|
Saturday, June 24, 2006
Nalzaro: MCIAA controversy
By Bobby Nalzaro
A member of the board of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) reacted to my column last Monday that discussed the predicament of former MCIAA public affairs chief Ahmed Cuizon, whom I likened to a “stray dog.” Cuizon was placed on floating status and denied his salary by MCIAA General Manager Adelberto Yap after he reported for work last month following a six-month leave.
The board member, who did not want to be named, gave me insights on what is happening in the airport. In the spirit of fair play, I will discuss the reaction of the board member to the predicament of Cuizon, who has applied for the post Yap is holding now.
The official said that Cuizon was transferred from the public affairs department because of conflict of interest. They found out that he also worked as consultant and received honorarium from the Lapu-Lapu City Government.
When the conflict between Lapu-Lapu City and MCIAA on the alleged non-payment of taxes cropped up and triggered a series of protest actions by City Hall supporters, Ahmed was nowhere to be found. He did not issue any statement criticizing the actuation of the Lapu-Lapu City Government. Ahmed was “sleeping with the enemy,” the board member said.
But Ahmed said he performed his duties well as public information officer under OIC general manager Marcelino Cordova. In fact, his performance was rated “very satisfactory” that year and he received a productivity bonus.
Another issue hurled against Ahmed is that he reportedly used the name of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to get the post of general manager. His wife is working with Margot Osmeña.
Well, I don't care whether Ahmed is qualified for the post or not. But why make his employment at the airport miserable by placing him on floating status and withholding his salary when he has not committed any grave offense?
If he committed an infraction now, then by all means Yap should sanction him. But why punish him for something that happened several years ago?
I also learned that it's not only Ahmed whom Yap harassed. MCIAA administrative officer Rogelio Yaun, who filed graft charges against him, was also persecuted. He was reportedly assigned to Camotes islands, although was able to secure a temporary restraining order.
Yap has also withheld the salaries of two other division chiefs. Is he that vindictive that whoever crosses his path he considers them his enemy? As a retired Air Force general, Yap should have acted like a true officer and gentleman. What is he thinking of himself now, God?
(bgnalzaro@gmanetwork.com/ 0918-2198333)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 24, 2006 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board.Click here.
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
[network page]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
SUPERBALITA
WEEKEND
|
