Senator Mark Villar has called for a Senate investigation into the “exorbitant, unreasonable, and predatory” pricing of domestic airline tickets in the Philippines, following public outcry over airfare hikes that have seen prices soar far beyond international flight costs.

In a resolution filed this week, Villar highlighted shocking cases such as a one-way ticket from Manila to Siargao rising from ₱3,000 in 2017 to a staggering ₱18,000 in 2025. Another instance involved two passengers reportedly being charged ₱77,720.00 for a Tacloban-to-Manila flight.

Villar described these rates as not only excessive but a clear burden to Filipino travelers. He stressed the disparity when compared to round-trip international flights, which are currently priced lower in many cases — with fares to Japan at ₱30,000, Singapore at ₱17,000, Thailand at ₱15,000, and Hong Kong at ₱10,000.

“We recognize the importance of domestic flights for trade, tourism, and commerce in our country. It’s disheartening and disappointing to hear that airline companies are imposing excessive and unjustifiable ticket prices on passengers,” said Villar in Filipino.

The senator warned that steep domestic airfare costs threaten the country’s tourism goals and serve as a barrier for many Filipinos trying to return home to their families.

“Domestic air travel is the bridge that connects our countrymen to their loved ones across the archipelago,” he added.

Villar, who is also the principal author of the proposed Magna Carta of Commuters, said the investigation aligns with his broader campaign for commuter and passenger rights. He emphasized the need for updated regulations on airfare pricing and urged government oversight bodies to take action.

“We must put an end to this system. We need to review if the current rules and regulations on airline ticket pricing still serve the public interest,” he said. “It is vital that the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) be invited to this inquiry and be open to suggestions that would strengthen airfare monitoring.”

Villar expressed hope that the inquiry would spark meaningful reform and promote cooperation among the CAB, airline companies, and the public to ensure fair pricing and affordable air travel for all Filipinos.