Lawmakers push high-speed railway system to Clark

MANILA, Philippines - Lawmakers from Central Luzon and party-list groups are pushing for the immediate construction of a high-speed railway system that will transform Clark into a premier international airport.

In House Resolution 230 which she principally authored, Bulacan Rep. Linabelle Ruth Villarica said the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), considered as the country’s premier international airport, is facing aviation problems, especially the recurring runway congestion which causes flight delays.

“Compared to its Asian counterparts, (the NAIA) has limited runway capacity and its land area can no longer be subject to expansion. It is at present insufficient to address the growing demands of air transportation system, thus affecting our international linkages especially in business and tourism. With this escalating need, it is high time that the government consider development of another lucrative airport which will augment the needs of NAIA,” Villarica said.

She said the Clark International Airport is one of the best choices because it is a fully operational airport with daily flights linking it to major cities in Asia.

“It is located inside one of the largest former US military bases in Asia. It has a long runway and still has available land capable of expansion and infrastructure development,” she said.

Villarica, who chairs the House committee on women and gender equality, said, “The whole of Clark is already a tourist destination in itself, with all its golf courses, hotels, casinos, family-styled resorts, and fine-dining restaurants.”

“The only missing link to make it a premier international airport and attract investors is a high-speed railway system that will connect Metro Manila, particularly NAIA, to Clark. The unprecedented development of Central Luzon hinges on Clark becoming a premier international airport,” she said.