Manila Times/Manila

President Benigno Aquino has ordered the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to work for the removal of the country from the watchlists of the European Union (EU) and the United States’ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The President issued his “marching orders” during the fifth Anniversary of CAAP held at the agency’s main office in Pasay City last Monday.

“While I am here today to congratulate you for a job well done, and for celebrating your fifth anniversary, I would also like to remind you that the job is not yet over. In the coming days, weeks, and months, all of us will be working towards getting our country off the watchlists of the United States and the European Union,” he said

“So today, I also give you my orders. Let’s get this done. We have the momentum; we have the right people and have put the right systems in place. It is time for us to usher in a golden age not just for Philippine aviation—not just for Philippine tourism—but for our entire country,” he added.

In 2008, the FAA downgraded the Philippines to Category 2 status for failing to comply with international aviation safety standards. Category 2 prevents airlines from the Philippines from adding new routes to the US.

The aviation industry has been hoping that the FAA would restore the country to Category 1 status, which would certify that it has fully complied with international air safety standards.

Aquino admitted that the country has a long way to go toward getting the Philippines off the American and European aviation watchlists, blaming the past administration, whose leadership, he said, “prioritised self-interest over public service.”

He described the period of former President Gloria Arroyo’s administration as “years of squandered opportunity.”

“The most frustrating part about our predecessor is that they had an entire decade to build our nation—not to mention a talented work force and a country with boundless natural gifts—and yet somehow, during that period, we only regressed,” he added.

Aquino said that today, “we are in the business of revival.”

The President also lauded CAAP’s efforts to comply with global safety standards.