This article analyses the challenges facing the liberalization of international civil aviation in the Republic of the Philippines. In particular, it assesses the political dynamics surrounding the Philippines’ bilateral and multilateral air services negotiations and the government’s attempts to balance industry relaxations with national carriers’ interests. The government’s desire to liberalize foreign carriers’ access into an alternative airport near the capital is discussed, together with the resistance to such a move. The contextual implications of an impending single aviation market (SAM) arrangement in the southeast Asian region are also raised, especially in relation to market access, ownership and control, and external relations issues.
Air and Space Law