MANILA, Philippines - Budget carrier Cebu Air Inc. (Cebu Pacific) owned by taipan John Gokongwei paid yesterday the P52.11-million fine assessed by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) over flight delays and cancellations during the Christmas holidays.
CAB executive director Carmelo Arcilla said the amount was deposited to the National Treasury as mandated by Republic Act 776 or the Civil Aeronautics Act of the Philippines.
The CAB, through Resolution No. 4, slapped the fine on Cebu Pacific for “non-compliance with the conditions of its permit” from Dec. 24 to 26.
A total of 10,400 passengers were affected by the flight delays and cancellations, prompting the CAB to impose a P5,000 fine for each affected passenger.
Cebu Pacific officer-in-charge for corporate affairs Paterno Mantaring Jr. confirmed that the airline has paid the fine to the CAB.
“We look forward to working more closely with our government regulators to serve the best interests of our valued passengers and the general public,” he said in a text message.