Vessels’ journey not delayed—PPA

The Philippine Ports Authority clarified on Monday that no vessel trip cancellation transpired in the last two days of 2023, belying some reports that went viral on social media that some trips to provinces were halted.

"Gusto lamang po natin linawin yung lumabas pong balita nitong nakalipas na dalawang araw patungkol sa apat na barkong nag kansela ng biyahe nitong nakaraang dalawang araw, pinapabulaanan natin iyon dahil wala po'ng nagkansela ng biyahe. Sa halip ay mas napaaga pa po yung biyahe ng ating mga kababayan na imbes po ay January 2, sila po ay isinakay na po ng December 30 at December 31," said PPA general manager Atty. Jay Daniel Santiago in a radio interview.

However, he admitted that some sea passengers indeed stayed in Manila North Harbor, Batangas, and Calapan Ports on Sunday because they anticipated the influx of passengers, and were five days ahead of their actual journeys.

"So, medyo napaaga po ang kanilang pagdating. Tayo naman po eh nag ayos lamang po ng kanilang pag-iistay-an sa terminal habang sila'y naghihintay ng kanilang mismong schedule ng biyahe," Santiago explained.

Moreover, Santiago maintained that sea passengers should remain aware of the Passenger Bill of Rights, through MARINA Circular No. 2018-07.

The Passenger Bill of Rights establishes the rights of passengers in cases of canceled, delayed, or uncompleted voyages, addressed to all owners and operators of inter-island passenger liner ships.

In the Marina Circular, the agency emphasized that all passengers of a canceled or delayed trip have the right to information, the right to refund or revalidation of the ticket, the right to amenities, and the right to compensation.

Santiago said the PPA also braces for the influx of returning passengers coming from provinces, even those that are returning to regions from Manila, which may reach 5.1 million by 15 January 2024.