Acting Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez assured the public that the Department of Transportation (DOTr) and its attached agencies are fully mobilized and prepared to assist passengers affected by the approaching Severe Tropical Storm Tino. This coordinated action is in direct compliance with the directive of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to prioritize the safety and comfort of commuters across all modes of transportation during severe weather events.
Acting Secretary Lopez immediately ordered a “no sail policy” across all ports that will be affected by the typhoon, specifically naming Batangas, Mindoro, Biliran, and Leyte. The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) have been tasked with enforcing this policy and ensuring all emergency personnel, rescue boats, and safety equipment are on standby.
“We are prepared, and we are expecting the worst, especially when it comes to stranded passengers. Our policy is clear: we must take care of them,” said Acting Secretary Lopez. “I will make sure that during incidents like this, all passengers are safe within our infrastructure.”
As of 12 noon today, the PCG reported 988 stranded passengers across various ports, with 70 Roll-on Roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessels prevented from traveling.
Enhanced Passenger Welfare and Coordination
The Acting Secretary emphasized that passenger welfare is a non-negotiable priority. The policy he instituted—which includes the immediate provision of food, drinks, and medical kits to stranded passengers at ports and airports—remains in effect, supplementing any assistance provided by private airlines.
Secretary Lopez also issued a strong reminder to all airline and shipping operators regarding passenger rights during flight and trip cancellations:
- Airlines must provide optional fare refunds and are strictly prohibited from imposing rebooking fees or additional charges for canceled flights.
- Ship owners are responsible for notifying passengers of trip cancellations well in advance to prevent further passenger stranding at the ports.
In coordination with land transport agencies, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) have been directed to monitor bus terminals and assist returning commuters, many of whom are traveling back home from the provinces following the recent Undas observance.
Furthermore, the PCG is actively preparing for post-landfall humanitarian efforts, mobilizing 11,000 food packs provided by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for residents in Biliran and Southern Leyte who are expected to be heavily impacted by Typhoon Tino.
