2014-09-29
Instead of 01 October 2014, DOTC will be implementing on 01 November 2014 the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC) Integration Program, i.e. the IPSC, commonly known as the airport terminal fee, shall be incorporated into the cost of airline tickets at point of sale.
The aim of the integration scheme is to address the congestion in all Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals, caused by the increasing volume of passengers, through adoption of measures to reduce the processing time of passengers, thereby promoting smoother, more convenient and hassle-free travel experience. The integration scheme will also conform to international standards and practices of airports worldwide. As it is, the Philippines is one of only a handful of countries where queueing to pay the terminal fee is in place.
The integration will be implemented simultaneously by all airlines worldwide and shall also cover passengers transiting Manila to any destination point.
The Integration Program honors and recognizes all terminal fee exemptions mandated by law.
These are:
1. Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) with valid Overseas Employment Certificates (OECs)
2. Muslim pilgrims endorsed by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF)
3. Athletes andorsed by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC)
4. Others authorized by the Office of the President for exemption.
The following circumstances, however, will cause the terminal fee from being collected from exempt passengers:
1. Airline tickets purchased online
2. Airlines tickets purchased abroad
3. If no exemption certificate is presented when an exempted passenger purchases a ticket over the counter from an airline office or travel agent in PHL.
In such cases, refund is allowed for exempted passengers who have been charged a terminal fee. To facilitate the refund process, the following documents must be presented:
1. For OFWs
2. Airport copy of the OEC
3. Any of the following showing payment of the terminal fee: – E-ticket
-Itinerary receipt with OR or invoice
4. Boarding pass
5. For Muslim Pilgrims, Athletes and Others
-MIAAA Exemption Certificate
-Any of the following showing payment of the terminal fee:
-E-ticket
-Itinerary receipt with O.R. or invoice
6. Boarding Pass
Refunds can be processed and paid at the NAIA Terminals on the day of departure, 24 hours daily; or at the MIAA Administration Building, Collection Office, Ground Floor. MIA Road, Pasay City from 8:00AM to 5:00PM, Mondays thru Fridays except holidays.
In 2013, a total of 7,671,643 departing passengers passed through NAIA of whom 1,990,889 (26%) were exempted from paying the terminal fee.
In future, the integration program will be more convenient for OFWs, as exemptions will be recognized even overseas. POEA is now testing a system whereby OFWs will be able to secure OECs online. The POEA database will then be linked to the airlines and travel agencies. Once the link is established, validation of OECs and exemption from payment of the terminal fee will be feasible, regardless where the airline ticket is issued.