The Department of Justice (DOJ) left it to the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and the Commission on Audit (COA) to determine on the utilization of unrefunded passenger service expenses (PSCs) and airline tickets held by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).
In an opinion dated July 25, 2023, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla stated the queries made by the MIAA relating to the remittance and allocation of presidency funds and earnings fall beneath the DBM, whereas the utilization of presidency funds can be handled finally by the COA.
“Sound administrative practice, more than official courtesy, demands that the DBM and the COA should be accorded first the opportunity to consider and resolve the issue presented,” the choice learn.
“This time-honored policy is dictated not only by practical consideration but out of due respect and deference for the competence, expertise on, as well as familiarity with, the policies relating to the subject and the rightful exercise of jurisdiction by a co-equal and coordinate branch of government,” it added.
The opinion was made after MIAA, headed by common supervisor Cesar Chiong, sought steering on some P1.2 billion of unrefunded PSCs, of which solely P26,000 had been claimed for refund as of March 31, 2023.
In his opinion, Remulla stated that whereas the unrefunded PSCs are thought-about authorities funds, these are held by MIAA merely as custodian to handle the refund claims, and as a trustee on behalf of the passengers, and subsequently not free to unilaterally make the most of such funds.
“This Department recognizes the need to upgrade the MIAA’s facilities. For this reason, it is suggested that the MIAA seek the opinion of the DBM or the COA on this matter,” he stated.
The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board, chaired by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., earlier this month opted to push by with plans to denationalise NAIA by a solicited bid with the upfront cost value now being studied and initially estimated at P30 billion.
This comes after the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) in June submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board looking for a non-public concession to take a position and enhance the NAIA for 15 years. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
Source: www.gmanetwork.com
