• RICHARD T. CABALLERO JR.
Following numerous complaints from the public regarding the recent hike in parking fees at Bacolod-Silay Airport in Negros Occidental, Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson described the hike as “painful,” but noted that it could help reduce the number of cars parked within the airport.
“I read the resolution from Bacolod City. Actually, it’s not just in Negros; at NAIA 2, which I usually take, the number of parked cars has decreased since they raised the fee,” he said in an interview.
With the increase, the fee now amounted to P600 compared to the previous fixed parking rate of P200.
Lacson said that P200 is reasonable considering the safety and the facilities provided. However, he described the current P600 overnight parking fee as “painful.”
The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Bacolod City has already expressed concern over the matter and has sought the intervention of Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to raise the issue in the House of Representatives.
A dialogue involving members of the Bacolod City Council, representatives of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and other concerned government agencies has also been suggested, in addition to seeking the support of Benitez.
“Let’s see if Congress can bring it down,” Lacson said, expressing hope for the reduction of the hike.*
