The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is strongly pushing for the implementation of the electronic terminal management system (ETMS) or e-ticketing in all ports following delays experienced by passengers during the May 12 national and local election.
PPA General Manager Jay Santiago said that together with the Department of Transportation, the agency is pushing for the implementation of e-ticketing system amid several complaints received over delays in the ticketing process at the Batangas port for lack of personnel by some shipping vessels.
Based on reports the PPA received, several passengers experienced delays in their travel for the 2025 election. Santiago used the term “unacceptable” (hindi katanggap-tanggap), the delays experienced by the passengers at the Batangas port.
According to the PPA, several passengers endured three hours of waiting on lack of personnel at the ticketing booths of shipping lines. Several Filipinos were going back to the provinces to vote for the May 12, 2025 election.
Santiago has already issued an order to the Port Management of Batangas requiring the concerned shipping lines to submit an explanation over the delays.
Santiago said it is the shipping lines’ responsibility to provide enough personnel during peak season.
An e-ticketing system, he said, aims to facilitate faster ticketing and more convenient travel to passengers, especially during high demand season, such as Holy Week and All Saints/Souls Day.
Through the e-ticketing system, PPA expects shorten queues at the ticketing booths, faster and transparent transaction, and secured system.
Earlier, Santiago said that the pending electronic centralized ticketing system (CTS) is set for implementation this year. Domestic shipping lines strongly opposed the implementation of the CTS.
