Cebu Pacific's P52M Fine Over Mishandled Flights

Cebu Pacific Air was ordered to fine a total 52 million pesos as damages for their mishandled holiday flights. The fine was imposed by the Civil Aeronautics Board of the Philippines after 10,400 booked passengers complaint on unacceptable flight delays and cancellation last Christmas season.

“It’s about time. The airline is being irresponsible and it should not happen again.” - Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) director Jose Victor Luciano said on an interview.

The director said that they have been compelled to issue the punitive fine on the Cebu Pacific Air after the agency had received thousands of complaints over flight delays and cancellation which started on December 24 of last year.

The board decided to impose a five thousand (5,000) pesos fine for every affected passengers on the said holiday.

Luciano also said the budget airline violated its Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC).

The director also said that the excuse of the airline is unacceptable.

“They are in public service and high absenteeism is not a reason for flight delays and cancellations,” Luciano added.

“The flying public deserves much better service than that. We sympathize with those who lost precious hours with their families and loved ones on Christmas, and we will see to it that Cebu Pacific will answer for any possible mismanagement,” - Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said on a separate interview.

Meanwhile, in respect to a due process, Cebu Pacific could still file an appeal before the CAB Board.