The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the issuance of a show cause order (SCO) against a shipping line in Zamboanga City for imposing an unauthorized fare increase.
In a statement, the DOTr said the company was found selling passenger tickets with fares that were 140% higher than usual.
DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez stressed that while shipping fares are deregulated, this does not justify excessive increases.
“Lahat naman tayo apektado dito. So, ginagawa din ng Philippine Ports Authority, ginagawa din ng pamahalaan kung ano ang pwedeng gawin. Though they’re deregulated, dapat naman reasonable,” Lopez said.
“I-show cause niyo ‘yung shipping company. Hindi pwedeng usap-usap lang ‘yan. Kung ang gagawin lang natin ay kakausapin lang sila pag nagkamali sila, uulitin lang nila ‘yan,” he added.
The fare hike was reportedly attributed to the oil supply crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.
However, guidelines of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) and the DOTr allow sanctions against shipping lines that impose fare increases exceeding 20%.
“Kapag kayo ay lumabag sa kautusan ng MARINA, ng DOTr, we have to sanction you. Hindi po ibig sabihin na deregulated ang inyong pamasahe ay kayo po ay may karapatang mang-abuso ng mga pasahero,” Lopez emphasized.