MANILA, Philippines — Starting Sunday, April 30, overseas Filipino workers no longer need to pay airport terminal fees.
All OFWs have to do is declare themselves to avail of the privilege, which will be recognized at any point of sale, whether in the Philippines or abroad.
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Monreal said the selling agent may or may not ask for proof of entitlement during the transaction.
“If no proof is shown during transaction, the passenger should be able to present one during check-in at NAIA (Ninoy Aquino International Airport) where (the) same shall be validated,” he noted.
Meanwhile, air carriers will start honoring OFW exemptions at any point of sale for tickets purchased online, or through telephone and mobile applications, from July 31.
Aside from the validation measures that may be adopted by the air carriers, OFWs may also be asked to show proof of entitlement upon check-in.
Under the new memorandum of agreement, proof of entitlement has been expanded to include such documents as valid employment contracts or recent pay slips, among others.
With regard to one year validity of airline tickets, MIAA said it would retain the refund counters at NAIA terminals until April 2018. Beyond that date, refunds may be sought at the MIAA Collection Division in the MIAA administration building along MIA Road.
The refund has no expiration and may be done through a representative, but proper authorization must be provided.
“This exemption also serves as a fulfillment of President Rodrigo Duterte’s promise to look after the needs of our OFWs,” Monreal said.