MANILA - Flag carrier Philippine Airlines is offering special discounted tickets to members of the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) abroad who wish to travel back to the country to pay their last respects to the late INC leader Erano “Ka Erdie” Manalo.

"Upon instructions of our Chairman Dr. Lucio Tan, PAL is offering special discounted ticket prices to INC members who may wish to come home,” said PAL President Jaime Bautista.

In a press statement, PAL said the move is to show the flag carrier’s “goodwill gesture”.

“This is PAL's modest way of showing respect and camaraderie with millions of INC members worldwide who are mourning Ka Erdie's passing," Bautista added.

Manalo, the INC's second executive minister, died of cardiopulmonary arrest on Monday at 3:53 pm. He was 84.

Eraño is the son of Felix Manalo, founder and first executive minister of the Iglesia ni Cristo. Manalo took over the administration of the church after his father's death in 1963. He was instrumental in the expansion of the church internationally.

PAL’s special “all-in” round-trip economy fares, excluding government taxes, for INC passengers are as follows: Ex-US, USD 699; Ex-Australia, AUD 799; Ex-Hong Kong, HKD 1,099; Ex-Macau, MOP 1,099; Ex-Singapore, SGD 399; Ex-Guam, USD 299; Ex-Bangkok, THB 7,999; Ex-Japan,    PY 49,999; and Ex-Taipei, TWD 4,999.

Sales, ticketing and travel are valid from September 2 to 9, 2009. Other fare conditions include a minimum of three days and a maximum of 14 days for US and Australia; a minimum of three days and maximum of 8 days for regional flights.

Additional information and ticket sales are found on the PAL website, PAL Ticket offices and selected travel agents.