Press Release
November 4, 2015

Nancy finds DOTC action on 'laglag bala' lacking
Pushes for creation of agency solely devoted to airport operations

Senator Nancy Binay challenged the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) to do a 'total shake up' of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) organization to truly curb the alleged 'laglag bala' scam.

"The current public outcry and international humiliation over the laglag bala or tanim bala modus operandi at the NAIA requires more than just conducting investigations, setting up additional CCTVs and changing procedures. We should implement immediate and lasting measures, protocols and policies that can protect passengers' rights and appease their anxieties," Senator Binay said.

The lady senator said that DOTC's attached agency Office for Transportation Security (OTS) and the Philippine National Police - Aviation Security Group (PNP-AVSEGROUP) have failed to stop the scam, following increasing reports of the incident.

"Kapansin-pansin na ang kawalan ng tiwala ng mga pashero na lilipad sa NAIA. Kung anu-ano na ang kanilang ginagawa para lang protektahan ang kanilang mga sarili sa laglag bala. Dapat nang mahinto ito," the lady senator added.

"Sa aking pananaw, whether it's isolated or not, the mere fact na may isang kaso na nagaganap dapat mabilisan ang aksyon para masugpo at mabigyan ng solusyon yung mga ganitong isyu. Hindi naman porke't isa lang o dalawa lang, wala nang gagawin. May isang report na ganyan pa lang, dapat aksyon kaagad ang ginagawa ng ating pamahalaan," Binay said.

After filing Senate Resolution No. 1637 or a resolution calling for a Senate inquiry into the increasing incidents of laglag bala, the lady senator also urged her colleagues to review Executive Order 778, the order which created the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), and its charter.

"According to EO 778, the MIAA is the administrative authority over NAIA. However, our other airports have different operators. Sa bawat airport, iba ang protocol at mga procedures. Iba-iba ang kalakaran."

With this situation, the lady senator stressed the need for a central agency that will standardize and coordinate all airport operations, alongside other government agencies serving their mandates at airports like the Customs, Immigration, etc.

In the mean time, Senator Binay suggested that the DOTC should launch a task force to immediately act on the laglag bala modus operandi and in straightening out the coordination in between agencies like the OTS and the PNP-AVSEGROUP.

"Given the urgency and gravity of the issue, I suggest that a task force be enacted to govern over airport concerns. Such a move will also be helpful in strengthening ties with other government agencies as we prepare for the possible implementation of a central airport authority." The lady senator said.

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