MIAA probes airport staff over fake transport scheme

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Friday said it is investigating the possible involvement of airport personnel in a scheme of solicitors and fake transport operators targeting passengers and foreign tourists at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). 

In a televised interview, MIAA General Manager Eric Ines stated that the operation includes solicitors who pose as airport workers that trick passengers into riding unauthorized vehicles at higher rates. 

"The real source of that, there are probably people inside, that's what we're trying to prove now. Secretary Vince Dizon [Department of Transportation Secretary] is angry that they might be accomplices or protectors," Ines said.

He explained that these solicitors or contractors usually approach who appear to be in need of a ride, presenting fake rate sheets.  The MIAA General Manager reminded that there are designated areas for Transportation Network Vehicle Services (TNVS) with the official rates.

“What they did, the fake drivers, they're holding a rate sheet that shows a higher fare than what the accredited ones really charge,” he said. “We saw the logo, it’s from 2015 or 2016, and they’re still using the Department of Tourism logo. Of course, not many people know the new NAIA logo, and we’re not the ones who release that.”

Taxis accredited by NAIA are also not exempt from the growing list of transport violations. 

According to Ines, some yellow and metered taxis operating from airport terminals have been caught using tampered meters, expired or fake licenses. 

He cited a recent incident where a tourist was being charged P800 for a trip to Makati from the airport. When the tourist refused to pay the fare, the taxi driver locked the vehicle door.

"But maybe the driver sensed something… I don’t know why the driver came back… He was caught. We confiscated the license, the vehicle was impounded."

MIAA is in coordination with the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group, the Land Transportation Office, and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board for further investigation. 

Ines encouraged victims to report such incidents to authorities or post them on social media to aid in their investigation.

"I’ve been here for the last 53 years, we just can’t pinpoint [accomplices inside the airport] because we don’t have evidence, and no one wants to complain. That’s one of our drawbacks, so now we’re urging the victims, if possible, even if they just post it on their FB [Facebook] or whatever, so we can go after them, we need something to work with," Ines said.