House inquiry sought on terminal fees imposed on OFWs

MANILA, Philippines - A lawmaker called on the House of Representatives Committees on Overseas Workers Affairs and Transportation to conduct an inquiry on the imposed P550 terminal fee for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

OFW Party-list Rep. Roy Señeres Sr. filed House Resolution 1656 which summons officials of the Manila International Airport Authority to explain why they issued Memorandum Circular 8 which imposes the International Passengers Service Charge.

"The law exempts OFWs from the payment of the airport terminal fee. The circular contravenes the very spirit and intent of the law," Señeres said.

Señeres added that the terminal fee should already be integrated in the amount that OFWs paid for their airline tickets.

OFWs are subject to refund the terminal fee once they show proof that they are exempted from payment.

"The circular holds no water since the mere act of collecting airport terminal fees from OFWs already constitutes a violation of the law," the lawmaker said.

The lawmaker cited Republic Act 8042 or the Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995 which exempts land-based and sea-based OFWs  from paying terminal fees.

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