Solons seek probe of Naia holiday chaos
Naia. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Amid allegations of overbooking, delayed flights and poor service during the Christmas rush in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia), militant solons urged the House of Representatives to probe airline companies for their “excessive fares, delays, and dismal service.”
Bayan Muna Representatives Neri Colmenares and Carlos Zarate on Monday filed House Resolution No. 1780, which seeks to direct the House transportation committee to conduct an investigation, in aid of legislation, on the excessive fares and dismal service of airline companies, as well as the inability of the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) to protect the interests of airline passengers.
The solon cited the Christmas chaos in Naia that resulted in long lines of complaining passengers. Most of the passengers were with the Cebu Pacific Air which they accused of overbooking as they were not able to board their flights due to the long lines in check-in counters.
“(T)his has become a common occurrence in Philippine airports for years now and are just among the numerous problems plaguing airline passengers here in our country such as: 1) delayed or; 2) canceled flights; 3) expensive rebooking fees and penalties but when it is the airlines who cancel or change schedules there are no penalties that refund the passengers,” the resolution read.
The solons also cited the problem of “deceptively low initial base fare” which bloats up due to hidden taxes and surcharges.
The party-list representatives complained that some passengers were not able to use the passenger tube, which could have been useful for elderly and the sick, even though they paid for its use.
The militant solons added that although there was a substantial decrease in public utility vehicles due to lower fuel prices, airline fare prices have not gone down.
“A decrease in airline rates will not only result in a temporary relief for airline passengers but could also ease the rising prices of some commodities transported through these airline companies,” the resolution read.
“(T)hese problems have already become perennial in nature but the CAB has failed to protect the interest of airline passengers up till now,” it added.
The CAB has received 14 complaints over the chaos in Naia that was marred with long queues of irate passengers who missed their flights for their holiday reunions with their families.
CAB has vowed to probe the incident, particularly Cebu Pacific which faces allegations of overbooking. In a statement, Cebu Pacific said the long queues were brought about by the lack of manpower for the peak season.
House transportation committee chair Catanduanes Representative Cesar Sarmiento has promised an inquiry on the holiday fiasco.
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