The Civil Aeronautics Board is investigating if Cebu Pacific Air violated a government policy after a post went viral on social media showing passengers in panic and deplaning from the aircraft due to hot temperature inside a plane bound for Cebu.
The probe came following the directive of Department of Transportation undersecretary for aviation Capt. Manuel Antonio Tamayo to CAB officials to act accordingly if the airline is found to be liable on the matter.
"This pertains to a video posted on Facebook showing passengers of Cebu Pacific Flight 5J 575 bound for Cebu in panic, while forcing airline personnel to let them deplane from the aircraft," the DOTr said in a statement.
"In a statement, Atty. Wyrlou Samodio, Chief Legal Officer of CAB, has directed Cebu Pacific to investigate the matter thoroughly and submit an incident report within one (1) hour from notice."
Tamayo, in his directive, said should the DOTr and CAB find out that Cebu Pacific went beyond the prescribed two-hour period to deplane its passengers due to long tarmac delays, the airline shall be held liable for the penalty prescribed under the regulation.
"Further, if found to have violated the regulation, the pilot shall likewise be held liable as he has the obligation to order the deplaning. CAB shall indorse the case of the pilot to CAAP [Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines] for appropriate action, since the latter exercises jurisdiction over airmen," Tamayo said.
Tamayo said that his office will objectively monitor the incident and will update the public of any development.
The Cebu Pacific management issued a statement on Saturday, saying Flight 5J575 bound to Cebu from Manila encountered a delay due to debris that had to be cleared from the runway.
It admitted that during that time, one passenger fainted, prompting emergency medical assistance.
"Following reports from our crew that the cabin temperature was warm, Cebu Pacific decided to change the aircraft for the comfort of our passengers. Our cabin crew and ground personnel assisted all passengers and handled the transfer to the replacement aircraft," the airline explained.
The airline said the flight departed Manila at about 7:32 p.m. and landed safely in Cebu at 8:52 p.m.
"We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience these incidents may have caused and appeal for understanding," it added.
In a Facebook account post, Gin Durano, one of the passengers, said "Babies are crying, old people are complaining and there's a woman got suffocated and now she has oxygen on because she can't breathe. We've been here for more than an hour inside the plane. Freaking damn hot!"
"They didn't even do anything to deplane us until the woman pass out. I Super Love You Cebu Pacific!"
The flight was supposed to leave the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at 5:05 p.m.