MANILA – Senator Raffy Tulfo on Tuesday expressed opposition to the proposal to privatize the communications, navigation, and surveillance/air traffic management system (CNS/ATM) currently being operated by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
“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,” Tulfo said in a news release.
The chairperson of the Committee on Public Services issued the statement after getting a confirmation from CAAP that ComClark Network and Technology Corp. (ComClark), owned by technology tycoon Dennis Uy, submitted an “unsolicited proposal” to take over the operations of CNS/ATM.
The senator underscored the importance of government control over the country’s Flight Information Region (FIR), noting that privatization could compromise the security of the country’s land and seas.
Tulfo also expressed concerns that privatization could make it easier for individuals to evade the country’s justice system, just like former Congressman Arnolfo Teves, dismissed Bamban mayor Alice Guo, and key personalities of illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGOs).
“Privatization may just lead to a system that can be much easier to exploit as a way to avoid the country’s justice system,” he said.
Tulfo said he is set to file a Senate resolution to investigate the proposed privatization and find alternative ways to improve the traffic system without compromising government control. (PNA)