Reverse MIAA executives’ dismissal, biz groups urge ombudsman

MANILA, Philippines — Nine business groups are urging the ombudsman to reverse its decision on the dismissal of the top officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), stressing their exemplary work as managers of the airport.

The signatories of the joint statement are the Makati Business Club, Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen & Professionals, Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines, Integrity Initiative, Justice Reform Initiative, the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. and the Philippine Hotel Owners Association (PHOA).

In a joint statement issued yesterday, the business groups expressed their support for MIAA general manager Cesar Chiong, acting assistant general manager for finance and administration Irene Montalbo amid the ombudsman’s order to dismiss the two as top executives of MIAA.

“We would welcome and support a review by the ombudsman, to reverse this decision and reinstate Chiong and Montalbo in their positions as general manager and assistant general manager,” the business groups said.

In a 21-page decision on Aug. 4, Ombudsman Samuel Martires found Chiong and Montalbo guilty of administrative offenses.

The business groups emphasized that both Chiong and Montalbo have exhibited exemplary work as managers of the airport as they have made substantial positive changes and have helped achieve a robust cash balance of P15 billion.

In addition, they reported an impressive income of P1.9 billion in 2022, a striking turnaround from the combined losses of P3.6 billion suffered in 2020 and 2021, the business groups stressed.

In its decision, the ombudsman said that Chiong had “whimsically” reassigned 285 employees without any valid reason to divisions they have no expertise in or positions lower than what they previously occupied. It added that Chiong also promoted Montalbo despite her unsatisfactory rating in the 2020 Office Performance Commitment and Review.

The business groups cited Chiong’s statement that he exercised his management prerogative to streamline operations, reduce losses and improve finances.

They stressed that dismissing Chiong and Montalbo for implementing what is a normal management practice may discourage other officials from employing this important tool to improve efficiency and fight corruption.

“It may send the wrong message that instituting reforms in government is hazardous to one’s career,” the groups said.

Meanwhile, in a separate statement, 90 members of the business community also expressed deep concern and alarm over the unusual speed at which the case was acted upon by the ombudsman.

“This very unusual and surprising speedy treatment of the aforementioned anonymous complaint is in stark contrast to the snail’s pace at which other recent multi-billion, high-profile, graft and corruption cases are handled,” the members of the business community said.