MANILA International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Ines proved to be a man of his word.
During his first meeting with the airport media last month, he said, in part, verbatim: “Kung me makita kayo na dapat naming i-improve pa, please tell us directly. ‘Wag n’yo nang daanin pa sa diyaryo. Sabihin nyo sa ‘kin directly. Eric, eto nakita namin. Tapos. Para nagkakaintindihan tayo, di ba?”
On Thursday morning (April 20), the airport media went to the NAIA Terminal 3 for a 10 a.m. coverage when the security guards manning the parking lot stopped the vehicles of at least three media members. We were third and there were at least a couple more behind us which, I later learned, were also media members.
We saw the security guards talking to the occupants of the marked media vehicle of SMNI, which was positioned right after the barrier. It was the first of about five that were stalled and left lining up at the entrance of the parking lot.
Moments later, we were all let in. I asked Cherry Ilaw, the reporter onboard the SMNI vehicle, what happened.
From her, I learned that the security guard had told them they could no longer be allowed inside since all the slots had been taken and that those left vacant were reserved for ‘VIPs.’ The same goes for all other media members who were all lined up and will yet arrive for their coverage.
Running late for her assignment, Cherry said she decided to try her luck and called up GM Ines since it would be quicker than coordinating with the authorities mentioned by the guard.
GM Ines took her call and expressed surprise as to why the media were not being allowed to enter the parking lot. Cherry gave her cellphone to the guard who later passed it to his supervisor.
“May ID di ba? Papasukin ninyo,” Ines told them, stressing that not allowing the media may give the wrong impression that the airport authorities are hiding something,” GM Ines told them, as he also expressly informed them that they should honor the IDs that were duly issued by him (GM Ines) as head of the airport authority or he will have them relieved.
Ines vowed to later meet with those involved in the incident, saying ‘ang gulo-gulo nila’ and that ‘kung sino-sino ang pinapapasok nila,’ about an old practice of allowing the use of the NAIA Terminal 3 parking lot for ‘unintended purposes.’
An official of the Airport Press Club (APC) who arrived much earlier for the same event said that after parking at one of the only two parking slots allotted for the airport media, the security guard assigned there removed the cone and let another car parked.
When asked who the car owner was, the guard told him it was a ‘VIP’ of an APD (airport police department).
By the way, while talking to the guards, it is notable how GM Ines introduced himself to them. He said: ‘Si Eric Ines ‘to’ and never made mention of his title as general manager.
We do not know GM Ines from Adam that’s why we were surprised and delighted to know that he is so humble, that he keeps his word and that he truly wants to know the problems directly and would act on them, once brought to his attention.
I initially thought his earlier pronouncements about wanting to be told of the problems directly were merely for ‘sound bite’ purposes.
I’m so glad that I am wrong. Hahaha!
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Commendation is in order for the quick response and action undertaken by operatives from the Manila Police District Station 11 under its Commander LtCol. Roberto Mupas and policemen from the Pasay City- CCP Complex headed by Police Commander Maj. Paul Mandane.
At around 5 a.m. of April 14, 2024, a cable thief was being chased by barangay officials and watchmen from Barangays 41 and 33 in Pasay City.
Just as the suspect was about to be cornered, he barged into a house on Alunan Sreet which rests on the boundary of Manila and Pasay. He crossed into another house but was still caught by the pursuing barangay authorities.
The owner of the cable wires taken and the house that the suspect entered are super thankful to the barangay authorities and the police for their swift and efficient action.
Special thanks goes to PCMS. Rolly D. Caranto and Cpl. Jefferson Lising, both of MPD- Station 11 and to Patrolman Charl David Manangat and Patrolman Elmer Mangubat both of the Pasay City-CCP Complex for their quick response.
Also laudable was the effort of the barangay authorities in pursuing the suspect until he got caught. They include Barangay Chairman Tony Bohol of Brgy 41, who, along with barangay kagawad Evelyn, Sulping and ex-o Boyet, as well as barangay tanods JR, Raprap and former captain Kapitan Alvin.
All of them are truly exemplary public servants who are worthy of emulation.
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Maaring mag-text o tumawag sa 0917-5225128 para sa anumang reaksyon.
