Open skies policy opposed

The government should stop implementing an open skies policy so as not to expose the Philippine airspace to international terrorists who are targeting airlines in their activities, a congressman said.

"Once you open your skies, you lay bare your entire territory to possible friends or foes. This is not the time to be careless. Above all else, we must consider our national security aspect," said house assistant minority leader, Constantino Jaraula.

The Philippines-U.S. air transport agreement has a provision allowing unlimited flights of U.S. carriers to unlimited cities in the Philippines and to other countries.

The open skies policy will create unnecessary security risks for the Philippines, explained Jaraula. "U.S. airlines are targets of terrorist attacks. While the United States can instal strict and hi-tech security measures in their airports, the Philippines lacks the capability to do so."

"Allowing more U.S. airline flights in the Philippines is like inviting more terror attacks. We might end up in a situation where terrorists can use U.S. airlines flying in Philippine airspace as missiles," Jaraula observed.

Jaraula does not accept the arguments that the open skies policy will bring in more tourists.