Gov’t may intervene in PAL row – Escudero

By Maila Ager
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 16:04:00 08/02/2010

MANILA, Philippines—A government take-over of the flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) is one option available to address the ongoing labor dispute between its management and pilots, who left their work that resulted to a number of canceled flights, a senator said on Monday.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said a government take-over was provided for in the Constitution especially when the conflict was “imbued' with national interest.

“Possible at merong provision sa ilalim ng Saligang Batas na pwedeng magamit para dyan dahil ito ay imbued gaya ng nasabi ko with national interest at maari itong i-take-over sa utos ng DOLE Secretary. (A government take-over is possible and there's a provision in the Constitution that can be used for it because, as I've said, this is imbued with national interest. The DOLE Secretary may order the take-over,” said Escudero.

DOLE is Department of Labor and Employment.

But before resorting to this option, the senator said the DOLE may intervene in the dispute and order the pilots to return to work and this was provided for, he said, under the Labor Code.
But while he backed the government's decision to step into the dispute as it has affected the country's tourism, Escudero warned it against issuing threats against any person.

“Hindi magandang simulain ng anumang arbitration or pagre-referee ang pananakot kaugnay sa pagsasampa ng kaso. Siguro isa yan sa mga options pero hindi yan tamang sabihin pa o pagusapan (Threatening to file charges is not a good way to start any arbitration or refereeing. It is among the options but it is not proper to discuss it),” he further said.

Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr. is meanwhile pushing for a congressional inquiry on the issue to address the problem and prevent the same from happening again.

Revilla said he would file a resolution urging appropriate committees in the Senate to look into it.
“We must take immediate action to address the current situation and to prevent similar occurrences from happening in the future,” he said in a statement on Monday.

“PAL is a national symbol, the reputation of which must be protected. It is a reflection of our nation and may be considered a national patrimony. Thus, the cancellation of its flights is not only detrimental to the PAL's management but also to the image of our country,” Revilla added.