Bishops appeal for suspension of fee hikes in NAIA

Some bishops have appealed to government officials and private concessionaire, the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC), to immediately suspend the enforcement of the across-the-board hike in the fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). effective 14 September, and calling instead for what “genuine and inclusive consultation” with all stakeholders in the aviation industry.

The appeal came during a Concelebrated Mass “for Guidance, Truth, and Accountability for aviation industry officials,” in Pasay City, which was officiated by Bishops Ben Labor, Aldrin Lleva, and Agustino Tangca. 

In their homily and joint statement, the bishops emphasized that public welfare should instead take precedence over profit of private companies.

Bishop Ben Labor said in a press release that, “In this spirit of shared responsibility, Institutions such as the NAIA airport should serve the welfare of passengers and workers, including the small businesses, and not just the interests of a few powerful corporations.”

Bishops Lleva and Tangca, meanwhile, appealed to the Supreme Court, to “temporarily freeze all fees increases at the NAIA so that the concerned parties, may clarify first the proceeds of such increases on travel tax, parking fees, stall and office rentals, airline’s use of parking and runway, ticket charges, among others, and for transparency, and consequent accountability, prevail.”

Leaders of PUSO ng NAIA, who organized the event, emphasized that the campaign was not only about protecting travelers from higher costs but also about upholding transparency, accountability, and fairness in the operations of the country’s airport.

Based on the Manila International Airport Authority Revised Administrative Order No. 1 (series of 2024), the passenger service charge for international departing passengers increased from P550 to P950.

For domestic departing passengers, the terminal fee will go up from P200 to P390.

Airport workers, civic organizations, and non-government groups earlier asked the Supreme Court to declare the NAIA PPP project unconstitutional due to the increase of airport-related fees.

Through the PPP project, the management of the airport was transferred to the San Miguel-led  NNIC. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RF, GMA Integrated News