MIAA assists NNIC in landside control, fight vs. erring drivers
Naia Terminal 1 (INQUIRER FILE PHOTO)
MANILA – Despite the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) taking over the operations and maintenance of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) since September, the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) continues to help them in airside traffic control, MIAA General Manager Eric Ines said on Tuesday.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon has ordered a full crackdown on overcharging taxis at NAIA, asking the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and Land Transportation Office to coordinate with MIAA and NNIC to catch erring drivers.
“The MIAA Airport Police Department and mobile teams are in charge of the operations. We are still helping the NNIC in landside traffic control,” Ines told the Philippine News Agency in an interview.
He said erring drivers were caught before the airport’s privatization, when MIAA was still in charge of taxi accreditation.
“Sayang, pag ine-endorse namin ‘yung mga nahuhuli ay hindi naman gumagalaw ng proper action ang mga dapat na agencies na mag-disiplina (It’s unfortunate that when we endorse those who are caught, the agencies that are supposed to discipline them don’t take proper action),” he lamented.
Ines added that usually, those caught by the MIAA traffic police were colorum (unregistered) and those who parked illegally.
Probe ongoing
The NNIC said it is investigating a recent incident involving a metered taxi that allegedly charged over PHP1,200 for a short trip between Terminals 3 and 2. The video of the incident became viral.
It is reviewing security footage to determine how and where the unauthorized pickup occurred, given that metered taxis are allowed entry strictly for drop-offs.
“Initial findings confirm that the vehicle involved is not among the accredited transport providers authorized to pick up passengers at the airport,” the statement read.
Only accredited Transport Network Vehicle Services, such as Grab and Joyride Super Taxi, are allowed to pick up passengers at the NAIA. These operate from a centralized hub at Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
For Terminals 1 and 2, passengers are advised to use only official and accredited transport services with booths at the arrival curbside. They can also use ride-hailing apps and proceed to their designated pickup points.
“We are reviewing additional measures to strengthen enforcement, including tighter monitoring of drop-offs, improved curbside surveillance and closer coordination with transport authorities,” the NNIC said.
The NNIC reminds passengers that free inter-terminal shuttle buses are available every 15 minutes, operating on a continuous loop throughout the day.
