Poe: Airport terminal fee exemption will encourage students to travel across PH

MANILA, Philippines — The exemption of students from paying airport terminal fees will encourage them to travel to different parts of the country, Senator Grace Poe said on Friday.

“Makakaginhawa ito sa mga biyaherong estudyante. Para sa isang mag-aaral, malaking bagay ang matitipid na P100-P200,” Poe said in a statement.

“Makakaengganyo rin ito sa kanila para magbiyahe at bumisita sa iba’t ibang lugar sa bansa,” she added.

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) started exempting students from paying the P200 terminal fee in the 42 airports operating under the agency.

READ: CAAP: No terminal fee for studes in 42 airports

Poe, chair of the Senate public services committee, expressed hope in the program’s proper implementation.

READ: Poe calls for strict implementation of 20% student fare discount 

“Umaasa tayo sa maayos na pagpapatupad ng programang ito,” she said.

“Hinihikayat natin ang mga mag-aaral na i-check ang kanilang mga tiket para masiguro na wala na sa charges ang terminal fee,” she added, citing a previous incident in 2018 when airport authorities and airline companies were asked to refund millions worth of terminal fees and travel taxes collected from overseas Filipino workers.

READ: Airlines transfer P277M in unrefunded terminal fees to MIAA 

“Tandaan natin ang ilan nating kababayang OFW na kailangan pang humingi ng refund dahil sa maling pagkolekta sa kanila ng terminal fee noong isang taon,” the senator said.

Poe further called on airport managements to ensure proper service to its passengers.

“Dapat maramdaman ito ng ating mga kababayan sa kanilang pagbiyahe,” she said. /muf