MANILA, Philippines – Former Asian Spirit president Antonio Buendia has stepped down from his post as the chief of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
CAAP Spokesperson Eric Apolonio confirmed in a phone interview that Buendia submitted his resignation letter last August 19.
"His resignation was announced during the flag-raising ceremony last August 22. We were not given the reason why," Apolonio said.
He added that CAAP deputy director for operations Jim Sydiongco will act as officer-in-charge while the government looks for a replacement.
"If no replacement, Sydiongco is qualified to be the director general, because he flew planes before," Apolonio said.
Buendia, who has 43 years of civil aviation experience, was also president of the Philippine Aerospace Development Corporation.
Former CAAP director general William K. Hotchkiss III said of his successor, "Coming from the aviation industry, Director General Buendia knows what is needed to sustain and even to propel the industry forward and farther."– Chrisee Dela Paz/Rappler.com