BAGUIO CITY — Mayor Benjamin Magalong ordered an immediate investigation into unauthorized boat rental price hikes at Burnham Lake following public backlash over elevated rates after the park’s reopening.

Tourists and residents took to social media to criticize rental rates, which surged to between P350 and P450 for 30 minutes, and P700 to P900 per hour. Prior to the lake’s rehabilitation, boat rentals cost between P150 and P200 per hour.

Magalong warned boat concessionaires that violators will face sanctions, describing the reported rate hikes as opportunistic and abusive practices that undermine the city’s commitment to fair treatment for visitors and locals.

The mayor directed the City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) and the Permits and Licensing Division to inspect all lake concessionaires to enforce compliance with authorized rates.

Inspection teams were also instructed to remove old and unsafe watercraft from the lake.

City officials said concessionaires operating without adhering to regulated rates or failing to issue official receipts will receive notices of violation and show-cause orders.

CEPMO chief Rhenan Diwas clarified that the city council has not approved any rental fee increases.

While tentative rate adjustments were previously discussed, any change remains contingent on council authorization and full compliance with boat upgrading standards.

According to Diwas, only two of the nine operating concessionaires at Burnham Park have met the city’s boat upgrading requirements to date.