8 NAIA-3 ramp controllers to return to CAAP

MANILA, Philippines - Eight ramp controllers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 (NAIA-3) denied yesterday reports they have accepted jobs abroad.

Milo Basilio, chief of the NAIA-3 ramp controllers, said the eight will only resume their duties at the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP). The CAAP ramp controllers were allowed to moonlight at NAIA-3, along with retired colleagues, because of the difficulty of finding licensed controllers.

The law requires ramp controllers to be licensed. They provide direction, information, guidance and warnings to aircraft of possible dangers, obstructions, and other pertinent data. These are given to pilots who are about to land or take off at NAIA’s four passenger terminals, including the Manila Domestic Airport.

Ramp controllers work in close coordination with air traffic controllers.

Basilio said the transfer will leave them with only five ramp controllers at NAIA-3. The ideal complement is five ramp controllers for each eight-hour shift.

Basilio said there will be one controller each for the 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. shifts, while two controllers will handle the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. shift.

“I will perform some management function but could also take over in case a slot remains unmanned due to absences or overworked colleagues,” he said.

At least 314 domestic and international flights NAIA-3 will be affected if the transfer is implemented, he said.

Sources, however, said four ramp controllers at either NAIA Terminal 1 or 2 are waiting for their job contract to work in the Congo, where they were promised a monthly salary of $3,000 a month. They currently receive P13,000 a month.

Most ramp controllers are under contract with LBP, a private firm that has an existing agreement with the Manila International Airport Authority. The corporation provides not only ramp control employees but also private security guards, porters, grass cutters, clerks and other services.

An official who requested anonymity said airport authorities may pull out ramp controllers from other terminals to fill the shortage at NAIA-3.