Lawmakers Demand Terminal Fee Relief for Filipinos
Rep. Brian Poe of the FPJ Panday Bayanihan party-list, vice chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, called on the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to explore ways to reduce or eliminate terminal fees. He emphasized that these charges have become an unfair burden on the Filipino people.
“Every peso counts for our kababayans. If the government is already taking 82 percent of terminal fee revenues, then a portion of that should go back to the passengers through subsidies or reductions. That will be direct relief to the Filipino people,” Poe said during a recent congressional hearing.
Steep Terminal Fee Increases Affect Daily Travelers
Officials reported that terminal fees have surged sharply in recent years. Domestic terminal charges now stand at ₱390, while international fees have jumped from ₱550 to ₱950. Meanwhile, the Batangas Port nearly imposed a staggering 233 percent increase in fees, a move halted only after public backlash.
Community members noted that these rising fees add to the financial strain of everyday Filipinos, especially those who rely on air and sea travel for work and family visits.
Revenue Allocation Sparks Call for Passenger Subsidies
Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez explained that 82 percent of all terminal fee revenues go directly to the national treasury, leaving only 18 percent for concessionaires to cover operational costs. This structure, local leaders said, presents an opportunity for Congress to legislate subsidies for passengers by reallocating a portion of these funds.
“If that’s the case, then Congress can step in and mandate that part of that budget should go back to passengers. Instead of collecting it all in bulk, we can use a portion to subsidize terminal fees. That way, the benefits are felt directly by the Filipino people,” Poe added.
Potential Legislative Solutions and Executive Cooperation
Secretary Lopez confirmed that subsidies could be implemented if supported by law. “If it becomes a law and does not violate existing concession agreements, then of course the Executive will follow what Congress mandates,” he stated during the hearing.
Local officials highlighted that such legislative measures would help ease the financial load on passengers and improve accessibility to transportation services across the country.
Transportation Policy Impact on Filipino Lives
Rep. Poe stressed the essential nature of transportation for Filipinos. “Transportation is a basic necessity. People already pay for so many things—food, fuel, utilities. If we can remove or at least subsidize terminal fees, even just for domestic travel, it will already be a big help. The goal of modernization should be to make travel more convenient and accessible, not more costly,” he concluded.
As the discussion continues, community members and lawmakers alike hope for reforms that prioritize the welfare of Filipino travelers and offer tangible financial relief.
For more news and updates on transportation policies, visit Filipinokami.com.
