SPECIAL TREATMENT OF ATONG ANG, GRETCHEN BARRETTO AT NAIA UNDER PROBE — AUTHORITIES LAUNCH INVESTIGATION INTO VIP ESCORT PRIVILEGES

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) and the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) have launched a formal investigation into reports of special treatment given to controversial personalities Atong Ang and Gretchen Barretto at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) — a development that has triggered widespread public scrutiny and raised questions about abuse of power, privilege, and corruption within airport operations.

Photos and eyewitness accounts surfaced over the weekend showing Ang and Barretto bypassing standard security checks, using a private VIP lane, and being escorted by uniformed airport personnel to a private jet — without visible luggage inspection or documentation procedures.

The incident, which took place at NAIA Terminal 2 late last Friday evening, has now become a lightning rod for criticism, especially amid separate ongoing controversies linking both figures to the e-sabong scandal and the unresolved disappearance of 34 sabungeros.

The Alleged Incident: Skipping the Rules?

According to anonymous NAIA insiders and whistleblower reports, Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang arrived at the terminal separately, but were later escorted together through the airport’s VIP access route, usually reserved for diplomats, state guests, and high-ranking officials.

“They did not pass through regular immigration or customs. No visible clearance check was done. It was highly irregular,” claimed one airport employee.

Other passengers reportedly saw the pair being accompanied by two airport security officers, who allegedly cleared their path and coordinated discreet boarding onto a chartered private jet.

This sparked outrage online after airport workers shared blurred photos showing what appears to be preferential treatment in direct violation of airport protocol.

MIAA and BI Respond: “Investigation Is Ongoing”

Within 48 hours, both the Manila International Airport Authority and the Bureau of Immigration released separate statements confirming that an investigation has been initiated.

“We take all allegations of special treatment very seriously,” said MIAA spokesperson Atty. Diego Manlapaz. “No individual, regardless of fame or influence, is above aviation security procedures.”

The Bureau of Immigration added that if protocol violations are confirmed, the airport staff involved may face disciplinary action or criminal liability, depending on the findings.

“Airport VIP services do not excuse passengers from immigration inspection,” said BI Director Norman Tansingco. “Anyone who circumvents that process is subject to scrutiny.”

Social Media Explodes: “One Rule for Them, Another for Us”

The incident quickly went viral, with the hashtag #VIPAbuseNAIA trending for hours. Thousands of netizens condemned what they see as a blatant example of celebrity privilege in a country already plagued by inequality and impunity.

• “Try doing that as a regular passenger and see how fast you get arrested,” wrote one user.
• “So Gretchen and Atong can skip checks, but OFWs have to line up for hours?”
• “The airport is not a private playground for the rich.”

Even public officials chimed in, with Senator Risa Hontiveros calling for a full Senate inquiry into the alleged abuse of authority at NAIA.

“This isn’t just about two personalities. It’s about a system that allows the wealthy and powerful to bypass rules while the rest of us wait in line,” Hontiveros said in a statement.

The Bigger Context: A Pattern of Controversy

Both Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang have been surrounded by controversy for years.

Atong Ang, a gambling tycoon, has long been linked to illegal e-sabong operations, while Gretchen Barretto has recently faced intense media scrutiny for her rumored involvement — romantic and financial — in Ang’s business affairs. Their names have even surfaced in intelligence reports connected to the sabungero disappearances, though no formal charges have been filed.

The NAIA incident, critics say, fits into a larger pattern of influence and avoidance of accountability.

“Whether it’s skipping airport lines or avoiding Senate subpoenas, these two seem to operate under a different set of rules,” said political analyst Victor Andrada.

VIP Protocol vs. Abuse of Power

While VIP treatment at airports is not uncommon for celebrities, diplomats, or VVIP guests, it does not exempt anyone from national security protocols — especially immigration, customs, and anti-drug clearances.

Insiders say this case could force a review of the airport’s VIP escort policies, which are often loosely regulated and inconsistently applied.

“This loophole has been abused for years, but nobody talks about it unless a celebrity is involved,” said a former MIAA executive.

Some groups are now calling for real-time transparency dashboards at NAIA and other major airports, showing VIP passenger lists and access approvals.

Gretchen and Atong: Still Silent

As of now, Gretchen Barretto and Atong Ang have not released any public statements about the incident. Barretto posted a photo of herself sipping champagne at what appears to be a private resort, with the caption: “Peace looks good on me.”

Atong Ang, known for brushing off media controversy, has remained completely silent.

Their silence is seen by some as “strategic,” while others interpret it as arrogance.

What’s Next?

The MIAA and BI investigations are expected to conclude within 10 to 14 days, according to officials. If wrongdoing is found, disciplinary actions could range from employee suspension to revocation of VIP privileges and even legal charges for obstruction of procedure.

Lawmakers are also preparing to draft new legislation regulating VIP airport access, with a focus on transparency and national security.

Meanwhile, the Filipino public watches closely — with many asking: Will this be another case swept under the rug, or will true accountability finally arrive at NAIA?

FINAL THOUGHT

In a country where ordinary passengers are scrutinized over hand-carry liquids and passport stamps, it’s no wonder Filipinos are outraged to see celebrities allegedly breezing through with zero checks.

The Gretchen Barretto–Atong Ang NAIA scandal has become more than just a viral story — it’s now a symbol of the larger fight for equality before the law.

The world is watching.

And so is the nation.