DOTr Acting Sec. Giovanni Lopez. Photo courtesy of Connie Calipay/ Philippine News Agency (PNA).
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez on Monday said maritime operations had been affected by fuel supply concerns linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
He said several inter-island shipping routes saw fewer vessels operating, as some companies scaled back trips to manage rising fuel costs.
Lopez noted that even before the current situation, the country had already been dealing with limited passenger ferry capacity, which has now worsened.
Data submitted to the Department of Transportation (DOTr) showed around a 10 percent drop in available passenger ferries, as operators reduced or temporarily halted some sailings for efficiency.
To address possible congestion during the Holy Week rush, the official said the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) had been directed to deploy vessels and personnel in key ports such as Marinduque, Batangas, and Calapan.
As of Monday, authorities monitored more than 53,000 outbound and over 45,000 inbound passengers across ports nationwide, while inspections covered hundreds of vessels and motorized boats.
The Maritime Industry Authority also implemented temporary measures allowing shipping firms to adjust schedules, consolidate trips, and limit operations, subject to approval, to optimize fuel use and capacity.
Meanwhile, Lopez said air travel remained stable, with domestic flights largely unaffected, even as some international routes to the Middle East were reduced, and airport operators projected higher passenger traffic during the peak travel period.