Think tank confident with ombudsman on MIAA exec case

MANILA, Philippines — Policy ThinkTank Infrawatch PH yesterday expressed confidence that Ombudsman Samuel Martires will not be persuaded by the petition of business groups seeking the reversal of the dismissal order against former Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong.

In a statement, Infrawatch PH convenor Terry Ridon said Martires has shown his independence in the anti-graft court’s previous rulings on other controversial cases.

“What is important here is the available evidence that served as basis to dismiss Mr. Chiong, and if the basis for that is clear, there is no reason to revoke the decision. In recent weeks, the ombudsman has decided on two important Duterte administration cases: the laptop case and the Pharmally (scandal),” Ridon said.

“The ombudsman had a clear sense of the political impact of all these decisions, including this Chiong decision, so I am quite certain that he made that decision, it was based on law, it was based on the fact, it was based on evidence,” he added.

In the Chiong case, nine business groups have issued a statement urging the ombudsman to reverse its decision, stressing Chiong’s exemplary work as manager of the airport.

They also expressed support for MIAA acting assistant general manager Irene Montalbo.

Among the signatories to the joint statement are the Makati Business Club, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Integrity Initiative, Justice Reform Initiative, Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. and the Philippine Hotel Owners Association.

“Nothing stopping them in raising the profile of Mr. Chiong and going to his defense, but I am quite certain that the ombudsman will not be dissuaded and more importantly, the real remedy for Mr. Chiong is to file a motion for reconsideration (MR),” Ridon said of the statement.