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MANILA - Malacanang has ordered a stop to the practice of airlines shouldering the overtime pay of government personnel deployed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
In a letter to the Board of Airline Representatives and Airline Operators Council dated August 3, Transport Secretary Manuel "Mar" Roxas said President Benigno Aquino III wants a stop to the practice of private companies subsidizing the overtime pay of Customs, immigration and quarantine personnel.
The order came after airlines complained about the practice.
Alfredo Herrera, chief marketing and sales officer of Zest Airways Inc. told Interaksyon.com that the airline has been paying the government personnel, with the rates varying with the time and station.
In a text message, Candice Iyog, Cebu Pacific vice president for marketing and distribution, said the airline will comply with the Palace directive.
"As a member of BAR, we are also taking the BAR's position in this memo from Secretary Roxas. It is the first written confirmation that we've seen. We will comply with the directive of Secretary Roxas," she said, adding that the BAR will meet on the matter next week.
Customs Commissioner Rufino Biazon told Interaksyon.com that he already issued instructions for the bureau to assume payment of Customs personnel’s overtime.
"We will ensure the policy is implemented. We have requested budget for additional staff, awaiting for final appropriation," Biazon added.
In March, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima directed Customs officials to stop charging overtime pay to local and international airlines after operations shifted to 24/7.
Despite the order from the Department of Finance, local and foreign airlines continued with their subsidy.
The complaint was brought to the attention of the President in a meeting of the Cabine Economic Cluster.
"Pursuant to the President’s directive, the concerned Cabinet secretaries agreed to adopt a policy wherein a 24/7 shifting schedule will be implemented and the government will fully finance the services rendered by the government employees in international airports," Roxas’ letter read.
He said government agencies that serve international airports should field ample personnel to minimize overtime pay.
"We also request that you report us any violation of this policy, including any work stoppage, work slow-down or any form of action that affects the efficiency of their services, to enable the agencies concerned to implement corrective action," Roxas said.
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