Sen. Santiago files P1.6M suit vs. American Airlines

A P1.6-million damage suit was filed by Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago against American Airlines over a flight delay, which made her miss important appointments in Manila two years ago. 

Santiago in her complaint filed on June 28 is demanding the airline firm to pay her the said amount plus a $250 for actual damages.

It was learned that Santiago traveled to the United States  sometime in 2008 as part of a tour arrange for her by the Philippine government in connection with her campaign for a seat in the International Court of Justice.

Based on her flight schedule, she will board an American Airline flight from New York to Los Angeles (LA) and board a Philippine Airline flight from LA to Manila.

Unfortunately she was informed that the American Airline flight from New York-Los Angeles would be delayed, prompting the Senator to ask the defendant airline to transfer her to another flight in order for her to catch her Manila flight but she was told that all flights are full.

Santiago was forced to wait but during her stay, the Senator suffered sinusitis attack caused by the airport airconditioner. Santiago through her assistance again asked the American Airline personnel if they have a facility where she could take a rest, instead she was directed to a lounge at the airport.

Santiago in her complaint stated that because of the delay caused by the defendant airlines she missed her schedule of important appointments with legal consultants, diplomats and business leaders to discuss vital legislative measures of national interest scheduled for plenary debate in the senate.

This is aside from the illness the veteran lawmaker suffered during the whole ordeal.

“Plaintiff also suffered moral trauma from the lack of courtesy and total disrespect demonstrated by the defendant’s employees towards a highly-regarded government official of the Republic of the Philippines,” the complaint stated.

Santiago is demanding American Airlines to pay P1 million for moral damages, P500,000 for exemplary damages and P100,000 for attorney’s fee.       (by: Jefferson Antiporda, Manila Times)