Airport workers question ADB's role in NAIA privatization deal

A coalition of airport workers and stakeholders is asking the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to clarify its role in the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) privatization deal, fearing higher passenger fees.

The group, Pagkakaisa ng Users, Stakeholders, at Obrero ng NAIA (PUSO ng NAIA), expressed concern that the concession framework might shift modernization costs to the public rather than the private concessionaire.

Romy Sauler, the group's secretariat head, condemned the ADB for what he called an "unconscionable dictate" that passengers, workers, and stakeholders should bankroll airport improvements instead of the private concessionaire.

He stated their rejection of any proposal that would burden passengers and workers while ensuring profits for San Miguel Corporation and government revenues.

Separately, Ding Villasin, secretary general of the labor group Socialista Inc., alleged that the concession agreement violates both democratic process and social justice principles.

Villasin also condemned the ADB for allegedly recommending that consumers, concessionaires, and workers bear the cost of NAIA's redevelopment under the private-public partnership model, calling it "development at gunpoint-undemocratic, anti-worker, and anti-consumer."

The coalition has not yet received a response to their letter sent last week, seeking clarification from the ADB on its involvement.