US doesn't pay for use of Zambo airport - lawmaker

The United States does not pay any fee for using the Zamboanga City airport, Rep. Maria Isabel Climaco complained yesterday.

She told Secretary Leandro Mendoza of the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) that she has information that the US military is not required to pay landing and parking fees.

“They frequently fly troops, equipment and supplies there. They are using these huge Galaxy transport planes,” she said.

She said the transport planes are so big that they can carry armored vehicles, helicopters and heavy equipment.

“If they don’t pay fees for using our airport, maybe we can ask them to help in maintaining the runway and other facilities,” she added.

Mendoza responded by assuring her that he would bring up her concern with the US embassy.

During the hearing conducted by Albay Rep. Edcel Lagman, senior vice chairman of the House appropriations committee, Eastern Samar Rep. Teodulo Coquilla said Mendoza should notify him or consult with him whenever the DOTC conducts bidding for its projects in his province.

“That is not customary on our part, we are not required to do it. But if you have a request, we can accommodate you, your honor,” the DOTC chief shot back sarcastically.

Coquilla, who is facing a citizenship case before an inter-agency government committee, also questioned the DOTC’s decision to open the Borongan airport despite the fact that it has no tower and terminal.

Mendoza said they opened the airport in response to requests from local officials and residents who had to fly to Tacloban City in Leyte in going to the Samar provinces.

He said passenger traffic is still insignificant but that he hopes it would increase soon.

“Even if we have no control tower there, we have technical personnel who guide flights,” he said.

He added that his agency has P20 million this year and another P20 million next year to improve the Borongan airport.

Seair, a budget carrier, recently inaugurated a flight to Borongan with former journalist and now Eastern Samar Gov. Ben Evardone among its passengers.