Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Eric Jose Ines said they have received reports of serious allegations involving five members of its Airport Police Department (APD), who were allegedly accepting payments from taxi drivers in exchange for unauthorized access to airport passenger pick-up areas.
In view of this, Ines has pledged a thorough and impartial investigation in line with the directive of Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon to eliminate all forms of corruption and abuse within the country’s transportation systems.
As of this writing, it was learned that as an immediate measure, the five APD personnel named in the initial report have been relieved of their posts pending the results of an administrative investigation.
Ines underscored the MIAA’s commitment to ensuring that the investigation is conducted with full transparency, due process, and fairness.
While the allegations are grave, Ines affirms MIAA’s continued trust in the many honest and dedicated men and women within the APD who remain committed to serving the public with integrity.
Ines added that the MIAA is 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. 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,” said Ines.
Meanwhile, Ines said the MIAA has also formed a dedicated Investigating Committee under its Intelligence and Investigation Division (IID).
This committee, he said, 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 and is meant to ensure a fair and credible inquiry.
