The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday formally called on the country’s transportation authorities to look into reported increases in passenger and cargo airfares in Eastern Visayas, particularly on routes serving Tacloban, Catarman, and Ormoc City in Leyte
The OCD addressed its appeal to the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB), and the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).
In a letter to Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon, OCD Administrator Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno raised concerns that recent restrictions on the San Juanico Bridge may have contributed to the fare surges.
He stressed the need for swift action to maintain the smooth flow of passengers and goods, avoid further inconvenience to residents, and support the stability of the region’s economy and markets.
“We respectfully appeal to the CAB and the CAAP to immediately look into this matter and implement appropriate legal measures to thwart or regulate these purported air fare and cargo fare increases,” Nepomuceno said.
The OCD chief also said they are deferring to the concerned agencies to consider additional measures, such as increasing the number of flights to regional airports like Ormoc, Calbayog, and Catarman, even just for the duration of the San Juanico Bridge rehabilitation.
“Considering the size of these airports, runway capacity, and night-rated navigation ability, we hope other similar options could be discussed to decongest Tacloban Airport,” he added.
Nepomuceno highlighted the importance of swift action, emphasizing that any immediate intervention to control the purported air fare and cargo fare increases, “would truly help diffuse the frustration” of Filipinos in Eastern Visayas and stabilize local market and economic conditions.
The OCD also urged the exploration of measures such as issuing provisional permits and certificates of public convenience for public transportation and cargo movement to support the proposed increase in flights.
The agency hopes that these initiatives can be promptly facilitated by the Philippine Ports Authority, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, and the Maritime Industry Authority.
The OCD reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with government agencies and stakeholders to ensure that transportation services in Eastern Visayas remain accessible, affordable, and reliable during this challenging time.
