MIAA faces Ombudsman complaint over cargo firm’s debt
According to the complaint, an MIAA statement of account showed Cargohaus owed the government P3,773,190,396.37 for using various airport spaces.
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According to the complaint, an MIAA statement of account showed Cargohaus owed the government P3,773,190,396.37 for using various airport spaces.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Monday pledged to cooperate fully with the Office of the Ombudsman following a formal complaint alleging that airport management failed to collect nearly P4 billion in facility fees from a private logistics company.
The complaint, filed by Atty. Carlo Ybañez, urges anti-graft investigators to look into MIAA’s failure to collect an estimated P4 billion from Cargohaus Inc., a private firm that continues to utilize airport facilities.
According to the complaint, an MIAA statement of account showed Cargohaus owed the government P3,773,190,396.37 for using various airport spaces.
The document further alleged that the unpaid balances may span several years and suggested that the company received preferential treatment by being allowed to operate despite the ballooning debt.
“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,” Ybañez wrote in his letter to the Ombudsman.
He added that the alleged financial mismanagement between both parties could amount to plunder.
The complaint also seeks an inquiry into the specific role of MIAA general manager Eric Ines regarding the uncollected debt.
In response, MIAA issued a statement confirming it has taken note of the media reports regarding the Ombudsman filing.
MIAA assured the public that any actions concerning the Cargohaus account or its continued lease of airport spaces will comply strictly with the law, governing contracts, and board approvals.
“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,” MIAA said.
MIAA added that it remains committed to safeguarding government interests and ensuring the lawful assessment and collection of all dues.
Officials declined to comment further on the specific merits of the allegations, citing the active nature of the official proceedings, but promised to provide all requested documents to the Ombudsman.
Ines also declined to comment on the active case but maintained that all of MIAA’s financial evaluations are conducted in good faith.
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