• The Philippine Ports Authority is bracing for a surge in both rolling cargo and passenger traffic ahead of the May 2025 national and local elections
• Over 1.15 million passengers are projected to pass through ports during the election window, a 5% increase from 2022 figures, the last time an election was held
• The Port of Matnog in Sorsogon has already experienced a spike in travelers and cargo, prompting a request for additional vessel deployment
• PPA is ramping up port personnel, coordination with security forces, and crowd management efforts nationwide
The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is bracing for a surge in both rolling cargo and passenger traffic ahead of the May 2025 national and local elections.
PPA expects this year to be no different. From May 9 to 13 alone, the agency projects 1,155,238 travelers will pass through ports nationwide—a 5% increase from the 1.1 million recorded during the 2022 elections, though still short of the 1.74 million logged pre-pandemic in 2019, the agency said in a statement.
Nowhere is the activity more visible than at the Port of Matnog, a key gateway between Luzon and Visayas. Passenger volume there has already surged past regular daily averages. Between May 3 to 5, over 8,500 travelers per day were recorded—more than four times its usual 2,000 daily average. In anticipation of further spikes, the PPA’s Bicol Port Management Office (PMO) formally requested the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to authorize the deployment of additional vessels.
“The election season consistently marks the highest volume of both passengers and rolling cargoes, prompting the enhanced deployment of personnel and the implementation of stricter traffic and crowd management measures to ensure smooth and orderly port operations,” according to PPA-PMO Bicol.
PPA general manager Jay Santiago said the agency is executing a comprehensive readiness plan to ensure smooth port operations across the archipelago during the critical period. “We are implementing full manning of personnel from port operations and port security units handling frontline services. We are also strengthening coordination with the Coast Guard, law enforcement, and shipping lines to ensure our ports remain safe, secure, and passenger-friendly,” he said.
Beyond operations, the PPA also warned travelers to be cautious of scammers.
Santiago reiterated that boat passengers are automatically insured under a common carrier policy upon purchasing a ticket. This comes after reports last year of a traveler being charged P500 for bogus travel insurance for a child at Manila North Harbor.
“There is no need to pay for additional insurance. If someone asks you for payment beyond official charges, please report it immediately to port authorities,” he said.
To assist the traveling public, the PPA has activated Malasakit Help Desks in major terminals and is deploying medical and sanitation teams to high-traffic areas. The public is urged to plan their travel early, stay updated through official PPA channels, and report suspicious activity to port authorities.
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