Several business groups have expressed their support for the acting general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and his deputy, who are facing a dismissal order from the Office of the Ombudsman. The Makati Business Club and seven other organizations have vouched for MIAA Acting General Manager Cesar Chiong and Acting Assistant General Manager Irene Montalbo, highlighting their exemplary work in managing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).
The groups commended Chiong and Montalbo for making substantial positive changes, including the collection of long-outstanding receivables and achieving a robust cash balance of P15 billion. They also noted the impressive income of P1.9 billion in 2022, a significant improvement from the combined losses suffered in 2020 and 2021.
The business groups defended Chiong’s decision to rotate key personnel within his first month and emphasized that dismissing the officials for implementing routine management practices may discourage other officials from taking similar actions. They called for a review by the Ombudsman to reverse the decision and reinstate Chiong and Montalbo, stating that it would help improve management, services, and the overall economy.
