• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Bacolod City Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has sought an explanation from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the exorbitant parking rates at the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
In his letter dated Feb. 9 addressed to CAAP Director General Raul del Rosario, Benitez cited Bacolod City Council Resolution 53, series of 2026, which flagged the mounting complaints over the airport’s parking charges.
The overnight parking fee alone has increased from P200 to P600.
The lawmaker said the new fees have triggered widespread concern among residents, business owners, overseas workers, and tourism stakeholders who rely on the airport as the primary gateway to Negros Occidental.
“Numerous complaints have reached our office regarding the exorbitant overnight parking cost and its impact on accessibility and convenience at the airport,” Benitez stressed.
He requested CAAP to disclose the legal basis, computation, and guidelines governing the current parking fees as well as any plan to reassess or reduce the charges in the light of public clamor.
Benitez pointed out that Bacolod-Silay Airport plays a crucial role in the province’s economic growth, tourism recovery, and mobility of Negrenses.
“Airport services must remain fair, transparent, and affordable. Fees that are perceived as excessive may discourage travel and negatively affect local businesses,” he said.
Benitez said he expects a prompt response from the CAAP and concrete steps to address public concerns, reiterating his commitment to protect the interests of Negrenses and ensure accountability in the delivery of public services. | GB
