MANILA, Philippines – By March 2017, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) will no longer have to pay terminal fees in their air tickets purchased abroad.

Manila International Airport Authority General Manager Ed Monreal said on Monday, November 29, that airlines have “agreed in principle” on the plan which will be implemented by March 2017. This is to give the airlines time to update their programs and systems, he said.

Under the Migrants Workers Act, OFWs are exempt from paying the P550- terminal fee or the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC). But a MIAA rule in February 2015 required terminal fees to be paid  with the ticket price when OFWs book online and abroad.

OFWs then have to line up at the MIAA refund counter to be reimbursed. The sector and their advocates had repeatedly complained about the process, which was meant to improve overall passenger convenience at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.

Until the plan is implemented, OFWs would have to get their refund from the MIAA with all the necessary requirements such as their electronic ticket, boarding pass, and passport. Half of the fees collected from OFWs since February 2015 remain unclaimed.

More improvements

At the same event, DOTr and MIAA also said that the public can expect more improvements in airports.

Transportation and airport officials said that a more efficient slot management system is now being implemented to ensure that flight departures are on time. DOTr said that the new system has improved the on-time performance of airlines at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport from 47% to 71%. 

The MIAA is also coordinating with the Villamor Airbase to allow vehicles to pass through, especially along Andrews Avenue, to help ease road traffic to and from the airport.

A two-minute waiting time is also being implemented for people welcoming and sending off passengers at the airport.

“Kaugalian ng mga Pilipino na kahit isa lang ang aalis eh napakarami nang naghahatid. Isinasaayos natin ‘yan,” Monreal said. (It’s a Filipino habit for huge groups to accompany loved ones to the airport when they’re about to leave. We’re fixing that.)

Captain Jim Sydiongco, Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, also boasted of the addition of Legazpi, Butuan, Dumaguete, and Caticlan airports to the country’s night-rated airports. Roxas airport will also be able to accommodate evening flights before Christmas.

Emergency powers

In the same forum, DOTr officials also emphasized the need for emergency powers to push for further improvements in the transportation sector.

DOTr Assistant Secretary for Communications Cherie Mercado assured the public that the emergency powers the government is seeking will expedite service delivery and will not be abused.

“Emergency powers was proposed to get projects moving fast. May mga safeguards tayo diyan [such as] Congress oversight, TROs/injunctions to be filed only in the Supreme Court, and its compliance with the FOI,” Mercado said. 

(We have safeguards [from abuse] there like Congress oversight, Temporary Restraining Orders/injunctions to be filed only in the Supreme Court, and its compliance with the FOI.)  – Rappler.com