DOTr chief wants 'maximum penalty' vs erring NAIA personnel

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, September 21) — Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista gave the go signal to impose the «maximum penalty» against personnel of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) involved in any wrongdoing, as he expressed dismay over a security screening officer caught stuffing dollar bills into her mouth.

According to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Office for Transportation Security (OTS) has completed its investigation regarding the female officer who was seen swallowing $300 she allegedly stole from a Chinese passenger.

The DOTr said the OTS has recommended taking legal and administrative actions against the security screener. The OTS earlier said it is working with the Manila International Airport Authority and the Philippine National Police Aviation Security on the case.

READ: NAIA security officer accused of theft suspended, to face complaint

«The Secretary has authorized imposing the maximum penalty to those found guilty to demonstrate the Department's determined push to rid NAIA as well as other attached agencies of scalawags,» the DOTr said in a statement Thursday.

Bautista said those personnel found to have connived in the alleged theft will also face complaints.

The DOTr said Bautista was «frustrated» over the news as the current administration has been enticing foreign groups to invest in the country's main gateway.