MARS Legaria, who frequently drops off and picks up relatives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), noticed a difference in the parking lot of Terminal 3 on Sunday, October 6.
He observed an unusual number of vacant parking spaces.
“Alam mo dati ‘to, sa totoo lang, mga ganitong oras hindi ka basta-basta makakapag-park. Sa labas nilalagyan na ng mga gwardiya full parking… Ngayon mag-park kayo, wala ang luwag, ang daming bakante,” he said.
Legaria believes the recent increase in parking fees is the main reason behind the reduced number of vehicles.
“Alam mo bakit kumonti? Dahil sa mahal ng bayad. Dati, hindi ka naman magbabayad ng 50, first two hours eh. Parang nag-times two bawat per hour na increase eh… Masyadong mataas,” he said.
In the past, Legaria paid less than P50 for two hours of parking. However, now that he has parked for more than three hours, he anticipates paying at least P100.
He also expressed his opposition to the privatization of NAIA.
“Kikita naman gobyerno dito eh, kahit di pina-privatize ‘yan. Ang gagawin naman kasi sa private nito, kung anong ginastos nila, babawiin nila,” he said.
On October 1, NAIA increased its parking fees after the management and operations of the airport were transferred to San Miguel Corporation-led New NAIA Infra Corp (NNIC). Previously operated by a government corporation, NAIA is now under private management.
Here are the updated parking rates:
Cars:
* first 2 hours: P50 (previously P40)
* succeeding hours: P25 per hour
* overnight parking: P1,200 (previously P300)
Motorcycles:
* first 2 hours: P20
* succeeding hours: P10 per hour
* overnight parking: P480
Buses:
* first 2 hours: P100
* succeeding hours: P50 per hour
* overnight parking: P2,400
NNIC explained that the fee adjustments were made to ensure the continued maintenance and improvement of facilities, as well as to discourage long-term parking by non-passengers.
However, not everyone is pleased with the changes.
Calyxto Detablan Jr. shared his disappointment: “Medyo nakakagulat din naman po kasi ganun din naman po ‘yung itsura ng airport, hindi naman nagbabago tapos nagtaas ‘yung rate ng parking.”
Some motorists were also unaware of the price hike, despite the new rates being posted outside the parking area.
“Wala pa akong nababalitaan. Sa ticket, wala akong nakita. Binasa ko ‘yung ticket, walang nakalagay na price,” said Edwin Jimenez. (ABS-CBN News)
