AN ADVOCACY group of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) yesterday hit anew the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), saying it adversely affects some 7,000 to 8,000 airline passengers daily.
At a news conference in Quezon City, Erna de Lina, Migrante Philippines spokesperson, said the NAIA’s privatization would mean higher airport expenses for the OFWs and other travelers.
“Other airport stakeholders and concessionaires are to be affected. Even workers might lose their jobs,” De Lina said.
“The privatization would lead to a huge increase in terminal fees for international flights from P550 to P950. The increase would be pass on to our plane tickets,” she added.
“Will the fee increase cover the (airport) improvement or construction of new facilities?” she asked.
OFWs would need to spend hundreds of thousands of pesos just to get an overseas work, she pointed out.
The extra charges would eat up the migrants’ income that they send to families in the Philippines, De Lina said.
Kabataan party-list Rep. Renee Co said they have filed House Resolution No. 2316 to investigate the NAIA privatization and its adverse effects on Filipinos.
The parking fee at the airport could go up from P300 to P1,200 for the first 24 hours, the group said.
Co also called on the Supreme Court to act on the two pending petitions challenging the airport privatization.
