Mactan-Cebu airport GM suspended for alleged anti-dummy law violation

Ombudsman Samuel Martires has ordered the six-month suspension, without pay, of Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Steve Dicdican over an alleged violation of the Anti-Dummy Law.

Dicdican, who also faces administrative charges for grave misconduct, gross neglect of duty, and conduct prejudicial to the best interest of the service, is likewise prohibited from entering his office to prevent him from interfering with the pending case, Martires said in an order dated Dec. 16.

The Ombudsman said "evidence on record suggests that the evidence of guilt is strong."

Earlier this month, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) filed criminal complaints against Dicdican, officers of GMR Megawide Cebu Airport Corp., (GMCAC) and 11 foreign nationals over allegations that foreigners are operating the MCIA.

They are accused of violating Section 2-A of the Anti-Dummy Law, which prohibits arrangements that would allow otherwise unqualified persons to exploit properties or businesses reserved by the Constitution to Filipinos.

Also, the NBI alleged that Dicdican and the other respondents "conspired, connived, colluded, schemed and acted together to violate the 1987 Constitution and the Anti-Dummy Law."

Citing the account of the complainant, the NBI said the MCIA is operated and managed by foreigners with the knowledge and approval of the Filipino officers of the MCIAA and GMCAC.

"Evidence submitted by the complainant and gathered by the investigators showed that the foreign nationals were actually performing executive and managerial positions," the NBI said. —LBG, GMA News