A limited experiment to open the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport in Clark and the Subic Airport in Olongapo City to foreign airlines remains in a stalemate as stakeholders could notagree on what course to take.

This issue was debated during an open forum called by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) on whether or not the Philippines will open its international airportsto foreign carriers.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo earlier opened Clark airport named after her late father, to no-frills, cheap carriers by issuing Executive order 500. The original presidential order was the fi rst serious attempt to open up air rights to foreign airlines outside Manila International Airport. The Philippine aviation industry is one of the few pockets in the Philippine economy not yet opened to foreigners. Other protected areas are the news media, advertising and land ownership. But domestic airline operators protested the limited open sky policy which prompted President Arroyo to water it down with the issuance of another presidential order (EO-500-B). This has slowed down the air traffi c atClark airport.

On representation by open sky advocates led by the Clark Development Authority, the experiment is supposed to be continued with the issuance of a third order. However, during an open forum, the Fair Trade Alliance (FTA) and Philippine Airlines (PAL) reiteratedtheir objection.

Clark and Subic authorities have been advocating for the two airports opening to foreign airlines more to bolster the entry of new investors in the former American bases and in gearing up the Clark Airport as the premier international port of the country in this new century. – Edu Lopez