The times they are a-changing

Even before the official turnover of management of the INAIA/NNIC, I had been receiving complaints, suggestions and all sorts of other feedback.

- CITO BELTRAN

However, unless the input is a security concern, I much rather that the new management discover things by themselves so they don't feel over-burdened or pressured.

Last week, however, I received what amounts to a white paper from a very credible source at the airport. To be honest, the claims the person made in the two-pager are common knowledge to employees of the NAIA. I actually checked with several veteran journalists and reporters and they all confirmed the claims and then some.

What follows is the unedited report that my source sent to me:

The dark side of the airport press: Corruption and abuse

The media has long been heralded as the "fourth estate," a crucial pillar of democracy tasked with keeping the powerful accountable, providing citizens with accurate information and fostering informed debate.

But like any institution, the news media, including the Airport Press, is not immune to corruption and abuse.

The Airport Press has been in existence since the 1960s, with representatives from the country's major broadsheets and TV networks, most of whom have a deep background in aviation, customs regulations and immigration laws.

Over the years, the number of reporters covering the airport beat grew to include representatives from radio, websites and even social media. Unfortunately, many of the new writers and reporters lack a basic understanding of airport operations and aviation jargon.

Smuggling operations

In the past, smuggling at the airport terminals was rampant, with some members of the airport media complicit in facilitating these illegal activities. Certain airport media personnel were known to assist in the release of highly taxable goods, including gadgets, electronics and fashion accessories, right at the terminals in plain view.