PHILIPPINE aviation authorities on Monday said collection of fees from local carriers would be deferred for the meantime to offset losses incurred due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In a press conference, Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal said collection of landing and parking fees, among others, would be deferred.
“Deferred payment lang muna ang i-extend natin at ang sabi, hangga’t nandiyan ang COVID, ipapatupad natin ‘yun but that is going to be reviewed every so often,” he said.
The Civil Aeronautics Board last month said local airlines have requested the government to reduce or if not, scrap travel taxes and landing fees.
The request came as local airlines took a hit from the spread of COVID-19, which was negatively affecting Philippine tourism.
According to Monreal, data reveals that the government collects some P58 million monthly from the collection of such fees.
“Until the COVID threat is there, we will have the suspension or deferment of charges sa mga airlines – local carriers,” he explained.
“Mayroong scheme na ipapatupad… Pag-uusapan namin ng mga airlines. I’m sure there will be a time for us to revisit, evaluate on how this will be,” elaborated Monreal.
The Philippines over the weekend confirmed four new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total in the country to 10.
President Rodrigo Duterte has since signed an executive order declaring a public health emergency over the outbreak. (GMA News)
