Gwen has "nothing against" Villarete

CEBU, Philippines – Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday said she has nothing against the appointment of Cebu City Planning and Development Coordinator Nigel Paul Villarete as the new general manager of the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA).

Garcia was in China when the MCIAA Board chose Villarete in a special meeting called by Department of Transportation and Communications Secretary Jose de Jesus in Manila.

She emphasized that process has been followed and she has nothing against Villarete contrary to some insinuations that she might block the appointment because Villarete was endorsed by Cebu City Rep. Tomas Osmeña, her known critic.

"All that I asked that the GM will be able to fulfill the qualifications that have been set as GM because that is not a sari-sari store that we are talking about," Garcia said.

MCIAA is a multi-billion peso facility earning more than a billion annually and a vital link from the Philippines to other destinations in the country, in Asia and even in the Middle East because of the direct international flights.

"I believe that is what Cebuanos would expect and as governor it's my responsibility to insist that we follow the proper procedure and that the qualifications expected of a general manager must be fulfilled by any applicant and I never mentioned a specific name," Garcia said.

Garcia did not endorse a specific applicant, saying she would not wish her actions to be affected or influenced by a particular bias for a particular person.

"My bias is for Cebu and for all Cebuanos. . .That is what I will continue to advocate, that we deserve only the best. Cebu deserves nothing but the best," she said.

Garcia clarified that it was a collective decision of the MCIAA Board and it was not about one person.

"That is a Board, it is not about one person, certainly not about me, it's about collective consensus of all members," Garcia said, adding that she respects the decision made in her absence.

Meanwhile, Garcia cited some achievements of outgoing airport general manager Danilo Francia as the challenges to Villarete when he assumes office.

Garcia said that Francia performed "admirably and commendably" in terms of increasing the international as well as domestic flights, increasing revenues and with the limited infrastructure facility that is available and installing an efficient process and system at the airport.

The airport was also cited as number four in terms of good corporate governance out of more than 300 government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCC) nationwide by the Institute of Corporate Directors.

"As in all situations where you follow someone who has set the grade and set the standard, ang mosunod duna gyud nay challenge, you have to be able to sustain what has been achieved," Garcia said.

Earlier, Garcia expressed hopes the position of general manager will not be politicized, just as the appointment of four new private sector representatives - Pericles Dakay, Roger Lim, Francis Monera and Melanie Ng - were not politicized.

Villarete reportedly has the support of Osmeña and endorsed by President Benigno Aquino III who sent a letter to the MCIAA Board. (FREEMAN)