NAIA personnel probed over transport racket

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is investigating the possible involvement of airport personnel in a scheme using solicitors and fake transport operators to scam passengers and tourists at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In an interview, MIAA General Manager Eric Ines said solicitors posing as airport workers have been deceiving passengers into boarding unauthorized vehicles for inflated 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) is angry that they might be accomplices or protectors,” Ines said.

The individuals reportedly approach travelers and present outdated rate sheets featuring old logos from the Department of Tourism, often unfamiliar to foreign visitors.

“What they did, the fake drivers, they’re holding a rate sheet that shows a higher fare than what the accredited ones really charge,” Ines said. “We saw the logo, it’s from 2015 or 2016... and we’re not the ones who release that.”

Even accredited taxis are being scrutinized. Some yellow and metered taxis have been found using tampered meters or operating with expired or fake licenses.

Ines recounted one incident where a tourist was charged P800 for a trip to Makati. When the tourist refused to pay, the driver locked the doors — until police intervened.

MIAA is working with the PNP-Aviation Security Group, the Land Transportation Office, and the LTFRB for further investigation.

Ines urged victims to report such incidents or post them on social media. “We need something to work with,” he said. “That’s one of our drawbacks — no one wants to complain.”