NOW that the appointment of Atty. Jay Art Tugade, son of former Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Art Tugade, as the new chief of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has been officially announced everywhere, the nasty rumors about Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong being replaced by the younger Tugade can finally be put to rest.
The employees’ organization Samahan ng mga Mangagawa sa Paliparan ng Pilipinas (SMPP), in particular, welcomed the development, particularly the retention of Chiong as general manager of the MIAA.
Last month, rumors had it that Chiong would be replaced by Tugade’s son. A social media post saying so, also circulated in the chat groups of airport reporters.
A petition immediately circulated among airport employees asking that Chiong be retained.
On my part, I asked a very highly-reliable source and was told that it was fake news. I believed him and was right in doing so.
Some members of the SMPP, which is headed by Andy Bercasio as its President, intimated that their group has already sat down with GM Chiong and saw in him the interest and resolve to really work hard and hand-in-hand with MIAA employees for a better airport.
They described GM Chiong as very kind and sincere, who readily listened to all of their issues and who had expressed willingness to meet most of their significant demands.
In a tete-a-tete with the members of the Airport Press Club headed by Ariel Fernandez, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told us that Chiong is his handpicked choice for airport general manager because he knows his character.
Sec. Bautista also took pride in the fact that all of the people he had appointed, Chiong included, will certainly work with utmost dedication and efficiency and will not use their position for monetary gains or to commit anomalies.
The good Secretary also vouched for the character of Chiong and leadership capabilities.
Well, if one will visit his record, it is clear that GM Chiong is no stranger to the post of airport general manager owing to his long and vast experience with the aviation sector.
After working for the flag carrier Philippine Airlines, he also worked as general manager of the Caticlan Airport.
GM Chiong was also with San Miguel Corporation and before being appointed as MIAA chief, he was with the aviation industry for nearly 30 years.
Notably, GM Chiong showed true professionalism as his focus was unaffected by the rumors of the younger Tugade taking over his post.
He continued discharging his duties with the same kind of fervor, saying he will perform to the fullest until such time that a formal communication about the rumors is received by his office.
As he discussed with the airport media, GM Chiong has lined up many plans to ensure better operations at the MIAA and the premier NAIA terminals.
Given his background in the corporate world and how DOTr Sec. Bautista speaks of him, I believe that GM Chiong will do great and hope that the MIAA employes give him a chance to prove his worth.
Joke (from Daniel Luna of Pampanga)
Teacher: Hoy Pedro, papaano mo nagawa na ma-perfect ang exam mo, ha?
Pedro: Bilib ka na ba sa ‘kin, Ma’am? Mata ko pa lang ginamit ko dyan, ha? Paano pa kaya kung pati utak ko na?
DIRECT HIT entertains comments, suggestions or complaints. Please have them emailed to [email protected] or text 0917-3132168.
Para sa reaksyon o komento at tanong mag-email sa [email protected]
