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The Maritime Industry Authority is allowing domestic shipping operators to raise their passenger and freight rates by a maximum 30%
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The ruling contained in MARINA Advisory No. 2026-15 provides supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the maritime industry
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Shipping operators must inform both MARINA and the general public about any upward adjustment at least three calendar days before effectivity date
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Should global fuel prices decrease, the advisory mandates operators to implement a corresponding downward rate adjustment
The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) is allowing domestic shipping operators to raise their passenger and freight rates by a maximum 30%.
The ruling contained in MARINA Advisory No. 2026-15 provides supplemental contingency measures to address the impact of the Middle East conflict on the maritime industry. It aims to ensure “price stability amid rising global fuel costs and state of national energy emergency.”
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan said the measure reflects the agency’s “commitment to balance the viability of our shipping industry with the protection of the Filipino commuting and shipping public.
She added: “Amid global uncertainties, we are ensuring that rate adjustments remain fair, transparent, and within reasonable limits. At the same time, we want to assure the public that these adjustments are not permanent—when global fuel prices go down, corresponding fare reductions will be implemented, in line with our policy on mandatory downward adjustments.”
Effective immediately, the new MA also supplements contingency measures under MA No. 2026-10.
The 30% cap includes the earlier 20% ceiling provided in MA No. 2026-10.
The transport of agricultural products and basic/critical commodities will continue to be given priority and remain subject to the 20% limit for rate adjustment attributed to fuel price fluctuations.
Shipping operators must inform both MARINA and the general public about any rate increase at least three calendar days before effectivity date.
Notice must be provided via publication in a newspaper of general or regional circulation, or posting in conspicuous areas, including affected ports, vessels, company premises, passenger terminals, ticketing offices, and official company websites or social media accounts.
Should global fuel prices decrease, the advisory mandates operators to implement a corresponding downward rate adjustment.
Similar to increases, the price decrease must be posted or published and will take effect three calendar days following the notification.
MARINA will conduct regular monitoring of freight and passage rates to ensure compliance.
Passenger and cargo rates in the domestic shipping industry have been deregulated since 2004 through Republic Act No. 9295 (Domestic Shipping Development Act of 2004), but the law allows MARINA to intervene in order to protect public interest. – Roumina Pablo
