Manila: Senate President Francis Escudero on Tuesday urged transportation and justice officials to conduct a comprehensive cleanup of airport personnel nationwide after the dismissal of security officers involved in the controversial 'tanim-bala' (bullet planting) scheme. In a news release, Escudero emphasized that such efforts are necessary to improve the country's image among local and international travelers.

According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero commended newly appointed Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon for swiftly dismissing three employees from the Office of Transportation Security for allegedly attempting to extort money from a 69-year-old woman and her family before their flight to Vietnam. He stated that removing erring security personnel should mark the beginning of broader, long-term reforms aimed at improving airport operations.

Escudero noted that with Dizon at the helm and the privatization of airport management in effect under the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC), the opportunity for significant change is within reach. 'We have this window of opportunity to implement long-term initiatives that will transform the country's image and enhance the experience of visitors and domestic travelers the moment they land and when they depart to their destinations. This is long overdue,' he said.

He also recalled his role in securing a provision in the 2024 national budget that mandates the reimbursement of passengers who miss their flights due to excessive or unnecessary questioning by immigration officers. The refunds, he said, would be sourced from the Bureau of Immigration's unutilized funds.