SEVERAL political, labor, and civic organizations on Monday urged Congress to investigate and consider suspending or reviewing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Public-Private Partnership (PPP) concession awarded to the San Miguel-led New NAIA Infrastructure Corp. (NNIC), citing alleged contractual lapses and potential national security implications.
The Political Officers League of the Philippines (POLPhil), Bukluran ng Manggagawang Pillipino (BMP), and National Confederation of Labor (NCL), all members of the PUSO ng NAIA alliance, expressed concern over the continued absence of the mandatory Independent Consultant (IC), the neutral oversight body tasked under the concession agreement to monitor compliance, validate airport upgrades, review technical standards, and assess the basis for airport fee adjustments. NNIC formally took over operations of Ninoy Aquino International Airport in September 2024.
However, the groups noted that the process of appointing the independent consultant reportedly remains incomplete.
“The absence of an independent consultant from the start of the NNIC takeover raises serious concerns,” said Ricardo Serrano, chairman emeritus of POLPhil.
“The independent consultant is intended to ensure that airport upgrades are properly validated and that increases in airport fees are justified and transparent.”
Leody De Guzman, chair emeritus of BMP, said the issue goes beyond administrative delay and touches on public accountability and compliance with the concession agreement.
“When government enters into a PPP arrangement, the safeguards written into the contract are meant to protect public interest,” De Guzman said.
“Congress should determine whether the agreement is being implemented in accordance with its original terms.”
The groups also questioned recent increases in passenger fees, aircraft charges, and rental costs within NAIA while independent review mechanisms remain incomplete.
“Passengers, OFWs, and taxpayers deserve transparency regarding these additional charges,” said NCL secretary general Glecy Naquita.
“The public has the right to know whether these fee adjustments are necessary and properly supported.”
The organizations likewise raised concerns about the extent of operational control transferred to the private sector over the country’s main international gateway. According to the groups, NAIA plays a critical role not only in commercial aviation but also in border protection, anti-smuggling efforts, anti-trafficking operations, emergency response, and broader national security functions.
“At a time of growing geopolitical uncertainty, government oversight in key national infrastructure remains essential,” Naquita added.
The organizations clarified that they are not accusing any individual or corporation of criminal wrongdoing, but emphasized that Congress has the responsibility to ensure transparency, accountability, and protection of public interest in major infrastructure agreements.
The groups called on Congress to:
* Investigate the reported delay in establishing the Independent Consultant mechanism;
* Review the extent of operational control granted under the concession agreement;
* Assess the national security implications of the NAIA privatization framework;
* Examine the basis for airport upgrade claims and fee increases; and
* Review or suspend provisions found inconsistent with public interest.
“The Filipino people ultimately own NAIA,” the groups said in a joint statement.
“Any modernization program must uphold transparency, accountability, public welfare, and national interest.”
