After final rule vs. Yap's eligibility: CSC requests audit commission to disallow pay of airport head

After the Civil Service Commission ruled that Mactan Cebu Airport acting general manager Adelberto Yap is unfit for the position, it requested the Commission on Audit to disallow the salaries, benefits and other emoluments given to the beleaguered head.

CSC regional director David Cabanag Jr said that after the CSC's final ruling that Yap is unfit to hold the position of airport's general manager due to lack of the required eligibility, then the COA should disallow the salaries and other payments to him.

Cabanag has already sent a copy of the CSC's ruling to Ma. Divina Janulgue, leader of the COA team assigned at the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority.

"Please take note that DOTC assistant secretary Nilo Jatico was directed by the CSC to cause the immediate implementation of the ruling and that any disbursement of government funds in payment for appointee's salary, benefits and other emoluments for services rendered after receipt of the same shall be the personal liability of the appointing authority," Cabanag wrote.

Even if Yap elevates his case to the Court of Appeals, Cabanag further said the CSC ruling stands as final and executory until the court issues a temporary restraining order against the ruling.

The CSC lawyers admitted that the power to appoint a general manager of the Mactan Cebu International airport lies on its Board of Directors, but they said that it does not mean also that the Board could appoint someone who is not qualified and ineligible to the position. - Rene U. Borromeo with Fred P. Languido