MANILA – Xiamen Air has already paid the Philippine government some P16 million, and is set to pay another P16 million more for the costs incurred in clearing the airline’s plane from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
At a press conference in Pasay City on Wednesday, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal said Xiamen already wired P16 million earlier this month.
“Sila po ay nag-deposito na… Money transfer, around mga more or less… More than P16 million ang unang tranche ho nila,” said Monreal.
According to Monreal, the initial payment covered charges for costs incurred when Xiamen Air Flight MF8667 skidded off the Runway 06/24 of the NAIA in August, causing several other flights to be canceled and delayed, and leaving thousands of passengers stranded.
“Nag-commit po na magbayad agad ‘yung pamunuan ng Xiamen doon sa first two bases of the charges. Nandun lahat ‘yung mga gastos,” he said, noting that commitment was made during a meeting with Xiamen officials in Manila earlier this month.
“Meron na ho kaming dokumento at hindi na ho namin kailangan bigyan ng supporting documents dahil they all agree that those charges are really due to them,” he said.
Aside from this, Monreal said the MIAA expects to receive another P16 million, from additional charges for the mishap.
“Humihingi po sila ng dokumento to support the charges, which we did already,” he said.
“In-endorse na ho namin sa office nila dito ay ‘yung office ho nila, ipapadala sa main office nila wherein the delegation also committed that as soon as they validate all the charges, they will pay that portion – maybe tantamount to another P16 something million,” elaborated Monreal.
Monreal said the MIAA is also coordinating with Xiamen to review the lost opportunities during the time its plane caused delays and cancellations at the NAIA.
“‘Yan po ay pinag-uusapan namin na kung babayaran o hindi, or in some way or another form,” he said.
According to Monreal, Xiamen is looking at conducting corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in the Philippines in support of the country.
“They really want to show their sincerity and support. Nangako ho na pangkalahatan ay may gagawin silang CSR,” said Monreal.
“Puwedeng gawin in terms of material things, material help na ibibigay sa Pilipinas. As soon as we have those commitments, we’ll definitely let you know,” he added. (GMA News)
