In a statement, the Joint Foreign Chambers and Philippine business groups emphasized that HB 8700 seeks to strengthen CAAP as the agency in charge of safety. It will enable CAAP to focus on its role as regulator and overseer of safety by removing its conflicting and multiple functions as operator and investigator. The House Committee on Transportation is chaired by Rep. Edgar Mary Sarmiento .
The same document recommended strengthening CAAP as the agency in charge of safety through amendment of the CAAP law to address human resource development, strengthen its board of directors, and increase compliance of the Philippines with international standards of safety and security. The business groups believe HB 8700 addresses remaining critical elements in the supervision and management of the Philippine aviation sector and provides CAAP with sufficient power and authority to resolve deficiencies in the sector.
The CAAP bill amendments is one of the priority measures recommended by the business groups to recover from the negative GDP brought by the pandemic.