Two solons want airlines investigated

CEBU, Philippines - Two legislators are calling for an inquiry on reports that airline companies do not use passenger tube or airbridge for the embarkation and disembarkation of its passengers that caused inconvenience to the elderly and persons with disabilities.

House of Representatives Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd District of Cagayan de Oro City and Maximo Rodriguez Jr. of Abante Mindanao Party-list authored House Resolution 2379.

They asked Congress to summon the officials of airline companies and other agencies for an explanation.

Named agencies were Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), Cebu Pacific and other airline companies and government agencies.

They received reports that passengers embark and disembark from the plane through staircase instead of airbridge.

The authors cited an article of newspaper columnist Ramon Tulfo who personally saw passengers of a plane “who could barely walk” using stairs.

The two congressmen also wants Congress to look into reports that airline companies do not use airbridge because they refuse to pay the P7,000 fee per flight.

Rodriguez in a press release also questioned “why airlines are being charged for the use of the airbridge when passengers are already being made to pay terminal fees.”

He said terminal fee is intended for the use of the facilities in the airport.  (FREEMAN)