DOT chief regrets delay in opening of NAIA Terminal 3

Open it first and investigate it later.

This was the position aired by Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon yesterday as he expressed regrets over the decision of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) to defer the opening of the controversial Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3.

The delay in the new air terminal’s opening, Gordon said, will set back efforts to attract more tourists to visit the Philippines.

"My position insofar as the new international passenger facility is concerned is that we should open it, then investigate later," Gordon said, adding that "the trouble with us Filipinos is that we have a penchant (for) criticizing anything new."

"Look at the airports in Hong Kong, in Malaysia or Singapore, or even those in China. They are all marvelous. Their respective nationals are proud of (these airports)," Gordon said.

"How can we impress foreign investors and tourists when containers are scattered on the floors of the old terminal to catch water from the leaking roofs of Terminal 1 whenever it rains? Not to mention the foul-smelling odor coming from the toilets," Gordon said.

He also said the opening of Terminal 3 is a separate issue from the legal concerns surrounding the new terminal’s operation and, therefore, must be tackled separately.

Gordon made his statements upon his arrival from China and Taiwan, where he worked to promote the Philippine tourism industry. He said the "Visit Philippines 2003" campaign has resulted in an increase in the expected influx of foreign tourists by early next year. The travel trade promotions on both countries, Gordon added, also helped orient Chinese travel agents, businessmen and tourists on Philippine tourism products and services.