Abusive diplomat asked to leave NAIA

MANILA, Philippines - A unidentified foreign diplomat was asked to leave the departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 Friday morning after KLM Royal Dutch Airlines officials complained about his alleged abuse of authority and illegally entering the KLM check-in counter.

In a report to their office, KLM assistant station manager Lourdes Reyes said she was called by Vince Bernabe, check-in counter supervisor, because someone who they presumed was from the Polish embassy based on documents presented to them, had “unreasonable” demands.

The official was not a passenger and was only assisting his parents, who were to travel to Poland. The diplomat, who went into the check-in counter, was asking that payment for the excess baggage of his parents be waived, using his privileges as a KLM gold cardholder.

But when Reyes, who is also the president of the Airline Operators Council at the NAIA, tried to speak to the official to explain how the waiving of fees for extra baggage works, he refused to listen and instead demanded to speak to the president of KLM.

According to Reyes, the diplomat threatened to report them to the authorities. She asked for the diplomat’s identification but he refused to give his name and failed to show proof that he was a passenger.

Reyes then advised the official that she would call security to escort him from the check-in counter since he had no business being there in the first place because he was not a passenger.

Reyes also said “if his parents needed assistance, because both of them could not speak English, I will arrange for it.”

While waiting for the airport policemen, the diplomat was given two options regarding his parents’ extra baggage: pay $100 or take the bag with him.

At this point, the diplomat slammed two 50 euro bills on the counter and asked Reyes to exchange the currency at a bank. Reyes then told the diplomat that he should be the one to go to the bank.

To end the problem, the diplomat’s parents paid for the extra charges.

Airport security officials wanted to have the diplomat interrogated for “illegal entry” but as soon as they reached the exit, the official hurriedly boarded a taxicab waiting outside.

The KLM management assured Reyes of their support.