DOT pushes for monthly airfare publication amid rising cost of domestic travel

Tourism Secretary Cristina Frasco is calling for the monthly publication of a price index for airfares to provide transparency and help manage the rising cost of domestic travel.

At the ASEAN Tourism Forum last Wednesday, she emphasized that this monthly reporting and stricter enforcement of price ceilings by the Civil Aeronautics Board are central to the government's strategy to keep local travel accessible.

"We insisted on the part of the DOT na nararapat lang po na magkaroon tayo ng monthly publication of price index sa airfares," she said, adding that these will be "fully transparent."

Frasco also shared that the CAB will "strictly enforce clear guidelines in terms of price ceilings."

"We’re hopeful that with the quick action of the CAB and the coordination with the DOTr, mabibigyan po ito ng solusyon," she said.

In the same interview, Frasco confirmed ongoing talks with the Department of Transportation, noting that they are the "primary agency" with the mandate" to oversee the country's transportation sector.

Last Jan. 23, PTAA Vice President for Inbound Ellen Cobarubias addressed the public's concerns about the high prices of domestic flights.

"Limited kasi 'yung ating mga domestic flights, dito sa'tin, kakaunti ang players natin," she said in an interview with DZMM, noting that factors like fuel cost also play a role.

The Philippines' archipelagic geography should also be considered, as boat transfers add to the cost, according to Cobarubias.