MANILA, Philippnes — Bagong Henerasyon Partylist Rep. Robert Nazal is pushing for the institutionalization of the existing Air Passengers Bill of Rights that will guarantee clear, enforceable rights for Filipino air travelers amid the rapid growth of the aviation sector.
House Bill 245 seeks to strengthen the existing Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) policies and strengthen its current protections.
“This bill says a plane ticket is not just a receipt. It is a contract, and the Filipino passenger must receive the service, dignity, and remedies that the law guarantees,” Nazal said in a statement.
He noted the sharp rebound in air travel following the Coronavirus pandemic, noting that passenger volume has reached 27.3 million in 2023, underscoring the urgency of ensuring that passenger protections keep pace with industry growth.
“As air travel in the Philippines continues to recover and expand, passenger rights must keep pace with growth,” Nazal added.
He said that while existing policies, as provided under the current Air Passenger Bill of Rights, outline passenger entitlements, these remain scattered unevenly enforced.
The proposed measure, Nazal said, consolidated and strengthened these protections into a single statutory framework.
Under the bill, passengers are guaranteed the right to full and transparent information on fares and conditions, the right to receive the full value of services paid for, and the right to timely assistance, compensation or rebooking in cases of delays, cancellations or denied boarding.
It also mandates clear procedures for handling complaints and claims, imposes minimum service standards, and prescribes penalties for violations