Several consumer and advocacy groups are calling on the government to terminate its privatization agreement with San Miguel Corporation for the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), warning that the deal is driving up airport charges and could soon affect airfare rates.
According to a report by ABS-CBN News, SUKI Spokesperson Amihan Mabalay raised concerns over the spike in various airport fees, including landing, takeoff, and rental charges. Mabalay warned that by September, terminal fees will increase significantly — from ₱550 to ₱950 — while takeoff and landing fees could surge by as much as 1,500 percent.
“Tayo ang magbabayad ng mas mataas na terminal fee,” Mabalay said during a press conference in Quezon City, adding that such hikes could threaten low-cost airfare promotions like “piso fares.”
Kabataan party-list Representative Renee Co, also present at the media briefing, said she had filed a resolution seeking a congressional inquiry into the legality and process of the NAIA privatization. She emphasized the need to determine whether the agreement underwent the proper procedures and meets constitutional standards.
“Pwedeng magkaroon ng executive order na pirmahan at iexecute si Marcos para itigil yung implementation ng joint venture agreement,” Co said, citing multiple layers of alleged illegality.
Two separate petitions have already been submitted to the Supreme Court, challenging the validity of the privatization deal.
Labor leader and Kilusang Mayo Uno Chairperson Jerome Adonis questioned the supposed benefits of privatization, noting continued delays, long queues, and missing luggage incidents at the airport. “Meron bang improvement? Wala,” he said.
Organizations such as Bayan, Migrante Philippines, Sandigan Philippines, and Concerned Seafarers of the Philippines also joined the call to cancel the deal. They argued that the government has sufficient resources to modernize NAIA without passing the burden to consumers.
“Deserve din ng mga konsyumer, mga OFW, ng lahat ng gumagamit sa airport na gumanda yung serbisyo,” Adonis added.
In response, Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Eric Ines defended the joint venture, stating that significant upgrades are underway — including the demolition of the Philippine Village Hotel to make way for NAIA Terminal 5 and the relocation of Terminal 4.
“Privatization really helps,” Ines said. “It really helps the government in trying to improve the airport, to make passengers more convenient ang kanilang travels etc.”
He maintained that the government could not fund all infrastructure improvements on its own.
