Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Ed Monreal ordered to probe on the reported overpriced face shields sold at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
MIAA Public Affairs head Ma. Consuelo Bungag told on 24 Oras Weekend that they would investigate the overpricing, and employees found out to be involved would be relieved from their positions.
The investigation was ordered following reports that face shields were being sold at the NAIA at prices as high as P200 each.
The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) earlier announced all airline passengers are also required to wear face shields during their travel starting August 15 following the orders of the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
DOTr mandated all who would be riding public transport are mandated to wear face shields after the government placed Metro Manila and nearby provinces under modified enhanced community quarantine.
According to CAAP, international and local airlines in every international and domestic airport in the Philippines would impose the DOTr directive to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in all public vehicles and facilities.
Also read: Face shield price should not be over P50
MIAA to probe alleged overpriced face shields sold at NAIA
All airline passengers need to wear a face mask upon arriving at the airport and wear face shields before boarding, CAAP spokesman Eric Apolonio said.
He added that apart from wearing face shield and mask, passengers also need to present their negative COVID-19 results or certification to airline staff at the counters.
Health experts noted that the use of face masks plus face shield transmission and exposure to the respiratory droplets.
“Let us not think of this requirement of using face shield as an additional cost or inconvenience,” Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said, noting that no amount of protection is too much when fighting an invisible enemy.
The Department of Health (DOH) set the suggested retail price (SRP) for basic non-medical face shields at P26 to P50 per piece.
The DOH said shields should be made of “clear plastic or acetate material, provide good visibility, fog resistant, adjustable band to attach firmly around the head, fit snuggly against the forehead, full face coverage (the side and length of the face), made of robust material that can be easily cleaned and disinfected, disposable or re-usable.”