By The Sunriser
Ah, the Iloilo International Airport—Western Visayas’ so-called gateway to progress. A gateway, indeed, but more like one that demands you surrender your patience, wallet, and sanity at the door. While most airports expand in the name of efficiency, this one seems to be expanding for drama. The stage is now set for a high-stakes corporate telenovela featuring Manny Villar’s Prime Asset Ventures, Inc. (PAVI) and Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., with the Department of Transportation (DoTr) as the slow-motion referee. Spoiler alert: PAVI supposedly won the jackpot months ago, but hey, who doesn’t love a delayed plot twist?
The Silent Spectator
As this billion-peso showdown unfolds, our ever-reliable airport terminal supervisor, Mr. Art Parreno, watches with bated breath. Entrusted with guarding the airport only, Manong Art has no role in this corporate tête-à-tête. Like the rest of us mere mortals, he can only hope his bosses choose wisely. “Ang contract, indi ko trabaho,” Manong Art might say. And rightly so—because decision-making in government contracts is a different kind of turbulence altogether. While the titans battle over billions, Manong Art remains the calm eye in this storm of ambitions, quietly ensuring the current chaos doesn’t spiral into absolute anarchy.
A Tale of Two Billionaires
Manny Villar, the subdivision czar turned airport dreamer, submitted his grand ₱20.85 billion proposal in 2018. Picture it now: the terminal flanked by Camella Homes with a clubhouse for layovers. Villar’s ambition is as big as his price tag, and if he gets his way, Iloilo Airport might just become the country’s first real estate-themed runway.
Meanwhile, Aboitiz InfraCapital swaggered in with a thrifty ₱9.95 billion pitch in 2023, claiming they can do the job better for less. Their proposal is high with confidence—perhaps too high?
But wait, rumors suggest the drama may already be over, with President Bongbong Marcos allegedly awarding the project to PAVI months ago. If true, why all the secrecy? Maybe they’re waiting for the perfect moment to unveil it—perhaps during a flight delay when passengers have nothing better to do.
Progress, But At What Cost?
Iloilo’s airport is bursting at the seams, with passenger traffic doubling its intended capacity. The current facilities offer a unique travel experience: “Escape the Congestion,” complete with malfunctioning air-conditioning and lines long enough to make you question life choices. But fear not—₱645 million has been allocated for 2025, which should cover some escalators, a new apron, and hopefully, working toilets.
But here’s the kicker: whoever wins the contract gets to operate the airport and rake in terminal, parking, and concession fees. Translation? Your ticket to “progress” comes with a hefty surcharge. Think Cebu Pacific’s notorious “touch and go” at NAIA was bad? Just wait until Iloilo becomes their new hub, with overnight parking fees leaping by 150% and terminal fees skyrocketing to “classy” levels.
From Badjao Passengers to Budget Busters
Even the humble Badjao, once spotted boarding planes without a care, might soon reconsider. If terminal fees jump any higher, these resourceful travelers might start swimming back to Jolo. Why pay for overpriced parking and cargo fees when the sea is free?
But this isn’t just about the everyday traveler. The real winners here are the conglomerates. With revenue streams from ramps, terminals, parking, and cargo, they’ll be printing money faster than a boarding pass at check-in. As for us mortals, we’re left to navigate the chaos while praying the escalators actually escalate and the elevators elevate.
Senator Poe’s Bit Players
And let’s not forget Senator Grace Poe’s contribution: ₱190 million for a shiny new third floor and—wait for it—two escalators and one Mitsubishi elevator. It’s a start, though hardly enough to keep pace with demand. At least the terminal is a bit cooler now, thanks to three new Toshiba chillers. But with whispers of PAVI’s potential rate hikes, these improvements may be the calm before the storm.
The Final Boarding Call
So, what’s the endgame here? Will the Iloilo Airport finally become the pride of Western Visayas, or just another overpriced monument to corporate greed? One thing’s for sure: passengers will pay the price, both literally and figuratively.
Until then, buckle up, Ilonggos, because progress comes with turbulence. Whether you’re a weary traveler or a wandering Badjao, Iloilo’s airport promises one thing: delays. Not just in flights, but in accountability, transparency, and affordability.
As for PAVI, Aboitiz, and the DoTr, let’s hope they remember what’s really at stake here: not just contracts, but the trust of the people. And maybe—just maybe—we’ll get those escalators working before the fat lady sings. Or, as one Ilonggo might put it, “Ay, bisan terminal, daw delayed man.”
