Editorial: Reycat's radar

Friday, February 3, 2012

AS BUSY as the real one that is helping planes land and take off at the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport, the one by Reynaldo Catacutan, the implacable vice president of the Clark International Airport, is clearly focused on one target: the one a notch above him.

His latest reading from his radar is that CIAC President Victor Jose Luciano is, in his own angry words, is not yet off the hook over the issue of alleged cable theft inside the aviation complex.

Have something to report? Tell us in text, photos or videos.

Catacutan's judgment contradicts squarely that of Luciano's contention that he has been cleared by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines-Office of the Transportation Security.

The difference between innocence and guilt here could be a hair-splitting technicality, whatever its import or lack thereof. The fact is Luciano is back on the saddle after taking a temporary leave in view of the controversy.

Catacutan has reportedly been eyeing Luciano's position. If that is the case, then his motive for his raising hell over the cable theft is suspect. It is imaginable that he is willing to throw everything at his target – the book and the kitchen sink – just to get his objective.

Or Catacutan may just be displaying an uncompromising stand against what he believes are unmistakable irregularities in his place of work in line with his benefactor's own anti-corruption drive in government, President Benigno Aquino Jr.

Catacutan, however, may be long in words and short in action by merely being dismissive about Luciano's claim of innocence vis-a-vis an official finding that purportedly cleared him of any responsibility whatsoever on the cable theft issue.

From where he sits or stands, Catacutan should know that he can on his own bring his case before the proper forum, especially his insinuation of administrative and criminal culpability of Luciano.

There is, for instance, the Ombudsman as a logical forum for his redress.

Catacutan need not also be reminded that he is a member of a team called CIAC, which is governed by a board.

It is a source of wonder why Catacutan hasn't effectively marshaled his argument, proof, credibility and clout in one sweep to convince the board to do something about his plaint against Luciano, considering the gravity of what he has been saying all this time.

It's more than just a veep peeve, and no one seems to listen.