MANILA, Philippines – A high ranking official of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) has surfaced to clear his name after he was linked to a scam involving the issuance of fake pilot’s licenses.

CAAP deputy director-general for operations Daniel Dimagiba has denied the allegations.

Dimagiba said he already met with agents of the National Bureau of Investigations (NBI) and likewise submitted samples of his signatures.

He said it was proven that his signatures found on the fake papers used by pilots with bogus licenses were forged.

He believes that his name was dragged into the mess so he, being an organic staff, won't be considered to replace of CAAP director general Alfonso Cusi.

He recalled that his name was implicated in a similar controversy in the 1990’s when a foreigner was found to have fake pilot license.

However, he said no official or employee was ever prosecuted, and syndicates continue to fake pilot’s documents.

He suggested that the computerization of CAAP, and stricter examinations like what the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) is doing, would make it harder for syndicates to continue with their operation of faking licenses.

Earlier this week, Capt. Raul Trinidad, the technical adviser of CAAP’s office of the director-general vowed to audit all flying schools after some students were found to be using fake licenses.

He said CAAP will close down aviation schools that are turning into diploma mills for pilots.