FEB.

19, 2015

NR # 3747C

Solon wants OFWs exempted from international passenger service charge

A neophyte lawmaker from Batangas is seeking to exempt Overseas Filipino Workers
from paying the International Passenger Service Charge (IPSC).
In House Resolution 1918, Rep. Raneo Abu (2 nd District, Batangas) urged the Manila
International Airport Authority (MIAA) to completely uphold the rights of the OFWs under the
law to be exempted from payment of travel tax and airport fee.
Abu specifically called on MIAA to recall the memorandum circular it issued until after
MIAA and other concerned government agencies have found the appropriate computer system
that will automatically exempt OFWs as well as other locally-recognized exempt passengers from
the payment of IPSC or airport terminal fee.
He noted that in the present implementation of the memorandum circular, there is no
automatic system that clearly and distinctly recognizes the exemption of OFWs and other exempt
passengers from payment of the IPSC.
There is really a need for the soonest adoption of a computer system that will allow
recognition of the exemption of OFWs or online verification of documents showing exemption of
the OFWs and other locally-recognized exempt passengers, Abu stressed.
Abu said Section 35 of Republic Act No. 8042, otherwise known as the Migrant Workers
and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995, as amended by Republic Act 10022, exempts OFWs
exempted from paying travel tax and airport fee.
Despite this, Abu said MIAA issued a Memorandum Circular No. 8, Series of 2014 it
issued requiring international passengers, including the OFWs, to pay IPSC.
The charging of IPSC to OFWs is a blatant violation of the specific provision of R.A. No.
8042 as amended by R.A. 10022, declared Abu, vice chairman of the House Committees on
Housing and Urban Development, Inter-parliamentary Relations and Diplomacy, Public Order
and Safety and Ways and Means.
According to Abu, OFWs have significantly and continuously contributed to the countrys
economy and there are laws protecting their interest and welfare.
He said Article XIII, Section 3 of the Constitution states that the State shall afford full
protection to labor, local and overseas, organized and unorganized, and promote full employment
and equality of employment opportunities for all.
I adhere to the clear mandate of the 1987 Philippine Constitution concerning protection
being granted to our OFWs, and in consonance with the law granting exemption to OFWs from
payment of travel tax and airport fee, it is legal to really exclude OFWs from imposition of
IPSC, Abu stressed. (30) lvc