Pimentel slams directive imposing terminal fees on OFWs;
seeks probe on controversial NAIA order

Senator Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III today expressed dismay over a new travel policy, imposing terminal fees on travelling Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), saying the country's modern-day heroes are exempted from payment by law as matter of policy.

Pimentel, chairman of the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, has filed Senate Resolution No. 1015 to conduct an inquiry on a directive by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), requiring the integration of terminal fees on the international tickets of OFWs.

"As a matter of policy, expediency should never override substantive rights. The statutory exemption from payment of travel tax and airport fee is a recognition by the State of the vital role of our OFWs," said Pimentel, adding the fee is a flagrant violation of the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act.

He said the statutory exemption granted by Republic Act 8042, as amended by RA 10022, for OFWs leaving abroad or coming home from their overseas jobs, should prevail over NAIA's policy of "removing barriers to travel and simplifying travel regulations."

Pimentel said Congress is duty-bound to ensure that issuances by government agencies do not violate the laws passed by the legislature.

He said Congress has a legitimate interest to probe since the directive would negate the existing statutory exemptions granted to OFWs even when the amount collected, pegged at Php550.00 each, would be refunded upon presentation of an Overseas Employment Certificate (OEC).

A Regional Trial Court in Pasay City, however, has put on hold the Nov. 1 implementation of the order for 20 days on a motion for status quo ante order filed by Congressman Roy Seneres of the OFW Party List against the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC).

Pimentel said there is already a groundswell of opposition from OFWs around the world, protesting the order, including Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz who had sought the intervention of DOTC Sec. Joseph Abaya to recall the directive.

He sought the inquiry by the appropriate Senate committees, in aid of legislation, on the integration of the international passenger service charge (IPSC), also known as terminal fees, in all airline tickets in the light of the existing exemptions granted to OFWs.

Several labor groups have decried the lack of consultations on the new IPSC policy by MIAA officials, questioning government's intention on the proposed creation of a trust fund for non-refunded terminal fees and other emotional issues raised by OFWs themselves.