Dear Mr. Pedroche:
We write to clarify the issues raised in the Ora Mismo column of Mr. Butch Quejada, published in your newspaper today, March 17.
On the issue of the escalator at the NAIA-1 departure area, we wish to inform you that the same has been programmed for removal to add more space and convenience to our passengers at the NAIA-1 lobby area. The project is now at the final planning stages to include coordinations with our security group, operations department and the airlines. Note that the cost of removing the escalator is pretty much the same as the cost of repairing it. Hence, to repair the escalator now would not be economically viable considering that NAIA-1 will be in operation only for about two more years.
On the janitors who have not been paid their salaries, please be informed that the service contractors concerned are presently working this out at the labor arbitration table. We wish to emphasize that MIAA has no employee-employer relationship with any of its service contractor employees; hence, we cannot meddle in their internal affairs. However, we take exception to Mr. Quejada’s statement that MIAA does not pay these contractors promptly. Please be informed that all service contractors are paid their respective billings within 20 days of filing their billing statements, complete with the supporting documents required. It is also stipulated in the prequalification criteria that the service contractor should have the financial capacity to pay for the salaries of its employees for at least three (3) months to ensure that the employees are paid their dues while payment for their services are still being processed.
On the broken ceilings, we wish to emphasize that we have the 24-hour Action Office and Airport Terminal Monitoring Team who inspect all passenger movement areas for any immediate repair that has to be done. We believe that we have adequately covered these areas; but if Mr. Quejada is referring to an area inside a lessee’s office, it would have been more prudent if he reported the same to any of these officers for immediate repair.
Lastly, on the issue of security guards who treat wellwishers like ‘‘pigs,’’ please be advised that we have already warned our security service contractors about this. We have also appointed a new Airport Police Chief who vowed to take immediate action on this complaint. Rest assured that this concern will be addressed in due time.
We do recognize the important role that is played by the media to promote efficiency in public service and transparency in government transactions. However, we also feel that this can be carried out with a more positive attitude by a fair and balanced reporting. It is obvious that Mr. Quejada never made any effort to take our side on his complaints. Worse, he even used insulting words that are demeaning to government officials of our stature. We would appreciate it if media practitioners, especially those who have been accredited to cover the airport beat, would treat us more as partners who deserve to be heard and be given the chance to take action to prove our worth.
We hope that this letter would find its way in the appropriate column of your paper. – Edgardo Carlos Manda, General Manager, MIAA