NAIA officer sacked over Luli

For his gruff treatment of a passenger in a hurry at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), an immigration examiner was relieved from his post yesterday.

The passenger happened to be presidential daughter Luli Arroyo.

"We are sad that this incident happened. I have already ordered an inquiry into the incident and he has been relieved from his assignment at the airport pending his submission of an explanation and the results of our investigation," Ferdinand Sampol, immigration head supervisor at the NAIA, told The STAR.

Sources at the NAIA Terminal I said that Arroyo was rushing to catch a Hong Kong-bound Cathay Pacific Airlines flight early Tuesday morning when she incurred the ire of immigration agent Edgardo Padlan.

Not recognizing Arroyo, who as usual was not accompanied by bodyguards, Padlan reportedly shouted at her to fall in line at an immigration lane.

"Baka gusto mong pumila muna (You may want to fall in line)," Padlan was quoted as saying sarcastically to Arroyo in a raised voice that was heard in the whole immigration area.

Despite being visibly peeved, Arroyo slowed down and fell in line at the immigration lane and went on to catch her flight.

She was on her way to Hong Kong to join her family who made a side trip there after President Arroyo’s official visit to Xiamen, China.

Sampol said that Padlan’s treatment of Arroyo was in violation of the bureau and the airport’s ongoing "Service with a Smile" campaign at the airport.

Airport immigration examiners are expected to accord all airport passengers, whether VIPs, foreigners, local or foreign tourists, returning overseas Filipino workers or balikbayans due courtesy and politeness. They are also encouraged to smile at passengers and wear "smiley" buttons while on duty at the immigration lanes.

"It is our thrust to give all airport passengers due courtesy and respect," Sampol said.

Padlan will be recalled to the Bureau of Immigration head office in Intramuros, Manila while the incident is under investigation.

Alfonso Cusi, MIAA general manager, said he had noted the incident but would leave it to the immigration bureau to deal appropriately with the erring personnel.

"We are aware that the Bureau of Immigration is now taking steps to address the matter so we will wait and see how they will go about censuring their personnel," Cusi said.