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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Full support: Marina lauded for quick support system to local shipping sector during oil supply, price woes

Full support: Marina lauded for quick support system to local shipping sector during oil supply, price woes

Published May 7, 2026 11:19 am
A group of local shipping companies and operators has expressed gratitude to the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) for what it described as the agency’s quick response to assist their sector at the height the oil supply and price woes due to the Middle East conflict.
In a letter sent to Deparment of Transportation Secretary Giovanni Z. Lopez, the Philippine Coastwise Shipping Association, Inc. (PCSA), said the assistance package was contained in four advisories issued by Marina after the February 28 air raids on Iran that triggered the Middle East conflict.
“Amid rising operational costs, particularly in fuel, this initiative in reducing various fees and charges reflects a pragmatic and responsive approach. These measures not only provide relief to the maritime stakeholders but it fully supports the operators in sustaining its services,” the letter reads.
The group was referring to the Marina Advisory No. 2026-19 which temporarily suspended all the fines and penalties for various violations; and, the Memorandum Circular No. DS-2026-02 which initiated regulatory relief and support measures to domestic shipping operations after the State of National Energy Emergency was declared.
The PCSA also cited Marina’s move to set a maximum allowable increase of 30 percent on freight and passenger rates, as well as the advisory that allowed shipping companies to implement operational adjustments, including the consolidation or reduction of trips to optimize vessel capacity and fuel consumption.
In the same measure, operators are likewise instructed to prioritize the transport of basic and critical commodities and to issue travel advisories informing passengers of possible schedule changes or trip consolidations.
“This prompt action by Marina demonstrated sound judgment in striking a balance between regulatory responsibility and economic realities and it contributes significantly to maintaining stability within the maritime sector during a period of uncertainties,” the PCSA said
“We express our sincere appreciation to this proactive leadership and we trust that such measures will continue to strengthen the resilience and viability of the maritime sector,” it added.
The group earlier commended the Cebu Ports Authority and the Board of the Cebu Port Commission for their "timely and decisive actions" that helped the shipping companies in the face of current global oil price hikes such as discounts on or suspension of various fees collected by the two agencies.

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