PAL, Emirates offer more travel options via expanded tie-up

FLAG carriers Philippine Airlines (PAL) and emirates struck an “expanded interline agreement” that enables the latter’s passengers to access domestic points in PAL’s network via Cebu and Clark.

Previously, the two carriers’ interline agreement only covers connections via Manila.

The partnership also allows passengers to fly on Philippine Airlines flights via Dubai to connect seamlessly to emirates’ network to cities in europe, Africa, and other parts of the Middle east.

“Covering all three gateways in the Philippines served by e m irates—Manila, Cebu and Clark— this partnership expansion will provide seamless connectivity for passengers to reach even more destinations in the Philippines using a single ticket and a convenient baggage policy,” PAL said in a statement.

“emirates’ passengers can enjoy a convenient booking process to destinations in Philippine Airlines’ network including Bacolod, Butuan, Cagayan De Oro, Davao, Iloilo, Caticlan and Puerto Princesa via Cebu; as well as Cebu, Caticlan and Busuanga via Clark.”

It noted that PAL passengers may also book emirates-operated flights to Amman, Birmingham, Cape Town, Dammam, Dublin, Lisbon, Manchester, Muscat, and Riyadh via Dubai.

Currently, PAL operates daily flights between Manila and Dubai, enabling connections to european, African and Middle eastern destinations.

The arrangement allows for passengers to obtain their boarding passes and check through their baggage all the way to final destination.

The expansion comes months after PAL and em irates first announced their interline agreement, reaffirming the commitment of both airlines to serve growing demand by providing travelers with more choice and flexibility, as well as enhanced customer experiences.

Last March, PAL announced that it will double its capital expenditures for 2023 from the year prior, as it focuses on improving its brand image while increasing the number of operating jets this year.

Lorenz S. Marasigan

FILIPINOS including organizations, must collaborate and “take up arms” against fake news, according to a research and intelligence firm.

Capstone-Intel Corp. said it is “impossible” to measure the damage that has been caused by the dissemination of false information in the Philippines.

“It has resulted in the massive decline of public confidence both in the country’s leaders and media institutions, divisive political leanings, and even the deterioration of quality education,” said Nic Conti, chief of public affairs at Capstone-Intel.

“The negative impact of fake news in the Philippines cannot be overstated. It has led to the erosion of public trust in institutions, the rise of political polarization, and the spread of harmful misinformation.”

The research firm said the issue of fake news has increasingly become a major problem in the Philippines. The spread of false information through social media platforms and other online channels has led to widespread confusion and distrust among the public.

This phenomenon, it noted, has been amplified by the fact that many people consume news primarily through social media, where it can be challenging to distinguish between real and fake news.

“Furthermore, fake news has been used to justify human rights abuses, incite violence, and undermine the democratic process. Ad- dressing the problem of fake news in the country will require a concerted effort from all stakeholders, including the government, media, civil society, and the public,” said Conti. he said various efforts have to be made in order for the national government to completely eradicate the continuous spread of fake news on social media.

“This is a complex issue that requires a multifaceted approach, including education and awarenessraising, media literacy initiatives, and regulation of social media platforms.”

The research firm said it “strongly supports” the recent pronouncement by the national government to wage the war against misinformation in the Philippines.