Somber Mood Greets PAL Closure

Manila Standard
Monday, September 21, 1998
By Lolit Rivera-Acosta

Like the heavy downpour and gloomy atmosphere in the metropolis, across section of the country's society expressed sadness over the impending closure of Asia's oldest airline, the Philippine Airlines (PAL).

Many officials and employees of several agencies at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) appeared somber and anxious over the impending closure of the 67-year-old airline.

Felipe Valencia, officer-in-charge of PAL's airport services department, told the Standard he considers it a "nightmare" if PAL really shuts down, saying. "I have spent 25 years in this office. I cannot imagine it is closing down. This is a nightmare for me."

Valencia, who rose through the ranks, said PAL is like an institution already. It was his dream of becoming an officer of the airline some day. True enough, he made it the hard way, having practically occupied the lowest position until he rose to what he is now.

"I owe it so much to PAL for what I am now," said Valencia, who now hopes "there is a light at the end of the tunnel."

Another employee of PAL, who asked not to be identified, told airport newsmen while tears rolled down her cheeks: "It is so sad to think that the company I have worked for so long is closing down."

She blamed the union leaders and the pilots for pushing their luck too far. "Had it not been for the selfish motives of these union officers, maybe, just maybe, PAL can still operate and we will still have jobs."

Another group of PAL employees at the reservation office adjacent to the Manila Domestic Airport and the International Airport Terminal said they leave their fate to God.

"It is all in God's hands now. We know the He has the best plan for each one of us," echoed the employees.

Michel Manzano, who works for the airline's airport service department, said up to now she could not accept that the airline she loved most would stop operation. Having a retired PAL pilot for a father, she told the Standard that PAL is like a family already.

"It is like a member of our family, that wherever we go, PAL is there to help and make us closer," said Manzano.

Tess Roque, airport's deputy customs collector for passenger services, said she is hoping that with the intervention of Malacañang, President Estrada car save PAL from folding up.
"I hope our President will do his