Local News: Capizeños Oppose 500% Airport Terminal Fee Hike

A 500% increase in terminal fee is unfair and improper. This means that from the present P30.00, it will become P150.00. That is unfair and improper, according to businessmen and local officials of Roxas City and Capiz.

But officials from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) said the 500% increase is not even enough.

CAAP officials met with businessmen and local officials in Roxas City, Saturday, to discuss the plan to increase 500% the airport terminal fee.

Businessman Leny Albert Apaitan pointed out to CAAP that before any increase is made, CAAP should have a public consultation.

Cynthia Aspera, manager of CAAP - Roxas, told the meeting attendees that public hearings were held in Kalibo, Aklan on May 24 and June 7. The amount that will be generated from the increased terminal fee will go to the CAAP project like improving the Roxas City Airport. She said CAAP has not increased the terminal fee since 1998, that caused deficits of P12 million over the years.With the meager P30 terminal fee, CAAP can hardly buy a mere toilet paper - hence, there is the need to raise the amount.

Roxas City Mayor Angel Alan Celino, in a radio broadcast also expressed opposition to the said increase. He said, carry out improvements in the airport first". He also believes that the P30 terminal fee is "unsustainable," but he wants CAAP to implement first the improvements before they raise the terminal fee. Mayor Celino also suggested that CAAP should hold another public hearing/consultation in Roxas City before increasing the terminal fee. there are others who do not oppose, but they suggested not to cause an "abrupt" hike in fees.

Some businessmen said, 500% increase will be "too much and untimely."

CAAP should gradually increase the fee until it reaches P150.

A proposition letter will be submitted by the business sector regarding the proposed fee increase to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, to support the SP resolution to be presented to the CAAP Board.

According to cargo forwarders, even the cargoes shipped out from Roxas City is charged with terminal fee. Bulk of the shipment are seafoods sent to Manila, considering that Capiz is seafood capital of the Philippines.*