Manila, Jan. 29 -- Malacanang on Thursday said the government is actively addressing high domestic airfares, which have been flagged as a key factor affecting tourism competitiveness, particularly in popular Philippine destinations.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the issue of airfare prices has long been under discussion, noting that some domestic routes are more expensive than flights to other Southeast Asian destinations, citing the popular island-destination Siargao.

Castro said Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, through the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has explained that one of the main reasons for higher fares is the use of smaller aircraft on certain domestic routes.

"May mga nag-o-operate, mga smaller airc...