PAL settles P6B in unpaid dues to gov’t

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) on Friday settled in full P6 billion in unpaid navigational charges to the government, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said.

In a statement, the department said PAL vice president for Legal Affairs Clara de Castro brought the company checks to the office of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) in Pasay City to settle its obligations.

“The check amounting to P5,677,887,615 was turned over to CAAP chief accountant Raul Eusebio,” it said.

“On the other hand, the check worth P258,594,230.33, net of taxes, was turned over to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) assistant general manager for Finance and Administration Arlene Britanico,” the DOTr added.

The payments were made nearly a month after the DOTr accepted PAL’s offer to pay in full the P6 billion of claims in favor of CAAP and MIAA.

The check payments were witnessed by Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Manuel Antonio Tamayo, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs and Procurement Reinier Paul Yebra, and Assistant Secretary for Communications Leah Quiambao.

PAL made the payments a month earlier than the deadline in December. — Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News