MIAA suspends pass issuance

May 19, 2018

Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal has signed a Memorandum reiterating strict adherence to agency's policies and regulations on the use of access Identification Cards (IDs) it issued to all airport employees and stakeholders.

The order is pursuant to Department of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade's instruction for MIAA to take drastic measures to ensure that its access control system is not violated. The order came following a recent smuggling attempt by a Bureau of Customs supervisor.

Monreal's memorandum reminds airport employees and stakeholders to confine their movements within areas indicated on their access card or duty pass. The access privilege granted to employees cannot be used to assist, meet or send-off a passenger. It is only intended to enable them to carry out their duties as airport workers in their respective work stations.

"I will be deploying a special team to monitor compliance to the guidelines. Outright confiscation of the access card shall be done if anyone is caught violating. I will be designating confiscating officers to carry this out," Monreal stressed.

MIAA Memorandum Circular No. 14-H Series of 2010 prescribes the policies and guidelines on the grant, issuance and use of MIAA permanent access cards and visitors pass. Penalties on their improper use range from suspension to cancellation of the access privilege and perpetual ban from NAIA premises.

The airport chief's order also suspends the issuance of visitor's pass issued to individuals who wish to meet or send-off family, friends or relatives.

According to Monreal, the temporary suspension shall also give MIAA time to revisit its policies and regulations on its issuance.

"Observations, comments and suggestions from recent security assessments conducted by foreign transport departments shall help us in the review process. They are valuable inputs in the enhancement of the security features of our visitors pass," Monreal explained.

While the visitors pass issuance is suspended, Monreal said that those who wish to have their family, friends and relatives assisted can avail the services of the MIAA Public Affairs office through its Meet and Assist Service.

Visitors pass for purpose of meeting official guests of government shall be subject to submission of an official request signed by the head of agency or his authorized representative and subject to approval of the Office of the General Manager. DMS