Transport group protests additional P35 fare for tourists

The Kalibo International Airport Transport Association (KIATA) has expressed strong opposition to the proposal of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) of charging P35 each in addition to the regular transport fare of tourists bound for Boracay.

In a press conference here Thursday morning, Noemi Panado, KIATA president, said they are surprised by the CAAP management of the sudden charging of fees. The CAAP underwent a dry run of the charging of fare Wednesday afternoon.

"We have not been consulted on the said implementation. We do not want to burden our passenger with the increase on the one way trip. The CAAP has not been issuing receipt for the supposed payment. We were not even clear who will be benefiting from the proposed fees," he said.

After the press conference, the KIATA aims to seek lawyers opinion on the possible request for the temporary restraining order at the Kalibo Regional Trial Court against the implementation.

"As much as possible, we will never resort to holding a rally or holding a picket as this may damage tourism. What we are planning to do is to wage a legal battle against CAAP," Panado added.

CAAP is currently not giving a statement on the accusation of the KIATA. But that it will hold a meeting with the KIATA together with the airport stakeholders on Friday.

KIATA is composed of 17 different groups of local L300 van organizations.