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The Maritime Industry Authority has completed the draft rules for the mandatory use of online ticketing systems by domestic shipping lines
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Public consultations were recently held in in Cebu City and Iloilo City for the proposed memorandum circular containing the rules and regulations
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MARINA will continue reviewing all comments and recommendations, conduct further technical consultations as needed, and incorporate revisions before issuing the final memo
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MARINA said the online ticketing system will streamline ticketing and passenger processing, ensure transparent fare collection, enhance safety through real-time passenger manifests, and support data-driven regulation of inter-island routes
The Maritime Industry (MARINA) has completed the draft rules for the mandatory use of online ticketing systems by domestic shipping lines, and consultations are underway before the memorandum circular is finalized.
MARINA said in a press release that it recently conducted public consultations in Cebu City and Iloilo City for the proposed memorandum circular (MC) providing the rules and regulations on the mandatory implementation of shipping online ticketing system (SOTS) for inter-island passenger ships.
The consultations were attended by representatives from domestic shipping companies, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), local government units, and technology providers.
“It is about improving public service, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding passengers,” MARINA said.
Under a draft MC copy obtained by PortCalls last year, all domestic shipowners/operators with an existing online ticketing system must comply with the required functionalities provided in the memo.
Those without an existing online ticketing system may develop and operate their own through official websites or third-party vendors or may have an option to utilize PPA’s Electronic Terminal Management System (ETMS).
MARINA administrator Sonia Malaluan earlier said since online systems entail investment costs and some already have invested in their own systems, their thrust is that it “should be a business decision” on whether the shipping operators will continue to use or create their own system, get third party service providers, or subscribe to the ticketing system of PPA.
The SOTS is a core initiative under MARINA’s modernization agenda, aligned with its digitalization program and the updated Maritime Industry Development Plan.
“It will streamline ticketing and passenger processing, ensure transparent fare collection, enable convenient digital and assisted online booking, enhance safety through real-time passenger manifests, and support data-driven regulation of inter-island routes,” MARINA said in its latest statement.
“Digital transformation in domestic shipping is not only about technology—it is about improving public service, ensuring transparency, and safeguarding passengers,” MARINA Domestic Shipping Service director Annabell Lagas said.
Lagas added that industry input is vital in shaping policies that are progressive while grounded in the sector’s operational realities.
MARINA said it will continue reviewing all comments and recommendations, conduct further technical consultations as needed, and incorporate revisions before issuing the final MC, while reaffirming its commitment to inclusive governance and sustained dialogue with the industry.
In December last year, PPA general manager Jay Daniel Santiago said Transport Secretary Giovanni instructed PPA, MARINA, and Philippine Coast Guard to “study a framework” by which the e-ticketing system can be implemented.
READ: DOTr pushes mandatory online ticketing in domestic shipping
Santiago said Lopez “wants a more holistic approach” in implementing online ticketing and wants all three maritime agencies involved in the legal framework.— Roumina Pablo
