Statement on Dismissal of MIAA Officials

25 August 2023 – We, the undersigned business organizations, express our support for Transportation Sec. Jaime Bautista, Cesar Chiong, and Irene Montalbo amid the Ombudsman’s order to dismiss Mr. Chiong and Ms. Montalbo as the top executives of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

Mr. Chiong and Ms. Montalbo have exhibited exemplary work as managers of the airport. Making substantial positive changes that have helped result, amongst much else, in the collection of long-outstanding receivables that have helped achieve a robust cash balance of P15 billion. Moreover, they reported an impressive income of Php1.9 billion in 2022, a striking turnaround from the combined losses of Php3.6 billion suffered in 2020 and 2021. They have implemented the mission entrusted to them by President Marcos to improve the national international airport and upgrade it to global standards.

Mr. Chiong has stated that he exercised his management prerogative to streamline operations, reduce losses, and improve finances. Rotation of key personnel is a routine vital internal control procedure of management that is applied to improve efficiency and ensure integrity. And has been done in the past without any problem.

Dismissing Mr. Chiong and Ms. 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.

While we recognize the authority and ruling of the Ombudsman, we believe he may have been misinformed in taking this action. 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. Doing so would keep MIAA on track of better management and the improved services and experience that passengers demand. Doing so would help boost the economy in general, tourism in particular, and jobs most of all.

So, we appeal to the Ombudsman, please reverse this decision. (END)

Co-signatories:
1. Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen & Professionals (BCBP)
2. Federation Of Filipino Chinese Chambers Of Commerce & Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII)
3. Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines (FINEX)
4. IT & Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP)
5. Integrity Initiative Inc. (II Inc.)
6. Justice Reform Initiative (JRI)
7. Makati Business Club (MBC)
8. Philippine Hotel Owners Association
9. The Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc (SEIPI)

NOTE: Edited to include Philippine Hotel Owners Association as co-signatory as of August 25, 2:30PM