Pedring, not PAL strike, may disrupt Noy's return to Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is determining if it would be safe for President Aquino to return to the country from Japan while typhoon “Pedring” is still within the Philippine area of responsibility. 

Aquino left for Japan on Sept. 25 for a four-day official working visit and is scheduled to arrive home today. 

The occurrence of the typhoon coincided with the holding of work stoppage by employees of flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL), but Malacañang said this would not have delayed Aquino’s return. 

“With respect to the striking PALEA (Philippine Airlines Employees Association) employees, whether it will affect the arrival of the President, definitely that will not happen. But again, we have the consideration of the storm,” presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said yesterday in a press briefing.

“We will have to ask (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration chief) Usec. (Graciano) Yumul if this (typhoon) could affect the return of President Aquino,” he added.                                                                                     

When Aquino visited Indonesia in May, his return flight had to be delayed by 11 hours because of typhoon “Bebeng.” 

Lacierda said that Aquino’s arrival would not be disrupted by the employee strike because those who participated are ticket sellers.   

“They are now having conciliation meeting between management and PALEA in the airport,” Lacierda said. 

PAL yesterday cancelled flights after some of its employees refused to work to protest its plan to outsource some of its services. The outsourcing plan, which will take effect next month, will result in layoffs. 

The cancellation covered domestic and international flights between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. 

PAL officials claimed those who join the strike could be administratively liable because disrupting airport operations is against the law.