MIAA prepares for new role as regulator

MANILA, Philippines — The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) is hopeful of getting its proposed organizational structure approved within the year as its shifts to a new role as regulator of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), where the new operator of NAIA has rolled out a new protocol to curb misuse of very important persons (VIP) privileges at the airport.

“We are hoping for approval within the year,” MIAA general manager Eric Jose Ines said in a telephone interview.

He said the proposed organizational structure was submitted to the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) for approval more than a month ago.

Once approved, the new structure is expected to streamline operations and strengthen MIAA’s regulatory capacity to monitor the progress and development of NAIA.

He said the proposal involves a request for 1,463 positions at the MIAA.

As part of the shift to its new role, MIAA has abolished 844 plantilla positions.

Ines said the abolished positions were held by employees who have transferred to the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), which now operates the main international gateway.

“No one lost their job,” he said.

He also said MIAA is now processing the separation incentive pay of those who left to ensure they are fairly compensated.

Meanwhile, NNIC said in a statement that it has put in place a new protocol for handling courtesies and accommodations for VIPs, important persons (IPs) and passengers requesting VIP treatment at the airport. “Our ultimate goal is to create a seamless and efficient airport experience where the need for VIP treatment, beyond what is necessary for dignitaries and those with critical functions, becomes unnecessary. We want every traveler to enjoy an effortless journey through NAIA, regardless of their status,” NNIC said.

In the past, the VIP privileges intended for dignitaries and other important individuals were available for P800.

With that amount, any passenger could bypass regular airport procedures, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and operational inefficiencies.

Under the new protocol, VIP courtesies and accommodations will be exclusively handled by NNIC’s VIP assistance personnel.

VIP courtesies are extended to high-ranking officials, foreign dignitaries and for officials with critical responsibilities to the nation. To discourage non-essential use and manage demand, NNIC said there would be tailored fees for passengers not classified as VIPs or IPs but are seeking similar services like international performers and other high-profile passengers. Non-passengers will no longer be allowed to provide meet-and-greet services or accompany departing VIPs and IPs and VIP entourages will be limited to essential personnel.

In addition, the previous annual pass system issued for facilitation purposes will now be evaluated on a per-case basis.Through the new protocol,  NNIC said the aim is to enhance security, optimize logistics and minimize disruption to passengers, personnel and airport users, as well as align with international best practices and standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.