Airport employees want assistant GM out

CEBU, Philippines – While they support the appointment of Engr. Nigel Paul Villarete as the new general manager of Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority, employees of the airport are pushing for the replacement of their assistant general manager.

At least 126 MCIA employees have signed a manifesto demanding the replacement of Romeo Bersonda and endorsed airport public relations manager, Ahmed Cuizon to the position.

Although the manifesto was dated September 17, 2010, it was handed over to and received by the MCIAA Board yesterday, hoping that it would be included in the discussion during the next board meeting.

"As a vital instrument of national security, the Mactan Cebu International Airport has to be managed and controlled by a new GM who has the complete trust and confidence of the new President of the Philippines," the employees' manifesto reads.

They said the position of assistant general manager is one of the most sensitive and important positions at the MCIA and the one who holds it should possess the quality of a good manager.

But the employees said Bersonda has faced several charges pending before the Office of the Ombudsman which they also cited in their manifesto.

Bersonda allegedly recommended the final payment of the brand new firetruck worth more or less P39 million but it turned out to be second hand as evidenced by the painting of another airport's name in its body.

The assistant airport GM is also allegedly involved in the proposed asphalt over-lay of taxi stand and entrance to VIP lounge at MCIA implemented without bidding and awarded to a favored contractor in the amount of more than P1 million.

There was also allegedly overpricing in the repainting of MCIA markings implemented without competitive bidding in favor to contractor, Socor Construction Corporation in the amount of P1 million.

Employees likewise accused Bersonda of attending classes at Indiana Aerospace University during office hours purposely to upgrade his educational attainment.

The Instrument Landing System and Distance Measurement Equipment (ILS/DME) was allegedly purchased illegally when Bersonda was still a former employee of the company, Philcox, Inc. that was awarded the contract.

Bersonda was also implicated in the alleged overpriced additional site development projects at MIP Complex at MCIA.

"With the notorious track record of the present assistant general manager of MCIAA the corruption in the MCIAA becomes a habit and the hemorrhaging of the MCIAA funds to the waste will continue until a new assistant general manager will be appointed," the manifesto reads.

The employees also hope that Villarete can implement his administration's planned reforms at the MCIA. (FREEMAN)