Foreign and local airlines in the Philippines said government’s decision to operate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport around the clock and to stop charging airlines for overtime pay of customs and other personnel manning airports would boost tourism and trade.
“This singular act speaks volumes in terms of governance. An airport is a gateway to the country and its services, including the enforcement of customs laws, are the responsibility of the government, not the airlines,” said lawyer Bayani Agabin, spokesperson of the Board of Airline Representatives (BAR).
Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima last month told customs officials that international airports would open 24/7 instead of the current 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. shift and directed them to submit their manpower requirements for budget purposes.
Purisima’s move resolved the dispute between BAR and airport customs personnel who have even included their meals and transportation in their overtime charges.
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