Residents and tourists traveling to Bantayan Island, Cebu, have asked the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to explain the sharp increase in ferry fares.

In Resolution No. 152, Sta. Fe Municipal Councilor James Philip Lao urged MARINA to clarify, review and ensure that new passenger and vehicle rates comply with existing laws and regulations.

Passenger fares rose from ₱250 to ₱450, while vehicle transport fees increased from ₱2,000 to nearly ₱3,000.

Local officials from Bantayan, Sta. Fe and Madridejos stressed the importance of affordable transport, noting in the resolution that "accessibility and affordability of transportation play crucial role in sustaining a healthy tourism industry."

Sta. Fe is known for its beaches and resorts and relies heavily on tourism as a key economic driver.

Residents and travelers also questioned whether the increases underwent proper regulatory processes.

Lao warned that rising costs could affect more than commuters, saying higher fares May" discourage travel to Sta Fe and adversely affect local businesses," with visitors possibly choosing cheaper destinations.

While acknowledging that operational costs and fuel prices May fluctuate, the resolution said fare hikes must remain within government regulations.

MARINA is mandated to oversee domestic shipping rates under existing laws.

In MARINA Advisory No. 2026-15, on supplemental contingency measures addressing the impact of the Middle East crisis on the Philippine maritime industry, it said that " Shipping operators must observe the Required Rate Adjustment(RRA) to be issued by MARINA on a weekly. The RRA shall serve as the minimum allowable limit for any rate adjustments implemented by shipping operators specifically attributed to fuel price fluctuations.

The advisory allows a maximum 30% increase based on the RRA as of March 27, 2026, from the base or published rate in the certificate of public convenience of domestic shipping operators as of Feb. 28, 2026. The 30% RRA includes the initial 20% ceiling provided in MARINA Advisory No. 2026-10.

The previous rate was ₱250 and is now at ₱450 per passenger, while vehicle transport fees rose from ₱2,000 to nearly ₱3,000.

Bantayan Island local officials from the municipalities of Bantayan, Sta. Fe, and Madridejos emphasized the importance of affordable transport for their towns, noting in the resolution that "accessibility and affordability of transportation play crucial role in sustaining a healthy tourism industry."

Sta. Fe is known for its beaches and resorts, as it relies heavily on tourism as a key economic driver.

Residents and travellers questioned whether the increases underwent proper regulatory processes.

Lao warned that the impact of rising costs could extend beyond commuters, as he pointed out that higher fares May" discourage travel to Sta Fe and adversely affect local businesses," with fears that visitors could choose more affordable destinations instead.

While acknowledging that operational costs and fuel prices May fluctuate, the resolution emphasized that any fare hike must remain within the bounds of government regulations.

MARINA is mandated to oversee domestic shipping rates under existing laws.

In MARINA Advisory No. 2026-15, the subject of which is supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East crisis on the Philippine maritime industry, it said that " Shipping operators must observe the Required Rate Adjustment(RRA) to be issued by MARINA on a weekly. The RRA shall serve as the minimum allowable limit for any rate adjustments implemented by shipping operators specifically attributed to fuel price fluctuations.

A maximum 30% increase based on the RRA as of 27 March 2026 from the base rate/published rate indicated in the certificate of public convenience of domestic shipping companies and operators as of 28 February 2026 is allowed. The RRA of 30% includes the initial 20% ceiling provided in MARINA Advisory No. 2026-10.