The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) Board has approved the regulatory relief measures for domestic shipping operators, in response to the State of National Energy Emergency.
Approved on April 16, 2026, Memorandum Circular DS 2026-02 grants a 75 percent discount on regulatory fees covering Certificates of Public Convenience (CPC), provisional authorities and special permits, ship safety certificates, vessel registration and licensing, and accreditation renewals.
The Circular also reduces the Annual Tonnage Fee (ATF) to PHP1.00 per gross tonnage for Philippine-registered vessels above 15 gross tonnage for Calendar Year 2025, payable in 2026. Vessels 15 gross tonnage and below are fully exempted from the ATF for the same period.
The Circular takes effect on Monday, April 20, 2026, and will remain valid for one year or for the duration of the State of National Energy Emergency, unless earlier lifted or amended.
MARINA said the measures aim to ease the financial burden on shipping companies amid rising fuel costs, while ensuring the continued movement of passengers and essential goods across the country.
MARINA Administrator Sonia B. Malaluan underscored the urgency and human impact behind the policy, noting that the intervention is meant to support both the industry and the riding public.
“Sa gitna ng patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo ng langis, nauunawaan natin ang bigat na dinadala ng ating mga shipping operators—at higit sa lahat, ang epekto nito sa bawat Pilipinong umaasa sa abot-kayang biyahe at maayos na daloy ng mga pangunahing bilihin. Ang mga hakbang na ito ay agarang tugon upang maibsan ang pasanin ng industriya, mapanatili ang operasyon, at matiyak na tuloy-tuloy ang serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan,” Malaluan said.
MARINA said it will monitor implementation and may modify, extend, or terminate the measures depending on prevailing conditions.
The MARINA Board consists of representatives from the Office of the President (OP), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SONAME).
