It looks like Hollywood actor Taylor Kitsch needs a world map, and to better acquaint himself with the countries in Southeast Asia. Over the weekend, the Bureau of Customs belied the Canada-born actor’s complaint, broadcast recently over the popular “Late Show with David Letterman,†that he was subjected to rough treatment and extortion by Philippine Customs personnel at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
Customs and immigration authorities said they have no record of the actor’s supposed visit in the Philippines. The government has also not issued a permit for shooting in the Philippines of the movie “Savages†where Kitsch stars. Philippine authorities said Kitsch might have confused the country with Indonesia. So far there has been no apology or correction from Kitsch.
The Philippines can make the best of this unfortunate situation by resolving to ensure that all travelers in the country’s airports are accorded courtesy. When the story about Kitsch’s complaints first spread, people tended to believe it because it wouldn’t have been the first case of maltreatment of travelers by airport authorities. Travelers from South Korea, which has become the single largest market for leisure tourism in the Philippines, have complained of rough treatment by Customs personnel not only at the NAIA but also at the airport in Aklan, where Korean carriers now have direct flights from Seoul for those who want to visit Boracay.
Following a safety downgrade by the US Federal Aviation Administration, which has hurt Philippine carriers and the tourism industry, the country has struggled to regain its former category. Improving safety at airports, however, need not be done at the expense of reasonable courtesy to passengers. Filipinos take pride in being naturally friendly and welcoming to all. Such traits should always be evident particularly in the country’s gateways.