Cavite 1st district Rep. Jolo Revilla has hailed Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon for his swift crackdown against five airport police officers who are allegedly in cahoots with overcharging taxi drivers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

The move came after the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), through its Airport Police Department (APD), issued a relief order on June 19 reassigning the officers from their posts amid a full-blown investigation.

The action was prompted by a viral video in which a taxi driver was caught charging ₱1,200 for a short terminal-to-terminal transfer. The driver later admitted that the fare was split with airport police personnel.

“Secretary Vince Dizon’s swift response is both necessary and commendable. This isn’t just about one overpriced fare. It’s about dismantling a culture of corruption that targets travelers the moment they arrive on Philippine soil,” Revilla said.

Revilla emphasized that even isolated incidents like this inflict serious damage to the country’s reputation and public trust in airport institutions.

“Our airports are the face of the nation. When passengers are welcomed with scams and extortion, it reflects a broken system. Tourists don’t forget that experience—and neither do our hardworking OFWs who deserve better,” he said.

The recently reelected lawmaker warned that this case points to a broader, long-standing problem of abuse by rogue elements embedded in the country’s transport system.

“These incidents have been going on for far too long. Predatory behavior like this isn’t just a petty scam—it sabotages tourism, undermines investor confidence, and embarrasses the entire country,” Revilla said.

He called on airport authorities to expand surveillance operations, deploy undercover enforcement teams, and strengthen safeguards for passengers, especially at critical gateways like NAIA and major seaports.

Revilla also urged collaboration with private stakeholders and tech providers to enable real-time fare monitoring, digital receipts, and easily accessible complaint channels for passengers.

“The relief order is a strong first step—but it must not be the last. We need a sustained cleanup effort backed by transparency, technology, and political will. We must protect the integrity of our transport hubs at all costs,” he said.

“This is not just about restoring order—it’s about defending the dignity of the Filipino. When we act swiftly and decisively, as Secretary Dizon did, we show the world that corruption has no place at our nation’s front door,” Revilla added.