The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) and San Miguel Corporation (SMC), have launched an investigation into the crash involving a Ford Everest SUV that rammed into a line of passengers into departure area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 1.
In a press conference on Monday, Depertment of Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said that the recent incidents at Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX) and NAIA "could have been avoided."
Dizon shared that he personally inspected the site and noted the steel bollards’ failure to withstand the impact.
"Bollard na bumigay hindi siya ganon katibay obviously nakalusot. Ang purpose nga ng bollard kailangan doon na huminto, dapat iyon huminto na doon mismo,” he expressed dismay over the quality of steel barriers.
Additionally, the bollards installed at NAIA, worth P8 million, are now under probe following a tragic vehicular accident that left two people dead and four others injured.
The incident has raised serious concerns about the quality and effectiveness of the barriers, prompting both public outrage and government response.
In a Facebook post, Lawyer Alman-Najar Namla pointed out the quality of the steel bollards said "materials may have been substandard."
"Installation may have been rushed. Inspections may have been skipped," he added.
Netizens pointed out that the bollards, installed in 2019 by MIAA to prevent such accidents, appear to have been embedded shallowly and may not meet safety standards.
Meanwhile, Dizon also confirmed that he spoke with SMC President Ramon Ang regarding the issue, and said that they would review the situation and that the operator would most likely be replaced by San Miguel.
Adding to the controversy is the circulation of CCTV footage of the crash online. Secretary Dizon has directed the Philippine National Police Cybercrime Group to investigate those who uploaded the video illegally.
"Huwag niyo naman i-take advantage 'yung mga trahedya ng mga kababayan natin para mag-post ng mga video nung trahedya sa internet para lang kumita o para maka-scoop," the secretary called on public.
In a video message aired Monday night, May 5, President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ordered the Department of Transportation and relevant authorities to act swiftly following the recent string of traffic-related incidents.
The President emphasized that infrastructure meant to ensure public safety must be reviewed and strengthened.
“I have instructed Secretary Vince Dizon of the DOTr to move decisively—first, to identify [and] to hold accountable those responsible, and second, to put in place the necessary reforms to prevent further loss of life,” he added.
As the investigation continues, both the MIAA and SMC are under pressure to explain how P8 million worth of safety installations failed at such a critical moment.
