A non-profit advocacy group, Pinoy Aksyon for Governance and the Environment Inc., is calling for the immediate suspension of proposed lease rate increases at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). In a letter addressed to Department of Transportation Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, the group expressed serious concerns over the planned hikes, which range from 300% to 1000%, imposed by the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation (NNIC).
“These exorbitant increases will undeniably burden both airport concessionaires and Filipino consumers, leading to a significant spike in prices,” stated BenCyrus G. Ellorin, President of Pinoy Aksyon. “The recent 400% increase in parking fees serves as a stark warning of the potential economic consequences. We cannot allow unchecked rate hikes to further strain the already burdened Filipino people.”
The group argues that these substantial increases will disproportionately burden airport concessionaires and Filipino consumers, leading to a significant rise in the prices of goods and services. They cite the recent 400% increase in airport parking fees as a harbinger of the potential economic fallout. The impact, they warn, will be particularly felt by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), local travelers, and the tourism sector.
Pinoy Aksyon is urging the Department of Transportation to take immediate action, including:
1. Suspending the implementation of the proposed lease hikes.
2. Conducting a thorough review of the proposed rates.
3. Initiating wide-ranging public consultations with all stakeholders, including consumer groups and affected businesses.
Ellorin further added, “The fact that this concession was awarded in record time and user fees increased before private sector investment raises serious questions. We believe a thorough review of the deal’s feasibility and its benefits to the Filipino people is absolutely necessary.”
While acknowledging the goals of improving NAIA’s service quality and efficiency under the Public-Private Partnership scheme, Pinoy Aksyon emphasizes the need for transparency and alignment with the public interest in any significant financial changes. The group awaits a swift response from the Department of Transportation.
