Senator Raffy Tulfo strongly opposed the proposal to privatize the operations of the Philippines’ communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management system (CNS/ATM).
Tulfo, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Public Service, believes that any privatization through a public-private partnership could threaten national security.
He confirmed from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) that ComClark Network and Technology Corp., owned by businessman Dennis Uy, has submitted an “unsolicited proposal” to take over the country’s air traffic management operations.
“The privatization of CNS/ATM functions poses serious national security risks and exposes us to foreign interference since private companies may be entered into through equity participation by nationalized investors, including big government back corporations in China,” he added.
Tulfo cited an alleged statement by Ret. Lt. Gen. William Hotchkiss, a former chief of the Philippine Air Force and former CAAP director, warning that such proposal would transfer CAAP’s power to monitor and control all flights in the country’s Flight Information Region to a private entity who could have private vested interest.
Every country has an FIR where they control the information navigation and alert system, Hotchkiss purportedly noted, also stressing that this is “bigger than our maritime zone and territorial land areas combined.”
Tulfo said this means that privatization is tantamount to giving private companies control of the security over our country’s land and seas.”
“Privatization may just lead to a system that can be much easier to exploit as a way to avoid the country’s justice system,” the senator said, referencing past cases of high-profile figures using flights to exit the country to avoid justice.
He said that he set to file a resolution to investigate the proposed privatization and explore ways to improve the traffic system while keeping it under government control.IMT
