ILOILO – The Philippine Ports Authority-Iloilo (PPA) has suspended the imposition of the P20 terminal fee for Guimaras-bound passengers. PPA general manager Jay Santiago decided to hold the collection of terminal fee after a dialogue with Cong. Ma. Lucille Nava, said Gov. Samuel Gumarin of Guimaras.
“Actually, una daw indi gid sia magpasugot pero sa ulihi na-intindihan niya nga that is added burden sa taga-probinsya,” said Gumarin. “Tan-awon namon kon bala bwas maklaro ni sia, kon bala definite ‘ni or temporary lang anay ‘ni ang suspension.”
Earlier, Gumarin appealed to the PPA to waive the terminal fee. He said the province is still having major socio-economic challenges after the Aug. 3 maritime mishap.
He added the recent tragedy is adversely disrupting the transportation sector and still has massive impacts on the daily routine of the riding public – gravely affecting education, employment, livelihood and public convenience, among others.
Businesses in Guimaras were also hurt, too, he added, citing “slight increases” in the prices of vegetables and fish.
The PPA-Iloilo recently issued an advisory informing the public that it will impose a P20 terminal building fee to passengers starting Sept. 1. Students, senior citizen, person with special needs, and uniformed personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and Philippine Coast Guard will be waived from the terminal fee, cited on the port authority’s notice.
“We are appalled with the effects of PPA’s advisory to Guimaras-bound passengers on the imposition of the fee as majority of the passengers are workers and laborers who could hardly suffice their daily needs and have to muddle through the city of Iloilo for income,” Gumarin said.
He, however, appreciated the support and assistance extended since the said tragedy and exemption given to students, senior citizens, persons with special needs and uniformed personnel.
Vice Governor John Edward Gando shared the same sentiment and sent his appeal to the PPA for the same purpose.
“My office is deluged with appeal from our constituents relative to your (PPA’s) advisory to the Guimaras-bound passengers on the imposition of PTB fee in the amount of P20 effective September 1, 2019,” Gando said.
Gando said Guimaras’s economy is still under recovery after the tragedy.
“As we are still on the process of coping from the August 3, 2019 tragedy and its adverse impacts to the lives and economy of our people, we are appealing to your (PPA) kind gesture and sense of justice for the reconsideration and waiver of the terminal fee as not to further burden our people and province,” he said./PN)
