PAL: Protesters have no right to hamper our business operations

Manila Bulletin
October 23, 2011
By Emmie V. Abadilla

MANILA, Philippines — Protesters encamped at Philippine Airlines (PAL)'s Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 2 Inflight Center are hampering the flag-carrier’s business, blocking the entrances and exits, harassing service providers and setting up barricades and an illegal "checkpoint."

But "while they're contesting their separation from the company, they have no right whatsoever to prevent PAL employees and designated service providers from using the Inflight Center," stressed PAL counsel Clara de Castro.

The protesting former workers of PAL have been separated from the airline as of October 1, 2011. Since September 27, right after the former PAL workers' wildcat strike, they camped in front of the facility and blocked legitimate PAL employees and vehicles from going in and out of the premises.

PAL's Inflight Center is home to PAL's Cabin Services Department and the former PAL kitchen which shall be taken over by its new service provider, SkyKitchen Philippines, Inc.

"Apart from the usual heckling and other acts of harassment, the protesters have also set up barricades and an illegal 'checkpoint',” she explained. “Drivers of PAL, its suppliers, service providers and even garbage collectors are harassed to yield to illegal inspections of their vehicles before they are allowed to enter or exit the gate."

"These acts, taken together, constitute an illegal blockade of a privately-owned enterprise. They are in fact taking the law into their own hands by so doing. PAL is being prevented from performing its day-to-day business for which it will definitely sue for damages," according to the counsel.”

Already, Judge Maria Rosario Ragasa of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court's Branch 108 issued an order the other day (October 20, 2011) stating that the status quo at the time of the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)’s effectivity be maintained.

The order further stated that protesting workers "promised not to do anything that would aggravate the present situation."

In that case, protesters should follow the judge's orders and respect PAL's right to free and unhampered use of its own facilities.

"After all, there's no question that PAL is the owner of the facility and the building is essential to its operations," De Castro remarked.

Both local and foreign businessmen are closely watching developments in the PAL case.

“This is more than just a turf war between PAL and its terminated employees. When a mob is allowed to prevent the country's flag carrier from conducting its business, this has wider implications for the economy and the country's attractiveness as an investment destination," she concluded.