GMA orders release of P110 M for ATO upgrade

President Arroyo ordered yesterday Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. to immediately release P110 million to fund the upgrading of the Air Transportation Office (ATO) in the aftermath of the downgrading of the country’s safety rating by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Mrs. Arroyo issued the directive during the Cabinet meeting in Malacañang about an hour before she left for a seven-day trip to Switzerland and Dubai at noon.

“Part of the funding will be utilized for further training of ATO’s staff for the next six months,” Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Lorelei Fajardo said.

She said the move is aimed at improving ATO’s regulatory functions “focused on strictly implementing aviation regulations, upgrading its technical guidance systems, employment of highly qualified technical personnel, licensing and certification, surveillance and the proper resolution of safety issues.”

The Chief Executive also reminded Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the three-month deadline to improve ATO operations.

Mrs. Arroyo last week fired acting ATO chief Daniel Dimagiba and placed Mendoza in his place in concurrent capacity following the FAA downgrade of the country’s aviation safety rating.

The Palace also called on Congress to speed up passage of a measure creating the Civil Aviation Authority to allow the country to regain its previous safety rating.