MIAA addresses ‘misconceptions’ on P800 VIP service fee

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) on Saturday addressed misconceptions about the VIP service fee it previously charged to private individuals who wanted to avail of courtesies and accommodations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

In a statement, MIAA said it “categorically refutes claims suggesting that its previous VIP service implementation allowed passengers to bypass essential airport procedures for a fee of P800.”

The MIAA said that its VIP service “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.”

The VIP service fee, particularly the Meet-and-Assist Service (MAAS), was reportedly raised to P8,000 per person from P800 by San Miguel-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) to curb misuse of VIP courtesies being extended at the airport.

MIAA said that the service was historically a privilege given by the agency free of charge, primarily in the name of public service, to uphold reciprocity arrangements with counterpart agencies and foreign governments.  

“It was subsequently offered to private individuals for a fee under the terms and stipulations set forth under MIAA Memorandum Circular No. 5, Series of 2013 entitled ‘Airport Courtesies and Accommodation’,” it said.

MIAA said that in order to prevent abuse or misuse of the MAAS, the following safeguards were implemented by the agency:

1. The entirety of the process, including the very forms used in the MAAS, were enrolled in the NAIA Quality Management System (QMS).
2. Clients were made aware from the very beginning that CIQS policies and procedures are strictly to be complied with and will not be circumvented even with their availment and payment for the MAAS.
3. As a matter of policy, all MAAS were duly coordinated and recorded with Immigration and Customs Officers without exception.
4. The rates for the service were duly approved and regulated by the MIAA Board of Directors and were transparently published in the official gazette, ensuring accountability and public awareness.
5. Sanctions were provided under MC No. 5 in case of abuse, misuse, or misrepresentation, among others.

“Through the years, the MAAS has been repeatedly recognized for its professionalism, courteous personnel, prompt and efficient service, and the great part it has consistently played in the airport reception of delegates to various government-hosted events held in the Philippines,” it said.

“Now, 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,” it added. —Ted Cordero/KG, GMA Integrated News