The times they are a-changing

Even before the official turnover of management of the NAIA/NNIC, I had been receiving complaints, suggestions and all sorts of other feedback. However, unless the input is a security concern, I much rather that the new management discover things by themselves so they don’t feel over-burdened or pressured.

Last week, however, I received what amounts to a white paper from a very credible source at the airport. To be honest, the claims the person made in the two-pager are common knowledge to employees of the NAIA. I actually checked with several veteran journalists and reporters and they all confirmed the claims and then some.

What follows is the unedited report that my source sent to me:

The dark side of the airport press: Corruption and abuse

The media has long been heralded as the “fourth estate,” a crucial pillar of democracy tasked with keeping the powerful accountable, providing citizens with accurate information and fostering informed debate. But like any institution, the news media, including the Airport Press, is not immune to corruption and abuse.

The Airport Press has been in existence since the 1960s, with representatives from the country’s major broadsheets and TV networks, most of whom have a deep background in aviation, customs regulations and immigration laws. Over the years, the number of reporters covering the airport beat grew to include representatives from radio, websites and even social media. Unfortunately, many of the new writers and reporters lack a basic understanding of airport operations and aviation jargon.

Smuggling operations

In the past, smuggling at the airport terminals was rampant, with some members of the airport media complicit in facilitating these illegal activities. Certain airport media personnel were known to assist in the release of highly taxable goods, including gadgets, electronics and fashion accessories, right at the terminals in plain view.

Today, with the Bureau of Customs implementing stricter measures like the installation of X-ray machines at the baggage breakdown area, the overt smuggling has diminished. However, the practice has not disappeared entirely – it has simply adapted. Enterprising members of the media now collude with officials and personnel in the X-ray scanning unit. The system works as follows: the scanning unit marks bags or boxes with questionable contents before releasing them to the baggage carousel. When these marked items reach the customs examiners, they are subjected to a strict inspection.

Smugglers often use easily identifiable luggage to carry their items, making it simple for the scanning unit to know which bags to clear, even if they contain highly taxable goods. Without any marks, these bags can be wheeled out of the terminal without issue. In exchange for turning a blind eye, airport media and corrupt customs officials usually exchange bribes through digital transactions.

Escort service and human smuggling

Another dark chapter in airport corruption involves the rise in illegal Chinese workers entering the country. This was made possible with the help of complicit airport media and ranking officials in the Bureau of Immigration. The process involves the use of the airport’s Meet and Greet services to escort passengers through the airport.

Media personnel instruct the Meet and Greet staff to guide these passengers to specific immigration counters, where officers who are part of the syndicate await. The rate for such facilitation ranges from $400 to $1,000 per passenger. The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) keeps records of all Meet and Greet assistance, including the names of passengers and facilitators, but this data is rarely examined in detail, allowing the practice to continue largely unchecked.

The orbit: media’s self-serving practices

Of the approximately 18 members of the Airport Press, only three regularly go to the airport daily. The rest operate under a system known as “Ponente,” where one member writes an article and shares it with the others. Rather than pursuing investigative journalism, many airport press members visit the airport primarily on Fridays – not to gather news, but to collect grease money from their contacts in customs and immigration at the international terminals and warehouses.

The Airport Press, once a respected entity with a specialized focus on aviation and customs reporting, has seen its integrity eroded by corruption and abuse. Smuggling and human trafficking continue to flourish under the cover of media complicity, with dishonest reporters and officials exploiting their positions for personal gain.

These practices tarnish not only the credibility of airport journalism but also undermine the integrity of the country’s customs and immigration systems. To restore trust and accountability, there is a pressing need for reform and oversight of both media and public officials operating in such critical areas of governance.

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What’s interesting is that representatives of the Korean partner/consultant of NNIC, which is the Incheon International Airport Corporation of South Korea, were “surprised,” actually puzzled why members of media had access to all areas as well as the sensitive areas such as the primary baggage X-Ray, the “tube” where passengers get off airplanes, as well as warehouses. People involved with providing “Passes” or passenger assistance or “escort” have long wondered why previous NAIA management extended such courtesies even in the face of reports of abuse and corruption.

This situation reminds me of a time when a lady assistant secretary at the LTO asked for advice concerning how to stop certain  “media” from being LTO fixers, using LTO office equipment and supplies and turning their Press Office into a business address. As scared as she was, she shut down the Press Office and not a peep was heard from anyone.

Judging from everything going on, the “airport media,” even former VIPs and government officials, will soon be going through the eye of the needle. No more galavanting in restricted areas. No more Press Office at NNIC. Strict screening of accreditation and endorsements from editors and publishers. Rotation of assigned personnel and no fixed “ airport beat.” Requests for Access Pass will be restricted to “official business and media events” only.

That, dear friends, is the meaning of “UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT.”

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