DOTr orders probe into shipping line’s 140% fare hike

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has ordered the issuance of a show cause order (SCO) against a shipping line in Zamboanga City for an unauthorized fare increase.

In a statement, the DOTr said the shipping line was found selling passenger tickets with fares that were 140% higher than usual.

DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez said that while shipping fares are deregulated, this does not justify imposing 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,” he said.

(We are all affected here. The Philippine Ports Authority and the government are doing what they can. Though they’re deregulated, fares must remain reasonable.)

“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.

(Issue a show cause order against the shipping company. It cannot just be settled through discussions. If we only talk to them when they commit violations, they will simply repeat it.)

Lopez said the fare increase 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,” he said.

(If you violate the orders of MARINA and the DOTr, we have to sanction you. Just because your fares are deregulated does not mean you have the right to abuse passengers.—MCG, GMA Integrated News