CLARK CITY, Pampanga – The Department of Transportation- Civil Aeronautics Board (DOTr- CAB) has intensified its public assistance initiatives by setting up Passenger Rights Assistance Desks (PRADs) in commercial airports to help travelers with various concerns.
CAB Executive Director Carmelo Arcilla said since the implementation of the Air Passenger Bill of Rights (APBR) in 2012, the Board has been very active in implementing measures to ensure passenger rights protection and awareness.
For the first semester of 2017, Arcilla reported that a total of 132 Passenger Rights Assistance Officers (PRAOs) have been deployed to man the 31 PRADs in the country, including the NAIA terminals and commercial airports outside Metro Manila.
Aside from the establishment of PRADs, he said, CAB has conducted APBR orientation to airport operators, air transport regulators, and air carriers.
CAB also continues to monitor airline operations via flight inspections and resolve complaints on possible APBR violations.
For public education and awareness, leaflets on passenger rights are being distributed in airports, while CAB officials make the rounds in different campuses all over the country.
CAB, in partnership with Dynamic Outsource Solution 1 Inc. (DOS-1), also launched Hotline 165-66 for 24/7 passenger assistance. It also launched the first phase of a system software designed for online application for approval of flight schedules. The second phase of the system is expected to be launched this month.
Streamlining business processes
Upon the directive of President Rodrigo Duterte, CAB has instituted reforms to streamline and simplify business processes. For example, the requirements in applying for a permit to operate transport services is now down to six, from a maximum of 36. The 24 requirements for renewal of application have been cut to just three basic requirements.
“We were able to reduce the use of paper by 70 percent through the implementation of the less-paper transaction program,” Arcilla said.
CAB, an attached agency of the DOTr, is mandated to regulate the economic aspect of air transportation, and shall have the general supervision, control and jurisdiction over air carriers, general sales agents, cargo sales agents, and air freight forwarders as well as their property, property rights, equipment, facilities, and franchise. (DOTr PR)
