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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider 'Wala nang pila?' Marina mandates digital ticketing to sink pier scalping, overbooking

'Wala nang pila?' Marina mandates digital ticketing to sink pier scalping, overbooking

Published Apr 12, 2026 12:19 pm  |  Updated Apr 12, 2026 02:05 pm
Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan (Photo: Marina)
Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan (Photo: Marina)
The Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) has ordered all domestic passenger ship operators to adopt a shipping online ticketing system (SOTS) to eradicate long-standing problems at ports, including ticket scalping and overbooking.
Under Memorandum Circular DS No. 2026-01, Marina will require ship operators to use the Ships E-ticketing Application System (SEAS) or a similar platform as part of the government’s push to modernize inter-island travel across the country.
Through the system, the Marina said that passengers will be able to book tickets online instead of lining up at terminals. The system will also generate digital passenger manifests before departure.
“With SEAS, every Filipino passenger can finally travel with peace of mind. No more scalpers, no more long lines, and automatic passenger manifests mean faster response in emergencies—making sea travel safer, fairer, and more convenient for everyone,” Marina Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan said in a statement on Saturday, April 11.
The reform came after years of complaints about chaotic ticketing at busy ports. Travelers often face inflated prices during peak seasons and some are left stranded due to overbooking.
Marina said the centralized system will eliminate illegal ticket reselling and prevent operators from exceeding vessel capacity.
The system will also automate discounts for senior citizens, students, persons with disabilities (PWDs), and Medal of Valor awardees, who will receive mandatory fare reductions without manual processing.
The agency said digital manifests will improve emergency response and authorities like the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) will receive real-time passenger data before vessels depart.
The order covers all inter-island passenger vessels, including roll-on/roll-off ships and fast craft. Smaller motorbancas, recreational boats, and non-passenger company vessels are exempt, the Marina clarified.
Ticketing offices are also required to assist passengers who lack internet access, including elderly travelers.
The rollout will begin with pilot testing in selected ports in the second quarter of this year and full implementation will follow in phases, with major ports required to comply within two years.
The circular was approved on March 3 and published on March 25. It will take effect 15 days after publication.
(Screenshot from Marina Facebook page)
(Screenshot from Marina Facebook page)
Meanwhile, netizens have mixed reactions to Marina's newest program, with one praising the initiative: "Yes, very nice, good job Marina."
Another netizen questioned the fairness of the Marina order, saying the policy’s safety rationale is undermined by added digital costs.
“Let’s be realistic, the safety argument for this mandate loses all credibility when it comes attached to a non-refundable Web Admin Fee. We are essentially forcing a digital surcharge on a demographic that can least afford it, and framing it as ‘for safety’ doesn't make the financial burden any less exploitative,” the user said, raising concerns that the shift to mandatory online booking could burden low-income passengers even as it aims to curb scalping and improve safety.
Another netizen echoed the same sentiment by pointing out that the online ticketing system could impose an additional administrative fee on the passengers.
The Marina has yet to address these concerns of the netizens.

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Marina Ships E-ticketing Application System ports Sonia Malaluan
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