FILE PHOTO: Senator Grace Poe calls for improved services at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport during a plenary session on December 12, 2022. On Monday, February 6, 2023, Poe filed Senate Resolution No 463 seeking a secure baggage and passenger system at airports across the country. (Bibo Nueva España/Senate PRIB)
MANILA, Philippines — Senator Grace Poe filed Senate Resolution No. 463 on Monday to ensure the security of both baggage and passengers at airports all over the nation.
The move was spurred by the news of the “bukas maleta” (open suitcase or open luggage) modus at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), which has caused alarm. The resolution is meant to create a more creative and secure system at all airports.
“There are numerous reports concerning stolen items and damaged luggage of air passengers upon arriving at NAIA,” she stated in her resolution.
“‘Bukas Maleta’ incidents in our airports should not be the norm and must be properly addressed by the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, in accordance with the redress provided under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights and the Montreal Convention, for the peace of mind of all air passengers sojourning in our airports,” added Poe, chair of the Senate committee on public services.
Current protocols in taking care of passenger luggage, said Poe, must be assessed and intensified as negative incidents reinforce the country’s “unfortunate image as the world’s worst airport.”
READ: NAIA third most stressful airport in Asia – study
She said that such incidents affect the country’s economy and reputation in a negative way, which may discourage foreign tourists and investors from entering the Philippines.
Last year, Poe called on the government to address services and congestion issues at the Naia.
READ: Poe calls on gov’t to address congestion, services problems at Naia
Poe is in favor of privatizing Naia operations.
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