The leadership of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) Area IV Palawan is still studying what to do about allowing “ride-hailing services” to enter the city international airport.
This follows stricter controls on transport services to ensure the safety and security of airline passengers.
CAAP Area IV Palawan Financial Analyst and Area Concession In-Charge Ma. Lourdes Espartero said these services are currently “exempted” from the required sticker and access pass at the airport but they are considering what measures to apply.
“Mayroon kasi silang direct booking at hindi naman pwede na hindi namin sila i-allow na papasukin. Pero pwede nating pag-isipan pa ‘yan kung ano ang pwedeng gawin. Sa amin kasing concession manual, which was approved by the director general, lahat nang nagko-conduct ng business [inside the perimeters of the airport] supposedly dapat ay mag sticker,” ani Espartero.
Espartero explained that ride-hailing services do not regularly enter the airport but only come for pick-up or drop-off if there is an “online booking,” unlike other transport services under tighter rules.
She added that their application is still pending with the main office in Manila.
“May pending application po sila sa amin, although naghihintay pa kami ng official na sagot [ng main office]. Additional doon, hindi rin kasi regular na pumapasok [sa airport] at kung may booking lang,” dagdag pa nito.
CAAP Area IV Palawan Manager Mohammad Naga “Nick” Rascal said these operators had gone to his office before and he had already endorsed their request to Manila, but it was denied twice.
“Noon ‘yan, pumunta sila sa akin ‘yung mga ano na ‘yan [ride-hailing services]. Kasi it is already 2 times denied, in-endorse ko ‘yan as per the city sa Manila na bigyan sila ng… but there is no approval of the director general na may motor na makakapunta. Pero nakiki-usap sila na makapasok sila, kaya kami, ‘yung mga maliliit na bagay ay pwede naman tulungan natin ang mga kapwa natin,” Rascal said.
He also explained that the taxis operating inside are legitimate airport taxis.
