The latest rumor is, AAP will probably start operation February yet. They are asked by CAAP, around middle of Dec, to do another probing flight and this time, night flying. AAP is the 1st airline required by CAAP to do both day and night probing flight. FAA requirement "kuno". And CAAP scheduled it on the 2nd week of Jan yet. Perhaps, to ensure there is no other competitor airline during the peak holiday season.
POLITICS? It could be. Because, albeit the DG is a cousin of Tonyboy Cojuangco (President of AAP) and PNoy, I heard in the grapevine that DG's son is a student pilot in PAL Aviation School. As to the question if his son is paying or not, that I cannot confirm.