Column by Jesus C. Sison

Malaya

Tuesday, December 29, 1998

By JESUS C. SISON

‘By the end of 1998, some 34 million people in the world will have been afflicted by the deadly AIDS virus.’

In the past few weeks, the Philippine Airlines issue has been quiet. That’s better so that the PAL management can concentrate on options in case no foreign airline is willing to tie up with PAL.

The Philippine government cannot just allow PAL to float aimlessly. The underlying philosophy behind having a national flag carrier is national interest. The government fully realizes that a healthy national carrier is indispensable to the company and to the country’s sense of identity and pride. The Filipinos have felt very strongly for PAL since 52 years ago.

President Estrada recently reaffirmed the importance of having an “official flag carrier” of the Republic of the Philippines. He did this by issuing an administrative order to that effect. It is also national interest for the government to help strengthen the Philippine carrier for global aviation competition.

National honor and integrity are involved in the search for a Philippine Airlines co-investor. It now appears that PAL is shopping for investors. If it has to be done, the PAL officials should always remember to protect and maintain the honor and integrity of the Philippines in the negotiating table.