MCIAA board to meet today

CEBU, Philippines – Members of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority board will meet today but it was not clear whether the board will discuss the application of Cebu City Planning and Development Officer Nigel Paul Villarete as airport general manager.

When the board met last week for its initial meeting, Villarete's application was referred to the committee headed by board member Francis Morena.

Applications for airport general manager have to go through Morena's committee as standard operating procedure before an application is approved.

Former Cebu City mayor and now Cebu South District Rep. Tomas R. Osmeña has endorsed Villarete to President Benigno Aquino III.

Aside from Villarete, the MCIAA board reportedly has received another application but acting MCIAA general manager Danilo Francia has declined to reveal the name. But he said the application will pass through the MCIAA board for scrutiny.

Morena's committee will check the qualifications of applicants and is expected to submit recommendations to the board.

Francia said the board is still accepting applications.

Francia who earlier tendered his courtesy resignation also said he will wait until his replacement is found.

According to Francia, he wants a proper turnover of his post to the next general manager.

Villarete is said to have an advantage over other applicants because he is President Aquino's choice.

Aquino wrote a letter to Secretary Jose de Jesus of the Department of Transportation and Communication saying he wants Villarete as the new general manager of the MCIAA.

De Jesus has forwarded the letter dated September 15 to the members of the MCIAA board. (FREEMAN)