Bill creating Davao airport authority hurdles both chambers of Congress

THE HOUSE of Representatives adopted on Wednesday the Senate bill creating the Davao International Airport Authority (DIAA). The adoption of Senate Bill 2168, in effect, amends House Bill 8691 and eliminates the need for lengthy bicameral sessions to reconcile the two versions. The proposed DIAA — which will be similar to the two airport authorities handling the Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Metro Manila and the Mactan Cebu International Airport — will manage the existing Francisco Bangoy International Airport in Davao City and other airports that may be constructed within the Davao Region. Under the bill, the DIAA’s mandate is to promote and develop air traffic “as a means of making the region a center of international trade and tourism.” Once enacted, the DIAA will be under the Department of Transportation. The bill also exempts the DIAA from realty taxes, and gives it authority to raise funds, either from domestic or international sources, by way of loans, credit or securities and other financing instruments, subject to the approval of the President. — Vince Angelo C. Ferreras