Catholic Church leaders on Sunday called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and the New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC) to suspend the planned implementation of increased fees at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), set to take effect on September 14.
The appeal was made during a Concelebrated Mass held in Barangay 183, Villamor, Pasay City, led by Bishops Ben Labor, Aldrin Lleva, and Agustino Tangca. The bishops joined airport workers, passengers, and advocacy groups in denouncing the across-the-board fee hike as “anti-people and unjust.”
In their joint homily and statement, the bishops warned that the abrupt imposition of new airport charges without “genuine and inclusive consultation” undermines public welfare and disproportionately affects ordinary Filipinos, including overseas workers.
“Institutions such as NAIA should prioritize the welfare of passengers and workers over the interests of powerful corporations,” said Bishop Ben Labor, emphasizing the need for shared responsibility and fairness.
The bishops also appealed to the Supreme Court to temporarily halt the fee increases to allow for transparency regarding how the additional revenue from travel taxes, parking fees, rentals, and airline charges would be used.
Organizers of the event, PUSO ng NAIA, vowed to continue mobilizing against the fee hike. Coalition head Romy Sauler said the Church’s support strengthens their call for accountability and urged NNIC owner Ramon Ang and other officials to “listen to the people’s pleas.”
The call comes amid growing public opposition to the NAIA fee hike, with critics demanding broader consultation and greater transparency in airport operations.
