By Nancy C. Carvajal, Sara Pacia, Philip Tubeza
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 07:37:00 04/28/2011
MANILA, Philippines—It’s status quo for now at the Philippine Airlines.
“No strike yet, for now everything remains the same and we are directed to submit our position papers on the issue not later than May 9,” said Gerry Rivera, president of the Philippine Airlines Employees Association (PALEA).
The National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) conducted the first arbitration hearing between PAL management and employees Wednesday.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz earlier handed over the labor dispute to the NLRC for compulsory arbitration.
PALEA had accused PAL management of refusal to enter into a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) and filed a notice of strike at the Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), but this was stopped by Baldoz.
PALEA wanted to include the issue of contractualization in the CBA talks but this was rejected by PAL management.
PAL president Jaime J. Bautista, who attended the hearing, said they are willing to talk with the airline’s labor union.
However, Bautista said PAL would still push through with the outsourcing of its in-flight catering, airline service and call center reservations.
He said it would be absurd for the PAL management to agree to include the “spin-off” issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DoLE and Malacañang to proceed with the plan.
“We should not include any more a case which has been decided. Let us honor the decision of DoLE and the President,” he said.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Spin-off can’t be undone, PAL insists
by Eric B. Apolonio
Manila Standard Today
Philippine Airlines on Wednesday maintained its position that a new collective bargaining agreement with its ground workers’ union should not include discussions on the ‘spin-off’ issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission, PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.”
The Labor department under President Arroyo and even President Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs, Bautista stressed.
While the ‘spin-off’ will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers, Bautista said.
“No man will be left behind,” he said. “Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline.”
Bautista also belied claims by the PAL employees association that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA.
He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board. “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.
He added that it will be absurd for the PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and Malacanang to proceed with the same.
Manila Standard Today
Philippine Airlines on Wednesday maintained its position that a new collective bargaining agreement with its ground workers’ union should not include discussions on the ‘spin-off’ issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission, PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.”
The Labor department under President Arroyo and even President Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs, Bautista stressed.
While the ‘spin-off’ will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers, Bautista said.
“No man will be left behind,” he said. “Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline.”
Bautista also belied claims by the PAL employees association that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA.
He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board. “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.
He added that it will be absurd for the PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and Malacanang to proceed with the same.
PAL stands firm on spin-off issue
By Rudy Santos
(The Philippine Star)
Updated April 28, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) maintained its position yesterday that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its ground union should not include discussions on the ‘spin-off’ issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), PAL president and COO Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving PAL’s catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.”
“The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during the time of President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo and even President (Benigno Simeon) Aquino recognized PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs,” Bautista stressed.
He explained that while the ‘spin-off’ will result in the early retirement of
some 2,600 PAL ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers. “No man will be left behind. Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline,” Bautista said.
He also belied claims by the union that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA as claimed by leaders of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA).
He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB). “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.
He added that it will be absurd for PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and Malacañang to proceed with the same.
(The Philippine Star)
Updated April 28, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) maintained its position yesterday that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its ground union should not include discussions on the ‘spin-off’ issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), PAL president and COO Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving PAL’s catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.”
“The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) during the time of President (Gloria Macapagal) Arroyo and even President (Benigno Simeon) Aquino recognized PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs,” Bautista stressed.
He explained that while the ‘spin-off’ will result in the early retirement of
some 2,600 PAL ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers. “No man will be left behind. Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline,” Bautista said.
He also belied claims by the union that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA as claimed by leaders of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA).
He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB). “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.
He added that it will be absurd for PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and Malacañang to proceed with the same.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011
PAL firm CBA talks must not include issue of spinoff
Wednesday, 27 April 2011 19:37 Sara Susanne D. Fabunan / Correspondent
Business Mirror
FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) maintained its position Wednesday that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its ground union should not include discussions on the issue of the planned spinoff of several services.
Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spinoff plan involving PAL’s catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.” The decision has already been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
“The Department of Labor and Employment [DOLE] during the time of President [Gloria] Arroyo and even President Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long-term survival and save jobs,” Bautista stressed.
He explained that while the planned spinoff will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 PAL workers, these employees will be absorbed or hired by third-party service providers.
“No man will be left behind. Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them while the remaining 5,000 workers will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline,” Bautista said.
He also belied claims by the union that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA as claimed by leaders of the PAL Employees Association.
Bautista said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the CBA on March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board. “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.
He added that it will be illogical for the PAL management to agree to include the spinoff issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and the administration to proceed with the same.
Business Mirror
FLAG carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) maintained its position Wednesday that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its ground union should not include discussions on the issue of the planned spinoff of several services.
Appearing before the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), PAL president and chief operating officer Jaime J. Bautista reiterated the flag carrier’s position that the spinoff plan involving PAL’s catering, call center reservations and groundhandling departments “is firm, non-negotiable and therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants.” The decision has already been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
“The Department of Labor and Employment [DOLE] during the time of President [Gloria] Arroyo and even President Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long-term survival and save jobs,” Bautista stressed.
He explained that while the planned spinoff will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 PAL workers, these employees will be absorbed or hired by third-party service providers.
“No man will be left behind. Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them while the remaining 5,000 workers will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline,” Bautista said.
He also belied claims by the union that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA as claimed by leaders of the PAL Employees Association.
Bautista said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the CBA on March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board. “This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” he stressed.
He added that it will be illogical for the PAL management to agree to include the spinoff issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DOLE and the administration to proceed with the same.
PAL stands firm on ‘spin-off’ stance
By LESLIE ANN G. AQUINO
April 27, 2011, 6:50pm
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Airlines (PAL) Wednesday maintained its position that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its ground union should not include discussions on the “spin-off” issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
PAL President and COO Jaime J. Bautista, in a statement, said the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving PAL’s Catering, Call Center Reservations, and ground-handling departments remains firm, non-negotiable, and “therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants”.
“The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), during the time of President [Gloria Macapagal] Arroyo and even President [Benigno Simeon] Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs,” he said.
Bautista said although the “spin-off” will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 PAL ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers.
“No man will be left behind. Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline,” he said.
Bautista then belied claims by the union that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA as claimed by leaders of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA).
He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
“This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” said Bautista.
He added that it will be absurd for the PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DoLE and Malacañang to proceed with the same.
April 27, 2011, 6:50pm
Manila Bulletin
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Airlines (PAL) Wednesday maintained its position that a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with its ground union should not include discussions on the “spin-off” issue as the same has been upheld as a legal and valid exercise of management prerogative.
PAL President and COO Jaime J. Bautista, in a statement, said the flag carrier’s position that the spin-off plan involving PAL’s Catering, Call Center Reservations, and ground-handling departments remains firm, non-negotiable, and “therefore cannot be part of a new CBA that the union wants”.
“The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE), during the time of President [Gloria Macapagal] Arroyo and even President [Benigno Simeon] Aquino recognized the PAL management’s right to restructure its operations to ensure long term survival and save jobs,” he said.
Bautista said although the “spin-off” will result in the early retirement of some 2,600 PAL ground workers, these employees will be absorbed/hired by third party service providers.
“No man will be left behind. Those who are willing to work for the service providers have secure jobs waiting for them, while the remaining 5,000 workers of PAL will have a better chance of keeping their jobs in the leaner but meaner airline,” he said.
Bautista then belied claims by the union that management refuses to convene negotiations for a new CBA as claimed by leaders of the PAL Employees Association (PALEA).
He said PAL submitted its counter proposal to the collective bargaining agreement last March 28 at the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB).
“This is the best proof that PAL is willing to negotiate with its union,” said Bautista.
He added that it will be absurd for the PAL management to agree to include the ‘spin-off’ issue in the CBA negotiations when it has already secured the green light from DoLE and Malacañang to proceed with the same.
Thursday, April 21, 2011
PAL expects passenger volume to increase this year
By Mary Ann Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated April 21, 2011 12:00 AM
MANILA, Philippines - The number of Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers flying this Holy Week is expected to increase slightly compared to last year, as the flag carrier maintains its regular domestic and international schedules with minor adjustments in domestic flights on Good Friday and Black Saturday.
From April 17 (Palm Sunday) to April 24 (Easter Sunday), PAL expects to fly close to 200,000 passengers throughout its network of 26 international and 20 domestic destinations.
The flag carrier’s international passengers are expected to exceed 90,000 - a five percent increase compared to 2010. Total domestic passengers are expected to reach about 100,000.
Last year, actual domestic passengers flown were 97,838. The positive passenger numbers indicate continuing confidence in the flag carrier despite many challenges.
All flights for Holy Week - except 16 domestic flights - will follow published schedules.
In observance of Good Friday and Black Saturday, the following will not be operated: April 22 - PR131/132 & PR157/158 (Manila-Bacolod, vice versa); PR849/850 & PR855/856 (Manila-Cebu, v.v.); PR185/186 & PR281/282 (Manila-Cagayan de Oro, v.v.); PR187/188 (Manila-Cotabato, v.v.); PR821/822 (Manila-Davao, v.v.); PR139/140 & PR143/144 (Manila-Iloilo, v.v.); PR393/394 (Manila-Tacloban, v.v.); and PR123/124 (Manila-Zamboanga, v.v.)
April 23 - PR843/844 (Manila-Cebu, v.v.); PR181/182 (Manila-Cagayan de Oro, v.v.); PR139/140 & PR143/144 (Manila-Iloilo, v.v.)
PAL employees who are required to report for duty between April 21 (Maundy Thursday) and April 24 (Easter Sunday) shall receive special incentive pay.
PAL is giving the additional P700 per day on top of the daily rate, holiday pay (double the daily rate) and overtime to those required to work during the holidays. This includes pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, administrative personnel and management officials. The extra remuneration is being given as part of PAL’s 70th anniversary celebration.
MANILA, Philippines - The number of Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers flying this Holy Week is expected to increase slightly compared to last year, as the flag carrier maintains its regular domestic and international schedules with minor adjustments in domestic flights on Good Friday and Black Saturday.
From April 17 (Palm Sunday) to April 24 (Easter Sunday), PAL expects to fly close to 200,000 passengers throughout its network of 26 international and 20 domestic destinations.
The flag carrier’s international passengers are expected to exceed 90,000 - a five percent increase compared to 2010. Total domestic passengers are expected to reach about 100,000.
Last year, actual domestic passengers flown were 97,838. The positive passenger numbers indicate continuing confidence in the flag carrier despite many challenges.
All flights for Holy Week - except 16 domestic flights - will follow published schedules.
In observance of Good Friday and Black Saturday, the following will not be operated: April 22 - PR131/132 & PR157/158 (Manila-Bacolod, vice versa); PR849/850 & PR855/856 (Manila-Cebu, v.v.); PR185/186 & PR281/282 (Manila-Cagayan de Oro, v.v.); PR187/188 (Manila-Cotabato, v.v.); PR821/822 (Manila-Davao, v.v.); PR139/140 & PR143/144 (Manila-Iloilo, v.v.); PR393/394 (Manila-Tacloban, v.v.); and PR123/124 (Manila-Zamboanga, v.v.)
April 23 - PR843/844 (Manila-Cebu, v.v.); PR181/182 (Manila-Cagayan de Oro, v.v.); PR139/140 & PR143/144 (Manila-Iloilo, v.v.)
PAL employees who are required to report for duty between April 21 (Maundy Thursday) and April 24 (Easter Sunday) shall receive special incentive pay.
PAL is giving the additional P700 per day on top of the daily rate, holiday pay (double the daily rate) and overtime to those required to work during the holidays. This includes pilots, flight attendants, ground staff, administrative personnel and management officials. The extra remuneration is being given as part of PAL’s 70th anniversary celebration.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Birds strike instead of PAL employees
SPY BITS By Babe Romualdez (The Philippine Star) Updated April 19, 2011 12:00 AM
Last Friday, PAL’s brand new Boeing 777 got struck by a bird shortly before landing at the Vancouver International Airport. Fortunately, no one got hurt, but chaos and havoc naturally reigned when the plane’s return flight PR 117 to Manila had to be cancelled. The incident inevitably made PAL’s flight PR 107 from Las Vegas via Vancouver to become overbooked for its return flight to Manila. As of this writing, PAL’s Boeing 777 is still on the ground waiting for an engine howling part to be replaced. Unbelievably, the said part could not be secured immediately despite the fact that Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state is just a hop away across the border from Vancouver.
While PAL has been able to avert strike threats from employees after talks brokered by the Department of Labor and Employment repeatedly failed, it seems the flag carrier can’t do much about bird strikes. The fowl that hit the plane was most likely a Canadian goose, but the real albatross that hangs on the head of PAL is the fact that their brand new Boeing 777 jets are still barred from entering the United States because for some unknown reason, the Philippines’ category 2 rating from the Federal Aviation Authority has not been lifted despite the fact that the issues involved have nothing to do with PAL’s excellent safety and maintenance record – which certainly is better than most US airlines.
In any case, climate change and early bird migration is probably the reason why there seems to be a growing incidence of bird strikes reported in the western hemisphere. Also recently, a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong bound for San Francisco had to be diverted to Vancouver because the plane hit a flock of birds. There has been some conjecture about the design of Boeing’s engines due to several bird strike incidents showing the birds being sucked in and getting rotated in the engine fan blades, thereby causing what is called a cascading failure. According to experts, this type of bird strike, which is also called “avian ingestion” for obvious reasons, mostly happens during takeoff when the plane is on a low altitude and the engine is turning at a very rapid rate.
These bird strikes have caused a lot of damage to the whole airline industry estimated at $1.2 billion yearly. This is also probably the worst time of the year for airlines because a lot of bird migration occurs due to seasonal changes with spring now heralding a much warmer weather.
It can be recalled that in 2009, a domestic US Airways flight 1549 (from La Guardia airport in New York and headed for North Carolina) suffered total engine failure six minutes after takeoff when a flock of Canadian geese hit the engines. The pilot, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, successfully ditched his aircraft over the Hudson River with no casualties whatsoever – an unprecedented feat that turned him into a hero. The incident has since been called the “Miracle on the Hudson,” and consequently described as “the most successful ditching in aviation history.” Captain Sully has since retired from US Airways a year after the incident but continues to be an active airline safety advocate.
The incident also triggered calls for the Federal Aviation Authority to similarly ditch its proposal that would prevent access to a critical database on the number of bird strikes that have been happening. The public outcry to release such records compelled US president Barack Obama to release a memo which partly read, “The government should not keep information confidential merely because public officials might be embarrassed by disclosure, because errors and failures might be revealed, or because of speculative or abstract fears.”
Lorenzo’s oil
With the recent filing of plunder charges against former Agriculture Secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo by the Office of the Ombudsman, you would think the former Cabinet Official would be losing most of his friends overnight. Fortunately for Cito, a number of his friends have decided to rally behind him because many of them strongly feel that he is just being made a scapegoat. Close friends of the former Agriculture Secretary vowed to keep the “oil” burning until he is completely exonerated and cleared of all the charges.
Not-so-holy alliance
Opposition Congressman and RH bill main proponent Edcel Lagman found himself in a “not-so-holy” alliance with President Noynoy Aquino who recently declared at the UP graduation exercises that he is determined to push the Reproductive Health bill despite the threat of excommunication by the Catholic Church. A number of people who did not vote for P-Noy have also decided to take a stand and rally behind the beleaguered president. They, too, are ready “to be excommunicated” – or so they declare!
Spy Tidbit
– Former president Joseph Estrada celebrated his 74th birthday with former cabinet officials and a small group of friends at his new condo penthouse unit in Mandaluyong. Erap has definitely decided to sell his house in Polk St. in Greenhills, San Juan. Like most retirees, the former president has also decided to downsize.
Spy Bits note: We will be taking time off for the Holy Week starting this Thursday and will be back next Tuesday. Have a blessed Holy Week!
Last Friday, PAL’s brand new Boeing 777 got struck by a bird shortly before landing at the Vancouver International Airport. Fortunately, no one got hurt, but chaos and havoc naturally reigned when the plane’s return flight PR 117 to Manila had to be cancelled. The incident inevitably made PAL’s flight PR 107 from Las Vegas via Vancouver to become overbooked for its return flight to Manila. As of this writing, PAL’s Boeing 777 is still on the ground waiting for an engine howling part to be replaced. Unbelievably, the said part could not be secured immediately despite the fact that Boeing’s Everett factory in Washington state is just a hop away across the border from Vancouver.
While PAL has been able to avert strike threats from employees after talks brokered by the Department of Labor and Employment repeatedly failed, it seems the flag carrier can’t do much about bird strikes. The fowl that hit the plane was most likely a Canadian goose, but the real albatross that hangs on the head of PAL is the fact that their brand new Boeing 777 jets are still barred from entering the United States because for some unknown reason, the Philippines’ category 2 rating from the Federal Aviation Authority has not been lifted despite the fact that the issues involved have nothing to do with PAL’s excellent safety and maintenance record – which certainly is better than most US airlines.
In any case, climate change and early bird migration is probably the reason why there seems to be a growing incidence of bird strikes reported in the western hemisphere. Also recently, a Cathay Pacific flight from Hong Kong bound for San Francisco had to be diverted to Vancouver because the plane hit a flock of birds. There has been some conjecture about the design of Boeing’s engines due to several bird strike incidents showing the birds being sucked in and getting rotated in the engine fan blades, thereby causing what is called a cascading failure. According to experts, this type of bird strike, which is also called “avian ingestion” for obvious reasons, mostly happens during takeoff when the plane is on a low altitude and the engine is turning at a very rapid rate.
These bird strikes have caused a lot of damage to the whole airline industry estimated at $1.2 billion yearly. This is also probably the worst time of the year for airlines because a lot of bird migration occurs due to seasonal changes with spring now heralding a much warmer weather.
It can be recalled that in 2009, a domestic US Airways flight 1549 (from La Guardia airport in New York and headed for North Carolina) suffered total engine failure six minutes after takeoff when a flock of Canadian geese hit the engines. The pilot, Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger, successfully ditched his aircraft over the Hudson River with no casualties whatsoever – an unprecedented feat that turned him into a hero. The incident has since been called the “Miracle on the Hudson,” and consequently described as “the most successful ditching in aviation history.” Captain Sully has since retired from US Airways a year after the incident but continues to be an active airline safety advocate.
The incident also triggered calls for the Federal Aviation Authority to similarly ditch its proposal that would prevent access to a critical database on the number of bird strikes that have been happening. The public outcry to release such records compelled US president Barack Obama to release a memo which partly read, “The government should not keep information confidential merely because public officials might be embarrassed by disclosure, because errors and failures might be revealed, or because of speculative or abstract fears.”
Lorenzo’s oil
With the recent filing of plunder charges against former Agriculture Secretary Luis “Cito” Lorenzo by the Office of the Ombudsman, you would think the former Cabinet Official would be losing most of his friends overnight. Fortunately for Cito, a number of his friends have decided to rally behind him because many of them strongly feel that he is just being made a scapegoat. Close friends of the former Agriculture Secretary vowed to keep the “oil” burning until he is completely exonerated and cleared of all the charges.
Not-so-holy alliance
Opposition Congressman and RH bill main proponent Edcel Lagman found himself in a “not-so-holy” alliance with President Noynoy Aquino who recently declared at the UP graduation exercises that he is determined to push the Reproductive Health bill despite the threat of excommunication by the Catholic Church. A number of people who did not vote for P-Noy have also decided to take a stand and rally behind the beleaguered president. They, too, are ready “to be excommunicated” – or so they declare!
Spy Tidbit
– Former president Joseph Estrada celebrated his 74th birthday with former cabinet officials and a small group of friends at his new condo penthouse unit in Mandaluyong. Erap has definitely decided to sell his house in Polk St. in Greenhills, San Juan. Like most retirees, the former president has also decided to downsize.
Spy Bits note: We will be taking time off for the Holy Week starting this Thursday and will be back next Tuesday. Have a blessed Holy Week!
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