PAL investigates pilot of controversial Bangkok-Manila flight

The Philippine Airlines (PAL) said on Tuesday that it was investigating one of its pilots who told passengers his life was more important than theirs.

PAL spokesperson Cielo Villaluna told GMA News Online in an e-mail that the internal investigation into Bangkok-to-Manila flight PR 731 would address the pilot's manner of communicating and the denied requests of passengers to deplane while ground crew assessed the plane.

"It is unfortunate that there was a deviation from the norm as far as communication is concerned. We apologize for the way it affected the sensibilities of passengers," Villaluna said.

Last February 21, flight PR 731 was supposed to take off from Bangkok at 1:50 p.m. But as the plane was taxing, it was forced to return to the ramp for an unspecified technical issue.

With passengers aboard the whole time and with the temperature in the plane reportedly getting uncomfortable, the issue was finally resolved by ground crew and the plane was ready to take off by 5 p.m.

"However, it was during this time that more than 60 passengers opted not to join the flight and to deplane," Villaluna recounted in her e-mail.

It was also at this point that the pilot, Capt. Filemon Tacan, told passengers that his life was more important than theirs in an attempt to reassure them of their safety.

"My life is more important than your life. That's why I always consider my life more [important] than anybody. That's why I will not lie to you. Otherwise I won't be with you," Tacan told to passengers.

The whole exchange was recorded on video, which was then posted on YouTube.

In a statement, Villaluna said that PAL management had reminded staff to use standard announcements at all times, especially during emergencies. — DVM/KG, GMA News