Miaa staff to keep their jobs under new Naia operator, says DOTr

Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) employees would not lose their jobs when SMC-SAP & Co. Consortium takes over the operation and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), according to Department of Transportation (DOTr) chief Jaime Bautista. Image from Miaa

MANILA, Philippines — Manila International Airport Authority (Miaa) employees would not lose their jobs when SMC-SAP & Co. Consortium takes over the operation and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) gave this assurance after the consortium won the bid for the P170.6-billion Naia rehabilitation project.

During the agency’s 42nd anniversary celebration on Friday, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said no Miaa staff will lose their jobs under the incoming airport manager.

“Part of the concession agreement is for the concessionaire to offer positions to existing employees of Manila International Airport Authority,” explained Bautista during his speech, as quoted in a DOTr statement released to the media on Saturday.

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“Be it regular employees, contract of service or job order. Ibig sabihin, walang mawawalan ng trabaho dito (no one will lose their jobs here),” he added.

The DOTr chief likewise noted that employees who are not involved in operations will remain with Miaa.

“If you believe you have a particular skill set necessary to keep this airport functioning, you have no reason to be anxious,” Bautista said.

He further explained that while SMC-SAP & Co. Consortium assumes Naia’s operation and maintenance, Miaa “will focus on being an airport regulator.”

“We need to reverse Naia’s world’s worst airport repute. That needs to happen fast. Make sure you have the right morals and values when the transition starts,” Bautista told employees.