The Department of Transportation (DOTr) confirmed on Thursday that a formal investigation is now in progress over reports of a suspected extortion racket at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where certain airport security personnel are allegedly in collusion with abusive taxi drivers.
Speaking at a Malacañang press briefing, DOTr Secretary Vivencio Dizon revealed that, beyond the longstanding issue of taxi overcharging, a more troubling “60-40 extortion scheme” has come to light.
“We know that overcharging has been happening, but perhaps the most surprising information that we got is this 60-40 scheme that we are currently investigating,” Dizon said in Filipino. “Our investigation is ongoing and we will investigate both the side of the taxis and operators and more importantly, the airport police division of the MIAA (Manila International Airport Authority).”
The alleged scheme reportedly involves taxi drivers giving a cut of their earnings—possibly up to 40%—to airport personnel in exchange for access to prime passenger pick-up spots or for protection.
Dizon added that officials from the Office for Transportation Security, led by General Arthur Bisnar, and MIAA General Manager Eric Jose Ines are now spearheading the probe. He assured the public that updates will be shared as soon as results become available.
In a bid to address fare manipulation, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), in coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO), has also begun recalibrating airport taxi meters to ensure compliance with fare regulations.
“The LTFRB and LTO are there every day and I hope these abusive taxi drivers and their accomplices in the airport police will be scared because we will not stop. And if ever they get caught, we will not be lenient,” Dizon warned.
He confirmed that five individuals have already been relieved from their posts as part of the widening investigation.
