Tuesday, January 15, 2008 Proposal for local airport authority urged By Grace L. Plata
DAVAO City Councilor Peter Laviña called on the city's congressmen to file again the proposal establishing the Davao City Airport Authority to oversee the Davao International Airport (DIA) affairs.
"The management of airports remains with the national government. When the ATO (Air Transportation Authority) increased the terminal fees last year, the revenue directly goes to the national coffers," Laviña said.
Last August 2007 the terminal fee at the Davao International Airport (DIA) was increased by 500 percent - from P40 to P200 for domestic flights. Fees for international flights were also increased from P500 to P550.
The increase in terminal fees in various airports all over the country is mandated by Department Order No. 2007-25 issued by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC).
At P40, the DIA had been one of the cheapest terminal fees. At P200, it is now charging the same as that of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport domestic terminals in Metro Manila.
Laviña explained that with the current system, there is no guarantee that the amount collected will also be the same amount given for the maintenance of the DIA.
"Nine months after, guba gihapon ang water fountain. Wala gihapo'y toilet paper, di maayo ang CR. Daghan pa ug kulang (the water fountain is still out of order, there are still no toilet paper available, the toilets are not kept well) because of the meager funding given by the national government," Laviña said.
"With a localized airport management, the terminal fees will go directly to us kaya it will be easier upgrade the facilities and services," he added.
According to Laviña, the proposal was first filed in the House of Representatives by then Second District Congressman Manuel "Nonoy" Garcia but has been deferred up until the end of Garcia's term thus, its eventual shelving.
