P500-M terminal fee refunds remain unclaimed by OFWs

MANILA, Philippines — More than P500 million have yet to be claimed by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) who, despite their exemption, paid terminal fees, an official of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) said yesterday.

“(It is) with the general fund of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and no one can take it except the OFW-holders of airline tickets,” MIAA general manager Ed Monreal said.

Since OFWs are exempted from paying the terminal fee, Monreal said, all they need to do is present their Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs) issued by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration when buying their airline tickets.

“OFWs can also get their refund at the airline counters at NAIA, upon presentation of their OECs,” Monreal said.

The OFWs, Monreal added, may opt to claim the refund at the MIAA administration building, Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except holidays.

“The refund has no expiration date,” Monreal noted.

Since March 15, 2017, Monreal said airline officials have stopped collecting the terminal fees upon orders of President Duterte.

 “Our OFWs are our modern heroes for helping our country’s economy to grow through their remittances; hence their exemption from the terminal fee,” Monreal said.