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MIAA said VIP services were coordinated with government agencies that screen travelers and that penalties were in place to avoid abuse.

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<p>MANILA — The P800 that the Manila International Airport Authority used to collect for VIP service at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport did not allow passengers to bypass security procedures, it clarified Saturday.</p><p>The VIP service, which concessionaire New NAIA Infra Corp. is hiking the fee to P8,000 for, has been in the news because of reforms that the private firm is implementing.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/10/10/new-naia-management-implements-customized-fees-for-vip-services-1340">• P800 lang VIP na? NAIA management tightens airport VIP services to prevent &#x27;misuse&#x27;</a></div><p>&quot;Historically, the service was a privilege given by MIAA free of charge, primarily in the name of public service, to uphold reciprocity arrangements with counterpart agencies and foreign governments,&quot; MIAA said, adding it was made available for a fee in 2013.</p><p>It added that the service &quot;particularly its Meet-and-Assist Service (MAAS) strictly adhered to Customs, Immigration, Quarantine and Security (CIQS) protocols, fully compliant with established airline and government regulations, and was designed to enhance passenger experience.&quot;</p><p>MIAA said VIP services were coordinated with government agencies that screen travelers. It added the airport authority also instituted penalties to discourage abuse of the VIP system.</p><p>VIP courtesies are generally extended to high-ranking officials, foreign dignitaries, and officials with critical roles.</p><div><a class="fr-strong fr-green" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/01/05/24/bi-tells-ofws-30-mins-immigration-waiting-or-less">• BI tells OFWs: 30 mins immigration waiting or less</a></div><p>&quot;As MIAA transitions into its new role as an airport regulator, it remains steadfast in its commitment to uphold the highest standards of safety, security, and professionalism across all its services,&quot; the airport authority said.</p><div><strong>CUSTOMIZED VIP RATES FOR PASSENGERS</strong></div><p>NNIC said this week that the previous VIP services created potential security risks, operational inefficiencies, and an unfair advantage for those who could afford them.</p><p>It also announced tiered fees for passengers who are not necessarily VIPs but who want to avail of the service.</p><p>&quot;This is consistent with global practices at major airports where premium services are priced at a higher rate, to limit requests while ensuring availability for those who really require them,&quot; the private firm said.</p><p>Special treatment for government officials and for the wealthy is not unusual in the Philippines, where there are often separate procedures and priority lanes for them.</p><p>The Bureau of Immigration was the subject of Senate hearings during the Duterte administration over personnel<a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/07/04/23/ca-affirms-dismissal-of-bi-personnel-over-pastillas-scam"> illegally letting Chinese travelers through checkpoints</a> in exchange for P10,000.</p><p>NNIC is raising VIP service fees alongside an increase in parking rates at NAIA, which the firm said was meant to free up slots for passengers.</p><div><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/2024/10/12/dotr-awards-laguindingan-airport-operations-conract-to-aboitiz-firm-1156">• DOTr awards Laguindingan Airport operations contract to Aboitiz firm<br/></a></div><p>Privatization, through concession agreements and publi-private partnerships, comes with concerns over higher terminal fees and similar charges to maximize profits for firms participating in the projects.</p>

<p>MIAA said VIP services were coordinated with government agencies that screen travelers and that penalties were in place to avoid abuse.</p>

MIAA: Passengers who used VIP service still went through Customs, Immigration

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MIAA: Passengers who used VIP service still went through Customs, Immigration

ABS-CBN News

Published Oct 12, 2024 03:07 PM PHT

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Updated Oct 13, 2024 10:18 AM PHT

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Ninoy Aquino International Airport

Manila International Airport Authority

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