No terminal fee for OFWs effective April 30
UNTV News
All Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) who will personally purchase plane tickets at all ticketing offices or travel agencies will no longer have to pay 550 pesos for terminal fee, starting April 30 of this year.
Meanwhile, terminal fee exemption for all OFWs buying plane tickets online will take effect on the 30th of July.
This is after the Manila International Airport Authority, Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines and 40 airline companies signed the agreement that would exempt OFWs from paying terminal fees.
OFWs will just need to present their overseas employment certificate or valid employment contract and recent payslip upon their check in at the airport before departure.
This will serve as a proof of their working status as an overseas Filipino worker.
Meanwhile, MIAA is still giving terminal fee refunds to OFWs who paid during the previous management of MIAA.
OFWs will just have to coordinate with the accounting section of MIAA and present the necessary documents like boarding pass and copy of overseas employment certificate.
“If it they have not been refunded yet, they can go to our office and have their unrefunded fees returned to them,” said MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal.
Some airline companies admit such a move would affect their revenue but agree that it is of utmost importance to provide passengers with the benefits they deserve.
“There is a reduction in revenue. What is important is the government is able to fix the problem. This is just a little sacrifice on the part of the airline. But in the end its the benefit of the riding public,” said Philippine Airlines President Jimmy Bautista.
OFWs and labor rights groups are thankful to the government’s new policy, saying it would give Filipinos working abroad a huge convenience.
“This is a gift to the OFWs. This serves a correction,” OFW rights advocate Susan “Toots” Ople said.
“At least, this would give us convenience. we no longer have to worry that we still have to pay terminal fee. this makes us happy, and this is really change,” overseas worker Juvylyn Odiongan said. – Joan Nano | UNTV News & Rescue
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