PPA expects 2.46M Holy Week travelers amid no terminal fee hike

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is expecting passenger traffic to reach 2.46 million this Holy Week, a slight increase from last year, even as fuel prices remain elevated.

In an interview on "Balitanghali" on Tuesday, PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte said the projected volume represents a 1.7% increase from the 2.41 million passengers recorded in 2025.

“Ang inaasahan po natin, nasa 1.7% increase yung ating mga pasahero. So, we are expecting around 2.46 million passengers this 2026. That’s 1.70% increase compared to last year po na 2.41 million passengers.”

(We are expecting about a 1.7% increase in passengers.)

Despite the expected surge, the PPA said there are no reported travel disruptions so far, with generally fair weather conditions aiding sea travel.

“Sa ngayon po good news, wala pa naman po tayong natatanggap na mga possible disruptions… medyo maganda ang panahon," she said.

(So far, we have not received any reports of possible disruptions… the weather has been generally good.)

Samonte added that contingency measures, such as prepared hot meals for stranded passengers, are in place should conditions change.

Amid rising fuel costs, the agency assured the public that terminal fees will not increase.

“Sa atin po, wala po tayong pagtataas.”

(On our part, there will be no increase.)

She clarified that passenger fares are regulated by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), although the PPA has received reports of some shipping lines raising fares that are coordinated with the regulator.

Meanwhile, the PPA has rolled out a temporary “P1 terminal fee” program for trucks carrying agricultural goods such as rice, corn, meat, and poultry — down from previous rates of P200 to P600—to help stabilize food supply and transport costs.

“Piso na lang po ang kanilang babayaran na terminal fee.”

(They will now pay only one peso as terminal fee.)

The said program will run for six months.

Fewer trips possible amid fuel costs

The agency also acknowledged reports that some shipping lines may reduce trips due to high fuel prices.

“Mayroon din tayong natanggap na report na posible nga pong magbawas ng barko yung ilang mga shipping lines dahil din po rito sa produktong petrolyo," she noted.

(We have received reports that some shipping lines may reduce the number of vessels due to rising fuel prices.)

At the Batangas Port, the PPA is rolling out a new Online Registration Assistance System (ORAS) to manage passenger flow and reduce long queues.

Under the system, passengers pre-register online and receive a QR-based pass — similar to a boarding pass which allows them to proceed directly to ticketing with reserved slots.

“Para din po itong nagbobook kayo ng flight… iiscan na lang po itong QR card… pwede na kayong dumiretso na sa bilihan ng ticket at nakareserve na po sa inyo ang ticket," she explained.

(It’s similar to booking a flight… you just scan the QR code, then proceed directly to ticketing where your ticket is already reserved.)

While some passengers initially encountered difficulties using the new system, Samonte said adjustments are ongoing and the system is expected to ease congestion and prevent overcrowding in ports.

The PPA will continue to monitor passenger traffic and coordinate with other agencies to ensure safe and orderly travel during the Holy Week rush. — Sherylin Untalan/BAP, GMA News