MARCH 24, 2012 DATE

NR # 2688B
REF. NO.

Probe policies and practices of airlines in the country solon

San Juan City Rep. Joseph Victor Ejercito has called for a congressional inquiry on the policies and practices of domestic airlines in the country that cause unnecessary inconvenience and discomfort to passengers. Ejercito said known domestic airlines have recently engaged in offering promo fares to consumers to encourage both domestic and foreign travels and attract patronage but without realizing that they compromise consumers interests, welfare and protection. In House Resolution 2131, Ejercito said the House should investigate the complaints in order to address the grievances and dissatisfaction of travelers. There is an urgent need to look into and review the policies and practices of our domestic airlines in accord with our existing laws and State policies, Ejercito said. Ejercito said these dissatisfaction, complaints and criticisms against these airlines policies and practices may affect and hamper the governments efforts to attract more tourists and inventors in the country. Ejerctio cited numerous complaints have already been manifested by both domestic and foreign travelers with regard to airlines policies and practices. These complaints include overbooking, denial of boarding pass, flight delays and cancellation, denial of proper accommodation such as meals and hotels during long flight delays and cancellation, surcharges in rebooking of flights, flight diversions and failure to inform the passengers on the cause of delays and flight cancellations, Ejercito said. Ejercito said the 1987 Philippine Constitution stipulates that the State shall protect the interests of the consumer, promote his/her general welfare and to establish standards of conduct for business and industry. Likewise, Ejercito said that under Republic Act 7394 otherwise known as the Consumer Act of the Philippines, it further provides that the State shall implement measures to achieve the objectives of protection against deceptive, unfair and unconscionable sales acts and practices. Moreover, Ejercito said as to the liability of common carriers, the Civil Code under Section 4 stipulates that from the nature of their business and for reasons of public policy, they are bound to observe extra ordinary diligence in the vigilance over the goods and for the safety of the passengers transported by them. Consistent with our Constitutional provisions, laws and government policies, consumers or travelers rights should be protected by providing them accurate information and afford them fair treatment and convenience due them, Ejercito stressed. (30) lvc