The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Monday assured the public that any action involving Cargohaus Inc.'s account or its continued use of airport facilities will be undertaken only in accordance with the law, existing contracts and the authority's approved policies.

In a statement, MIAA said it has taken note of reports regarding a complaint reportedly filed before the Office of the Ombudsman concerning Cargohaus' account.

The authority said it remains committed to protecting government interests and ensuring the lawful assessment and collection of all amounts due to MIAA.

According to MIAA, the account has been under continuing legal and financial review to determine the proper computation of the authority's receivables in light of legal and contractual issues affecting the account.

MIAA also said it will fully cooperate with the Office of the Ombudsman by providing documents and other assistance that may be lawfully requested during its investigation.

The authority declined to comment further on the allegations, saying the matter is now the subject of official proceedings and remains under evaluation.

Meanwhile, lawyer Carlo Ybañez has urged the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate the alleged failure of MIAA to collect payments from logistics firm Cargohaus.

In his complaint, Ybañez asked the Ombudsman to examine MIAA's alleged failure to collect about P4 billion in fees and other charges from the company.

The complaint cited MIAA's statement of account, which allegedly showed Cargohaus had unpaid obligations totaling P3,773,190,396.37 for the use of various airport facilities.

"The amount, if accurate, is substantial public money that should be accounted for and collected unless there is a lawful, documented, and duly approved basis for non-collection," the complaint stated.

It also alleged that Cargohaus' unpaid obligations may have accumulated over several years.

Ybañez further asked the Ombudsman to investigate MIAA's alleged preferential treatment of Cargohaus, claiming the company continued using airport facilities despite its outstanding financial obligations.

The complaint also sought an investigation into the role of MIAA General Manager Eric Ines in the alleged failure to collect the company's obligations.

It further alleged that the circumstances surrounding the case could warrant investigation for possible plunder.

"Given the reported amount involved, the public character of the assets, and the possible involvement of officials occupying supervisory or policy-making positions, this matter certainly falls within the class of complaints that deserves immediate and preferential attention," the complaint stated.

For his part, Ines declined to comment on the allegations, saying the matter is already under separate investigation.

He, however, maintained that all financial statements issued by MIAA were prepared in good faith and based on the authority's evaluation.

"The account has been the subject of continuing legal and financial evaluation and discussions to determine the proper computation of the Authority's receivables, in view of the legal and contractual issues affecting the account," Ines said.