Poe urges DOTr, MIAA to address ‘Bukas Maleta’ incidents

Senator Grace Poe filed a resolution urging the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to address the "Bukas Maleta" incidents at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

"'Bukas Maleta' incidents in our airports should not be the norm and must be properly address by the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, in accordance with the redress provided under the Air Passenger Bill of Rights and the Montreal Convention, for the peace of mind of all air passengers sojourning our airports," Poe said in proposed Resolution 463.

"Existing protocols in handling passenger baggage in airports must be evaluated and strengthened considering that these incidents reinforce our unfortunate image as the world's worst airport, and, ultimately, affect the country negatively," she added.

Poe cited numerous reports of stolen items and damaged luggage of air passengers upon arriving at NAIA, particularly the cases of passengers Efren San Seastian, Ady Cotoco, vlogger Vanjo Merano, and actress and Quezon City 5th District Councilor Aiko Melendez.

"These incidents prove that stolen and damaged baggage are a recurring problem at NAIA. As early as 2015, airport intelligence agents found [jewelry], wristwatches, blankets, and several padlocks inside the lockers of six baggage handlers at NAIA Terminal 3," Poe said.

The senator added that such incidents negatively affected the economy and the Philippines' reputation in the international community, ultimately discouraging foreign tourists and investors from entering the country. — DVM, GMA Integrated News