Fee hike at airport draws complaints

A FLAG seems to announce the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport in Tacloban City is still open for business after the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda.” Terminal fees were raised at the airport despite the state of disrepair it is in. NIÑO JESUS ORBETA

TACLOBAN CITY—Terminal fee at the Daniel Z. Romualdez (DZR) Airport has been increased as the facility continues to be in a state of disrepair following the onslaught of Supertyphoon “Yolanda” on Nov. 8 last year.

Airport authorities started collecting P100 in terminal fee, an increase of P25, on June 1 in compliance with a directive of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).

Some passengers, however, protested the increase.

“They should have waited for, at least, the repair of the airport,” said passenger

Alma Mandreza. “It is not justifiable,” she said.

Another passenger, Toto Cinco, said that instead of increasing the fee, the government should waive it to help victims of Yolanda.

Efren Nagrama, airport manager, said the increase was ordered by CAAP through circular No. 09-13.

He said the June 1 increase was part of a three-stage increase of airport fees that was first introduced in July 2012.

“This is just the second tranche,” Nagrama said. He said the third stage of the increase would be implemented next year.

The first stage increased terminal fee from P40 to P75. The third stage of the increase would raise terminal fee from the current P100 to P150.

Nagrama said while he knew that passengers may protest the increase, it was necessary to improve facilities at the DZR.

The airport’s terminal building was damaged, its roof and some walls blown away.