THIS is not the best time to impose additional burden, according to religious clergies following what they aptly described as arbitrary implementation of an across-the-board increase in fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).
During a concelebrated mass “for guidance, truth and accountability,” Catholic bishops appealed to government officials and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corporation, to immediately suspend the collection of adjusted airport fees, in the absence of a “genuine and inclusive consultation” with all stakeholders in the aviation industry.
The solemn service was officiated by Bishops Ben Labor, Aldrin Lleva, and Agustino Tangca, who stood firmly with airport workers, passengers, and advocacy groups in opposing what they described as “anti-people and unjust” increases.
In their homily and joint statement, the bishops insinuated that public welfare must take precedence over private profit, warning that the abrupt implementation of new charges at NAIA without proper consultation “undermines justice and burdens ordinary Filipinos, including OFWs who are already sacrificing much for their families.”
Bishop Labor, one of the officiating bishops, said, “In this spirit of shared responsibility, institutions such as the NAIA airport should serve the welfare of passengers and workers, including the small businesses, and not just the interests of a few powerful corporations.”
“Blessed are those who protect the people’s welfare,” the bishops said as they urged the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the NNIC to freeze the fee hikes and “open the floor” to a meaningful dialogue with workers, passengers, and other key stakeholders.
Bishops Lleva and Tangca, likewise called on the Supreme Court to intervene — and “temporarily freeze all fees increases at the NAIA so that the concerned parties, may clarify first the proceeds of such increases on travel tax, parking fees, stall and office rentals, airline’s use of parking and runway, ticket charges, among others, and for transparency, and consequent accountability, prevail.”
Leaders of PUSO ng NAIA, who organized the event, vowed to continue mobilizing resistance against the new airport fees, emphasizing that the campaign is not just about protecting travelers from higher costs but also about upholding transparency, accountability, and fairness in the operations of the country’s premier airport.
“We feel our cause has strengthened immensely with the moral support given by our church leaders today. We are praying that our government officials, including NNIC and its owner, Mr. Ramon Ang, would find it in their hearts to listen to our pleas,” said Romy Sauler, PUSO ng NAIA coalition’s head secretariat.
Members of the media who covered the event witnessed the convergence of faith leaders, workers, and community advocates standing together against what they see as a manifestation of privatization at the expense of public interest.
