The United Sugar Producers’ Federation of the Philippines Inc. (UNIFED) is opposing the proposed public-private partnership for the development of the Bacolod Silay Airport in Silay City, Negros Occidental.
UNIFED president Manuel Lamata said they are opposing the move because it will redound to higher plane fares for travelers.
“We will be faced with increased and exorbitant plane fares because the private firm will charge huge fees in order for them to pay for their renovations. So the carriers will pass on the fees to us consumers,“ he said.
Lamata said all travelers should file a manifesto opposing the public-private partnership move.
The Negros Occidental Provincial Development Council endorsed the proposed Bacolod-Silay Airport Public-Private Partnership Project on February 19.
The request for endorsement of the project was sought by Udenna Corp. that had earlier submitted a P19.3 billion unsolicited proposal to expand, operate and maintain the Bacolod Silay Airport under a Public-Private Partnership, Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said.
Dennis Uy, a native of Davao City, is the founder, chairman and president of Udenna.
The PPP will include the lengthening of the airport runway and expansion of its terminal.*