STEP UP. A janitorial services employee cleans the glass windows at the airport in this undated photo. The Manila International Airport Authority is in charge of their contracts, even when the private operator comes in, MIAA acting general manager Eric Ines said. (Photo from NAIA's Facebook page)
MANILA – The head of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Tuesday urged sanitation teams at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to step up in doing their work if they wanted their contracts renewed.
MIAA acting general manager Eric Jose Ines' remarks came as the country's main gateway recently drew flak when several video footage emerged on social media showing the presence of a rat, cockroaches and bed bugs.
"I encourage both the janitorial services and the pest control contractors to step up. We are going to review their contracts," Ines told the Philippine News Agency.
Ines also clarified that contrary to a press release, he did not say that the sanitation workers could be blacklisted if found inefficient.
NAIA will soon be managed by a private operator. However, since the janitorial and pest control contractors are not employees of the MIAA, they are not included in the personnel who could choose to transfer employment or stay with the MIAA.
Ines said the MIAA is in charge of their contracts, and there are no talks yet regarding the process if the private operator would like to add or has a preferred janitorial firm.
In a press release, the MIAA said Ines met with terminal administrators, service contractors, and health experts from the Bureau of Quarantine and MIAA Medical to review the current state of sanitation services across all NAIA terminals.
The MIAA is also set to revise the terms of reference for service contracts, imposing stiffer and higher penalties for liquidated damages. Contractors are also asked to submit weekly and monthly commitments of work to be done.
Allaying fears
Airport janitress Rose Rebana said rumors are circulating among her co-workers that those who are 50 years old and above would automatically be relieved of their duties.
Ines assured that such a rumor is not true.
Rebana said they are hopeful the management would see that they have been doing their work well.
Meanwhile, Ines said he is open to hold a dialogue with Congress should he get summoned for a hearing.
"I would tell them the truth if they ask me in the Congress," Ines said. (PNA)
