Letter to the Editor - On travel agent's arrest

October 27, 2010

MR. JERRY TUNDAG

Editor in Chief

THE FREEMAN NEWSPAPER

V. Gullas Street

Cebu City

Dear Mr. Tundag:

This is in reference to the news write up dated October 18, 2010, Monday written by your staff named Fred P. Languido.

The news was unverified because it lacked genuine facts. We were very distressed while reading the substance of the article. Your staff did not ask our side as well which would have been the usual procedure. We have been protecting our corporate image as immaculate as it would be because of our existing corporate accounts and business associates. Most of our clients have read your column and called our office to verify the issue.

In this regard, we would like to correct the statement which has currently been affecting our reputation and credibility and we can not simply disregard the issue. It is our integrity that is at stake against a one-sided news scoop. This is to correct the following: First, Romeo Payot is our authorized liaison officer accredited by DFA who can transact passport assistance. Second, not arrested but was only invited by the NBI agents for some queries about the main suspect named "Homer" who used to be connected with Fun and Sun Travel and Tours. Third, our liaison did not receive yet any amount from the complainant, Jolan Villalobos. Fourth, our staff has no connivance with "Homer." Lastly, we operate business in legitimate manner and we never extort money from anyone. It was all rooted from a mistaken identity in the first place.

We have high regard of your good office to correct this immediately and give us sufficient copies to disseminate to your clients and business partners in order for us not to elevate this matter to our legal counsel.

We look forward to your immediate attention on this important matter.

Respectfully yours,

MAY F. ESTANIEL 

Sales Officer

AAI Travel and Tours, Inc.

Noted by:

MARIVIC E. ESMERO

Vice President for Operations - VisMin

AAI Travel and Tours, Inc. 

REJOINDER:

For one, The FREEMAN never carried a "news write up," a "column" or a "news scoop" about the incident. What was published was a mere photo with caption in our October 19 issue, and not October 18 as your letter states. 

Second, the caption that came out did not mention anything about AAI Travel and Tours, Inc. 

Third, we verified with the National Bureau of Investigation, which confirmed that Payot was arrested, and was not just invited for questioning.

Fourth, please check your facts, as you may be referring to a write up of another newspaper. We stand by the accuracy of the substance of our caption.

Lastly, we are reprinting the subject photo and caption for emphasis, and for dissemination to your clients, business partners and legal counsel.   THE EDITORS