MANILA – House of Representatives Deputy Minority Leader and ACT Teachers Party-list Rep. France Castro on Thursday urged her colleagues to pass a measure seeking to ensure that the rights and interests of airline passengers are well-protected during times of natural disasters or pandemics.
The lady solon led the minority bloc in filing House Bill 8556 or “the Pandemic Airfare Relief Act” to provide a uniform scheme for refund and rebooking of airline tickets in flights affected by prolonged natural calamities or pandemics.
Castro said aside from providing a set of guidelines in cases of refund and ticket rebooking, the bill also aims to ensure that airlines are held accountable for any disruptions caused by these events.
"During times of natural disasters or pandemics, airline passengers are among the most vulnerable. They are often left stranded and unsure of what their rights are when it comes to refunds and rebooking of their flights,” she said.
The bill, she added, would provide a clear and uniform set of guidelines “for both passengers and airlines to follow.”
She pointed out that this proposed measure is particularly important given the ongoing coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic, which has disrupted air travel and left many passengers stranded or unable to travel as planned.
"We urge our fellow lawmakers to support this bill and ensure that the rights and interests of airline passengers are protected during times of natural disasters or pandemics," Castro said.
The measure is a revival of a similar bill that was first filed in the 18th Congress by Bayan Muna and other members of the Makabayan bloc. (PNA)
