Business sector backs embattled airport brass

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA  -Several notable business groups on Friday voiced their support toward the acting general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and his deputy, rallying behind the two officials who are the subject of a dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman.

The Makati Business Club, as well as seven other business groups, vouched for MIAA acting General Manager Cesar Chiong and acting Assistant General Manager Irene Montalbo, as well as their contributions in managing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

“Mr. Chiong and Ms Montalbo have exhibited exemplary work as managers of the airport. Making substantial positive changes that have helped result, amongst much else, in the collection of long-outstanding receivables that have helped achieve a robust cash balance of P15 billion,” read a joint statement from the said organizations.

“Moreover, they reported an impressive income of P1.9 billion in 2022, a striking turnaround from the combined losses of P3.6 billion suffered in 2020 and 2021. They have implemented the mission entrusted to them by President Marcos to improve the national international airport and upgrade it to global standards,” the statement read further.

Other supporters

Aside from the MBC, the six other signatories in the joint statement are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, the Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce and Industry, Inc., the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, the IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, the Integrity Initiative Inc., the Justice Reform Initiative, and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc.

Personnel reshuffle

The business groups also defended Chong’s order to rotate key personnel within his first month, a fact that was used as basis by the government’s antigraft court in ordering their dismissal.

“Mr. Chiong has stated that he exercised his management prerogative to streamline operations, reduce losses, and improve finances. Rotation of key personnel is a routine vital internal control procedure of management that is applied to improve efficiency and ensure integrity,” said the business groups.

They added that dismissing these two officials for implementing what is a normal management practice may discourage other officials from taking the same actions.

“While we recognize the authority and ruling of the Ombudsman, we believe he may have been misinformed in taking this action. We would welcome and support a review by the Ombudsman, to reverse this decision and reinstate Chiong and Montalbo in their positions as general manager and assistant general manager,” the joint statement further read.

“Doing so would keep MIAA on track of better management and the improved services and experience that passengers demand. Doing so would help boost the economy in general, tourism in particular, and jobs most of all. So, we appeal to the Ombudsman, please reverse this decision,” it added. INQ

READ: MIAA chief, assistant GM dismissed from service for abuse of authority, misconduct