The driver of the SUV that slammed into the pedestrian area of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1 on May 4, leading to the deaths of a 29-year-old man and a five-year-old girl, has been released on bail. The Pasay City Regional Trial Court set the bail at ₱100,000 for Leo Gonzales, 47, who now faces charges of reckless imprudence resulting in double homicide, multiple injuries, and property damage.
Gonzales’ release comes after tests confirmed he was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol during the incident. However, questions persist regarding his claim that he accidentally accelerated after being startled by a passing sedan, with CCTV footage showing no obstruction in front of his vehicle.
The tragic crash has also sparked public concern over the effectiveness of the bollards installed at NAIA Terminal 1, which were meant to prevent vehicles from entering pedestrian areas but failed to stop the SUV. These bollards, installed in 2019 for ₱8 million, have come under scrutiny for their design and depth of installation.
In response, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered an investigation into the incident, prompting the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and San Miguel Corporation, the airport’s operator, to conduct a review of the bollards’ specifications. Safety experts have since highlighted the importance of properly installed high-security bollards, which should be embedded at a depth of at least 24 inches, with some recommending 48 inches for enhanced protection.
