Operators of fiber boats seek P10 to P15 fare hike for Guimaras-Iloilo trips and vice versa, citing the rise in prices of petroleum products and administrative fees.

The petition would mean that from P30, the fare will increase to P40, and P45 in the evening.

Fare rate for discounted passengers will be P32 from P24.

According to operators of  fiber boats, it used to be P40 already for regular fare but was reduced in consideration of the consequences of the pandemic. Other operators have reduced their fare rates as well.  

"Ang dami kasing bayarin sa MARINA, and every year, nag-a-upgrade ng mga papers natin sa fiber boats. Sa akin, kung sa upgrade ng makina, almost two (2) million, every 2-3 years,” alias “Nonoy,” an operator, said.

Passengers reacted by saying that the hike is an additional burden. 

“Save mo pa iyan sana. Para sa mga estudyante, malaking halaga na iyan,” Samuel Gajete, a passenger, said.

“Syempre, sayang po ang P15,” said Chiara, another passenger.

However, the proposed hike is opposed by the mayors of Jordan, Buenavista, Nueva Valencia, San Lorenzo, and Sibunag towns in the Province of Guimaras.

According to Jordan Mayor John Edward Gando, no consultation on the proposed fare hike was conducted. The mayors submitted their position paper at the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) 6 opposing the hike that is reportedly supported by the governor.

“Walang coordination o kahit man lang kortesiya na mag-dialogue with local government units. Ang kanila kasing communication sa MARINA, wala man lang compelling reason or grounds na iprinesenta,” according to Jordan Mayor John Edward Gando.

In a clarification made by MARINA 6, the law stated that no approval is needed for the implementation of fare hike on condition that the hike will be posted or announced two weeks prior to the implementation. 

“We have the power to intervene pero that power is only after due process. So there has to be presentation of evidence na pagpataas nila is arbitrary, excessive or unreasonable,” according to Atty. Nicole Marie Iragana Amuan-Arpa, spokesperson of MARINA 6.

There is no decision yet on its implementation.

Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) will conduct weekly public consultations on the petition for fare hike of public utility jeepneys (PUJs)

According to the Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperative Corporation Incorporated, they have been waiting since 2025 for a reply to the petition of P2-P3 fare hike for traditional and modernized PUJs in the country.

"Kailangan na talaga kasi kung hindi sila mag-approve nito, mapipilitan kami na mag-file ng another petition,” said Boyet Parcon, board member of Western Visayas Alliance of Transport Cooperative Corporation, Inc.

According to LTFRB 6, aside from the said petition, they have not received any additional petition from transport groups in Western Visayas.

"That application has already been heard and forwarded sa Central Office with our recommendation. Since, na-submit na namin ang aming recommendation for the one, so wala naman kaming i-hearing dito sa regional office,” Atty. Ma. Joscet Abellar, chief of the Technical Section of LTFRB 6.