Mindoro solon seeks reduction of shipping rates

CALAPAN CITY, Oriental Mindoro — Rep. Arnan Panaligan of the province’s first district has asked the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to direct shipping companies plying the busy Calapan City-Batangas route to roll back their fares.

He cited the recent drop in global oil prices following the ceasefire in the Middle East.

In his letter to MARINA Administrator Sonia Malaluan, Panaligan said the conflict between the United States and Iran in March 2026 drove global crude oil prices higher, resulting in increased costs for goods and services nationwide.

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Among those affected were shipping fares along the Calapan-Batangas corridor — one of the country’s busiest maritime links.

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According to the solon, passenger rates jumped from an average of P529 to P728, while charges for rolling cargo increased from P6,343 to P8,503.

Panaligan pointed out that these adjustments brought added economic burden to thousands of daily commuters, and also contributed to higher prices of food and other essential commodities transported to and from Oriental Mindoro.

However, with hostilities in the Middle East now halted and a ceasefire in place, crude oil costs have begun to decline, and local oil firms have already implemented several rounds of fuel price reductions.

“Given this development, I am urging MARINA to direct shipping companies operating the Calapan City-Batangas route to likewise carry out a significant reduction and rollback of their passenger and cargo rates — ideally returning them to pre-war levels,” Panaligan said in his letter, a copy of which was furnished to the Inquirer on Sunday.

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He acknowledged that the domestic shipping industry is deregulated under Republic Act No. 9295, allowing shipping lines to set their own fares.

Even so, Panaligan noted that MARINA retains authority under Section 8 of its Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations to intervene and monitor operations when necessary to protect public interest.

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The lawmaker expressed hope that the regulator will act promptly to ease the financial strain on Mindoro residents and businesses dependent on the vital sea route. /apl

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