BACOLOD City – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here is urging Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez to intervene in complaints over the steep increase in overnight parking fees at the Bacolod–Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
The request follows the passage of Resolution No. 53, Series of 2026, unanimously approved during the council’s regular session on January 14. The resolution was authored by Councilor Homer Bais.
Through the resolution, the city council called on Benitez to engage concerned agencies and review the basis of the P600 overnight parking fee, which has drawn criticism from travelers, tourism stakeholders, and local residents.
Bais said numerous complaints have been raised by airport users and members of the tourism sector, who were reportedly caught off guard by the sharp increase despite the absence of corresponding improvements in the parking facility.
He noted that while the airport’s terminal building has undergone repairs, the parking area remains an open-air facility. Bais questioned why motorists are being charged P600 per night, describing the rate as excessive compared with parking fees in private establishments such as shopping malls, which are significantly lower and offer better security and convenience.
He further pointed out that the airport parking area lacks basic amenities, including covered parking spaces and shuttle services, leaving motorists exposed to rain and other inconveniences.
Prior to the increase, the overnight parking fee at the airport was P200. According to Bais, the new rates took effect in January this year.
Meanwhile, the SP also approved a separate resolution on Wednesday seeking a dialogue with the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) and other concerned agencies.
The proposed meeting aims to clarify the rationale behind the rate hike, determine whether proper consultations were conducted, and address concerns raised by constituents and local business stakeholders./PN
