CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro – Gov. Humerlito A. Dolor has requested the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to authorize him to file a civil action to stop the operator of the Batangas port from collecting a new passenger terminal fee amounting to P100 per passenger.
In a two-page letter dated July 14, 2025, Dolor informed the SP that operator Asian Terminals Inc. proposed a 233 percent increase from the present P30 to P100.
“Considering that the Batangas port is our gateway to mainland Luzon and other provinces, the significant increase in the passenger terminal fees will burden travelers traveling to and from Oriental Mindoro,” Dolor said.
ATI held an online public hearing on July 4 attended by representatives of concerned government agencies and other stakeholders.
Gov. Dolor labeled his request as urgent and needs the prompt cooperation of the board.
The same day, the provincial board passed a resolution opposing the proposal.
Board Member Rolando H. Ruga, proponent of the resolution, said the direct and substantial impact of the increase on the people of Mindoro necessitates the province’s intervention and representation.
Ruga cited the absence of clear and transparent cost-justification of the increase and the potential negative impact on inter-island mobility, tourism, and trade, particularly in Oriental Mindoro and other island provinces in the Mimaropa (Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan) region.
The Calapan City council also passed a resolution opposing the proposed increase with Councilors Rafael L. Infantado and Lorybelle M. Tanyag-Panaligan as authors.
ATI justified the increase as it has spent P1.5 billion to improve the port that can now accommodate 8,000 passengers and comparable to modern international airports in developed countries.
Exempted from the passenger terminal fee are uniformed personnel, senior citizens, students, recipients of the Medal of Valor, and Persons with Disability, the ATI said.