House urged to probe overpricing of airline tickets

MANILA — A lawmaker has called for a congressional inquiry into the alleged overpricing of airline tickets in the country.

In House Resolution 1960, Rep. Ronald V. Singson (1st District, Ilocos Sur) said a congressional investigation should be conducted to determine if the airlines spikes in airfare pricing are justifiable.

“An explanation must be given as regards to these massively overpriced airline tickets by the airline companies in order to prevent an injustice to our people who wish to get their money’s worth,” Singson said.

Citing a current reading of the market prices of airline tickets to local destinations such as Kalibo and Caticlan, en route Boracay Island, the price for tickets on high demand dates, particularly Labor Day Weekend, are greatly overpriced as compared to those of other dates.

Singson said because of such overpricing, many potential local tourists have expressed their desire to take a trip outside the country instead, given that the prices for such travel are much lower compared to that going to local destinations.

“It is understandable that some prices can go up because of the law of supply and demand but the Filipino people would like to know why prices become double or triple even when the flights are scheduled only days apart,” Singson stressed.

Singson said the preference for overseas destinations over local destinations will deprive many of the local businesses the chance to earn through tourist visits.

He lamented that many local and foreign tourists now prefer to go across Southeast Asia instead of going to local destinations because of sudden spikes in airfares and thus causes a loss of potential customers and clients for local businesses.

The resolution directs the House committees on Transportation, Tourism and Legislative Franchises to conduct an inquiry.