By Billy Begas
Cavite Rep. Jolo Revilla lauded Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon for his swift and uncompromising action against five airport police officers who are allegedly in cahoots with overcharging taxi drivers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
“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,” said Revilla in a statement.
“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,” he added.
The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), through its Airport Police Department (APD), ordered the reassignment of airport police officers while a full investigation is being conducted. This stemmed from a viral video in which a taxi driver was caught charging P1,200 for a short terminal-to-terminal transfer.
The driver later admitted that he and the airport police officers are splitting the overcharged fare.
“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,” Revilla said.
“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,” he added.
Revilla also 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,” the solon added.
