Definitely a different vibe

In the past, when things went wrong at any of the NAIA terminals, bad news and criticisms traveled as fasts as ripples on the water. But last Oct. 20, when the BHS or baggage handling system at NAIA Terminal 3 malfunctioned as feared, the ripples of negativity and criticism did not turn into a public relations disaster.

Instead, we read and saw what cooperation amongst private sector professionals can achieve. Almost immediately, both the NNIC (New NAIA Infra Corp) and Cebu Pacific issued statements recognizing the problem, stated that they were cooperating and laid down options and solutions for affected passengers as well as ongoing actions already taken to fully resolve or fix the problem of the BHS.

Cebu Pacific immediately offered to deliver left behind baggage to final destinations or arrange airport pick-up of baggage for some 400 passengers. The NNIC, upon instructions of SMC CEO Ramon Ang, immediately fielded added personnel to compliment those on the ground alongside Cebu Pacific.

RSA also made it known that the NNIC had actually ordered a new baggage handling system as early as July 2024 because installation and start-up of such a system takes one whole year. In the meantime, we can all say a prayer that nothing serious happens because word is, four out of five BHS in the NAIA complex were overdue for heavy maintenance before NNIC took over.

The BHS that conked out last Oct. 20 is reportedly 21 years old, was programmed to be replaced in 2020, but was not. The BHS maintenance is not a simple machinery or conveyor. The BHS is coupled with online x-ray as well as EDS or explosive detection system.

Aside from the BHS’s, NNIC has also invested in the repair/replacement of six to 10 air bridges that have been out of commission or non-functioning prior to the NNIC takeover. That does not even include many non-functioning or phased out x-ray machines with no available parts that have been put in storage or bodegas.

But the good news is, procurement and replacement of equipment that cost hundreds of millions does not take five years in the private sector. The cost is considered an investment, a necessity and certainly not subject to corruption.

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In another airport-related matter, several columnists have shared that there is approximately P2 billion in terminal fees collected from OFWs over the COVID years that have not been refunded or are unclaimed. The explanation is that per OFW, the refund would be about P200 to P300, which is much less than the time and fare to collect the refund.

The dilemma faced by the authorities is what to do with the money. I warned Jarius Bondoc to be careful about writing about it because the money might get sequestered or turned over to the Maharlika Fund.

By coincidence, I bumped into Secretary Hans Cacdac of the Department of Migrant Workers and if any institution should get the P2 billion, shouldn’t it be the DMW, just like the coconut levy funds belonged to coconut farmers? At least, in the case of the OFWs, there is a direct link and a legitimate department of government to oversee the funds.

That way the P2 billion could be used for repatriation, reinvested or invested for OFW assistance and reintegration programs.

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In the wet and cold night and day brought by Typhoon Kristine, has anybody seen or heard from the Secretary of the DENR or the Department of Environment & Natural Resources leadership? I have long been asking around about what activities the DENR has been into but sad to say, they all fall under the theme of “sound of silence.”

While the Bicol region was being pummeled and sunk by flood waters, the common assertion was that the floods were due to total deforestation, illegal mining, unregulated development of townships and property developments. Those talking about “climate change” were few and far between. Even the unusual rainfall volume does not explain away the floods.

Claims of deforestation, mining and property development make sense because the people who live in these affected areas know what has been going on for many years. They know who the illegal loggers, miners and developers are, often local officials themselves.

The question is, will there be a performance audit or serious investigation of flooded areas and the failure of DENR officials to perform their duties? The fact is, those entrusted to protect the environment, to manage the habitat, have not done their job. The President should step in and call them out.

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Given the incessant rain in the last three days, I’ve found myself glued to the tube watching and monitoring the typhoon, landslides, flooded areas, etc. I noticed that people who follow the weather forecast or updates have been keeping close watch on the “eye” or the center of the typhoon on the screen.

What many of us have missed is the area or range of the typhoon. The eye could be in Isabela province or Kalinga but notice that the winds and rains go further out. That is why we often find ourselves rained out, stranded or flooded, believing the typhoon is farther away.

With thoughts of going to Batangas, I was fortunate to chance upon a friend’s post sharing how the howling winds from Typhoon Kristine flattened all his banana trees. On the other hand, a couple of images of the South Expressway and SLEX showed the route was flood-free in spite of three days of rain. The person who posted the photos was none other than Ramon Ang of SMC! He was out there checking for flooding!

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