THE Trade Union Congress of the Philippines (TUCP) expressed concern over a terminal fee increase at Ninoy Aquino International Airport next month and urged the government to immediately approve a 50 percent train discount for minimum wage earners.
Under the planned increase in NAIA, the international terminal fee will rise from P550 to P950, while the domestic terminal fee will almost double from P200 to P390.
The group stated that Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon defended the fee hikes, yet it remains silent on the train fare discount.
“We’re wondering as to why, on the issue of airport fee increases that are incredibly costly for regular travelers, Sec. Vince speaks quickly. Why does he remain silent on the issue of train discounts for our minimum wage workers?” the TUCP stated.
The TUCP urged Dizon to immediately convene dialogues with stakeholders—especially workers—to discuss the NAIA fee hikes and, more importantly, to act on the train fare discount that could ease the crushing cost of commuting for minimum wage earners.
“It is not enough that just because it is in the contract, the charges will automatically double. We are talking about a public service here, and it should not be surrendered to private interests.”
The management of New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) said the scheduled adjustment in passenger service charges (PSC) is government-mandated, carefully reviewed, and the first update in over 20 years.
The airport’s private operator explained that the PSC adjustment is not an arbitrary increase by NNIC.
“It was set by the government under MIAA Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2024, and approved by the Department of Transportation and the Cabinet. The Asian Development Bank, as an adviser to the government, also reviewed the rates.”
NNIC assured Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) will not be affected by the PSC adjustment.
“We recognize the sacrifice and contribution of our modern-day heroes. Their exemption from terminal fees continues under the new framework,” NNIC stressed.
Also, the PSC applies only to departing passengers and only once per journey. Even after September 2025, the adjusted rates of P950 for international and P390 for domestic will remain below inflation-adjusted values of P1,300–P1,400 and P480–P520, respectively, had the fees kept pace since 2000.
