In Iloilo, RDC seeks removal of 2 execs over ‘defective’ airport facilities

ILOILO CITY—A committee of the Regional Development Council in Western Visayas (RDC-6) has unanimously called for the removal of at least two aviation officials stationed in Iloilo, citing a “leadership crisis” due to their alleged failure to address concerns over the deteriorating facilities at the Iloilo International Airport.

The RDC-6’s Infrastructure Development Committee (IDC-6) approved a resolution calling to “remove and replace” Iloilo International Airport manager Manuela Luisa Palma and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) acting area manager Eusebio Monserate Jr. The resolution, presented during the RDC fourth quarter meeting in Iloilo City on Wednesday, cited the absence of Palma and Monserate from the council’s meeting, where they were supposed to provide updates on the upgrading and development of the airport.

It listed specific defects in the airport, including needed repairs in the main escalator and in two of its four chillers.

According to the IDC, the absence of the two officials at the RDC meeting manifested a “leadership crisis” that needed to be acted upon.

“The Iloilo International Airport, which is the fifth busiest airport in the Philippines in 2022, is not in good condition and cannot accommodate the increasing passenger and cargo traffic,” the resolution read.

It added: “The IDC-6 sees a leadership crisis in the Iloilo Airport, hence a new, responsive and more active management is needed to address the prevailing concerns.”

The airport, also known as Iloilo Airport and as Cabatuan Airport, is located in Cabatuan town, some 19 kilometers from Iloilo City. It caters to direct flights to and from Hong Kong and Singapore aside from its regular domestic flights.

Mayor’s dismay

The resolution would be sent to the Office of the President, the Presidential Management Staff, Office of the Ombudsman, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the CAAP central office for action. In a statement, Iloilo City Mayor and IDC-6 chair Jerry Treñas expressed dismay over the status of the Iloilo Airport.

“The air conditioning machines are not working, X-ray [machines] are not working, escalators are not working. Even the toilets are smelly. It is no longer the same airport. Furthermore, the passenger terminal is congested. No plans from CAAP national at all,” the mayor said.

The resolution came despite airport updates by Palma and Monserate during the Oct. 9 meeting of the Provincial Development Council (PDC), where they explained that the Iloilo airport’s upgrades have not included in the infrastructure development budget of the DOTr.