Malacañang has launched an investigation into the bollards installed at Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) following a tragic incident that claimed two lives, including a five-year-old girl, after a speeding SUV rammed through the barriers on Sunday.
Press Officer Undersecretary Atty. Claire Castro said the safety posts, which failed to prevent the vehicle from reaching waiting passengers, were installed in July 2019 during the term of former Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade.
“It’s heartbreaking that lives were lost due to what appears to be defective bollards,” Castro said, noting that the President has instructed agencies to inspect and replace the barriers as soon as possible for public safety.
Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, who personally visited the site after the incident, confirmed that the existing bollards did not seem sturdy enough to withstand such impact. He has been directed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to initiate reforms and ensure accountability.
Tugade, for his part, said he welcomes a thorough and impartial investigation. “I fully support a full, fair, and transparent investigation on the matter of the NAIA bollards,” he said, adding that any government personnel or private contractors proven negligent should face criminal charges and be blacklisted from future government dealings.
President Marcos also reiterated his call for immediate action to avoid similar tragedies, emphasizing that lives must be protected and those at fault must be held responsible.
