Gov't Takeover of PAL? Not Again

Malaya

Sunday, September 20, 1998

Opinion

By Jesus C. Sison

The case of the Philippine Airlines is an example of dictatorship of some labor unions. PAL Chairman Lucio Tan said that he was closing down PAL effective Sept. 23. As of this writing, it seems that Lucio Tan has already made up his mind. His decision will adversely affect not only the PAL domestic service but also its international flights. In short, the closure of PAL will set back the country’s economic well being. In certain cases like PAL, it seems that labor unions want to dominate management.

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Oh, no, not again. I'm against the government takeover of the PAL. Last time the government operated PAL, it got burned severely. Besides, a government takeover will be against the policy of privatization.

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President Joseph Estrada and former President Fidel V. Ramos met again the other day at the practice run of a coach of the Metrorail Transit III. If Erap Estrada and FVR can forge a government of unity, many problems can be resolved. We have to support President Estrada. After all, it is also our necks which are at stake.

A majority of the Philippine Airlines employees who did not join the strikes are complaining that they are victims of circumstances since they, too, will become jobless. There were innocent by-standers whose only desire is to work and get paid so they will have something to feed their families. Some 9,000 workers of PAL will become jobless because of the PAL decision to close down on Sept. 23. Iyan ba ang gusto nilang mangyari?