BOC-NAIA installs cameras

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) has begun installing cameras and television monitors at the Customs’ lanes in an effort to prevent corruption among its officers.

"We have installed already one camera facing the Customs examiner and a television monitor facing arriving passengers in the lane," said BOC-NAIA District Collector Celso Templo during a press conference held at the Customs House at the NAIA complex yesterday.

Templo said passengers in line would be able to see the Customs officer and the passenger in front during the examination.

He said the Customs officer would now think twice before accepting bribes from a passenger being attended to since everyone else behind them would see what is happening.

Templo said this is one of the projects the BOC is implementing right now in order to prevent corruption at the premier airport.

He said the BOC, in cooperation with the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), has started an anti-corruption program called the "Anti-Corruption and Integrity Enhancement at the NAIA," which was launched about two weeks ago.

Another project in the works is the setting up of complaint desks in all warehouses at the NAIA complex, to be manned by several representatives, including one from Customs, academe, religious groups and media. – Sandy Araneta