DOTC orders ATO probe of 2 airlines on airport noi

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has ordered the Air Transport Office (ATO) to look into reports that two local airlines continue to violate standards against noise pollution.

DOTC Secretary Pantaleon Alvarez ordered the ATO to check on reports that Air Philippines and Cebu Pacific have failed to comply with international standards against noise pollution.

In a privilege speech at theHouse of Representatives, Rep. Edgardo Ziabita of Parañaque City described his city as the country’s "hearing aid" capital, charging that noise pollution coming from airplanes at the the Ninoy Aquino International Airport cause hearing impairment.

Parañaque City sits next to NAIA, the country’s premiere international airport.

The Parañaque solon singled out the two airlines as notorious "for they are using old airplanes, reconditioned for use in the Philippines."

Alvarez said environmental standards should never be compromised and he will not allow excuses in cases where health and safety of the public are concerned.

He reminded the ATO officials of their mandate that is principally the safety of airline passengers and the public.

The DOTC head said the country is building a world-class airport because "we place premium to safety," partly describing the multi-billion peso NAIA Terminal 3 structure being built in the former Villamor Air Base as using European standards on safety as its developer is a leading German company.

Alvarez said the private sector and the government are investing billions of pesos in developing one of the best airports in the region "and it will be ironic that a case of violation of noise pollution regulations cannot be stopped."