‘Cancel taxi concessions at NAIA’

Airport General Manager Edgardo Manda proposed yesterday to cancel all taxi concession contracts at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and allow all transport operators to do business at the NAIA.

"I want all taxi concession contracts of taxi operators canceled to level the playing field so that the business is not cornered by favored operators," Manda said.

Manda made the decision following the issuance of a temporary restraining order for 17 other operators to cease operations and allow Caravan Transport to operate exclusively.

In a press statement, Manda also aid he will spare no one as the NAIA administration goes all-out against criminality and illegal activities in 2002.

Manda said criminal and administrative charges will be filed against any employee who will be caught in any unlawful act or proven to be engaged in it.

Manda stressed that dismissal will be among the very first options should evidence warrant. He said the campaign covers each and every employee of the NAIA.

Earlier, Manda ordered specific waiting slots for all taxi concessionaires outside the terminal building to decongest the NAIA arrival lobby. However, Caravan contested his order in court, resulting in the issuance of the restraining order.

The court order so angered Manda that he announced during a press briefing the cancellation of all taxi concessions, and the opening of the airport to free-for-all competition. The only permit needed is for a taxi operator to secure approval from the Department of Transportation and Communications to operate at the NAIA.

According to Manda however, taxis allowed to operate will have higher flagdown rates. — Rey Arquiza