MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - The Philippine government is ready to implement the open skies policy if the management of Philippine Airlines (PAL) and its cabin crew fail to resolve their differences amicably. In a media briefing in Malacanang Friday, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said President Benigno Aquino III has already warned both parties that government would offer PAL flight schedules to other airlines if the planned strike of 1,600-Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) members pushes through. "What is important to the President is the concern for the riding public.
If it (row) won't be settled, he will not sacrifice, he will not prejudice the public," he said. Earlier, the President had indicated that an open skies policy would be resorted to if the planned PAL strike pushes through. A deregulated air traffic in such a policy will allow other airlines to service the routes of local carriers which PAL has been opposing. Lacierda said this already happened in 1997 when Cathay Pacific took over the domestic and international operations of PAL during its 14-day shutdown at the height of the Asian financial crisis. "So, this can happen again for the purpose of not prejudicing the riding public," Lacierda said. The Department of Labor and Employment-National Conciliation and Mediation Board will hold a meeting with PAL management and the cabin crew union next Tuesday as its last ditch effort to settle the row.
