Presidential Adviser for COVID response, Secretary Vivencio Dizon gives an update to President Rodrigo Roa Duterte during a meeting with key government officials at the Arcadia Active Lifestyle Center in Matina, Davao City on March 15, 2022. ROEMARI LIMOSNERO/ PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO
THE Department of Transportation (DOTr) has launched a full-scale investigation and initiated legal action against AirAsia Move, an online booking platform accused of skyrocketing airfares to exorbitant levels.
The crackdown follows a series of complaints, including one from Leyte Representative Richard Gomez, who reported purchasing two one-way tickets from Tacloban to Manila for a shocking P77,704.
DOTr Secretary Vince Dizon confirmed the DOTr’s immediate actions. “We’ve instructed the PNP Cybercrime Unit to take down this website today,” Dizon stated during a press briefing.
This swift action is complemented by the filing of criminal charges for economic sabotage, building upon a cease and desist order issued by the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) on May 26th. The DOTr’s Aviation Group is actively involved in pursuing these charges.
The outrage stems from the stark contrast between AirAsia Move’s prices and those of legitimate airlines. Dizon highlighted that a comparable one-way ticket from another airline costs approximately P12,000. Another reported incident involved the purchase of two one-way tickets for P50,000, further illustrating the scale of the alleged price gouging.
Dizon unequivocally condemned AirAsia Move’s actions: “This is absolutely absurd and undeniably criminal.”
The DOTr’s decisive response underscores its commitment to protecting consumers and ensuring fair pricing within the aviation industry. The investigation into AirAsia Move’s operations is ongoing, with the potential for further legal ramifications.
This incident serves as a stark warning to consumers to exercise caution when booking flights online and to verify the legitimacy of booking platforms before making transactions.
