PCCI supports Supreme Court on recall order

MANILA, Philippines–The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCI) on Wednesday expressed solidarity with the Supreme Court which has come under fire due to a recent decision recalling its second division’s ruling that declared illegal the termination of 1,400 flight attendants of Philippine Airlines (PAL) in 1998.

In a statement emailed to media, PCCI president Francis Chua said the High Tribunal displayed extraordinary courage and grit for owning up to its mistake. “It’s not every day that we see a Supreme Court correcting what it described as a misapplication of its own internal rules,” he said.

Chua said the SC has always been perceived as “infallible” and whose rulings are “cast in stone”. However, the case of the Flight Attendants and Stewards Association of the Philippines (FASAP) versus PAL is a clear example that the Tribunal would not hesitate to recall a decision that it believes suffers from technical flaws.

“It’s easy to criticize our magistrates, especially in a case as controversial as the PAL-FASAP issue. But what would we rather have, a High Court that insists it is right even when wrong, or a court that knows how to admit and correct its mistake? I think the latter is the real essence of justice,” Chua said.

He added that the same misapplication of rules can happen to anyone, not just PAL.

“I believe businesses in this country would be better off and more secure in the thought that our present Supreme Court is ready and willing to stand up for what is right despite criticisms,” he stressed.

As this developed, the PCCI chief urged the Supreme Court en banc to swiftly resolve the PAL-FASAP case which has dragged on for 13 years.

“In fairness to both parties, this case must have a final resolution so that the former cabin attendants can move on with their lives while the company can also plan for the future,” he said.

From a business standpoint, Chua explained it would be extremely difficult for companies like PAL to make long-term plans as long as there is a pending case whose potential cost to the company could erode, if not wipe out, the firm’s equity.

“It is our fervent wish that a closure of this issue be reached the soonest. For PAL employees who would be affected by this SC decision, I wish that PAL would help them in the best way they can so that these employees can move on.”