By Gabriela Baron
The Office of the Vice President (OVP) on Tuesday, May 18, categorically denied the claims made by a pilot who alleged that Vice President Leni Robredo requested for a priority landing in April at the Ninoy Aquino Airport (NAIA).
The OVP issued the statement after a Cebu Pacific pilot alleged in a now-deleted social media post that Robredo requested for priority landing, causing a diversion of flights at NAIA.
“This never happened and is a malicious fabrication,” OVP said.
“During her entire tenure as Vice President, VP Leni has never asked to be prioritized for taking off or landing when traveling by air. Any claim to the contrary is a lie,” it added.
The OVP also raised alarm that “disinformation and fake news being spread on social media against VP Leni continue unabated” even a week after the presidential elections.
“Lying, unfortunately, has become a full-blown industry in social media. VP Leni reiterated her commitment to take firm steps against disinformation and promote truthful public discourse,” it added.
In a separate statement, Cebu Pacific Vice President for Flight Operations Capt. Sam Avila said the pilot had no basis for his claim.
“Since becoming aware of the social media post by one of our pilots in reference to a flight of Vice President Leni Robredo, I confirm that the pilot has made it clear to us that he had no basis for his claim and was purely speculative and careless on his part,” Avila said.
“While the pilot posted his commentary on his own accord, a post he has since removed, on behalf of Cebu Pacific, and as Head of our Pilot Group, I take command responsibility and apologize unreservedly to the Vice President and the general public for the actions of our pilot,” he added. – ag
