Cebu Pacific and Air Philippines have no other choice but to live thru hell that is the Old Domestic Airport?

IMO, I think it is bad news that the north wing of T2 will be expanded just to allow PAL to use it for all its operations. I say this for the following reasons:

1). I dont think there is anyway by which you could expand T2 to make it comparable with T3. For example, I dont think it will be able to have as large a duty-free mall as T3 because the economy of scale is just not there. Also, I doubt if they could install a similar automated baggage system like T3.

2). I also believe that a hastily done expansion done without careful thought and planning will only lead to destroying the beauty T2. Even now, the concept of Manosa to have a "garden within an airport within a garden" has not been properly sustained. Many if not all the giant ferns which used to be in the alcoves have either died or have been replaced plants ill suited for the indoor lighting conditions. Many of the gardens surounding the areas in the terminal are poorly maintained.

3). PAL once said that it wants a terminal which it can use as a hub. This is contrary to its intention to stay in T2 which, no matter how you renovate it, will never a suitable hub.

4). I believe that other airlines such as Cebu Pacific with its new planes should be allowed to use T2. However, at the present moment the south wing is already near the limit of 5 million pax/year. So to me, the only way is to have PAL transfer its operations to T3 and modify the Northwing to increase the capacity of this wing from the current 2 million pax/year to the intended 4 million pax/year.

Let's wait for some clarification on this , there's a lot of PR in this battle and media is almost always exagerating, jumping the gun or plain wrong on many of these things.

Let's take a break from the Philippine government B.S. and see some pics!!!!
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p3ddaaaea804ba7b219cd796b32daf722/f5265095.jpghttp://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p5fe87548405132b89fd0c1e9d573de60/f5265096.jpg http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pfd31b6acf80cbd71c08ca17b7126f2df/f5265098.jpg
Pictures we've seen before, crappy, Any new photos of this terminal?

Old rendering of Clark International Airport
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p121b31a49da01d2853a4748fd04feb78/f5265212.jpg
I doubt Diosdado International airport will turn out like its masterplan

Bacolod International Airport
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/p3a6b6a91c48f94394c66932c498753bd/f5265215.jpg
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid157/pd5d220e31df2a8aa91a0f7e677561ed6/f5265218.jpg
Another airport facing a curruption scandal, still unclear about the details, Can't the government do anything without creating a scandal???

remember, that these newspeople are also the same people that say that the japanese air coefficients are equivalent boeing <b>575</b> aircraft.That was only one line in the article, and it doesn't even give details. Besides, it is not feasible to move domestic flights to t3. Caging PAL in T2 is only going to kill them eventually, and let's not forget about t1, which is being considered as the new domestic airport if ever PAL wants to cage itself inside the centennial terminal.

BTW, Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi is getting readier by the minute. I remember wondering if it would open before T3. The race is getting close :) (although it is sad that we had a major headstart to build a terminal that's four times smaller :D)

Another airport facing a curruption scandal, still unclear about the details, Can't the government do anything without creating a scandal??? The flesh is willing, but the spirit is weak... our politicians are a very personal lot, and they are willing to fight for their friends, as we do. They see it as being nice, while we see it as tres naughty :D

The Philippine Village Hotel near the Centennial Terminal is not operational ever since and the Nayong Pilipino will be transferred to Bay City. There is more room for the expansion of PAL's International wing in Centennial Airport for its International Operations in Europe. All Domestic Airline exluded PAL will be transferred to NAIA Terminal 3. We all know that the NAIA T3 has gates for smaller aircraft in its Left concourse. The government agency who is authorize for NAIA T3 operation already said in the news that NAIA T3 will be for International and Domestic operation of all airlines except PAL, so people let us not speculate on something else. T3 is for international and Domestic, T2 is for PAL's international and Domestic, T1 and Manila Domestic Terminal will be for Cargo and that will be it.

Let us not believe and speculate that NAIA T2 will not be suitable for international operation, For 7 years that PAL is using the left wing of T2 for its international operation they dont have any problem, thats why they are planning for the expansion of the terminal of course by their own expense since they are the one who will going to use it. The Domestic right wing of T2 is not really crowded, I use it all the time, Most Domestic flight of PAL are during the morning so you will see the domestic wing nearly empty during afternoon and evening. If they are going to expand their operation for the domestic demand that will be adding flights during afternoon and evening and not adding additional domestic gates. If PAL think that T2 is not in their advantage they will not insist of staying in this Terminal, think of it.

Let us not believe and speculate that NAIA T3 will not be suitable for domesitc operation, NAIA T3 is made for International operation and it is very easy for the architects and authority of NAIA to modify some parts of the terminal for domestic operation. If part of T2 was been able to modify for international operations, why not part of T3 modify for domestic operation right? Who says that T3 is not feasible. If it is not feasible for domestic operation the government will not move the domestic operation of our domestic carriers. I dont see any problem for domestic operations in T3. Domestic passnger will not pass in Immigration they will straight forward to check-in counter, and i don't see any problem with that. Maybe this plan is temporary only they are just waiting for the final upgrading of PAL in T2 before the monorail will construct and moving all domestic operation in right wing of T2., who knows....

If you are coming from abroad and you are using other airline except PAL and you plan to visit the islands in our country then you dont need to transfer terminal since domestic airline is already in the NAIA T3, same goes with PAL because if you use PAL to travel to the philippines and you plan to visit the islands you dont need to go to T3 because PAL already has domestic operation in T2.

T3 and T2 dont have a monorail it only has an access road for cargos. I think the plan of the government is brillant, both terminal has International and Domestic operations people dont need to travel from terminal to terminal just to catch their domestic flight. The government knows what they are doing and it is not a dumb idea to transfer the domestic flight for T3. It is also not a dumb idea to let the PAL remain in T2. These is their plan for JUNE 2005 and i think we should be happy for that, afterall opening of the terminal is far more important Right?

All major carriers has their own terminal hub for its operation and I think it is good if PAL remained in Centennial Terminal since it is our national carrier.

The Philippine Village Hotel near the Centennial Terminal is not operational ever since and the Nayong Pilipino will be transferred to Bay City. There is more room for the expansion of PAL's International wing in Centennial Airport for its International Operations in Europe. All Domestic Airline exluded PAL will be transferred to NAIA Terminal 3. We all know that the NAIA T3 has gates for smaller aircraft in its Left concourse. The government agency who is authorize for NAIA T3 operation already said in the news that NAIA T3 will be for International and Domestic operation of all airlines except PAL, so people let us not speculate on something else. T3 is for international and Domestic, T2 is for PAL's international and Domestic, T1 and Manila Domestic Terminal will be for Cargo and that will be it.

Let us not believe and speculate that NAIA T2 will not be suitable for international operation, For 7 years that PAL is using the left wing of T2 for its international operation they dont have any problem, thats why they are planning for the expansion of the terminal of course by their own expense since they are the one who will going to use it. The Domestic right wing of T2 is not really crowded, I use it all the time, Most Domestic flight of PAL are during the morning so you will see the domestic wing nearly empty during afternoon and evening. If they are going to expand their operation for the domestic demand that will be adding flights during afternoon and evening and not adding additional domestic gates. If PAL think that T2 is not in their advantage they will not insist of staying in this Terminal, think of it.

Let us not believe and speculate that NAIA T3 will not be suitable for domesitc operation, NAIA T3 is made for International operation and it is very easy for the architects and authority of NAIA to modify some parts of the terminal for domestic operation. If part of T2 was been able to modify for international operations, why not part of T3 modify for domestic operation right? Who says that T3 is not feasible. If it is not feasible the government will not move the domestic operation of our domestic carriers.

If you are coming from abroad and you are using other airline except PAL and you plan to visit the islands in our country then you dont need to transfer terminal since domestic airline is already in the NAIA T3, same goes with PAL because if you use PAL to travel to the philippines and you plan to visit the islands you dont need to go to T3 because PAL already has domestic operation in T2.

T3 and T2 dont have a monorail it only has an access road for cargos. I think the plan of the government is brillant, both terminal has International and Domestic operations people dont need to travel from terminal to terminal just to catch their domestic flight. The government knows what they are doing and it is not a dumb idea to transfer the domestic flight for T3. It is also not a dumb idea to let the PAL remain in T2. These is their plan for JUNE 2005 and i think we should be happy for that, afterall opening of the terminal is far more important Right?

All major carriers has their own terminal hub for its operation and I think it is good if PAL remained in Centennial Terminal since it is our national carrier.

Where do I start?

1) T2 is definitely not suited for long-term hub operations. T2's connectivity and the like was adaptable to the fact that PAL uses its planes like mad. It is a major feat that they are able to sustain their route network with their current fleet of some 30-odd planes. Remember that PAL's receivership is going to end, and they will be able to acquire new planes once that happens. Since A380's are out of PAL's budget, I'm thinking that they're going to acquire a lot of cheap second hand 747s. As I recall, 747s side by side in T2 don't fit. Whenever 747s come and go, they'll be taking up too much space, especially since they park at the gates during the peak hours. This problem has been somewhat solved with the use of remote stands, as uncomfortable as they are, especially in typhoon season.

2)So T2 is small. Expand it, right? PAL will finance it, right? However, contact gates are one thing. Terminals aren't just about gates. There are also check in counters, baggage claim facilities, and immigration to worry about. And these are very important. You have seen how long the check-in lines can get, right? And you are aware that flights share carousels sometimes, making the baggage claim process really tedious, right? If PAL really wants to hub in T2, it can start by demolishing Nayong Pilipino and builiding a new concourse for its international flights. Let's throw in a taxiway and an apron while we're at it. And a nicer KLIA-ish passenger area, too.

3)passenger facilities. have you read the trip reports of people waiting in t2? its boring to have a layover there. Limited shops, nothing to do, and nothing to do yet again except sit and read or stare. And this is supposed to compete with Changi? PAL's combined international and domestic volume isn't enough to justify a mini-SM in t2, especially since you can't just use the facilities on the other wing without going through immigration.

4)PAL codeshares a lot of routes. And they liberally use their sixth-freedom rights on these codeshares. PAL has so many codeshare partners, and they can't fit in T2. Besides, once PAL gets its own metal, it will scrap these codeshare deals and fly them themselves.

5)in the long run, NAIA doesn't have parallel runways. If PAL wants to hub in NAIA, their long-term expansion will be limited, as their frequencies will depend on one runway. As you've seen a few weeks ago, a single plane crash on NAIA's runway affected so many flights. One crash during a peak hour can ruin an entire day's schedule.

6)yes, t3 has gates designed for narrowbodies, however, not all international flights here are on widebodies. quite a lot of flights to manila are on narrowbodies, like the MAS and china southern flights. They deserve contact gates too, and if you reserve them contact gates, there wouldn't be enough for domestic services. and I would be fairly weirded out if I see an Asian Spirit turboprop in T3. Not just that, you're also hampering the development of the other local carriers. What if Cebu Pacific acquires 747s and uses them for domestic flights? Catering to them would mean that you'd have to reserve a few widebody gates for domestic use, too...

7)splitting T3 in international and domestic will not only entail a radical redesign, like in T2, but it will also compromise passenger facilities, duty free, restaurants, and the like, since there are less passengers, there will be less facilities. Besides, what if some airline wanted to switch to PAL domestic? they'd have to go through quite a bit of hassle.

In the end, would you really want two terminals that split their function and deliver third-rate services instead of two terminals used for exactly the purpose for which they've been built? And for what? PAL? If all international services were at t3, and all domestic services were at t2, then we would have two terminals that sufficiently cater to those passengers. If you really want to give tourists a nice impression, don't give them hell at the airport. But what about connectivity, you ask? Its a simple problem that can be addressed.

You can either

a) make an airside shuttle for connecting domestic flights. Just make sure that the baggage has been forwarded to the domestic terminal
b) instead of pouring money into t2 expansion, PAL can just build the damn tunnel
or c) do what PAL did when their international ops were still in T1: special flights to cebu from the international terminal.

Those are just some of the solutions. It is far easier to figure out how to ferry passengers from one terminal to another than to disfigure two terminals.

The government already think of that and they trash that idea for the meantime, maybe in the near future it will be but now the government focus is to open the terminal no more no less, and by adding a monorail will cause so much delay for the JUNE 2005 opening, maybe their current plan is temporary only and once the terminal has been opened then your idea maybe reconsider. I will just wait for the June 2005 opening. I'm a graduate computer engineering and not an airport designer or an architect and i dont really know what will be good for that terminal. I don't want to speculate or raise my ideas anymore about what will the terminal be or should not be because it is not in my educational background. All I have to do is wait and cherish the fact that the terminal will be open on JUNE 2005 come what may. :)

:master: on Solblanc's post. My thoughts exactly...use the airports for what they are designed for!! Makes the whole system run more efficiently and productively. Why do they need to change things just to suit PAL's likings? It will only result to further scandals, delays and passenger chaos. Building the tunnel will be much more cost-effective in the long run. Besides, they should not build an extention to NAIA 2 because they really dont need it...NAIA is already congested the way it is. Instead they should think about the future, the long term which is to build a new, bigger and better airport in Clark.

Well it would really be nice if NAIA3 can open in June 2005, with or without PAL. On another note, the pictures posted of the Bacolod airport in Silay are also most the same as that which will be constructed in Cabatuan Iloilo, and the same as the one to be built in Tacloban. It seems that Japanese consultant DOTC hired seems to be recycling the design. I guess we will soon have a bunch of similar looking terminals if and when all of them are build. IMO this may be boring.

Gen Santos International Airport (http://www.ato.gov.ph/Airports/Tambler.htm)

Huge airport area. Bigger than Davao. Less flights. They say... white elephant.

NAIA, huh! the country frontdoor reflects what the Philippines really is.

Well it would really be nice if NAIA3 can open in June 2005, with or without PAL. On another note, the pictures posted of the Bacolod airport in Silay are also most the same as that which will be constructed in Cabatuan Iloilo, and the same as the one to be built in Tacloban. It seems that Japanese consultant DOTC hired seems to be recycling the design. I guess we will soon have a bunch of similar looking terminals if and when all of them are build. IMO this may be boring.

i beleive all these new airports projects are funded by the japanese government loans jst like the manila t2 centennial it was built using loans from japan

The government already think of that and they trash that idea for the meantime, maybe in the near future it will be but now the government focus is to open the terminal no more no less, and by adding a monorail will cause so much delay for the JUNE 2005 opening, maybe their current plan is temporary only and once the terminal has been opened then your idea maybe reconsider. I will just wait for the June 2005 opening. I'm a graduate computer engineering and not an airport designer or an architect and i dont really know what will be good for that terminal. I don't want to speculate or raise my ideas anymore about what will the terminal be or should not be because it is not in my educational background. All I have to do is wait and cherish the fact that the terminal will be open on JUNE 2005 come what may. :)

speculate all you want, dearie, your ideas are still valid ;) this is a hobby, and we can fantasize as much as we want. Except don't call it fantasizing or speculating. Call it a vision.

Where do I start?

1) T2 is definitely not suited for long-term hub operations. T2's connectivity and the like was adaptable to the fact that PAL uses its planes like mad. It is a major feat that they are able to sustain their route network with their current fleet of some 30-odd planes. Remember that PAL's receivership is going to end, and they will be able to acquire new planes once that happens. Since A380's are out of PAL's budget, I'm thinking that they're going to acquire a lot of cheap second hand 747s. As I recall, 747s side by side in T2 don't fit. Whenever 747s come and go, they'll be taking up too much space, especially since they park at the gates during the peak hours. This problem has been somewhat solved with the use of remote stands, as uncomfortable as they are, especially in typhoon season.

2)So T2 is small. Expand it, right? PAL will finance it, right? However, contact gates are one thing. Terminals aren't just about gates. There are also check in counters, baggage claim facilities, and immigration to worry about. And these are very important. You have seen how long the check-in lines can get, right? And you are aware that flights share carousels sometimes, making the baggage claim process really tedious, right? If PAL really wants to hub in T2, it can start by demolishing Nayong Pilipino and builiding a new concourse for its international flights. Let's throw in a taxiway and an apron while we're at it. And a nicer KLIA-ish passenger area, too.

3)passenger facilities. have you read the trip reports of people waiting in t2? its boring to have a layover there. Limited shops, nothing to do, and nothing to do yet again except sit and read or stare. And this is supposed to compete with Changi? PAL's combined international and domestic volume isn't enough to justify a mini-SM in t2, especially since you can't just use the facilities on the other wing without going through immigration.

4)PAL codeshares a lot of routes. And they liberally use their sixth-freedom rights on these codeshares. PAL has so many codeshare partners, and they can't fit in T2. Besides, once PAL gets its own metal, it will scrap these codeshare deals and fly them themselves.

5)in the long run, NAIA doesn't have parallel runways. If PAL wants to hub in NAIA, their long-term expansion will be limited, as their frequencies will depend on one runway. As you've seen a few weeks ago, a single plane crash on NAIA's runway affected so many flights. One crash during a peak hour can ruin an entire day's schedule.

6)yes, t3 has gates designed for narrowbodies, however, not all international flights here are on widebodies. quite a lot of flights to manila are on narrowbodies, like the MAS and china southern flights. They deserve contact gates too, and if you reserve them contact gates, there wouldn't be enough for domestic services. and I would be fairly weirded out if I see an Asian Spirit turboprop in T3. Not just that, you're also hampering the development of the other local carriers. What if Cebu Pacific acquires 747s and uses them for domestic flights? Catering to them would mean that you'd have to reserve a few widebody gates for domestic use, too...

7)splitting T3 in international and domestic will not only entail a radical redesign, like in T2, but it will also compromise passenger facilities, duty free, restaurants, and the like, since there are less passengers, there will be less facilities. Besides, what if some airline wanted to switch to PAL domestic? they'd have to go through quite a bit of hassle.

In the end, would you really want two terminals that split their function and deliver third-rate services instead of two terminals used for exactly the purpose for which they've been built? And for what? PAL? If all international services were at t3, and all domestic services were at t2, then we would have two terminals that sufficiently cater to those passengers. If you really want to give tourists a nice impression, don't give them hell at the airport. But what about connectivity, you ask? Its a simple problem that can be addressed.

You can either

a) make an airside shuttle for connecting domestic flights. Just make sure that the baggage has been forwarded to the domestic terminal
b) instead of pouring money into t2 expansion, PAL can just build the damn tunnel
or c) do what PAL did when their international ops were still in T1: special flights to cebu from the international terminal.

Those are just some of the solutions. It is far easier to figure out how to ferry passengers from one terminal to another than to disfigure two terminals.






i couldn't have put it any better. you tell 'em solblanc. way to go!!!

i beleive all these new airports projects are funded by the japanese government loans jst like the manila t2 centennial it was built using loans from japan

While that is true, the technical layout of T2 was done by the ADP team of Paul Andreu, while the architecture was Bobby Manosa. In the case Iloilo, Bacolod and Tacloban they are all the same. There is very little difference between these three terminals except of the number of contact gates. To me, it is so monotonous. When you go to China, they have alot of airports but no two are alike.

3 EX-DOTC CHIEFS FACE GRAFT RAPS FOR NAIA-3

MANILA, February 11, 2005 (STAR) By Delon Porcalla - Three former secretaries of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) were charged with graft along with several other people before the Sandiganbayan yesterday over irregularities in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) project.

Prosecutors held former DOTC secretaries Vicente Rivera, Wilfredo Trinidad and Pantaleon Alvarez; Undersecretary Primitivo Cal, and bids and awards committee vice chairman Francisco Atayde criminally liable for entering into contracts that were allegedly favorable to the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (Piatco) at the expense of the government.

The late DOTC chief Arturo Enrile was also mentioned twice in the charge sheet, but he was no longer included in the case since prosecutors said the death of the accused extinguished his criminal liability.

The terms of these DOTC chiefs span three presidencies. Enrile and Trinidad, in an acting capacity, served during the Ramos administration, Rivera in the Estrada administration and Alvarez in the Arroyo administration.

Piatco was the private consortium that built NAIA-3, set to open this June. Its opening has been deferred several times due to controversies surrounding the $465-million project.

Deputy Ombudsman for Luzon Victor Fernandez, who approved the indictments, also included several Piatco officials in the charge sheet: presidents Henry Go and Cheng Yong, director Hans Arthur Vogel, and consultants Alfredo Liongson and Bernd Struck.

All but two of those named in the charge sheet were recommended for bail bonds of P30,000 each. Go, charged with three counts of graft, will have to post P90,000 bail while Trinidad has to shell out P60,000 for his temporary liberty.

Government prosecutors said these former DOTC officials took advantage of their position and granted Paircargo Consortium — later renamed Piatco — "unwarranted benefits" from July 1997 to June 2001.

The officials allegedly violated the anti-graft law and Republic Act 7718, or the build, operate and transfer (BOT) law, by entering into contracts that oblige the government to assume Piatco’s liabilities, public utilities included, in case of "default," they said.

The prosecutors said other onerous provisions include one in which the government is "obligated" to pay Piatco P180 million if the Pasay City regional trial court (RTC) nullifies the contract for the construction of NAIA-3.

They also questioned another provision specifying the construction of a "less expensive access road" that would connect NAIA Terminal 2 to NAIA-3, allowing Piatco "immense savings" since it was supposed to build an "access tunnel."

The indictment, prepared by graft investigator Donna Pascual, stated that the DOTC officials also conspired with Piatco executives by allowing the consortium to construct under the BOT scheme even though it did not have the "financial capability" and was "not a qualified bidder."

Cal, Atayde and Alvarez, then chairman of the DOTC bids and awards committee, were charged with granting a franchise to Piatco even though the consortium was not entitled to it.

The Ombudsman said these officials entered into the 1997 concession agreement, side agreement, and restated concession agreement — all of which were "grossly disadvantageous to the government."

Fernandez stressed that public office is a public trust. "The notion of public trust connotes accountability. Accountability is synonymous with responsibility for the decisions one has made pursuant to the prerogatives granted one’s office," he said.

The Piatco case, he added, "is a prime example of why only the crème de la crème should hold positions of public trust and accountability. They should give meaning to integrity and responsibility."

Fernandez also urged President Arroyo to choose her appointees well.

"She should also learn to be more circumspect in the choice of her appointees. Otherwise, she would not have learned from this painful, costly mistake called Piatco," he said.

Meanwhile, Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. called for the immediate opening of NAIA-3 to take advantage of the increase in tourism brought about by the tsunami that devastated several Asian countries last December.

"After the tsunami difficulties in the Indian Ocean, there is an increasing need for the expansion and modernization of Philippine tourism facilities. The first entry point or frontline of tourism is the airport," he said.

De Venecia, in an interview with reporters yesterday at the NAIA dignitaries’ lounge, said he has talked with Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Manila International Airport Authority general manager Alfonso Cusi about expediting the opening of the terminal.

De Venecia, together with outgoing Energy Secretary Vicente Perez, left for Seoul, South Korea yesterday via Korean Air flight KE-622 shortly after noon.

He acknowledged that while the NAIA-3 opening may be delayed, "there is a need for them to push everybody. If the President set that deadline, then everybody must move strongly and rapidly."

De Venecia said a meeting between Mrs. Arroyo and representatives of airline companies is dependent on the "call of (DOTC Secretary Leandro) Mendoza and Cusi."

He said he has met with the Airline Operators Council and its chairman Leoncio Nakpil when he was their guest speaker some weeks ago.

"I called up Mendoza the following day to mobilize rapid action to resettle these airline companies so they can move to the new terminal by June or before June," De Venecia said.

He hopes that "the arbitration process or the government dealing directly with Piatco can work out a reasonable compromise solution that will enable us to open the airport expeditiously."

On the other hand, opposition Sen. Edgardo Angara said the government should first "settle the issue" with all parties involved.

He criticized the government for its move to take over NAIA-3 last December using a writ of possession granted by the Pasay City RTC after it filed expropriation proceedings.

"Delay in our country is well known. In the meantime, you are enriching yourself at the expense of others by using some facility that you didn’t build and others spent for. It’s a question of fairness and a matter of presentation to invest in the country," Angara said as he left for Madrid via Thailand on Thai Airways flight TG-621 at 2:20 p.m. yesterday.

He is set to meet with representatives of the Agencia de Cooperacion to discuss aid to develop coastal areas of Aurora province.

Angara, quoting a statement from the Asian Development Bank, said the government must improve the investment climate.

"Obviously, that is one of the things that is a disincentive to investors that government could take over your property and simply say, ‘You wait for our courts to decide how much we should pay you,’ because that’s like waiting for eternity. It goes back to fairness, whether between persons or between countries," he said.

The government is waiting for the Supreme Court to rule on the Office of the Solicitor General’s petition for permanent injunction to stop the enforcement of a ruling by Pasay City RTC Branch 117 Judge Henrick Gingoyon which called for the government to pay Piatco an initial $62.3 million in just compensation and prevented the government from "performing acts of ownership over the terminal," despite the writ of possession he issued earlier.

The government recently filed two counter-suits, each asking for $900 million, against Germany’s Fraport AG before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington D and against Piatco before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Singapore. Fraport owns 30 percent of Piatco.

Fraport filed a petition for arbitration and sued for $425 million in damages saying that, among other things, "the Republic has expropriated the investments of Fraport in NAIA-3 in alleged violation of the Philippines-Germany Bilateral Investment Treaty" forged on Apr. 17, 1997. The ICSID has constituted its arbitral tribunal and started proceedings.

At the ICC in Singapore, Piatco filed a $560-million damage suit against the government last year, a few months after Mrs. Arroyo voided the Piatco contract. Her move was later upheld by the Supreme Court.

Piatco also filed a request for arbitration against the Republic of the Philippines before the ICC, asserting a number of claims against the government for voiding the concession agreement for the BOT contract on the NAIA-3 project. The government filed its answer to Piatco’s request with the ICC last Jan. 30, 2004. — With Sandy Araneta

NAIA-3 stakeholders will be paid -- Palace
Malacañang yesterday gave its assurance that the Philippine government would "justly" compensate all the legitimate stakeholders of the mothballed Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3), as determined by the courts.

Press Sec. Ignacio R. Bunye said the government remains committed to pay Fraport AG, the German partner of Philippine Air Terminal Co., Inc. (Piatco) for the airport project, as soon as the courts give the order.

"All the legitimate stakeholders of the NAIA-3 Terminal will be justly compensated. We are as strongly committed to this end as much as we are determined to make the terminal fully operational in the soonest possible time," Mr. Bunye said in a statement.

The Palace made the reaction following the statement of Fraport that it would pursue its arbitration case against the Philippine government after it failed to compensate the company for its $425-million investment in the construction of NAIA-3.

The German Embassy has also warned that it will submit the dispute for settlement to an "ad hoc international arbitral tribunal" composed of three "mutually agreed" arbiters, if the Philippines would fail to pay Fraport within the next six months.

The government in December took over NAIA-3 after negotiations with Fraport and Piatco regarding the payment of the airport terminal bogged down.

Fraport has demanded the government should pay a minimum of €350 million ($465 million) for the terminal, but the government was willing to pay only up to P3-billion ($53.57 million).

Fraport has brought the government before the World Bank's International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes in USA, while Piatco has filed a recovery case before the International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Singapore.

But instead of waiting for the results of the arbitration proceedings, the Office of the Solicitor General filed on Dec. 21 the expropriation petition at the Pasay Regional Trial Court to allow the government to take over the airport terminal.

Fraport assailed the government for the move, saying the Arroyo administration had committed a "further flagrant breech of the law."

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, on the other hand, defended the government decision, saying the expropriation was undertaken "only after all reasonable measures to arrive at a negotiated settlement broke down."

The President seemed to be unaffected with Fraport's threats during her visit in Batangas City to launch two Japanese-funded infrastructure projects in the port of Batangas in Batangas City.

The President led the ground-breaking ceremonies for the P145-million access road and flyover project at the Batangas port. The President also inaugurated the port's new general cargo berth worth more than half a million pesos.

While the Philippines is at odds with the German government regarding the Fraport case, the President pledged that her administration remains committed to implement foreign-assisted projects.

In particular, Mrs. Arroyo assured the Japanese authorities that the government would push for infrastructure projects that would benefit Japanese investors in the Philippines.

"I would like to assure the Japanese that the Japanese official development assistance will be focused on the infrastructure requirements needed so that the Japanese will invest in the Philippines and give jobs to our people," the President told reporters. -- Jeffrey O. Valisno

_____________________________________________________

Whatever happened to opening it this coming June 21? Bakit balik nanaman tayo sa opening it as soon as possible. This is bad.
:mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2: :mad2:

I'm beginning to not care anymore! >( (Damn if you do and damn if you dont.) :(

THis is why.

While this seems like nothing has happened , just a letter, an experienced diplomat can tell you na mabigat iyan. Diplomacy is very suttle, for a government to actually even admit that there is a problem between countries is a big thing.

Bluster and bullying can only get you so far when your the small fry dealing with bigger fish.

Abangan ang susunod na kabanata.


Germany’s Fraport flexes muscle

The Philippine Star 02/13/2005

Fraport AG of Germany, one of the major shareholders of the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (Piatco), has decided to flex its diplomatic muscle in pressing for immediate compensation from the Philippine government for their investment in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Passenger Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) project.

The German government, through German Ambassador Axel Weishaupt, formally presented to the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) a démarche in support of the compensation claims of Fraport against the Philippine government.

A démarche is a diplomatic move, counter-move or maneuver manifested by an ambassador to the host government.

The German government’s démarche was contained in a three-page aide-mémoire dated Jan. 25 and addressed to Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, who chairs the Cabinet Oversight Committee on the NAIA-3 project.

In the aide-mémoire, the German government supported the petition of Fraport to the Philippine government for just compensation "in accordance with international law, specifically the provisions of the Philippine-German Agreement for the Promotion and Reciprocal Protection of Investments" signed on April 18, 1997 in Bonn.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye released to Palace reporters yesterday a copy of the aide-mémoire as well as the reply statement of the Philippine government, through Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo.

Bunye disclosed that the Palace decided to make public the démarche after it received information that the German ambassador would call a press conference to present their support for Fraport’s bid.

Following the decision of President Arroyo to void the Piatco contract, which was subsequently upheld by the Supreme Court, Fraport sued the Philippine government before the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington DC.

A separate case was also filed by Piatco and Fraport before the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in Singapore.

Romulo, however, said the ambassador expressed his government’s confidence that the Philippine government will confirm its commitment for just and fair compensation.

At this point though, the Pasay City regional trial court (RTC) is still in the process of resolving the amount of compensation for the builders of NAIA-3.

"Such a solution is important to the interest of avoiding a burden to Philippine-German relations and in ensuring that the international reputation of the Philippines as a location for investments is not impaired," Weishaupt stated.

Weishaupt, in his aide-mémoire, expressed the German government’s concern over the expropriation of NAIA-3, saying it is not encouraging German businesses to invest in the Philippines.

"However, the German government would greatly appreciate a mutually satisfactory solution with regard to the expropriated investments by Piatco and Fraport AG in NAIA-3," he added. — Marichu Villanueva

I'm beginning to not care anymore! >( (Damn if you do and damn if you dont.) :(

Welcome to the group.

I still stand by my promise not to read any articles about NAIA3 unless its about opening. The politics can sort itself out

ya the government will take care of that, we couldnt care less, they will be jstly compensated and we have our brand new terminal for the people to enjoy

@renell, count me in on that.. im growing tired of reading all the news yakking and yakking about legalities and all that.. just open it already!

well we'll see in a couple of months if we get our wish and prayers answered.. ;)

damn...i agree with renell, kiretoce and stephencua - i wont care about it anymore, until it opens. I'm not even reading these articles anymore. But it looks like its about to get really serious since the German Govt. is now involved (couldnt help reading the article above:D)

http://www.airport-dubrovnik.hr/slike/images/oprema14_jpg.jpg

A little off topic (to get your tired minds off the T3 debate)....
Isn't this cool? Wish they had these zipping around at NAIA from one terminal to the next, or to ferry passengers to and from remote gates on the tarmac. :)

I remember seeing a couple of buses moving around the tarmac in NAIA. They really should facilitate movement from one terminal to the other, without leaving the airport premises. Even if it is just by bus. Frankfurt and Heathrow still use buses, well last time I was there. I believe Frankfurt will have something what O'Hare now has.

This is what MIAA Uses... this is one they use at a airport in Italy. not exactly the same logo.. but Exactly the same model they use

http://www.fly-net.org/aeromedia/lb804.jpg

Do they use it? ie for Passenger Use?

yep.. for shuttling ppl from Ramp-Terminal

Oh maganda naman pala, looks regular and world class not the home made ok na ito, let's make do kasi kulang sa budget buses Cebu Pacific uses in domestic!

By the way gent's (and Lady - only mhe an right meron pa ba?:)), I know that the problem with the airport is very frustrating as is with so many issues bugging out country, but if the people in the forum whom I've seen to care enough to be aware of issues and problems stop caring , baka wala nang mangyari sa atin. I must admit I don't really read allthe blow by blow , spin induced, media drivel regarding this but I still am very interested if only because I need to use the thing. Time out is important and a must when one is so close to an issue or problems but hopefully the various insights and contributions from the good people in this forum still continue as they are appreciated.

Remember the famous quote: All that is neccesary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing -Edmund Burke.

To end this off tangent post on a lighter note, here's something from the Dark and Stormy Night Competition- (No analogy to the Dark and Stormy night, light at the end of the tunnel situation of our airport!)

TO all those budding writers and novelists out there ......



The "Dark and Stormy Night" competition is for the worst opening line for a novel, short story or

essay. You know, the classic opening line that you read and say uh-oh

... this is going to be a real doozey of a story. The kind that Peanut's

dog, Snoopy, always opens one of his novels with, like ..."It was a dark

and stormy night, when ..." Any way, these came from this year's annual

"Dark and Stormy Night" competition. They are actual analogies and

metaphors taken from high school essays.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

1. Her face was a perfect oval, like a circle that had its two sides
gently compressed by a Thigh Master.

2. His thoughts tumbled in his head, making and breaking alliances like
underpants in a dryer without Cling Free.

3. He spoke with the wisdom that can only come from experience, like a
guy who went blind because he looked at a solar eclipse without one of
those boxes with a pinhole in it and now goes around the country
speaking at high schools about the dangers of looking at a solar eclipse
without one of those boxes with a pinhole in it.

4. She grew on him like she was a colony of E-coli and he was
room temperature Canadian beef.

5. She had a deep, throaty, genuine laugh, like that sound a dog makes
just before it throws up.

6. Her vocabulary was as bad as, like, whatever.

7. He was as tall as a six-foot-three-inch tree.

8. The revelation that his marriage of 30 years had disintegrated
because of his wife's infidelity came as a rude shock, like a surcharge
at a formerly surcharge-free ATM.

9. The little boat gently drifted across the pond exactly the way a
bowling ball wouldn't.

10. McBride fell 12 stories, hitting the pavement like a Hefty bag
filled with vegetable soup.

11. From the attic came an unearthly howl. The whole scene had an eerie,
surreal quality, like when you're on vacation in another city and American Idol
comes on at 8:00 p.m. instead of 8:30.

12. Her hair glistened in the rain like a nose hair after a sneeze.

13. The hailstones leaped from the pavement, just like maggots when you
fry them in hot grease.

14. Long separated by cruel fate, the star-crossed lovers raced across
the grassy field toward each other like two freight trains, one having
left Cleveland at 6:36 p.m. traveling at 55 mph, the other from Topeka
at 4:19 p.m. at a speed of 35 mph.

15. They lived in a typical suburban neighborhood with picket fences
that resembled Nancy Kerrigan's teeth.

16. John and Mary had never met. They were like two hummingbirds who had
also never met.

17. He fell for her like his heart was a mob informant and she was the
East River.

18. Even in his last years, Grandpappy had a mind like a steel trap,
only one that had been left out so long, it had rusted shut.

19. Shots rang out, as shots are wont to do.

20. The plan was simple, like my brother-in-law Phil. But unlike Phil,

this plan just might work.

21. The young fighter had a hungry look, the kind you get from not
eating for a while.

22. He was as lame as a duck. Not the metaphorical lame duck, either,
but a real duck that was actually lame, maybe from stepping on a land
mine or something.

23. The ballerina rose gracefully en pointe and extended one slender leg
behind her, like a dog at a fire hydrant.

24. It was an American tradition, like fathers chasing kids around with
power tools.

25. He was deeply in love. When she spoke, he thought he heard bells, as
if she were a garbage truck backing up.

26. Her eyes were like limpid pools, only they had forgotten to put in
any pH cleanser.

27. She walked into my office like a centipede with 98 missing legs.

28. It hurt the way your tongue hurts after you accidentally staple it
to the wall.

That's The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, after the writer of that infamous line. His most famous work was The Last Days of Pompeii. He was actually a bestselling author, the Dan Brown of his age.

Suffice it to say, it isn't a very prestigious contest.

What's the connection with NAIA3?

What's the connection with NAIA3?

NAIA III's opening was late, the way you can be late to class after you accidentally spill your coffee on your pants and try to dry yourself by fanning at your lap with the morning papers.

This is what MIAA Uses... this is one they use at a airport in Italy. not exactly the same logo.. but Exactly the same model they use

http://www.fly-net.org/aeromedia/lb804.jpg

Yeah...NAIA has a few of those buses. About 5, i think. I've used them many times now, especially in domestic flights.

That's The Bulwer-Lytton Fiction Contest, after the writer of that infamous line. His most famous work was The Last Days of Pompeii. He was actually a bestselling author, the Dan Brown of his age.

Suffice it to say, it isn't a very prestigious contest.

What's the connection with NAIA3?
exactly nothing, meant to lighten up the spirits of people depressed by the endless bickering about naia3

Ganito ba yung itsura nung pinaplano nilang extension ng NAIA sa Laguna bay?

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050216/capt.tok81102161134.japan_new_airport_tok811.jpg

Eto yung bagon airport ng Nagoya, Japan. Open 24/7.

the one in Laguna de Bay looks worse. plus we don't need it. Japan, Nagoya probably needs it

the one in Laguna de Bay looks worse. plus we don't need it. Japan, Nagoya probably needs it
Yeah. They built that airport for the World Expo 2005 in Nagoya. You may want to visit. ;-)

NAIA fuel lines inspected
By Sandy Araneta
The Philippine Star 02/19/2005

http://www.philstar.com/philstar/News200502196302.htm

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) recently inspected the fuel lines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport complex in preparation for the opening of the NAIA Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) in June.

In a statement, MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi said a two-day site visit and inspection was conducted by MIAA and representatives from Shell Australia to evaluate the condition of the NAIA-3 fuel hydrant system.

The inspection team was led by Gerd Temmhoff and Arthur Dimitropoulos, Shell’s aviation engineering and procurement manager and aviation project engineer for Asia Pacific, respectively.

Cusi said the objective of the visit was to prepare a pre-commissioning procedure that will ensure an internationally acceptable fueling system.

Facilities inspected include the pipeline route and assembly of inline equipment, general arrangement of the pipelines, valve chambers, and other control and protection systems essential to the prevention of accidents.

"We are confident that NAIA-3 will be able to open its gates to the world by June 2005 or even earlier with the help of all these companies who are sending their representatives here, as well as all our other partners in the aviation industry," Cusi said.

The fuel hydrant system is a facility that will distribute jet A-1 from the tank farm to the parked aircraft.

Refueling operations at the NAIA-3 will be provided by Joint Oil Companies and Aviation Storage Plant (JOCASP), a joint venture company owned by major oil companies Shell, Caltex, Petron and Mobile.

Tests for the auxiliary, emergency fuel shut off and the leak detection systems are being carried out to confirm the fuel hydrant system’s integrity.

Ganito ba yung itsura nung pinaplano nilang extension ng NAIA sa Laguna bay?

http://us.news2.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/ap/20050216/capt.tok81102161134.japan_new_airport_tok811.jpg

Eto yung bagon airport ng Nagoya, Japan. Open 24/7.

Off-shore airports like Nagoya and Kansai are the best options for over crowded cities with little or no land space to spare for expansion. I wonder if Manila Bay is too deep to build an airport like this without it sinking gradually like that which plagues Osaka-Kansai.

Off-shore airports like Nagoya and Kansai are the best options for over crowded cities with little or no land space to spare for expansion. I wonder if Manila Bay is too deep to build an airport like this without it sinking gradually like that which plagues Osaka-Kansai.

Let me mention that the issue of land is not the primary reason why Osaka, and now Nagoya, have airports located offshore. For an airport to operate 24-7, it must be situated such that planes do not pass over heavily populated areas in the middle of the night otherwise this would wake up those who are sleeping. One of the best ways of achieving this is to locate the airport in a man made island in the middle the sea.

The issue regarding time-dependent settlements of the man-made island on which Kansai Airport is built is that these settlements are occurring at a rate that is higher than initially estimated. I know this for a fact because in 1990 I was involved in the FEM analysis Nikken Sekei commisioned to look into the settlement problem.

In my professional opinion, I think that it would be possible but expensive to build a man made island in Manila bay. Today there are many ways of hastening the consolidation process such that structures can be build within a few years after construction of the man-made island is completed. I would believe it would be more difficult to build such an artificial island in Laguna de bay due to the higher amounts organic materials at the bottom of the bay.

i passed by SLEX yesterday and i saw several pillars near villamor airbase.. are these supposed to be the stands for one of the entrance ramps for NAIA-3? thanks for the info!

I read in the inquirer earlier that PAL finally put its foot down. Its not moving to terminal 3, as it just has no money to do so, unless the government makes an attractive offer.

I hope that the NAIA 3 will be opened for business soon. We Badly need the new airport. You know why (let me put it in Tagalog), kasi yuon ang unang mapapansin ng mga turista sa ating bansa, kailangan natin ng magandang "first impression"

i think this is the article that solblanc is referring to.. this was taken from inq7.net..

Tan: PAL won't move to Naia-3 without good lease offer
Posted: 1:39 AM | Feb. 21, 2005

Clarissa S. Batino
Inquirer News Service

CHINESE-FILIPINO tycoon Lucio Tan is putting his foot down, saying that the Philippine Airlines (PAL) will not be moving to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 unless the Arroyo administration makes a "very attractive offer."

The PAL chair and chief executive officer said that moving the flag carrier's operations from Naia Terminal 2 to the new airport facility would be very costly for the airline company.

"We are happy where we are now," said his son Michael Tan, head of the Lucio Tan Group of Companies, during a briefing with the Inquirer last week.

According to the taipan, the airline business is very slow these days and PAL doesn't have the money to move to Naia 3.

"It is expensive to move," Tan said. "Unless the government would give us an attractive offer. If the rental is attractive then we could consider."

PAL is the largest airline operating domestic and overseas routes for passenger and cargo. The Arroyo administration is worried that the Terminal 3 would not be viable without PAL.

The government said it could open Naia 3 for commercial operations by June, after taking over the facility in late December amid unresolved arbitration cases against the private group that built the terminal.

The taipan said PAL has not even received an attractive rental offer from the government, contrary to the government claims that the flag carrier has agreed to move to Naia 3.

"PAL wrote to us, saying that they were ready to transfer to Terminal 3, provided that its domestic and international flights would stay in one roof," Transport Secretary Leandro Mendoza said earlier.

The transport chief said the Arroyo administration would like to use Naia 2 for the domestic operations of all other airlines.

He said PAL was also having a hard time fitting in all its flights within Naia 2. "We need the Terminal 2 for domestic operations," Mendoza added.

The Arroyo administration is evaluating the requests of airline companies for a moratorium on any increase in aviation fees if they would transfer to Naia 3.

He said the plan was to offer a special introductory level of fees and charges to the new residents of Naia 3. He could not say if the government could keep aviation fees and charges unchanged and for how long.

"Airlines fear that if we make them transfer to Terminal 3, they feel we would transfer to them the burden of paying for Naia 3," said the transport chief. "But we will not do that. We will make sure that the fees would be reasonable."

Mendoza said that Naia 3 would try to generate profits from the rentals and other businesses within the terminal so as not to pass on the burden of raising the money from the airlines.

The Arroyo administration is spending about P700 million to upgrade Naia 3, including the construction of a peripheral road connecting Terminal 3 with the older airports, including the cargo warehouse near Naia 1.

Mendoza said ongoing inspection of Terminal 3 should ensure that the facility was structurally sound. The government earlier said Naia 3 had more than 40 construction defects.

The transport chief said the P700 million the government would be spending would not yet cover the establishment of a cargo facility within Terminal 3.

He said the plan was to build a separate cargo hub within the nearby Nayong Pilipino park, which would be used by all tenants of the Naia terminals.

PAL operates 32 aircraft for its domestic and international passenger and cargo routes. It has been using the relatively new Naia 2 exclusively to service passengers, while all other carriers utilize Naia 1, the oldest terminal.


Related Sites: Philippine Airlines


man.. PAL sounds like its going to be a brat about this and not think about the good of the country.. stupid...

there are many arguments on the subject of where PAL should be when NAIA 3 opens. however, how can you blame then. if the future of PAL as a world class airline, it has to have something unique to offer its passengers. hence, its own terminal. it will be something unique to the passengers that distinguishes the PAL experience. i jusy believe that if PAL wants to take advantage of that excuse to stay where they are, they need to ensure that NAIA 2 is part of the total package. for me, ive always wanted to see NAIA 2 and just experience it. but to do that, id have to fly PAL. if they were in NAIA 3, i might as well fly any airline that could get me there since id see the terminal any way.

But that only makes sense if NAIA2 were good enough to offer an entire PAL experience that is both complete and world class. Right now, NAIA2 is overburdened and overextended. And it's already PAL's. If they intend to expand as they will now that they are now leaving debt servicing, they will turn a currently terrible user experience at NAIA2 into a trully horrendous one. NAIA2 is not fit for international travel. PAL can still offer a unique PAL experience, whatever that means, at NAIA3. It's still home field for them so they will of course have a leg up on their competition.

I think it's better for PAL to stay in NAIA 2 to have it's own hub and be different. Much more if they design the Airport with modern-mixed Filipiniana style.

there are many arguments on the subject of where PAL should be when NAIA 3 opens. however, how can you blame then. if the future of PAL as a world class airline, it has to have something unique to offer its passengers. hence, its own terminal. it will be something unique to the passengers that distinguishes the PAL experience. i jusy believe that if PAL wants to take advantage of that excuse to stay where they are, they need to ensure that NAIA 2 is part of the total package. for me, ive always wanted to see NAIA 2 and just experience it. but to do that, id have to fly PAL. if they were in NAIA 3, i might as well fly any airline that could get me there since id see the terminal any way.

i agree. Just got to JFk last Dec. Each terminal was like dedicated somewhat to one airline. Like Terminal X was for United having Mexico, Continental flights, and South American Flights under one roof.

Before, I was for having all int'l flights to terminal 3 while all domestic at t2 para mas organized. But basta ayusin nila, and T2 appears and serves as a good hub, mukha wala naman problem.

Really is a tough solution, at least PAL is making it.

Hard solution- more talking and cash offerings. blah blah blah. We get more bored

Easy solution- Build Philippine Airlines Clark Terminal. You can add a Maglev Clark-Manila as well there. :D

and if clark is too far, then we can just reclaim land in Manila Bay, just like KIX and Chubu! :D

the state of our aviation is truly sad. At least it isn't rock-bottom, but it kinda gets annoying when all our neighbors have glitzy airports. Oh well, at least we have a ton of glitzy malls :D

I guess we will all have to wait and see if PAL's decision to have its international operations staying in T2 is really that good. My best guess would be that T2 does not have that much room for expansion, and T3 will offer better amenities.

i agree. Just got to JFk last Dec. Each terminal was like dedicated somewhat to one airline. Like Terminal X was for United having Mexico, Continental flights, and South American Flights under one roof.

Before, I was for having all int'l flights to terminal 3 while all domestic at t2 para mas organized. But basta ayusin nila, and T2 appears and serves as a good hub, mukha wala naman problem.


Yes you are correct. That is how it is in the airports of North America, each terminal is designated for a few specific airlines.

Space isn't in NAIA's side, I've seen photos of JFK, and I've been in LAX and Chicago O'Hare. I'd definately get lost there.

yeah i agree even here in the middle there one terminal dedicated to saudia and emirates and anothe for foreign airlines, but they are huge airport complex, riyadh airport is so huge its the biggest airport in the world. i guess since our traffic is not so huge ( as to dedicate the terminal 2 for pal use only) we can lump all international operating airlines under one roof and that will be in naia terminal 3

Monday, February 21 2005 @ 07:56 PM GMT
Lease contracts for NAIA 3 ready
http://news.balita.ph/html/public_html/article.php?story=20050221195622541

In a bid to speed up the opening of the controversial Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the Manila International Airport Authority on Monday announced that it is ready to issue lease contracts for all concessionaires, including the 29-member Airline Operators Council (AOC).

Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza made the announcement before members of the AOC and the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) in Villamor Air Base, Pasay City, over the weekend.

"This is actually historical as far as I am concerned. We also have the advisory from our legal counsel that we could sign the lease contracts," Mendoza said in a brief speech marking the start of a golf tournament participated in by officials of the MIAA, the transportation department, AOC and BAR.

The AOC had been asking from aviation authorities the lease contract, an official document that would guarantee the transfer of airport operations from NAIA 1 to NAIA 3 without the legal hassle posed by the objections of the Philippine International Air Terminal Co. (PIATCO).

All the 29 airline-members of the AOC had estimated that it would cost a total of P500 million to construct new airline offices, set up computer linkages and train personnel to transfer to the new location.

The airline executives wanted to protect their investment, hence the need for a document, such as a lease contract, according to an AOC official.

PIATCO led the consortium that won the contract to build NAIA 3.

Although the DOTC and the MIAA had taken physical control of NAIA 3 on December 21 on the strength of a writ of possession, issued by a Pasay City Regional Trial Court, the government has failed to produce a lease contract because of the temporary restraining order secured by PIATCO.

PIATCO told the court that a revised expropriation law provides for just compensation to the aggrieved party before a final takeover is consummated.

Mendoza allayed the fear of the AOC and BAR members that NAIA 3 may not be opened on time in June.

"There should be a known obligation from the government to see to it that you are protected. Both the MIAA and the DOTC have been advised by their respective legal counsels about the security of your investments," Mendoza said.

He added that the government is committed to open the NAIA 3 in June as promised by President Arroyo.

NAIA general manager Alfonso Cusi told the airline representatives that government officials are ready to sit down with them this week to discuss the terms of the lease contract."We will see to it that the MIAA and the government will not be a barrier and burden to your operations, and we shall find ways to make the transfer as smooth and efficient as possible," Cusi said.

Felix Cruz, Philippine Airlines vice president for sales and marketing and BAR chairman, said the members are happy to hear that the contracts are ready for review this week.

He added that the next step would be the allocation of space for all concessionaires, another tricky problem since PIATCO had already allocated most of the space for airlines and business companies two years ago, at the time when the consortium announced that the build-operate-transfer project was finished.

Yes you are correct. That is how it is in the airports of North America, each terminal is designated for a few specific airlines.

as much as that sounds good for NAIA, i dont think it will work in NAIA's case for one major reason. The terminals were simply not designed for that specification. T2 was really designed for purely domestic operations (hence the long lines in such confined conditions in the north wing, because international flights were not orginally supposed to be operated in T2). This is also the reason for the temporary immigration counters and the fact that two 747s cannot park together side by side.

The simple solution - Just use the terminals for its intended purpose...T3 as international (including PAL) and T2 as domestic.

Gov’t defends NAIA-3 expropriation
By Aurea Calica
The Philippine Star 02/23/2005

The Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) maintained yesterday the government has the legal right to recruit airlines and other companies to open shop at Ninoy Aquino International Airport’s new terminal 3 (NAIA-3).

Philippine International Air Terminals Co. (Piatco), the company that built the facility, is contesting the government’s December takeover of the terminal.

In a written comment to the Supreme Court, the OSG said the writ of possession granted to the government by a Pasay City regional trial court gave them the legal right to exercise ownership of the facility, which the government wants to operate by June.

"The execution of such contracts as an incident of equitable/beneficial ownership falls within the right to use and enjoy as well as the right to appropriate the terminal, which rights were vested in petitioners (the government and its concerned agencies) the moment it was issued the writ of possession and allowed to enter" NAIA-3, the OSG stated in its reply.

"Significantly, the right to lease properties or execute service/concession contracts does not require the obligee (the government) to be the legal owner of the property leased out or being served."

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) has been trying to get the airlines’ commitment to transfer their operations there from the old airport terminal, despite a Supreme Court temporary restraining order on the expropriation.

Piatco argues the government cannot run the terminal until compensation has been paid.

It warned airlines and other companies yesterday against opening shop at the new terminal while its court dispute with the government is still ongoing.

Piatco spokeswoman Liwayway Vinzons-Chato said they will notify the Airline Operators Council and the Board of Airline Representatives as well as other firms interested in doing business at the new Terminal 3 to remind them about the drawn-out legal battle.

"I am sure they don’t want to be caught in the middle. They will definitely be held liable if they sign a contract with the government before the expropriation process is completed," Chato told The STAR in a telephone interview.

In its comment to the Supreme Court yesterday, the OSG said non-payment of compensation does not divest the government of its right to exercise ownership of the terminal. "What Piatco retains until full payment of just compensation is the mere legal title to the terminal."

The legal title was only for the purpose of collecting just compensation due the owner and not recovering "beneficial ownership," the OSG explained.

Airlines are hesitant to move their operations from the old Ninoy Aquino terminal, fearful of spending millions of pesos to set up shop at the gleaming new facility, only to get caught in the middle of the ongoing legal dispute later.

Chato said the Supreme Court order does not mean the tribunal has junked the expropriation.

"We just want to remind the government that there will be a problem if they forge a contract with the airline companies without assuring Piatco of payment of just compensation," she said.

Judge Henrick Gingoyon allowed the government in December to take possession of the terminal on the condition that it would immediately give Piatco an initial down payment of $62 million. The court is still determining exactly how much Piatco should receive in compensation for losing the terminal.

But the government was barred from leasing any part or exercising ownership of the terminal until the expropriation case has been settled.

The terminal was completed in 2002 but its opening was delayed by a squabble between German airport developer Fraport and its major Filipino partner in Piatco, the Cheng family.

Fraport holds a 30-percent interest in Piatco but funded most of the project, investing over $300 million.

The facility was further delayed when President Arroyo abrogated Piatco’s contract to build and operate the terminal, claiming that one-sided provisions in favor of the consortium were inserted in the agreement after it was signed. — With Edu Punay

Monday, February 21 2005 @ 07:56 PM GMT
Lease contracts for NAIA 3 ready

...

Felix Cruz, Philippine Airlines vice president for sales and marketing and BAR chairman, said the members are happy to hear that the contracts are ready for review this week.

...

good news... right? I hope this is one step closer to NAIA-3 opening. but, umm... if PAL isn't moving, then why are their people involved? or maybe it could be just because he's BAR chairman...

but I have a feeling PAL will move. I dunno. maybe Lucio Tan is just trying to get a better offer from the gov't. or maybe they might not move right when T3 opens, but I'm sure, sooner or later, they're gonna realize that they will need NAIA-T3 to not only compete but also finally expand their operations. just like GreyX said, NAIA-T2 was not designed to accomodate PAL's hub. there really isn't too much room for expansion, and even if there is, it's obviously gonna cost more to fund that T2 extension than to just pay for more expensive fees at T3. then, in the long run, maybe five or so years later, after they expand T2 facilities, when PAL does grow a bit bigger, they're gonna find out they need even more space. but there won't be any more room to grow, and they're gonna find themselves having to move to NAIA-T3 anyways. so they end up building the T2 extension for nothing - or fine, a couple years of exclusive use. that plus the fact that they simply cannot offer first-class services at NAIA-T2 with the makeshift immigration booths and all.

personally, I just don't think it makes sense...

I have been frequenting this website for a few years now, and the opinions of passengers using NAIA is very disheartening. Here are some excerpts....

Click here for more: www.airlinequality.com


15 February 2005

The old terminal at NAIA is a disgrace. When we arrived from San Francisco after stop-overs in Seoul and Sigapore, my wife and I were very disappointed. The three previous airports are modern and clean while NAIA is old and crowded. Passage through the Immigration and Customs were a breeze though. The newer Terminal 2 is a lot better when we used it on our domestic flight several days after we arrived in the Philippines. On our return flight, we stayed in the Sampaguita Lounge inside NAIA and we should have avoided it. They charge $8 per passenger and the place lacks adequate air- conditioning, smoking is allowed inside, and the snacks are terrible. The staff is courteous and helpful though.

21 November 2004

The Manila Terminal II was said to be at par with international standards. Well, the terminal is a good one, with its design giving ample natural light during daytime. The departure section is good and the waiting areas are well kept and spacious. However, when sunshine peeps through the large glass windows, the waiting areas are a little bit hot and very annoying. I hope that the management can have some curtains or materials to block sunshine through these large window panels (where applicable). The restrooms are kept clean but the stores inside the terminal offers skyrocketing prices. At the Arrival area, the carts are small and dilapidated. The security at the vehicle entrance are very strict to the extent of blocking entry of FX Taxis, even if such taxis are used for personal one. My friend owns FX Taxi. He was to pick me up at the arrival gate, but was not allowed to enter. I had to walk out into the airport road. Too, bad an idea on the part of the management, the authorized taxi services and the security.

24 September 2004

Used the old NAIA airport again & coming into it when no flights land at the same time as I came from Riyadh was a breeze. Immigration 2 minutes no baggage & taxi within 5. So 10 minutes to get out of NAIA which must have been a one off! Going out to DMM was different as immigration as the last poster stated is awfully slow. At Check in area there not enough areas to sit. You are glad to leave this airport behind as its dark dingy & not at all inviting. The new T3 is now a white elephant & its even built on the wrong place because there is no LRT Link you have to use a car to get to the other T2 & Domestic airport & its an extra couple of kms in manilas crowded streets so if opened?? You will surely miss your connecting flights.

18 September 2004

I would say it is hopeless for the Ninoy Aquino International airport terminal 1 to have any improvement in the future. I have been living in Manila for the past 17 years, I traveled in and out thru terminal 1 once a year, I haven't noticed yet any major improvement. It's a total chaos at the arrival area, warm air-con, dirty old toilet. Yes, it's now free to use the luggage push cart at the arrival, (before you have to pay U$1, non-refundable, just to use the push cart). And the computerization at the immigration counter. But, it seems slow down the processing time, rather than speed up. Once I had a flight depart at 8am, I lined up at the queue at 705am, when it was already 755am, there were still 3 people in front of me. The old man at the counter took 2mins to clear one passenger. Good luck for me, the plane waited, and I was the last on board. That was three years ago. Two weeks ago, I arrived Manila at 10pm, with two other flights landed almost same time. It took me 40mins to clear immigration. I made a big mistake again to line at counter with old immigration officer. To advise fellow passengers coming to Manila, avoid OLD immigration officer behind counter at all cost. Although, there is a newer terminal 2, but still not good enough to compare with airports in neighbour countries, small, crowded, warm air-con, poor design (you have to walk down steep stairs at arrival, no escalator). One more shameful thing, they had built a completely new terminal 3, spent hundreds of millons U$, but due to corruption scams, it's opening is postponed indefinitely.[quote]

[quote]17 September 2004

The toilet facility for inbound passengers at the international airport near (passport validation) was a shocker for a first timer. There was no toilet paper, no flush and to top it all- no lid. I brought my family for the first time to visit the Philippines. My son had problem with loose bowel movement (LBM) because of the food he ate in the airplane. There was a long line for passport validation. He has to use the bathroom. Why not make it a western style toilet facility instead of filipino or a combination of both. Also is this a combine male/female bathroom? If this is a point of entry for all tourists and balikbayan why not improve the services I mentioned above? This was the nearest bathroom pointed out by a customs staff. Another complain was the warm temperature while waiting in line. I just told my kids that we were being acclimatize on what temperature once we got out of this building. There were three international flight arrival being processed during that time (About 11:00PM). I hope the next time we decided to visit again it will be a much improve international airport. thanks!

1 August 2004

I have used both International terminals at Manila. The new, PAL, terminal is modern, new and clean. The toilet attendants who do almost anything for you can be a bit annoying and especially so when they ask for a tip. The security at the airport is incredibly high starting at the perimeter gate all the way through to being scanned and frisked on entering the terminal as well as after checking in. My onl;y complaint at the new terminal is the low number of shops especially when compared to the old international terminal. The domestic PAL terminal is part of the same building as the international PAL terminal allowing the passenger a short stroll around to the other terminal. The taxi hawkers at you depart from the domestic terminal is quite daunting on first arrival but they provide the safest travel to the old international terminal. Trying to walk this route or even walking to the public road is a risky proposition for European travellers Arrival at MNL can be "tedious" as the lines at immigration are mostly long and move slowly. The officials I don't think ever smile or see the funny side in anything.

25 June 2004

I was lucky to use NAIA 2, the terminal for PAL (Philippine Airlines) flights, as I heard so much about NAIA 1. Negative points: I was not impressed by the very very slow passport control on arrival (45 mins!!), I was very annoyed at attempts by airport personnel (I assume they were cleaners) to "extract" money from me in the toilets in baggage reclaim. But I'm glad to say the positive outweigh the negative. Its a nice clean airy airport and the staff are helpful. I felt safe due to the large number of security inside and outside the building. A special mention goes out to the check-in staff who very kindly put me on an earlier Hong Kong flight than I'd already booked, otherwise I would have been stuck there for 8 hours. Although I have not used NAIA 1, I honestly think its worth booking just PAL to use Terminal 2 only and avoid the reported chaos you get at NAIA 1.

Most of the bad comments are from NAIA 1. That will change once the NAIA 3 become operational. Majority of the comments on NAIA 2 is positive. Once the NAIA 3 becomes operational let us all post our comments in that website but avoid spamming.

hahaha good idea nbcmandy! :D

but that website does pose the real need for the NAIA- 3 to open.. so that it will give a better impression of our country to others..

PAL moving to T3 would ease T2's capacity, it looks very overstretched for its size. meh politics and money. and yes that is a reasonable comment ncbmandy. quite true.

btw what's up with the T1 upgrades on their toilets? :D

I remember reading one of Philstar's Max Soliven's editorials from around the last Christmas season talking about a newly redone washroom at the arrivals area of NAIA-T1. I don't think they're through with all of them yet though...

anyways, umm... some news re: NAIA-T3. two German nationals from Piatco and possibly also Fraport have been issued warrants of arrest.

Sandigan orders arrest of PIATCO ‘consultant’
By RENE ACOSTA | TODAY Reporter | ABS-CBNNews.com

The First Division of the Sandiganbayan ordered on Wednesday the arrest of two Germans and a mysterious Filipino “consultant” in connection with a graft case filed against them over the construction of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3.

Warrants of arrest were issued against Hans Arthur Vogel, director of finance, and Bernd Struck, board chairman, of the Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (PIATCO); and Alfredo Liongson, who was widely speculated on as a conduit for payoffs but whose face no one had seen. The court set P30,000 each for their provisional liberty.

Vogel and Struck, who helped build the controversial airport along with Germany’s Fraport AG, were named codefendants in the graft charges filed by the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Department of Transportation and Communications.

Airport sources said, however, the two Germans had left the country in 2002 right after the government pronounced the NAIA 3 contracts—covering a $500-million, build-operate-transfer (BoT) project—as null and void.

They were not deported but left via normal channels, a source said. Dozens of German executives, including officials of Fraport AG, the German partner of PIATCO, had worked on the project.

It is also doubtful whether Alfredo Liongson would materialize as a defendant.

An official interviewed by TODAY two years ago, when the NAIA 3 project became highly controversial, said that “Liongson” is not a real person but only an “accounting principle” used to justify PIATCO’s being paid for every milestone achieved in the project’s construction.

The PIATCO official said that the accounting principle is legal and had been used by other construction firms as a reward for meeting the timetable and as an incentive for achieving construction in as short a time as possible.

Part of the savings that are accrued when a milestone is achieved ahead of schedule represents the consultant fee that “Liongson” gets, according to the source.

In issuing the arrest warrants, the Ombudsman said the officials put the government in a disadvantageous position because the contract, among others, calls for the government’s assumption of the firm’s liabilities in case of default.

It also obligated the government to pay PIATCO P180 million if the Pasig City Regional Trial Court nullifies the contract on the NAIA 3.

Instead of the government assuming the liabilities, it said that all the defendants should pay for the contracts.

The Ombudsman also said the officials allowed PIATCO to undertake the construction of the terminal under a BOT scheme even if it is not financially capable and not a qualified bidder.

Besides Vogel, Struck and Liongson, also named in the charges but who already posted bail were transportation official Vicente Rivera, Wilfredo Trinidad, Pantaleon Alvarez, Primitivo Cal, Francisco Atayde and PIATCO presidents Henry Go and Cheng Yong.

Meanwhile, Yong has asked the court to allow him to travel abroad and attend the annual meeting of the China International Trade Council of which he is a member. The meeting will be held in Malaysia from February 26 to 28.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
and here are some of the onerous provisions that are included in the case against Piatco. I got them from an editorial...


....

How anomalous was the deal? According to the complaint:

1. At the time of the pre-bidding in 1996, Piatco (then PairCargo Consortium) had no capability to undertake the project. So, it was not a qualified bidder. Obviously, after getting the award, the Filipino owners of PairCargo invited Fraport, Japanese and Singaporean partners and formed Piatco, incorporating into it PairCargo. Is Fraport the major and controlling partner?

2. In 1998, the contract was amended to “provide that the government shall assume the liabilities of Piatco in the event of the latter’s default.” Why did DOTC agree to this amendment which is disadvantageous to the government?

3. DOTC allowed the insertion in the contract of a provision obliging the government to pay P180 million - to Piatco in the event the Pasig regional trial court nullified the construction contract of NAI 3. Why was the nullification anticipated? What prevailed upon DOTC to allow the insertion?

4. Under the original contract, Piatco was to build an access tunnel from NAIA 2 to NAIA 3. In 2001, the provision was modified to allow Piatco to construct an access road instead, at a much lesser cost. Was it Piatco alone which benefited from the “immense savings?”

By these four circumstances alone, Piatco and DOTC officials will sweat it out at the Sandiganbayan. Will the two Germans from Fraport be able to prove their innocence?

...

you guys can check out the whole thing here (http://www.mindanews.com/2005/02/16vws-diaz.html)...

it certainly looks like things were definitely wrong in that contract. but the DOTC officials during the time seem like they also deserve some of the blame...

....In other news....NAIA lends a helping hand:

Unexpected 'guests' at NAIA
By Nikko Dizon Inquirer News Service Feb 25, 2005

Heavy fog that made visibility a problem for aircraft caused nine flights all bound for Hong Kong to be diverted to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) yesterday morning.

"We were able to accommodate the flights and this did not cause any disruption in the operations at the Naia," Octavio Lina, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assistant general manager for operations, told the Inquirer in a phone interview.

As of 6 p.m. yesterday, MIAA operations office said only the 156 passengers of Cathay Pacific flight CX 889 remained at NAIA. Flight CX 903 from Hong Kong, scheduled to arrive at 6:35 p.m. last night, was also delayed for almost an hour because of the flight diversions, according to the MIAA operations office.

Four other Cathay Pacific flights and Qantas Airways flight QF 083, carrying 205 passengers, had already left for Hong Kong by noon, Lina said. Because of the flight diversions, a total of 1,197 passengers had to spend several hours at NAIA until their flights were allowed to proceed to Hong Kong.

Apart from CX 889 and QF 083, other flights diverted to Manila were CX 138 with 146 passengers; CX 829 with 156 passengers; CX 748 with 267 passengers, and CX 260 with 257 passengers.

Cargo flights CX 051, CX 068 and Polar Air PO 285 were also among the flights diverted to Manila.

too bad naia 3 was not open it could have been a nice impression for those foreign tourists who had to stay at the airport for hours before their flights could return to hkg

Any data statistic for the new terminal?
like passenger movement for 1 yr and etc.

too bad naia 3 was not open it could have been a nice impression for those foreign tourists who had to stay at the airport for hours before their flights could return to hkg

I know!! The passengers of those flights didnt intend to go to Manila, and with the condition of our airport, they probably wont ever come back:D They could be saying to themselves "What is this place? I dont think i'll ever schedule to visit here again"...
but only for those who havent been to Manila before.

thats why its jst too bad that we dont have a world class terminal to show to these unexpected visitors and potential tourists, the terminal could have been a showcase of the philippines, our first impression to arriving foreigners

yeah, first impressions last.
at least man lang sana sa airport maimpress naman ang ibang dayuhan.
ive read several sites, some of their comments:

MANILA, Phillipines (Contributed by ........???ski)
"May 2004 (Centennial Terminal 2) - I had a connecting flight from Los Angeles to Cebu via Manila. Layover was only 3 hours. Philippine Airlines is the ONLY one that flies to NAIA Terminal 2 unfortunately... and damn this is a far cry from the old filty dirty stuffy hot terminal 1. Bathrooms were clean. Duty free is too small!!! The PAL Mabuhay lounge had comfty seats... a couple of burgers and refreshments and fruits. There was WIFI too..


MANILA, Philippines (Contributed by .......???ino)
"November 2000 - At Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you cannot get inside the terminal unless you have a flight ticket for that day. Everywhere everyone asks for bribes. Never offer them anything. Act as if you do not know what they are saying and just walk past them. These people do not get paid squat and just looking for extra pesos to provide for their families. Their economy is one of the worst in the world. Also if you try to get a taxi, do not accept any ticket that people will try to give to you before you get into a taxi because it basically means that you are willing to pay them extra money and that you are not familiar with their culture and can take you for however much money they want. The taxi drivers pay these people who are friends or relatives that give you tickets to ride with them. Another tip, do not ever accept any packages no matter how big or small from strangers. Filipinos always send packages abroad and the cheapest way to do so is through a passenger to the destination when the package is going. They do not have money to send these packages and they will beg you and even cry to you so that you will take them for them. They always say that it is just food or clothes but chances are that they are stolen pirated VCD's being sent to their families abroad and having them send them the cash to get more and send more." Added December 27, 2004

hope that everythings gonna change once naia3 be opened.
nyayks! baka maabutan pa ang naia3 ng new bangkok airport.
wag naman sana.

more (http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/manila.htm)

wow..that last one was brutal. Its overly exaggerated, our economy is not "one of the worst in the world". Obviously, that person hasnt been around that much...or doesnt have more knowledge of the world. Oh well, thats what one person thinks, we cant do much about it...hopefully what he said didnt influence others. The airport really does say a lot about the country:D

i hope with the new international terminal 3 opening this june, there will be some nice comfortable area for transit passengers wishing to rest, sleep and freshen up while waiting for there connecting flights

sleepinginairports.net (http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/manila.htm) comments are pretty harsh on naia. average rating is 2/5

Any data statistic for the new terminal?
like passenger movement for 1 yr and etc.

Naia-3's passenger movement? That's easy: 0 :D it's not even open yet, although its been more or less complete for a few years

sleepinginairports.net (http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/manila.htm) comments are pretty harsh on naia. average rating is 2/5

what do you expect? I'd give NAIA 6.5/10, perhaps 5.5/10 because NAIA3 is there for to move, and in the many times I've flown to and from Manila, nothing has happened.

http://www.inq7.net/globalnation/sec_new/2005/feb/26-01.htm

AIRLINE companies will not be able to meet the June 21 scheduled opening of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport's (NAIA's) Terminal 3 because of time constraints, according to Leoncio Nakpil, chair of the Airline Operators' Council (AOC).

Nakpil said the airlines would need six months to make the transfer from the old Terminal 1, as they would need this much time to construct their offices and their passenger lounges, and to set up their computer systems, among others.

He said the AOC and the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR) have informed Alfonso Cusi, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), by letter that the airlines would not make the deadline.

The AOC represents officials from 29 airline companies and seven ground handlers, while the BAR is made up of airline country managers.

Nakpil said the construction of an airline office is a lot more complicated than that of an ordinary office space, mainly because of the network of computer systems that have to be installed to ensure the airline's smooth operations.

"We are still supporting the MIAA on the opening of the new terminal. The MIAA is bent on opening NAIA 3 in June. But it's like opening a door of a house without the door. How can you open an airport without the airlines?" he said.

Nakpil said the six-month lead time that the airlines need would begin upon the signing of the final concessionaire lease contract with the MIAA.

But he said the airline companies have yet to receive a copy of the draft contract despite the announcement that Cusi and Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza made on Feb. 18 that the contracts would be made available that week.

Mendoza earlier said that the Office of the Solicitor General had given the go-signal for the MIAA to issue the airline companies their lease contracts.

The government announced that the controversial airport terminal would open for operation on June 21 after it expropriated the facility from builder Philippine Air Terminals Co. (PIATCo) last December.

Legal cases over NAIA 3 are pending before the Supreme Court and two international arbitration courts.

The AOC earlier said it would take from three weeks to a month to have a final contract approved.

Nakpil said the draft contract has to go to the airline company's headquarters abroad for review and comments before being sent back to the Philippines. Then the MIAA has to approve and prepare the final revised copy, before the company and the MIAA sign the contract.

AOC members waited last Wednesday for the MIAA to release the draft contracts but were informed by Judith Dolot of the MIAA public affairs office that the draft had been sent to the OSG for review and revisions.

In late January, the AOC expressed apprehension over the rush in the opening of the NAIA 3, saying that the tight deadline being given the airline companies could compromise security, safety and the standard of service.

The AOC said the rushed deadline could even expose the airline companies to lawsuits from passengers.

--------------------------
on a sidenote, we don't seem the only one having delays...
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Feb2005_news04.php

Airports of Thailand admitted for the first time yesterday that Suvarnabhumi Airport will open six months after its originally scheduled opening date of Sept 29.
AoT chairman Srisook Chandrangsu said the delay to March next year is aimed at ensuring the safety of airline passengers. The delay will be spent test-running systems being installed at the new Bangkok international airport, he said.
But he dismissed a notion that the delay was forced by construction problems, saying most construction was only slightly behind schedule and workers would be able to finish projects on time...
--------------------------

very brave of AOT to admit the delays... not for construction issues, but for test runs and safety checks... on the other hand, opening of the NAIA-3 now seems heavily dependent on airliners' capability to move into the new terminal in record time (i.e. construction of their offices and networks)... albeit it seems MIAA don't have a clear stand of testing and safety checks of the system at NAIA3... I for one can accept to delay further the opening of NAIA 3 so that everything is in their proper place on opening day, whenever that may be...

yeah opening an airport terminal is not an easy task, u have to ensure eveyone is on board (operator, airport authority, airlines, concessioners, government and private employees) all system go before u can say that the whole structure is safe, secure and will serve efficiently and effective the flying passengers

meh... 6 months from now is around August-September 05. Better than August-September 06.

you know what, All I've seen from them is just mumbling and grumbling. No work ahs even started and they complain they can't meet the deadline. Why don't they move their big butts and start building... extensions of deadlines can be done later.

^ true.. and we became helpless waiting for it to finally open. Just hope i can utilize that airport on my travel next year..

I think the MIAA is doing something - although maybe not to the full extent - to ensure the safety and security of passengers and workers that might use the NAIA-T3. they are making an inventory of everything that has been built. I'm sure they will test the integrity of the structure since that is probably a major part of the legal cases against PIATCO. I read the other day about them testing this fuel distribution facility. I think it's this thing that will deliver jet fuel directly from the fuel farm to the parked planes. I don't think they've done other major testing though since they are still trying to acquire the blueprints and manuals for all the machines and equiment from the Japanese contractor...

you know what, All I've seen from them is just mumbling and grumbling. No work ahs even started and they complain they can't meet the deadline. Why don't they move their big butts and start building... extensions of deadlines can be done later.
Think of it if you are the airline. The government is telling you to move in. They provide no contracts, drafts of contracts , or even legal proof they even own the airport, they know that the governement changes it's position depending on who is in charge and what money changes hands. This is just the beginning of the legal issues an airline will have to deal with. Consider that most of these airlines are foreign and they've just seen a foreign company invest US$350,000,000 build an airport and then be told they are to be charged CRIMINALY because they should not have been qualified because they have no money to build it, inspite of the obvious fact that the airport is already built! That the agreed upon measures that they will use to mediate disputes (foreign arbitration) has been unilaterally discarded. That one of the most influential countries is exerting diplomatic pressure on your own country to not let the Philippine Government just takeover the airport follow it's own agreement regarding how to resolve disputes.

Now try asking money from your headoffice in a faraway land, that you need US$100,000 to US$1,000,000 to do this. Good Luck.

NAIA-3 to open in June even if not all airlines transfer
The Philippine Star 03/01/2005

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) will still open in June — whether or not all airline companies transfer to the new terminal by then.

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Alfonso Cusi said this in a press statement yesterday afternoon after some airline companies admitted they would not be able to meet the June transfer deadline.

"We completely understand (the airlines’ predicament)," Cusi said. "They have to make a request for the budget."

While some airlines will not be able to make the move to the new terminal by June, other airline companies said they could make the deadline.

Cusi said the MIAA would still follow its timetable because "it’s our work to make the terminal available. The terminal has to be ready for operations."

The government, he said, is committed to opening NAIA Terminal 3 to the public at the earliest possible time – June.

"We respect the legal concerns (of the airlines concerned)," he added. "Our point is to make (the terminal) operational by June. We are double-checking the space allocations with the (MIAA’s) Project Management Office (PMO)."

He said airlines could already enter the terminal to begin building offices and lounges.

The government hopes to open the mothballed facility in June after taking over the terminal from Philippine International Air Terminals Co. Inc. (Piatco), the consortium that built the new terminal.

Piatco has warned that it would take legal action against airlines and other companies that set up shop there while its dispute with the government is still ongoing.

However, the Airline Operators Council, said they won’t be ready for the June opening because there is not enough time for them to transfer their operations from the old airport terminal. The airline association is composed of 29 carriers and seven ground handling companies.

The new terminal was completed in 2002 but its opening was delayed by a squabble between German airport developer Fraport AG and its major Filipino partner in Piatco.

The facility was further delayed that year when President Arroyo abrogated Piatco’s contract for the terminal, citing anomalies.

In 2003, the Supreme Court nullified the contract, saying Piatco was not qualified to bid for it and that one-sided provisions in its favor were inserted after the contract was signed.

Last December a Pasay City regional trial court allowed the government to take over the facility but barred it from "performing acts of ownership." It also ordered the government to pay Piatco an initial $62.3 million as compensation while the final settlement is being determined. The government is contesting the court order before the Supreme Court.

I'm glad to here that. It's been idle for two long years now. Not only time and money have been wasted but the Pinoy's right to a decent airport. Kasama na dun ang dignidad natin.

They're all full of crap

NAIA-3 to open in June even if not all airlines transfer
The Philippine Star 03/01/2005


In 2003, the Supreme Court nullified the contract, saying Piatco was not qualified to bid for it and that one-sided provisions in its favor were inserted after the contract was signed.

ganoon??!! ininsert lang pala yung mga lopsided provisions??!! how grave!!

That sounds nice, determined to open it. Though an airline-less airport is basically as good as closed..... But there are some airlines that want, or are able to move. Good on them, good on NAIA, good for all of us:happy:

I wonder which airlines will move first.

MANILA, Philippines (Contributed by .......???ino)
"November 2000 - At Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you cannot get inside the terminal unless you have a flight ticket for that day. Everywhere everyone asks for bribes. Never offer them anything. Act as if you do not know what they are saying and just walk past them. These people do not get paid squat and just looking for extra pesos to provide for their families. Their economy is one of the worst in the world. Also if you try to get a taxi, do not accept any ticket that people will try to give to you before you get into a taxi because it basically means that you are willing to pay them extra money and that you are not familiar with their culture and can take you for however much money they want. The taxi drivers pay these people who are friends or relatives that give you tickets to ride with them. Another tip, do not ever accept any packages no matter how big or small from strangers. Filipinos always send packages abroad and the cheapest way to do so is through a passenger to the destination when the package is going. They do not have money to send these packages and they will beg you and even cry to you so that you will take them for them. They always say that it is just food or clothes but chances are that they are stolen pirated VCD's being sent to their families abroad and having them send them the cash to get more and send more." Added December 27, 2004

more (http://www.sleepinginairports.net/asia/manila.htm)

THe one who wrote this is a Filipino for God's sake. :bash:
A Filipino's worst enemy is a fellow Filipino.
I hope this will change. OPEN NAIA-3....

THe one who wrote this is a Filipino for God's sake. :bash:
A Filipino's worst enemy is a fellow Filipino.
I hope this will change. OPEN NAIA-3....

I dont think that he is a real filipino. Maybe the one who posted it is foreign national who is anti-filipino. He just want to discredit the airport and the filipino nationals. If he is sincere in that comment he would put his name.

Its good that they are still determined to open it in June even if not all airlines can make the transfer deadline.

I hope Singapore Airlines is one of the first airlines to move...then there is a high chance i will use that terminal:D

Did I tell you before that the terminal will be open on June 2005 come what may. The government is really determined to open the terminal come what may. Pres. Gloria will going to use the airport on June 2005 when she is going for a state visit in Germany...how ironic. i wander how the german will react on that...he he he.

I heard in the news that the German-Fraport is also having a problem in their home town, Even german politician don't like them. I doubt if they are going to win the case in International Court.

I thought it was for a visit to Indonesia? Her press secretary said that she will not use it for her trip to Germany. Oh well, it doesnt matter...very ironic if she does use it for her trip to Germany. Or it could be a PR move.

Definitely it could be a P.R. The most important thing is we will be having a new stolen ultra modern terminal airport...technically it is stolen since the government is not yet paying the consortium for the compensation of the terminal. I hope the government can persuade Takenaka to work in their side.

Power outage cripples NAIA 3
By Recto Mercene TODAY Reporter

A massive power failure since Saturday had left the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA 3) idle thus compounding the delays of its proposed opening on June 21. Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) belied reports that the power outage was due to its failure to pay the MERALCO bills.

MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi and Elpidio Mendoza, assistant manager for engineering, were not available for comment since both of them are in Nagoya, Japan, joining a group that attended the Philippine Airlines inaugural flight there.

However, MIAA public affairs office issued a statement saying that it has not received any notice of disconnection from MERALCO. “While MIAA has taken possession of Terminal 3 last December 21, 2004, MERALCO has yet to formally transfer Terminal 3 account from PIATCO to MIAA.”

According to MIAA’s engineering department, “the power failure was caused by ground faults at the existing cable lines.” MIAA added that the problem is now being addressed and restoration of power supply is expected shortly.

Needless to say, the absence of electricity posed hazards to flights operating at NAIA 1 because it has affected various components that are mandatory for the safe flight operations at the premier airport.

Philippine International Air Terminal Co. sources say that without electricity, the red obstruction lights situated on top of the terminal would not be working, including the building’s fire detection system and other “hazard” lights.

“All of NAIA 3s equipment would be affected by the absence of electricity,” a PIATCO source said, adding that they are no longer in a position to intervene because the MIAA had taken possession of the entire terminal and the surrounding areas such as the taxiways.

PIATCO claim that they used to spend about P500,000 a year in electric bills for the terminal’s upkeep. Even after close to three year’s that the terminal had been ordered closed, the PIATCO was able to maintain NAIA 3s tip-top condition by religiously paying its electric bills and employing about 70 persons to maintain the equipment in pristine condition.

Airport insiders said it is possible that MIAA personnel had accidentally cut off the power lines while trying to operate the NAIA to make the NAIA 3 operational in June. The personnel are practically groping in the dark trying to make NAIA 3 work in the absence of a blue-print that are in the hands of the Japanese building contractor, Takenaka.

However, it appears that Takenaka did not agree to the plan because of PIATCO’s threats to file court cases to any of its partners who would sign a separate contract with the MIAA. In this connection, the MIAA had reportedly hired Takenaka for a fee, to find out the cause of the electrical disconnection.

Takenaka has reportedly agreed to undertake the procedure and had subcontracted another Japanese firm, Dai-dan to find out ways to make the electrical juice flowing into NAIA 3 again.

Definitely it could be a P.R. The most important thing is we will be having a new stolen ultra modern terminal airport...technically it is stolen since the government is not yet paying the consortium for the compensation of the terminal. I hope the government can persuade Takenaka to work in their side.

not really stolen but legally forcibly taken

Doesn't NAIA 3 have its own sources of electricity should it be needed? :? Sucks if it doesn't. We're talking about an important building here.

It should... national security issue. It should be able to operate off the main grid for a considerable amount of time.

sabotage

Naia 3 has a backup powerplant specifically for power failures, and this is to operate the whole facility , airconditioning included. I'm sure they're not using it as there really is no great need for the moment, it's primarily for security which can be addressed with other measures for the moment while the root problem is being fixed.

sabotage

wow that really is so shocking and new :sly:

Regardless, I actually see these as positive things, well at least positive things will arise from these. Better now than whenever its opened (which news say its halfway this year)

Most ironically the title says "cripples" when there's nothing to cripple in NAIA3, itself is crippled, yet to rise back from the ashes.

Most ironically the title says "cripples" when there's nothing to cripple in NAIA3, itself is crippled, yet to rise back from the ashes.

Ahh! The eternal optimist! :) More people should be like you Renell!

Renell, that's like saying you can't kill a dead man twice.

Hey if you can't kill the man twice, poke it! :poke:

Sorry but it seems I'm losing my sanity over this... :crazy:

Part I: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=96175
Part II: http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=187489

btw kiretoce that comment of mine was meant to be a pessimistic one, and i didn't intend it to be analysed hehehehe lol:D

Airlines reject govt offer, press NAIA 3 lease accord

By RECTO MERCENE
TODAY Reporter

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/NewsStory.aspx?section=Metro&oid=69482

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Wednesday told members of the Airline Operators Council (AOC) that the government would not be able to provide them a lease contract but instead offered a document called a memorandum of understanding (MOU).

The MOU would provide AOC members the space allocations allotted to them, detailing also the specific rates, which would also be true for other concessionaires.

The Philippine International Air Terminal Co., the lead consortium that build the $500-million NAIA 3, had told concessionaires three years ago, before the terminal’s inauguration, that business spaces at NAIA 3 were being leased at $15 per square meter.

It is not yet clear how much the MIAA would charge concessionaires, including the 29-member AOC and the three-member ground handling operators.

Rodolfo Dimaano, an executive of the Operational Readiness for Terminal Transfer, told the AOC during a meeting on Wednesday that the Solicitor General’s Office (SOLGEN) that studied the lease contract did not favor issuing one for all firms that would relocate to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Teminal 3.

“The SOLGEN does not want the government to issue a lease contract due to legal implications,” Dimaano said.

This statement raised howls of objections from the AOC members, saying that the delay caused by the issuance of the document that would give them protection from any legal tussle would also delay their transfer.

They said that it would be nearly impossible for them to relocate by June 21, the date that the government stipulated as the inauguration of NAIA 3.

“The MIAA has a commitment that Terminal 3 will be opened on the targeted date,” intoned Dimaano.

But the AOC members demured, saying: “We don’t want to be a part of that opening, because we don’t want to commit our head office to spend millions of pesos without a legal commitment [on the part of the government].

But Dimaano kept repeating like a mantra the government’s commitment to make the NAIA 3 operational on June 21 at all cost.

He added that MIAA general manager Alfonso Cusi has pushed for the June 21 opening of Terminal 3, despite objections from the carriers.

According to those present in the meeting, the chairman of the AOC Leoncio Nakpil asked the members to respect the decision of the MIAA by saying that they would first wait for the memorandum of agreement to be issued before they make any comment.

The airline executives pointed out to Dimaano that the MIAA’s commitment to go on with the NAIA 3 inaugural seems no longer realistic.

“Let us respect each other’s commitment,” Nakpil was quoted as saying, adding that although the opening date seems extremely difficult to meet yet, it is not impossible.

At the center of the heated discussion is the air carriers’ demand for the MIAA to give them a time line, a date or technically a matrix where they could based their every move so that the relocation process would go smoothly.

The MIAA has failed to produce any matrix, except to promise that the June 21 opening would push through.

As of Wednesday, it was gathered that the company that would set up the server to connect all airline transferring to the NAIA 3 to a central computer had not yet installed any equipment at the new terminal building.

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what will happen first? this fresh thread reaching 500+ posts, or the opening?

considering June 21 is quite a long time, 500+ posts.

i won't be surprised if we have this one and another NAIA 3 thread before it opens. Though that will be a sad sad day should that happen......

yeah. I feel sad, though, for the people who comment "I can't wait to use that airport on my next trip xx months away!" and get stuck with t1 when they arrive.

That's why I've stopped saying that for almost a year now..... when I went back last April 04, I didn't even mention T3..

^lol...that applies to me. If T3 doesnt open by June, it would be a long time till i go back to Asia from Canada (so no T3 for me for several years)

well, what did they expect? Of course the airlines wouldnt agree to an MOU. A person in his right mind, would not enter into a business agreement with another person, if the latter fails to give the former a written contract especially since these airline companies will have to ask millions of pesos from their headquarters for their transfer.

It looks to me like this thread would still be active for a very very long time. And sorry for being a party pooper but do you guys actually beleive, that with the way things are going right now, that the government will still be able to open the terminal by June 21? And not just merely open it because they can open the terminal anytime. Hell they can open it tomorrow if they want to for crying out loud. But to have it really prepared, and ready and OPERATIONAL. Coz it wouldnt be operational if its open but no single airline is using it.

So i guess, we will just have to content ourselves with external views of the facility. The tarmac side from one side of the terminal 2, and the manila domestic terminal, and from the aircraft windows who are passing by the terminal while taxiing towards the runway. And the front of the terminal from villamor.

its really say whenever my plane touches down at naia , i cant help but look at t3 so beautiful from the outside and yet the ugly and controversial side of it threatens to destroy this structure that we can be proud to show off to the world