The Department of Transportation (DOTr) will file a case of economic sabotage against Malaysian-based booking platform AirAsia Move for what it calls “absurd and criminal” pricing of airline tickets amidst the ongoing transport situation in Tacloban City.

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon said the platform charged an outrageous ₱77,704 for two one-way tickets from Tacloban to Manila—about ₱40,000 per ticket, significantly higher than the usual ₱12,000 fare. The issue came to light after Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez reported the incident involving tickets he bought for himself and his wife, Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez.

“This is clearly absurd and criminal. We cannot allow our people to be abused, especially during a crisis,” said Sec. Dizon, referring to the ongoing partial closure of the San Juanico Bridge, which has limited travel access in the region.

In response, Secretary Dizon ordered the Philippine National Police Anti-Cybercrime Group** to take down the AirAsia Move app and instructed the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) to launch a full investigation. He also directed the CAB to publish standard domestic airfare rates and advised the public to purchase tickets directly from airline carriers instead of third-party platforms.

Apart from the cease and desist order previously issued by CAB, Dizon confirmed that the DOTr will also pursue criminal charges against AirAsia Move, warning that other online booking sites engaging in similar practices will be scrutinized.

“We will not allow this—especially in times of crisis—where opportunistic platforms exploit the needs of our people,” Dizon emphasized.