Australian apologizes to PAL flight attendant

An Australian national, who faces deportation charges for allegedly hitting a Philippine Airlines (PAL) flight attendant, has apologized to the complainant and offered a compromise settlement.

Gregory Powell, through his lawyer, has sent a letter of apology to the administration of PAL, expressing his intention to settle the case outside the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and other possible court venues, sources told The STAR yesterday.

This after the complainant was reportedly preparing to file criminal charges against the Australian national.

Immigration chief legal counsel Benjamin Kalaw, however, said he has advised both sides not to come up with a compromise agreement, believing "this case is not a simple private offense."

The PAL attendant went to the BI office last Monday and filed charges of undesirability as an alien against Powell on the grounds of "verbal abuse, arrogance, discourtesy, and harassment."

Kalaw set the hearing of the case for tomorrow. The foreigner’s lawyer is expected to submit a counter-affidavit on the charges.

Powell was arrested last week in Davao City after he allegedly hit the flight attendant with a rolled up newspaper in the face during a flight from Manila.

House Majority Floor Leader Prospero Nograles witnessed the incident and reported it to the BI.

Powell, 56, is currently detained at the bureau’s detention center in Bicutan, Taguig City.

Kalaw said the Australian’s lawyer has requested for medical passes because his client needs regular medication after having just undergone an operation.

He said the bureau’s physician would check on the condition of Powell and make the necessary recommendations.