An island municipality in northern Cebu moved to seek regulatory scrutiny as ferry fares increased and schedule disruptions continued to affect mobility in Santa Fe.
The Sangguniang Bayan of Santa Fe passed two resolutions urging the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to review fare adjustments and act on recurring delays along shipping routes serving the town.
In Resolution No. 152, the council asked Marina to clarify and review recent passenger fare increases and ensure compliance with existing laws and regulations. Reports cited fares rising from around P250 to as much as P450.
The measure also flagged vehicle transport fees that reportedly climbed from about P2,000 to nearly P3,000, drawing complaints from commuters and raising questions on approval and justification.
Officials acknowledged that global fuel price movements and operational costs may influence pricing, but stressed that fare changes must follow proper regulatory processes, including review and authorization.
The council warned that higher transport costs could strain residents and visitors and may discourage tourism, which plays a key role in Santa Fe’s local economy.
It also asked Marina to verify the legality of the increases, assess their basis, and ensure transparency in fare regulation.
In a separate resolution, the council pushed Marina to address repeated delays in ferry operations serving the town. Complaints cited delays of an hour or more in departures and arrivals.
Officials said the disruptions affect commuters, delay travel plans, and disrupt business activity, while also raising safety concerns for workers, students, tourists, and emergency travelers.
The council urged Marina to investigate the cause of the delays, enforce compliance among operators, and impose sanctions on vessels failing to follow approved schedules.
Photo by Vetty Mata, PBB Contributor
Comments