Airport Police Department (Photo via Ariel Fernandez / MANILA BULLETIN)
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Friday, June 20, pledged a thorough and impartial investigation into an alleged bribery scheme involving personnel of the Airport Police Department (APD) who were accused of collecting payments from taxi drivers for unauthorized access to airport passenger pick-up areas at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines said the MIAA has formed a dedicated Investigating Committee under its Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID) to ensure a fair and credible inquiry of the case.
“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 chief pointed out.
He said the MIAA has also coordinated with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to verify questionable ticket violations allegedly issued to taxi drivers at the airport.
He said such review aims to determine whether such citations were legitimate or used to coerce drivers into illicit arrangements.
Earlier, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said five APD personnel were suspended after being accused of accepting cash from taxi drivers so they could enter passenger pick-up areas at NAIA. The racket was blamed by some taxi drivers for the absurdly high taxi fares at the airport.
Ines said he supports Dizon's directive to eliminate all forms of corruption and abuse within the country’s transportation systems.
“The MIAA underscores its commitment to ensuring that the investigation is conducted with full transparency, due process, and fairness. While the allegations are grave, the MIAA affirms its continued trust in the many honest and dedicated men and women within the APD who remain committed to serving the public with integrity,” Ines said.
Meanwhile, Ines said the MIAA will implement stricter internal policies aligned with Civil Service regulations to reinforce accountability and integrity within its ranks.
“Personnel found guilty of violating these policies will face appropriate administrative sanctions, including fines and possible dismissal, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures,” he stated.