PPA: Batangas Port passenger influx hits pre-pandemic levels

The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) said Saturday the influx of passengers at the Batangas Port has already reached pre-pandemic levels as the yearly holiday season come and go.

“Sa pag-uwi ng Pasko lumampas na tayo sa 25,000 na katao daily sa Batangas Port,” PPA general manager Jay Santiago said in an interview on Dobol B TV.

“Bumalik na tayo sa pre-pandemic levels,” he added.

Amid the influx of passengers at the port, the PPA chief said the fares saw an increase of about 12% to 30%.

“Ang primary na may exodus talaga ay sa Batangas Port dahil ito ang exit point ng mga magtutungo ng Visayas at Mindoro,” Santiago said.

Further, he said the increase in passenger fares does not need prior approval from the government because domestic shipping is deregulated.

“Ang obligasyon ng mga shipping line, abisuhan ang MARINA (Maritime Industry Authority) na magtataas sila ng pasahe,” he said.

On Friday, port officials said they were expecting 25,000 passengers to arrive at Batangas Port due the Christmas exodus, according to a report by GMA Regional TV Balitang Southern Tagalog reporter Andrew Bernardo on Saksi.

As of 3 p.m. Friday, there were already 14,000 passenger arrivals, he added.

Some fast craft vessels were not able to sail on Friday due to a gale warning.

Meanwhile, port officials reminded the public not to bring prohibited items such as sharp objects, flammable materials, and cooked meat such as ham.

Ham brought by passengers is confiscated by port personnel as part of measures to prevent the spread of African swine fever. —LBG/KG, GMA Integrated News