Only OFWs can claim terminal fee refund – CAAP

MANILA, Philippines — The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) yesterday maintained that only overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) can claim refunds from more than P500 million in terminal fees and travel taxes that they paid despite their exemption.

“OFWs are exempt from the payment of travel tax and airport fee upon proper showing of proof of entitlement by the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration,” the CAAP said.

It admitted that the claim for refund is complicated because OFWs buy their tickets from airlines, which charge them the fees.

The CAAP collects terminal fees only at the international airports in Puerto Princesa, Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga, Iloilo, Kalibo and Laoag, which are rarely used by OFWs as ports of departure.

Reports said more than P500 million were paid by OFWs from 2015 to 2017.

Labor Secretary Silvestre Bello III asked the CAAP to turn over the amount to the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration.

OFWs can claim their refund, CAAP said, upon presentation of their overseas employment certiticates at the check in counters or at the administration building of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every Friday, except holidays.

At least three million OFWs paid the fees last year.

Manila International Airport Authority general manager Ed Moreal said the refund has no expiration date.