The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is set to implement stricter internal policies against personnel involved in extortion, theft, bribery, and other illegal activities and irregularities that put the country’s premier airport in a bad light.
“To reinforce accountability and integrity within its ranks, the MIAA will implement stricter internal policies aligned with Civil Service regulations. Personnel found guilty of violating these policies will face appropriate administrative sanctions, including fines and possible dismissal, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures,” MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines said in a statement.
This follows reports that five members of the Airport Police Department (APD) assigned to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 were implicated in a 60/40 extortion scheme involving taxi drivers.
“To ensure a fair and credible inquiry, the MIAA has also formed a dedicated Investigating Committee under its Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID). This committee is tasked with gathering evidence, conducting interviews, and submitting formal recommendations to ensure that those responsible are held fully accountable and to prevent similar incidents in the future,” the MIAA said.
Ines pledged a thorough and impartial investigation, in line with the directive of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon to eliminate all forms of corruption and abuse within the country’s transportation systems.
As an immediate measure, the five APD personnel named in the initial report were relieved of their posts pending the results of an administrative investigation.
MIAA is likewise working with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to verify reports of questionable ticket violations allegedly issued to taxi drivers at the airport. This review aims to determine whether such citations were legitimate or used to coerce drivers into illicit arrangements.
