ERROR OF JUDGMENT on his part was the real
cause of the untimely demise of the late Secretary Lobredo!
Based
on the information that were made public, it is very clear that few minutes
after the plane left Mactan, Cebu
Airport, Secretary Lobredo, his
aide, the pilot and the student co- pilot knew that the Cessna plain was
encountering trouble. This is the reason
why they informed Mactan Airport that they were returning. This was the reason
why the staff of the late Secretary who was still in Cebu bought a plane ticket
and booked his flight late in the afternoon on the secretary’s order..
The
plane Captain Bahinting may had concealed
the fact that the Nepalese who serve as
the main pilot that time is only a
student pilot and that flight will serve as additional flying time required
of him to complete his schooling requirements. It was very deplorable that the
Civil Aviation Authority in Mactan Airport authorized the flight carrying VIP
passenger of the plane manned by a student pilot. This was clearly pointed-out
by the father of the Nepalese student pilot.
The crisis
situation that time demands fast assessment not only the pilots but of
Secretary Lobredo and his aide who
served as his VIP Security. Why they did not pursue the plan to return Mactan? Probably their judgments were erroneous.
Why they failed
to wear life saving devices? A parachute and a life jacket in case they land on
the sea. Why they are still locked with their seatbelts? Secretary Lobredo and
his VIP security had enough time to assess, discuss and prepare for whatever
eventuality. To the minimum, they should have worn the safety devices as
earlier mentioned. This time probably, the
man known for his preference to use slippers may have not put off his shoes.
His aid recounted his difficulty to take off his own shoes.
The VIP security
of the late Secretary Lobredo deserves the highest punishment for his failure
to secure the life of his boss. He was supposed to be in command in this
situation. He should have assisted his VIP to prepare. But nothing was done
despite of enough time available.
Disembarking
in the plane as it touches water was even taught to boy scouts and girl scouts.
Secretary Lobredo’s chief security knows this because he successfully did it. This
only shows gross neglect and failure to perform his function despite the ample
time available.
Secretary
Lobredo likewise, clearly erred in his judgments of the real situation and
failed to prepare for the worst eventuality. The pilot likewise did, but what
can you expect from a student pilot?”.
Secretary
Mar Roxas should also explain why as DOTC secretary he failed to review
existing system and administrative procedures in CAA office. Unluckily his most loyal man in the Aquino
administration died because of gross neglect at CAA , Mactan Airport.
