NEWSFLASH

Malacanang, July 25, 2000 - President Joseph "Erap" Ejercito Estrada has ordered the concerned government agencies to resolve immediately the long-running air dispute between the Philippines and Taiwan.

The President, in his State of the Nation Address (SONA) delivered before Congress on Monday, said the dispute has hurt overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), balikbayans, tourists, and cargo shippers.

"I hereby order the concerned agencies to resolve the air dispute with Taiwan at the shortest possible time, taking into account the interests of our OFWs, balikbayans and tourists, as well as cargo shippers," he said.

He also said the government is ready to reshape its aviation policies to promote primarily the interests of the economy.

For the past few months, the Philippines and Taiwan have been locked in an air dispute, prompting the air carriers of both sides to suspend direct flights between Manila and Taipei.