PAL seeks help of business groups to fight `harassment’

MANILA, Philippines–Philippine Airlines (PAL) said on Tuesday it would seek help from the country’s leading business organizations to press government for quicker and more decisive response against harassment of private enterprises.

In a statement, PAL said it is calling on business groups like the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (PCCI), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Federation of Philippine Industries (FPI), Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP), the Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCI) and others to collectively appeal for better protection of businesses which are prevented from freely pursuing their trade.

PAL said it is in the best interest of all private businesses, big or small, to protect themselves against harassment like illegal blockades by former workers who have been validly and legally dismissed.

“The recent incident where PAL’s catering truck was blocked by protesting former workers armed with truncheons and planks with nails is one clear example of this kind of harassment seemingly tolerated by police authorities,” the statement read.

PAL expressed frustration that it has complained and sought the help of almost all relevant government agencies “to no avail”. To date, it said the airline continues to suffer since its service providers and cabin crew are unable to use PAL’s facility along MIA Road, Pasay City where laid off workers have set up camp.

“Continuing police inaction against all forms of harassment perpetrated by dismissed workers only served to embolden these illegal occupants of PAL’s property,” it stressed.

Worse, the airline said it is now even on the receiving end of baseless and malicious accusations by these workers that it engaged outside elements to disperse their camp.

Leftist sectoral representatives have also been directly accusing PAL of harassing former workers while turning a blind eye on their documented transgressions. PAL added that it is being threatened with another congressional probe with no clear legislative intent and with only the plain objective of embarrassing PAL resource persons in attendance.